ELAC Announces Groundbreaking Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy

Monterey Park, CA —East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is proud to announce that through the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) application process, the State of California Board of Governors has approved ELAC’s first-ever baccalaureate degree—Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT).  ELAC has also received substantive change approval for the BSRT from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). This historic milestone marks the first bachelor's degree offered in ELAC's over 75-year history, signaling a new era of advanced education opportunities for respiratory care professionals.

"An ELAC bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy will not only open doors to advanced career opportunities, specialization, and higher salary potential, it will also prepare students for the ever-changing healthcare landscape by equipping them with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills to deliver evidence-based care that will make a real difference in patients' lives," said Respiratory Therapy Chair Michael Haines.

The BSRT program at ELAC is designed to meet the evolving needs of working respiratory therapists while providing a pathway for career advancement:

• Flexible Online Format: The program is entirely online, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. While on-campus learning opportunities are available, the core curriculum is accessible remotely.
• Career Advancement: Graduates with a BSRT degree will be well-positioned for higher-level roles in management and education within the respiratory care field.
• Customizable Pacing: The 18-month program offers flexibility, enabling students to progress at a comfortable pace that suits their individual needs.
• Working Professional-Friendly: Asynchronous courses cater to working RTs, with ample faculty support available through office hours, ZOOM sessions, or in-person meetings.
• Workplace-Centered Curriculum: The program's student-focused approach integrates coursework with real-world applications in students' current work environments.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Courses emphasize evidence-based medicine and research, enhancing students' understanding of patient case management.
• Affordable Education: The program's cost-effective structure makes it accessible for ASRT holders to pursue their BSRT, opening doors to career growth.
• Seamless Transition: ELAC ASRT graduates who pass their credentialing exams are granted automatic acceptance into the BSRT program, facilitating a smooth educational progression.

Program Requirements and Outcomes

Applicants must already hold Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials and an Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Therapy to enroll in the BSRT. While the program does not lead to additional certifications, it significantly enhances the qualifications and expertise of practicing respiratory therapists.

"This groundbreaking Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy marks a pivotal moment in East Los Angeles College's history. By offering our first-ever bachelor's program, we're not only elevating our academic offerings but also empowering our students and working professionals to reach new heights in their education and careers. We're proud to be leaders in advancing respiratory care education and providing our community with enhanced opportunities for professional growth and success," said ELAC President Alberto J. Román.

The introduction of the BSRT program is expected to dramatically increase the number of ELAC respiratory therapy students, further solidifying ELAC's position as a leader in respiratory care education.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at East Los Angeles College, please visit contact @email or call 323-265-8813.

About East Los Angeles College: ELAC is the largest of nine two-year community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), www.laccd.edu. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/. Follow ELAC on social media, Instagram @ELACHuskies, X @EastLACollege, and Facebook @Eastlacollege.