Lakeland Community College’s Holden University Center has expanded its bachelor’s degree program offerings to include a Bachelor of Science in respiratory care (BSRC) in partnership with Ursuline College. The program will be offered beginning fall 2023.

Ursuline’s two-year, 100% online respiratory care bachelor’s degree program provides generous credit transfer policies where students can easily turn their associate degree into a BSRC degree. Building on their 75-year legacy of health care education, this program meets the needs of Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) in an affordable, convenient and work-friendly format through Lakeland’s Holden University Center.

“This program has been designed to prepare RRTs to grow as leaders in the field and provide the highest quality of care. Our work-friendly format is designed to enable students to continue their careers while they pursue their bachelor’s degree - the new industry standard in 2030,” said John T. Gallagher, program director respiratory care and assistant professor, Breen School of Nursing & Health Professions at Ursuline College.

“Respiratory therapy is one of the health care jobs that is hiring at a rate faster than the national average,” said David Goswick, director of clinical education respiratory therapy and assistant professor at Lakeland. “This new partnership provides a pathway for students to earn their Associate of Applied Science in respiratory therapy and transfer their credits into Ursuline’s Bachelor of Science in respiratory care, conveniently close to home and affordably.”

Lakeland’s Holden University Center offers a community connection and a campus close to home. Students enrolled in programs offered by partnering institutions, both in-person or remotely, have access to state-of-the-art facilities on the Lakeland campus. The Holden University Center provides a convenient way for area residents to pursue lifelong learning opportunities right here in Lake County.

In addition to Ursuline College’s Master of Science in nursing (RN to MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (RN to DNP) programs, the new BSRC adds to the list of bachelor’s degree options in business management, humanities, psychology, nursing and social work; offering area residents even more educational opportunities through Lakeland’s Holden University Center.

"We are pleased to add respiratory care to our growing list of Holden University Center program partnerships. This new offering reinforces our commitment to quality of health care throughout the region and builds on Ursuline’s 75-year legacy of educating health care leaders," said Kathryn M. LaFontana, vice president for academic affairs at Ursuline College.

Ursuline College will be offering an in-person information session, Aug. 16, 2023, noon to 1 p.m. at Lakeland’s Holden University Center.

Those that register will explore the benefits of completing a BSRC through Ursuline College, learn about the admission process, learning outcomes, financial aid and more. A light lunch will be provided.

Registration is available at lakelandcc.edu/uc.

By: Kerry Ann Jonke, Asst Director Market & Communi