College of Allied Health Sciences Launches Its First Free Online Course

The University of Cincinnati (UC) Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program will launch an innovative spin on the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with a Targeted Open Online Course (TOOC), titled "Shared Air: A Collective Look at the Future of Respiratory Therapy,” beginning Oct. 15, 2015.
 
Like other MOOCs, the course is free, self-paced and online. However, it is targeted specifically toward working respiratory therapists and students currently enrolled in associate-level programs who may be interested in furthering their education and moving into advanced practice either within respiratory care or in an allied health profession.

"Shared Air: A Collective Look at the Future of Respiratory Therapy” was developed by Shane Keene, DHSc, professor of respiratory therapy and program director of the Online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences, and the college's Center for Educational Technology and Instructional Support (CETIS) Design Team .

"The respiratory care landscape is rapidly changing. Now and into the foreseeable future, increased emphasis will be placed on higher education. One of the best ways you can prepare for this transition is to complete your bachelor’s degree,” explains Keene. 

Keene is also an American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Fellowship member and an advocate of advanced practice for working respiratory therapists.

The TOOC, Keene believes, is an innovative tool to support those who are interested in exploring advanced career paths in the field of respiratory therapy. The course offers a unique online experience within five self-contained modules that allow practitioners and students of respiratory therapy to explore how the Affordable Care Act affects respiratory care, understand the current clinical movement toward advanced practice and identify new market trends and opportunities in respiratory care.

The course opens Oct. 15. Those interested in learning more about the opportunity can click here to view course information.