Earlier this month, Southwestern Community College received official confirmation that its Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy is now fully accredited to offer a satellite program at Blue Ridge Community College’s Transylvania Campus.
Officials from both colleges announced formation of the Western North Carolina Respiratory Care Consortium last summer, and this accreditation ensures that students in Henderson, Transylvania and surrounding counties can take their Respiratory Therapy classes closer to home.
“Our primary goal in partnering with BRCC is to streamline the process for students entering this vital healthcare field,” said Melissa Hyatt, SCC’s Dean of Health Sciences. “With this accreditation in place, we are hoping to fill all our classes at Southwestern and at Blue Ridge. That way, we can effectively double the amount of graduates while simultaneously addressing the severe shortage of healthcare workers throughout Western North Carolina.”
SCC is now accepting applications for programs at both locations for the fall semester.
The role of a respiratory therapist is to care for patients with any cardiopulmonary disease. This includes providing patient assessment, breathing treatments, bronchial hygiene and hyperinflation therapy. Respiratory therapists also establish an airway, manage the ventilator, wean the patient from the ventilator, suction patients and respond to emergencies.
“Through our collaboration with Southwestern Community College, the Respiratory Therapy satellite program on our Transylvania County Campus will provide students with comprehensive education and training, including hands-on clinical experience, to ensure they are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of patients upon graduation,” explained Leigh Angel, Blue Ridge’s Dean of Health Sciences. “Additionally, by offering this program closer to home, students can pursue their education without the need for lengthy commutes or relocation, making it more accessible and convenient for aspiring healthcare professionals in our community.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% through 2031 – much faster than the average for all occupations.
For more information about the programs hosted at SCC and BRCC, contact Gretchen Guelcher at 828.339.4472.
