Respiratory therapy students from American Career College-Ontario got a chance to observe pulmonary function testing and interact with working professionals during a field trip at the Community Hospital of San Bernardino this November.
"The trip was a success. The RTs and cardiopulmonary director Felix Laryea complimented our students on their manners and positive energy," ACC-Ontario respiratory therapy program director Andrei Livanu said. "We are truly fortunate to have an outstanding RT team and students that are eager to learn."
Livanu gave a big thank you to respiratory instructors Nydia Rojo-Smith and Elizabeth Chavez for accompanying and assisting the students on the visit, and to ACC-Ontario respiratory clinical education director Shannon Rousselo for facilitating the opportunity.
ACC-Ontario education director Amanda Ramos said the visit gave students firsthand knowledge and the opportunity to see "how they can directly affect the community they live in, which is incredibly powerful."
"Knowing that our students are affecting the future of healthcare directly and supporting the community we — and they — live in, is one of the reasons I choose to be a part of ACC," Ramos said. "Thanks for the reminder that we all have the opportunity in our interactions with one another and our students to make our community a better place."
Q: What did ACC-Ontario students experience during their hospital visit?
A: During their visit to the Community Hospital of San Bernardino, ACC-Ontario Respiratory Therapy program students observed pulmonary function testing firsthand. They had the opportunity to watch professionals in action, gaining an insider’s perspective on how their classroom studies translate into real-world practice. The visit also gave them a closer look at the daily operations of a hospital’s respiratory therapy department, showing how it all functions in a healthcare setting.
Q: How do field trips benefit respiratory therapy students?
A: Field trips like the one to the Community Hospital of San Bernardino offer respiratory therapy students invaluable real-world experience. They witness healthcare professionals in action, see how their classroom knowledge is applied in real situations, and gain a deeper understanding of the vital role they’ll play in patient care. These experiences help bridge the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on practice, preparing students for their future careers in healthcare.
Q: How do respiratory therapy students impact their community?
A: Respiratory therapy students have a significant, direct impact on their community's healthcare system. By training in local hospitals like the Community Hospital of San Bernardino, they become familiar with the specific health needs of the area they’ll serve. As they prepare to graduate, these students are well-equipped to deliver targeted, compassionate care to their community, contributing to its overall health and well-being.
