2024 - ECC’s Respiratory Care Program: A Breath of Fresh Air in Health Care

Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of others? Elgin Community College (ECC) will launch a new Respiratory Care Program in the Spring of 2025. This cutting-edge program is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in one of health care's most vital fields, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to make a difference in patients' lives.

Why Respiratory Care?

There’s a growing demand for skilled respiratory care professionals or respiratory therapists. They play a critical role in the health care system. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. They work in various places, such as hospitals, cardiopulmonary diagnostic labs, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, transport teams, and home health agencies. The importance of their work was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when respiratory therapists became essential in saving lives.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for respiratory therapists is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, making this an opportune time to enter the field. Whether it’s helping a premature baby take their first breath, managing chronic conditions like asthma, or providing critical support during a medical crisis, respiratory therapists play an essential role in the health care field. 

What Makes Our Program Unique?

As a Respiratory Care Program student at ECC, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in the new, state-of-the-art lab. The space includes hospital beds and respiratory care equipment that simulates a hospital environment. 

This program is run by experienced faculty who bring years of clinical and teaching experience, offering personalized guidance and mentorship to each student. With the Respiratory Care Program faculty at ECC, you’re not alone. They’ve developed a comprehensive curriculum to prepare their students to effectively communicate with a health care team and family, demonstrate clinical competence, be prepared to pass the NBRC multiple-choice and simulation exams, and more.

Who Should Apply?

The Respiratory Care Program is ideal for individuals who are:

• Passionate about health care and patient care.
• Interested in technology and medical devices.
• Looking for a fast-growing and stable career.
• Ready to make a meaningful impact in their community.

At ECC, we invite you to take a deep breath and embark on a journey toward a fulfilling and impactful career in respiratory care. To learn more, visit elgin.edu/respiratorycare