Sinclair Community College Recognizing Respiratory Care Students and Faculty for their Vital Roles in Providing Critical Care

Sinclair Community College is celebrating and recognizing respiratory care students and faculty for the critical roles they play in patient care. The recognition is part of National Respiratory Care Week from October 22-28, 2023. This year’s theme is Respiratory Therapy: Our Passion, Our Purpose.

Sinclair’s Respiratory Care program was founded in 1971 by Duane Gardner, with the first 18 graduates receiving their Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Respiratory Care in 1973.  Over the past five years, 118 students have graduated with associate degrees from Sinclair’s Respiratory Care program.  

“Sinclair Community College is immensely proud of our respiratory care students and faculty and their dedication to improving the lives of patients," said Sanja B. Keller, Program Director/Department Chair for Sinclair’s Respiratory Care Program.  “Sinclair’s respiratory care graduates receive exceptional education and clinical experiences that prepare them for meaningful and rewarding careers.”

The COVID-19 global pandemic and the growth in the middle-aged and elderly population are leading to an increased incidence of respiratory conditions.  As a result, the demand for respiratory therapists continues to rise.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13% through the year 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.  Right now, the median wage for respiratory therapists in Ohio is $69,540.

“Due to the high demand, we are seeing 100% employment for Sinclair respiratory care graduates,” added Keller. “Sinclair’s respiratory care graduates fill a critical need in our community, receive sign on bonuses, employer paid tuition, and earn livable wages.”

Sinclair Community College works closely with hospital partners in the Dayton region to develop strategies for addressing the critical need for respiratory therapists. In Fall 2021, Sinclair expanded its Respiratory Care Program to increase the number of students in the program by 21%.

Sinclair Community College currently offers a Respiratory Care Associate of Applied Science.
Learn more at Sinclair.edu/Respiratory.

Sinclair’s Respiratory Care Program is also part of the new Sinclair Health Sciences Academy that provides the opportunity for Premier employees to up-skill their career tuition-free. 

National Respiratory Care Week was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1982 to celebrate and recognize respiratory therapists and to promote careers in this rewarding, in-demand field.

###