Future respiratory therapists need more than textbooks to prepare for the demands of patient care. At Youngstown State University (YSU), students have access to advanced simulation labs and equipment that bring classroom concepts to life.
Through hands-on experiences that replicate real clinical environments, Respiratory Care students learn essential skills, practice emergency procedures, and build the confidence needed to care for patients of all ages.
From bedside assessments to neonatal simulations, YSU’s Respiratory Care Simulation Lab helps students turn knowledge into experience and experience into career preparation.
Students gain hands-on experience with equipment and procedures commonly used in respiratory care. This includes using devices such as non-rebreather masks, which can deliver high concentrations of oxygen to patients who need additional respiratory support, and performing arterial blood gas (ABG) testing to assess oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance.
The learning experience also includes training with advanced technology used in respiratory care. Students train with the GlideScope, which is used during intubation procedures by providing a clear view of the airway. Through realistic simulations, students learn how to help patients who are having difficulty breathing and respond to respiratory emergencies.
These experiences help students apply classroom concepts while building confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
The Respiratory Care Simulation Lab gives students opportunities to practice skills and respond to different patient situations through realistic scenarios.
The lab features fully equipped adult simulation rooms designed to replicate real healthcare settings. Students train with a high-fidelity adult mannequin that can simulate different breathing patterns and medical conditions, allowing them to practice patient care in a safe and supportive environment.
Located between the adult and neonatal simulation rooms is a dedicated control room where faculty can create different patient scenarios and monitor changes in a patient’s condition in real time. This allows students to respond to situations they may encounter in healthcare settings while developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Respiratory therapists care for patients of all ages, including newborns who require specialized care. To help students prepare for these responsibilities, the program includes a Neonatal Simulation Lab designed to replicate a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Using lifelike simulators, including “Baby Tori”, students practice caring for newborn patients and responding to different situations that may occur in neonatal care. Through realistic scenarios, they gain experience and confidence before working with patients in clinical settings.
Simulation-based learning helps students turn classroom knowledge into real-world experience. Through hands-on practice, realistic scenarios, and faculty guidance, students develop the technical skills, communication abilities, and confidence needed to succeed in healthcare settings.
From bedside assessments and airway management to neonatal care, YSU’s Respiratory Care Simulation Lab provides students with opportunities to learn by doing. These experiences help prepare future respiratory therapists to deliver compassionate care and make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
Learn more about the Respiratory Care program at Youngstown State University (YSU) – Bitonte College of Health and Human Services.
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