Respiratory Therapy Students Accepted into AARC Program

Respiratory therapy alumna, Ciera Winter and current student Logan Bridges, have been selected to participate in the American Association for Respiratory Care's (AARC) prestigious Emerging Leaders Program (ELP).

The AARC Emerging Leaders Program provides participants with a unique opportunity to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in one of three focus areas: Leadership/Management, Education, or Research. Through a combination of mentorship, professional development modules, and real-world experience, the program equips students to meet the evolving demands of the respiratory care profession. This prestigious initiative is designed to cultivate leadership, foster expertise, and prepare students for impactful careers in respiratory care.

ELP participants choose a focus area aligned with their career goals, set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals, and engage in bi-weekly mentorship sessions with seasoned professionals. The curriculum includes monthly Leadership Grand Rounds, advanced training modules, and attendance at national conferences, offering invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to the latest innovations in the field. Participants also dedicate approximately eight hours per month to the program, demonstrating their commitment to personal and professional growth.

Winter, a registered respiratory therapist in the Greensboro area, completed her Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy in August 2024 through the online accelerated RRT-BSRT program. Her area of interest is leadership and management. Bridges, president of the Association of Respiratory Therapy Students, is a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program. Her area of interest is education.

“We are incredibly proud of their achievement and excited to see the impact they will have as the next generation of respiratory care leaders, in education and leadership,” said Jamy Chulak, respiratory therapy program coordinator and clinical associate professor. “Their selection reflects not only their potential as future leaders but also the excellence of our program and the strength of our profession through the AARC.”