The Student Achievement Award
The Respiratory Therapy Society of Ontario (RTSO) Student Achievement Award is given each year to a graduating student from one of the accredited programs in Respiratory Therapy in the Province of Ontario who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism during their educational and clinical training.
The Award
The award consists of:
- An individual plaque
- Full registration at the RTSO Educational Forum
- FREE membership for 1 year
Eligibility
The candidate must be a graduating Respiratory Therapy Student who is a member in good standing with the RTSO.
Criteria
The student should be chosen for the overall professionalism they have demonstrated throughout their education. The nominee may demonstrate professionalism by one or more of the following:
- Exhibiting leadership capabilities
- Is influential in establishing a positive educational and clinical environment
- Demonstrating good communication skills with faculty, classmates, colleagues and patients
- Is dependable and accountable
- Acts in a manner consistent with established ethical standards
- Has promoted the profession of Respiratory Therapy through their involvement with the RTSO, their educational institution and/or affiliated charitable organizations
Selection Process
Nominations
A call for Nominations will be sent to all RTSO members April 7, 2023. The award process may be outlined to the graduating class by a representative of the RTSO upon invitation by the school.
Students may be nominated by any college faculty member or clinical educator/instructor/coordinator affiliated with each college in good standing with the RTSO. Using the nomination form, the reasons for bestowing this award on the nominee should be outlined. The nominator is encouraged to present anecdotal evidence of the suitability of the candidate with the assistance of clinical site staff. College faculty member or clinical educator/instructor/coordinator affiliated with each college may nominate only one candidate.
The nomination process is complete when the form is submitted to the RTSO by the nomination deadline April 23, 2023.
Verification
The RTSO will verify the following information:
- The RTSO membership status of the nominee, and the nominator
- The graduation year of the nominee
- Graduating class of April 2023 (Algonquin, Canadore, Fanshawe, La Cite, Michener, St. Clair)
- Graduating class of December 2022 (Conestoga)
- The anecdotal evidence provided in the nomination through follow-up contact with the nominator if necessary
Selection
The award recipient will be selected May 1, 2023 based on the criteria and the supporting evidence outlined on the nomination form. This selection will be ratified by the Board of Directors of the RTSO.
Notification
The RTSO Head Office will:
- Notify the RTSO President, who in turn, will notify the award recipients with a letter of congratulations (notification will follow successful completion of the requirements for graduation)
- Make arrangements for award preparation
- Notify the Social Media Coordinator for inclusion on website and social media sites