Kettering College Offers New Three-Year Degree in Respiratory Care

Kettering College Offers New Three-Year Bachelor’s in Respiratory Care

Story by Jessica Beans

Kettering College in Kettering, Ohio, will now offer an accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Respiratory Care. The newly accredited degree will address a higher level of critical thinking skills and more extensive learning experience than the current associate’s degree. It received approval last fall by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and the college will begin admitting students into the program this fall.

Nancy Colletti, respiratory care program director, says that most respiratory care bachelor degrees are four-year programs, in which the students don’t start core respiratory classes until their junior year. Students will now undertake an accelerated course schedule. “We’re a unique program that is striving to stand out by offering a different path of quality healthcare education by finishing in only three years.” She also notes that the new degree allows students to be admitted without any prior college experience.

“Over the last several years, Kettering College has shifted toward bachelor’s degrees and higher academic programs to match the needs of today’s healthcare environment,” says Nate Brandstater, college president. “This change in our respiratory degree is an example of our continued pursuit of innovation and excellence.”

Kettering College’s respiratory program recently received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award from the CoARC April 10. From a program effectiveness perspective, the CoARC views the RRT credential as a measure of the program’s success in inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations.

Another recent advancement for the respiratory program is their newly renovated labs, classrooms and office space. The renovated facility is larger, allowing the professors to create more student-centered learning activities. It also includes a ceiling mounted projector for better visibility when viewing videos and/or slides, and has a dedicated space for brainstorming and critical thinking exercises. Students have been enjoying this new space since its reopening last fall.