Record number of graduates come out of Sinclair Community College’s Respiratory Care associate degree program

A record number of students has graduated from Sinclair Community College’s Respiratory Care program with associate degrees, further illustrating the school’s dedication to providing graduates with skills needed by the community.

On May 4, 2023, 30 graduates were celebrated and recognized at a special pinning ceremony held in Ohio’s Dayton Masonic Center.

In an article posted on Sinclair Community College’s website, one of the graduates from the school’s Respiratory Care program, Samuel Radabaugh, was quoted on his time in the program, saying, “The past two years have been incredibly challenging for each of us, but together, this class of students embraced the remarkable classroom education and critical hands-on experiences we received from the dedicated faculty of Sinclair’s Respiratory Care program. Through the program, we have gained the confidence and skills to embark on rewarding careers and serve our community as skilled respiratory care professionals.”

The number of graduates from Sinclair’s Respiratory Care program represents a 30% increase from last year. In the Fall 2021 semester, Sinclair College grew its Respiratory Care program to increase the number of students the program could accommodate by 21% in order to alleviate the large shortage of respiratory therapists in the Dayton area.

The Program Director/Department Chair of Sinclair’s Respiratory Care Program Sanja B. Keller talked about the program, saying, “Sinclair Community College proudly works with our hospital partners to address the critical workforce need for skilled respiratory therapists. These graduates represent an incredibly talented group of medical professionals who are passionate about caring for patients.”

Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase by almost a quarter by the year 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual wage of respiratory therapists in the Dayton region is around $65,000, with large sign-on bonuses currently being offered by many employers. Over the past decade, 250 students have received associate degrees from the Respiratory Care program at Sinclair. 

While attending Sinclair’s Respiratory Care associate degree program, students take part in the workforce as student therapists. The classwork for the program includes anatomy and physiology, human biology, pathophysiology and assessment, and treatment of all respiratory care needs for the neonatal, pediatric, and adult patient. 

“Due to the high demand, we are seeing 100% employment for Sinclair respiratory care graduates,” said Keller.

There is also a short-term technical certificate in Respiratory Care of the Newborn available at Sinclair.

More information about the Respiratory Care program at Sinclair Community College can be found at the school’s website.