The program is an Associate of Applied Science to Bachelor of Science program and has received provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Ursuline College has announced its new Respiratory Care Associate of Applied Science to Bachelor of Science degree program. The program recently received provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
According to an article on Ursuline College’s website, Patricia A. Sharpnack DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, who serves as the dean of the Breen College of Nursing and Health Professions, is quoted as saying of the new program, “We’re thrilled that the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care recognizes the quality of this program that the Ursuline faculty has created under John’s leadership. This program speaks to Ursuline College continuing to build on its 75-year history of leadership in health care to serve the people of Cleveland and beyond.”
John Gallagher, MPH, RRT-NPS, FAARC, is the program director of the new Respiratory Care program. He said, “The respiratory care profession began a shift towards more advanced education in recent years, due to rapid changes in technology and challenges of an aging population with multiple health issues. We created this program after the pandemic anticipating this movement will be accelerated in the coming years and we want our health care professionals to be ready.”
As the program is for those who have an associate of science in Respiratory Care, it is intended for those who have been encouraged by the workforce to take their education a step further to receive a bachelor of science degree in the same subject, much like the push for nurses to receive a bachelor degree even if they are already certified and hold an associate's degree.
The pandemic has ushered in an increased need for respiratory therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics points to a 14% increase in demand from 2021 to 2031.
Ursuline College has also recently received accreditation for its nurse anesthetist track within its Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
For more information about Ursuline College, visit the school’s website.