The Lakeland Community College Respiratory Therapy Program will be holding two information sessions this fall semester. The first will be an on-campus open house, Nov. 17 from 5-6 p.m. in the health technologies building, room H-202, 7700 Clocktower Drive, 44094. The second session will be held virtually via Webex, Dec. 1 from noon-1 p.m. Register for the virtual session online at lakelandcc.edu/respiratory.

These sessions will introduce attendees to Lakeland’s nationally recognized program and will cover topics such as how respiratory therapists operate as valuable members of heath care teams, career outlook and required schooling. Lakeland’s Associate of Applied Science degree in respiratory therapy can be earned in as little as five semesters, preparing graduates to sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam, which is a nationally recognized credential standard signifying excellence in the field.

“Respiratory care is a growing health care career with many opportunities available for graduates of the program,” said Dr. Catherine Kenny, program director and professor of respiratory therapy at Lakeland. “Therapists take positions within hospitals including intensive care, general floor therapies, diagnostics, long-term care and rehabilitation. Outside of hospitals therapists can provide home care to patients with heart and lung disorders and work for hospital equipment companies in sales, management and education.” Kenny added that upon completion of the two-year degree, students will be qualified to sit for their national board examinations to become registered respiratory therapists.

Lakeland’s Respiratory Therapy Program is one of 23 programs in the country that were recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) to receive the President’s Award for Credentialing Success. This is the highest achievable award given by the commission and is presented as part of CoARC's continued efforts to value the RRT credential as a standard of professional achievement. According to CoARC, the success of Lakeland's Respiratory Therapy Program is measured by inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional goals.

For more program information, visit lakelandcc.edu/respiratory. Spring registration opens Nov. 7, 2022; spring semester starts Jan. 14, 2023.

By: Adam Continenza, Mktg and Communications Spclst