NEWS RELEASE --
for immediate release
Contact: Brendan Lehane, KCTCS (859) 246-3146 ext. 1211
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 5, 2003) -- The need for a well-educated workforce in
Kentucky in the area of respiratory care has been addressed through a cooperative
transfer agreement between the Kentucky Community and Technical College System
(KCTCS) and Bellarmine University.
Bellarmine University and KCTCS have signed an agreement that permits students
graduating from any KCTCS associate degree respiratory therapist program to
apply to Bellarmine University with junior standing.
“Bellarmine University offers the only baccalaureate-level respiratory
care program in Kentucky,” said Michael B. McCall, KCTCS president. “Through
this partnership, KCTCS colleges are providing students with opportunities for
high-paying jobs that the economy demands, and responding to the needs of the
health care industry by developing a well-trained workforce."
The transfer agreement recognizes 74 to 77 credit hours from the KCTCS respiratory
therapist programs. Students matriculating under this agreement will be able
to complete the baccalaureate degree in two years with 60 credit hours of additional
study at Bellarmine University.
“This is just one of many partnerships KCTCS has developed, in conjunction
with other higher education institutions, to promote ease of transfer between
Kentucky institutions,” said McCall. “We remain committed to these
efforts as we develop a seamless system of postsecondary education in the state.”
The respiratory care program is offered in the following KCTCS college districts:
Ashland, Big Sandy, Bowling Green, Jefferson, Madisonville, Maysville, Somerset,
Southeast, and West Kentucky.
For more information on the many transfer opportunities offered through KCTCS,
contact Mary Abrams at (502) 418-6786.
KCTCS colleges change lives by providing accessible and affordable education
and training through academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate
programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing
and developmental education; customized training for business and industry;
and distance learning. For more information on KCTCS, visit www.kctcs.edu <http://www.kctcs.edu>.