NEW RESPIRATORY CARE AND ADMINISTRATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS WILL BE OFFERED

AT CLARION UNIVERSITY–VENANGO CAMPUS

            On Thursday, January 12, 2006, the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education approved two new associate degree programs that will be offered at Clarion University–Venango Campus beginning in fall, 2006, bringing the number of two-year degrees offered at the campus to eleven.

            An associate of science in respiratory care degree will be offered though the university’s School of Nursing and Allied Health, located at the Venango Campus, in partnership with UPMC Northwest in Seneca and UPMC Horizon, with hospitals in Greenville and Shenango Valley.

            The university’s Department of Applied Technology, also located at the Venango Campus, will offer a new associate of applied science in administration technology degree, designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in banking, insurance, and general office operations and advancement into positions beyond the entry level.

            “We at the university are enthusiastic about these two new degree programs,” said Dr. Joseph P. Grunenwald, president of Clarion University.  “They’ll have a direct, positive impact upon a recognized need. We are committed to seeking the input of area employers and others to better meet community, regional, and national needs for a stronger workforce, and these programs reflect that partnership approach.”

             “The respiratory care program was developed in response to a critical need brought to our attention by our colleagues at UPMC Northwest, with whom we have successfully collaborated on programs in nursing and radiologic science for many years,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of the Venango Campus. “Similarly, an area businessman, who saw a need for qualified employees to have the educational opportunity required for career advancement in his field, was the catalyst for the development of the administration technology program. My colleagues and I thank Joe Pastor for his leadership and support.”

            The 24-month respiratory care program will include science and liberal arts courses at Clarion University–Venango Campus and a 14-month course of technical education in respiratory care at affiliated clinical sites. Upon successful completion of the respiratory care program, students are awarded the Associate of Science in Respiratory Care degree from Clarion University and are eligible to sit for the Written Registry Examination and Clinical Simulation Examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

            “There is a significant shortage of qualified respiratory therapists across the country and particularly in Pennsylvania,” said Neil Todhunter, president of UPMC Northwest. “We’re excited to be expanding our long-standing record of successful collaboration with Clarion University to jointly develop a high-quality respiratory therapy program to help address this need.”

            Renee Smith-Schaffer, chair of the Department of Allied Health in the School of Nursing and Allied Health, developed the program in conjunction with UPMC Northwest and UPMC Horizon and will provide program oversight. “Respiratory care is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States,” said Smith-Schaffer. “According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, national median annual earnings of respiratory therapists were $43,140 in May, 2004. This program will prepare graduates for many excellent employment opportunities in our region and beyond.”

            Professor Vic Bowser, chair of the Department of Applied Technology, developed and will oversee the administration technology program. “Clarion University is the first degree-granting entity in northwestern Pennsylvania that offers an associate degree in administration technology with banking, insurance, and general office certifications,” he said. “According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs requiring an associate degree are projected to grow 32 percent over the 2000-10 time period, faster than any other educational category.  This program allows all individuals, including traditional students and returning adults, to have access to an educational opportunity that currently does not exist.”

            The two-year associate of applied science in administration technology degree program will consist of general education classes, business familiarization courses, and technical education and elective courses tailored to the concentration of study chosen by the student.

            Both programs will officially begin in fall, 2006, although students may begin taking general education classes this summer. An Allied Health Open House, which will highlight both the new respiratory care program and the bachelor of science in radiologic sciences program, will be held at Clarion University–Venango Campus on Saturday, January 28, from 10 a.m. until noon. An open house for the administration technology program is being planned for March. In addition, individual visits can be arranged at any time at the student’s convenience. Please contact LaTrobe Barnitz, coordinator of admissions, at 814-676-6591, ext. 1211, or tnestor@clarion.edu, for more information, to schedule an appointment, or to register for the Allied Health Open House.

            Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, PA, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.   The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed.  Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses.  The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology.  Clarion University-Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.

Back to Venango Campus Home Page