LANCASTER, CA – Antelope Valley College will begin offering a baccalaureate degree in Respiratory Therapy beginning in the fall 2024 semester, college officials announced today.
The fully online program will provide respiratory care professionals who have completed the Associate in Science in Respiratory Care with a high-quality and low-cost alternative to complete their bachelor’s degree.
“The awarding of this second baccalaureate degree is evidence that Antelope Valley College is dedicated to providing access to affordable education that leads to well-paying careers that benefit our students and the entire community,” said Antelope Valley College Superintendent/President Jennifer Zellet, PhD. “We look forward to the inaugural cohort this fall.”
AVC already offers the baccalaureate in Airframe Manufacturing Technology, and was one of the original community colleges to join California’s pilot program when it launched in 2014. That program allowed AVC students to advance in lucrative careers in aerospace. The new Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy will create a pathway to career advancement in yet another rewarding and in-demand field: Health care.
AVC’s expansion is part of the California Community Colleges strategic plan, Vision 2030. Equitable baccalaureate attainment is one of three strategic directions that will help achieve the plan’s goals of equity in success, equity in access and equity in support. The program is already on the right path, according to a report by the UCLA Civil Rights Project, which found that the California Community Colleges bachelor’s degree program has the potential to address higher education equity gaps.
“Current and graduating students are excited for this program and have been asking for it,” said Wendy Stout, EdD, Director of the Respiratory Care program at AVC. “Having a local BS degree program allows graduates and future RT students the ability to continue their educational growth within the Respiratory field, thus allowing for advancement in their careers.”
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Antelope Valley College is a public institution of higher education that provides a quality, comprehensive education to a diverse population of learners. We are committed to student success, offering value and opportunity in service to our community.
