UNA Nursing launches respiratory care program

FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama has begun enrolling students for its newly established Respiratory Care program, after the program received provisional accreditation approval from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. 

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care (BSRC) is the first non-nursing clinical degree offered with the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, and is the North Alabama region’s only bachelor’s degree program in respiratory care. 

“We are eager to support our respiratory therapy colleagues as we embark on the launch of this crucial program,” said Dr. Tera Kirkman, dean of the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, which is home to the Respiratory Care program. “With a rich history of innovation and academic excellence, we are determined to establish a similar reputation of excellence for our health professions program.” 

Kirkman said the BSRC program was established in direct correlation to workforce demand.

“With an average of 200 openings for respiratory therapists in Alabama annually, and two local hospitals reporting over 20 vacancies in 2021, the BSRC is poised to address this pressing need,” she said. “Upon completion of the four-year program and after passing the certification exam, students will be eligible to work as registered respiratory therapists.” 

Already, the program is proving beneficial to nursing students and respiratory faculty, Kirkman said. 

“By working together in simulated scenarios, they gain valuable insight into each other’s roles and expertise, fostering mutual respect and understanding,” she said. 

Students will also benefit from the university’s state-of-the-art simulation lab and quality hands-on clinical experiences.

Lecturer and Program Coordinator Jabril Diamond said the BSRC is only the second Respiratory Care program in Alabama.

“This program will not only lead to more interprofessional education on our campus, but also more interprofessional collaboration in local hospitals,” Diamond said. “We are excited for what this program will mean for our students, patients, and community.”

CoARC’s provisional accreditation means that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the standards to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care. The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.