Respiratory Care program coming to Edison State Community College this fall

Edison State Community College has added another healthcare-focused program to its course offerings: Respiratory Care. The program will help students prepare for careers as respiratory therapists, who help patients work through a variety of breathing-related issues to improve their quality of life.

According to an article on Edison State Community College, Dr. Andy Runyan, who serves as the Dean of Professional & Technical Programs at Edison State Community College, was quoted as explaining the great need for a program like this in the area, saying, “Advisory committee members from hospitals in our region approached Edison State regarding the great need for respiratory therapists as the COVID crisis was winding down. Retirements and turnover in the respiratory field were creating a significant need for therapists. While we were investigating the need, the Ohio Society for Respiratory Care provided the results of their 2021 survey showing that there are 1,217 openings on average each year in the State of Ohio and institutions within Ohio are only graduating 266 new therapists.”

The need for a respiratory therapist might arise due to disease, illness, or accident, and patients of all age ranges might see a respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists are trained on a number of tools and techniques to help these patients. Students who take the Respiratory Care program at Edison State Community College will be able to take advantage of classroom time and laboratory time to learn these skills. 

The program will award students with an associate of applied science degree in Respiratory Care and students who graduate can take a certification exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist. The program has not yet been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, though the school is seeking its approval.

Zeke Wiechart, who is Edison State Community College’s Director for Respiratory Care, is responsible for bringing the program to campus. He said, “My motivation in the creation of the Respiratory Care program is centered on creating opportunities for individuals to care for others and improve their own lives. There’s a huge need in the state of Ohio and the nation as a whole to fill job openings, and we at Edison State have a wonderful opportunity to train therapists to fill the staffing shortages our health systems are facing.”

For more information about Edison State Community College, visit the school’s website.