Collins Career Center is training tomorrow's professionals - today.

The respiratory therapy program provides instruction necessary to enable our graduates to function as a competent, respiratory care practitioner.

The program's curriculum includes a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as clinical practice in area hospitals, doctors' offices, and clinics.

It is fully accredited.

Respiratory therapists are responsible for evaluating, treating and caring for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders.

These patients will range from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people whose lungs are diseased.

Respiratory therapists provide temporary relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning or shock.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts that employment of respiratory therapists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, because of substantial growth in numbers of the middle-aged and elderly population - a development that will heighten the incidence of cardiopulmonary disease.

The growth in demand for respiratory therapists is echoed in the Tri-State, according to Keith Terry, respiratory therapy program director.

"There is a definite increase in demand for this profession locally," Terry said. "The majority of our students have jobs prior to graduating from the program."

The respiratory therapy program has been offered by Collins Career Center since 1997 and has been met with tremendous success, earning many awards.

The Collins Career Center respiratory therapy program was selected in 2004 as a charter to the Lambda Beta Honor Society.

The Lambda Beta Honor Society is the national honor society for the respiratory care profession.

The respiratory therapy program of Collins Career Center was just one of several programs that graduated students June 24 as part of the annual commencement exercise.

Collins Career Center was pleased to announce the graduation of the Adult Education Class of 2005 with more than 200 students earning their certificates of completion.

These students have worked diligently to accomplish the rigorous requirements and competencies set upon them by their chosen program of study.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and Board of Education of Collins Career Center, we would like to congratulate all of our graduates!

Good luck in all of your endeavors and thank you for allowing us to help you make your career dreams come true!

Collins Career Center is currently accepting applications for Fall 2005.

If you are interested in applying or would like additional information, please contact the adult education Department at (740) 867-6641, Ext. 400.

Kelli Murphy is the human resource development coordinator for Collins Career Center. She can be reached at (740) 867-6641 ext. 430 or by e-mail at kdmurphy@collins-cc.k12.oh.us.