SCSRC News

Exciting News from the SCSRC Executive Committee and Board of Directors!

by

In keeping with guidance from the AARC, the SCSRC Executive Committee and Board of Directors has unanimously decided to update the name of the “Entry Level Student Scholarship” that is awarded annually to associate degree seeking students to be “Early Professional Student Scholarship”. This is a new, fresh name for the scholarship and is in line with the AARC’s “Early Professional Membership” level that is available to students prior to graduation.

The Early Professional Student Scholarship application is now available on the SCSRC website; if you are a student that would like to apply, please carefully read and follow all instructions contained in the application.

The members of the Scholarship Committee include: Allan Dunphy, MEd, RRT-NPS, RRT-CPFT, RCP; Amanda Coffey, BS, RRT; Selma Watson, BA, RRT, CPFT. If you have any questions, please reach out to scholarships@scsrc.org. We look forward to reviewing the applications and awarding these four scholarships!!

SC Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

by

Greetings,
This is a reminder that 2021 is a licensure renewal year for licensed SC RCPs; the continuing education timeframe is as noted below, as well as the CE sponsoring organizations, and approved contact hours for such classes as ACLS, PALS, BLS, etc. Please note: the SCSRC is not responsible for licensure renewal in any way. This is presented as information only; any questions, concerns, etc. should be directed to the SC Labor, Licensing and Regulation department, https://llr.sc.gov.

Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) Renewal and Continuing Education Information

  1. Continuing Education Timeframe – You must have completed at least thirty (30) hours of continuing education in the RENEWAL PERIOD (June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021).
    RCPs in their FIRST renewal cycle after receiving their initial permanent license are NOT required to complete CME for this renewal period only.
  2. Continuing education sponsorship – courses must be approved or sponsored by one of the following organizations:
    1. American Association for Respiratory Care, Inc. or its sponsoring organizations
    2. American Heart Association
    3. Society of Critical Care Medicine
    4. American Lung Association
    5. South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care
    6. Allied Health Education Centers of the South Carolina Consortium of Community Teaching Hospitals (AHEC)
    7. American Thoracic Society
    8. American College of Chest Physicians
    9. American Society of Anesthesiologists
    10. Accredited institutional continuing education programs:
      1. Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
      2. American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  3. Approved Number of Contact Hours
    BLS Initial6
    BLS refresher (PHR/PHB BLS, etc.)3
    PALS Initial (2 day class)12
    PALS Refresher6
    ACLS Initial12
    ACLS Refresher6
    NRP Initial6
    NRP Refresher3

SCSRC Receives AARC Summit Award

by

AARC Summit AwardWe are excited and proud to announce that the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care (SCSRC) is the 2020 recipient for the AARC’s prestigious Summit Award. This honor reflects our state’s efforts and achievements in promoting professionalism and growth in the field of respiratory care. To be considered for this esteemed annual award, a state affiliate of the AARC must submit a nomination that outlines and provides supporting documentation showing their activities related to seven specific categories:

  • Educational activities
  • Membership and recruiting
  • Legislation/Advocacy
  • Promoting public awareness
  • Benefits to members
  • Collaboration with other health care organizations
  • Student activities

We thank everyone who supported, volunteered and advocated for the respiratory care professional and provided the opportunity to demonstrate our activities in the seven categories while supporting the SCSRC members, patients and students. The last few years have shown many challenges, from inclement weather to fighting a pandemic, yet we continue to shine and excel in our endeavors.

The SCSRC President, Dr. Jerry Alewine accepted the Summit award and shared his excitement and sentiments on the efforts behind receiving this distinction:

“On behalf of the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care and all respiratory therapists in South Carolina, I graciously accept the 2020 Summit Award. As is well appreciated, these past few months have been a very difficult time for healthcare, and in particular, the respiratory therapist. Through it all, we have continued as a profession, thrived as individuals, and will forever be recognized as vital in the fight against the devastation that is COVID-19.

To have been awarded the Summit Award, the diligence and commitment of our respiratory therapist has been recognized. They have endured a pandemic and remained consistent in their demand for exceptional care and the promotion of professionalism. This unique year that will be historically remembered as a time of great confusion, emotional turmoil, and unrelenting chaos that has allowed the profession of respiratory therapy to be spotlighted in a way as never before.

Having the pleasure of serving as president of the SCSRC, I am humbled and thankful for the dedication of the respiratory therapists in the state of South Carolina. Accepting this award, I do so solely as president but by no means the reason for this recognition. I accept on behalf of a state of dedicated professionals that work each day for the care of the patients we serve, promotion of the profession of respiratory therapy, and the commitment to excellence.

Again, thank you AARC and may each of you be blessed with a better day.”

Jerry A Alewine EdD, RRT
President of the SCSRC

Letters of Reference/Recommendation Are No Longer Required for RCPs

by

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 3, 2020… LETTERS OF REFERENCE/RECOMMENDATION ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS [LL/TL]. APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE UPDATED TO REFLECT THIS CHANGE. IF YOU HAVE A RCP LL/TL APPLICATION PENDING, WE WILL UPDATE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION CHECKLIST TO SHOW THAT YOUR REFERENCES ARE NOT PENDING. PLEASE CHECK YOUR APPLICATION STATUS ONLINE FOR OTHER PENDING ITEMS.

NEWBERRY COLLEGE CONFERS ITS FIRST RESPIRATORY THERAPY DEGREES

by
Newberry College BSRT Grads 6-12-2019

Newberry College recently conferred degrees upon its inaugural class of graduates in the Respiratory Therapy online degree-completion program.

Nine students became the first to earn their bachelor’s degrees in the degree-completion program that was launched in January 2018. The graduates received their degrees at the College’s spring commencement, held May 4 at Eleazer Arena on the Newberry campus.

“This first class of Respiratory Therapy graduates are well-equipped to excel in this fast-growing, critical field,” said Dr. Jerry Alewine, chair of the Department of Respiratory Therapy. “We are so proud of what they have accomplished in earning their baccalaureate degree and pleased to be able to offer a program that allows working professionals to complete their degree and still manage the demands of work, home and family.”

Read more