OPT Visionary - Spring/Summer 2013

THE V ISIONARY • S PRING /S UMMER 2013 — 21 the conference along with NSU faculty members with expertise in this field of study. The CICAD is the Western Hemisphere’s policy forum for dealing with issues stemming from global drug trafficking, while its Hemispheric Drug Strat- egy reflects the firm commitment of member states to address the consequences of the drug trade, which pose a growing threat to health, economic development, social cohesion, and the rule of law of the region. In 2012, as part of its Hemispheric Drug Strat- egy, CICAD initiated the Project on Drug Informa- tion Networks in Central America. These efforts are aimed at the development of national drug obser- vatories as an essential component to combat drug use. NSU’s Institute for Behavioral Health and Wellness joined the Project on Drug Information Networks in Central America initiative with the an- nouncement of the formation of NSU GO!—the NSU Global Observatory. “NSU’s Global Observatory will feature re- search, curriculum, and certification opportunities as well as community outreach strategies for our global partners developed by world-renowned NSU faculty experts in the fields of substance use, pre- vention, addiction research, and epidemiology,” said Raymond G. Ferrero III, J.D., executive direc- tor of health affairs for NSU’s Health Professions Division and chair of NSU’s Institute for Behavioral Health and Wellness. “South Florida has always been a gateway for global drug trafficking, which makes NSU uniquely positioned to be a strategic partner with the OAS and the 37 other observato- ries established throughout Latin America to make a lasting impact on a global scale.” NSU TO LAUNCH FLORIDA’S FIRST RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROGRAM NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences will offer Florida’s first-ever bachelor’s degree program in respiratory therapy for licensed registered res- piratory therapists (RRT). The program, which of- fers students a Bachelor of Science degree, will start in October at NSU’s Palm Beach Student Ed- ucational Center (SEC). “Our unique respiratory program provides every opportunity for students to succeed in being life- long learners, critical thinkers, evidence-based practitioners, managers, and the best providers of care in a multitude of environments,” said Mari- anne Jankowski, DHSc., RRT, chair of the Depart- ment of Cardiopulmonary Sciences and director of the Respiratory Therapy Program. “Students will be challenged to achieve their highest poten- tial in this field.” Classes will be taught in a fully online format by faculty members at the SEC, which is located in Palm Beach Gardens. The program, which will offer students the flexibility to continue to work while obtaining their degrees, can be completed in as little as 24 months and is designed to help stu- dents perform a range of services requiring more complex cognitive abilities and patient manage- ment skills. It also will provide the necessary background to become involved in higher-level res- piratory therapy education and allow respiratory therapy professionals to further their education to master’s and doctoral levels. Graduates from this program, which is accred- ited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, will benefit from job opportunities in the respiratory therapy field in the areas of sales, clinical educators, and health and medical serv- ices management. NSU University School students collected and sold a variety of items to raise more than $20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2012. Dr. Ursula Bauer Respiratory therapy program to launch in fall 2013.