QCC respiratory care program recognized amid need for respiratory therapists
Photo | Grant Welker
Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester
At a time when the healthcare industry is in need of workers of all kinds, including respiratory therapists, Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester has been recognized for its Respiratory Care Program.
The program was honored for its high performance by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care with the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award for the second consecutive year, according to a Monday press release.
“This award is a testament to the hard-working faculty who have put together a high-quality program that is revered in the healthcare community. Their caring and dedication have fostered a successful learning environment for our students,” said QCC President Luis Pedraja in the press release.
The recognition comes at a time when respiratory therapists are sorely in need. According to a 2021 article by The National Board of Respiratory Care, there are several reasons for the sharp increase in demand, including declining enrollment in respiratory care education, burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Baby Boomers retiring.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23% job growth for the profession between 2020 and 2030. The median annual salary for a respiratory therapist nationally is $61,830, according to the BLS.
QCC’s respiratory care training is an 18-month program preparing graduates for employment as allied health practitioners in the specialty area of pulmonary medicine. The program began in 1967 and has graduated approximately 126 students since 2005. The program’s director is Keith Hirst.
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