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COT
Respiratory Care program earns accreditation
Officials
at UM-Missoula's College of Technology can breathe easier
now that their Respiratory Care program has been granted
initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation
of Allied Health Education Programs.
Initial
accreditation status is a public recognition granted to
a new program that has adequate plans and resources and
has demonstrated that its graduates are likely to achieve
established outcome standards.
Bob
Wafstet, director of Respiratory Care, said initial accreditation
is a milestone in the evolution of the program, which was
established at COT in 1976 to produce certified respiratory
technicians. Three years ago the college upgraded to an
associate of applied science degree for registered respiratory
therapists, and it's this more-advanced program that was
accredited.
"This
really makes us feel great," Wafstet said. "Accreditation
means producing a 300- to 400-page document for the accrediting
agency and then having a site-visiting team come to campus
to look over your program."
Respiratory
Care has been granted initial accreditation for a three-year
period. During that time program officials must file regular
reports to document outcomes such as exam results, survey
responses and job placements. If standards are met, the
program will achieve continuing accreditation status.
Respiratory
Care graduates provide patient care, including diagnostic
and monitoring procedures, to people with heart and lung
problems. They learn to use medical gases, medications,
aerosols, ventilatory support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
and much more. The COT program lasts four semesters plus
a 10-week summer session.
The
program currently has 19 first-year and 13 second-year students
enrolled. Wafstet said these students can expect starting
salaries of $30,000 to $40,000 after graduation.
"Our
job placement is close to 100 percent," he said, "and
we have a waiting list for people coming into the program."
The
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
accredits programs representing 18 allied health professions
in more than 1,300 institutions of higher education.
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