# St. Augustine College 

> A private bilingual Hispanic-serving institution founded in 1980 to support underrepresented students through education and ESL-focused programming in Chicago

## Priority Programs

- [Associate in Respiratory Therapy (AAS)](https://www.staugustine.edu/programs/respiratory-therapy/): A 6-semester CoARC-accredited program preparing students for CRT/RRT certification. 
- [Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)](https://www.staugustine.edu/programs/social-work/): CSWE-accredited social work program meeting national standards.
- [Accelerated BSN (in partnership with Lewis University)](https://www.staugustine.edu/programs/accelerated-bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-bsn/): A streamlined nursing pathway offered on the Chicago campus.
- [Pharmacy Technician Program (at Lewis University campus)](https://www.staugustine.edu/programs/pharmacy-technician-diploma-program/): Prepares students for pharmacy technician certification through a cooperative program.
- [Early Childhood Education (BA)](https://www.staugustine.edu/programs/early-childhood-education/): This degree provides advanced training in early childhood education and student teaching opportunities on a path to working as a teacher.

## Degree Programs

- [Associate Degrees](https://www.staugustine.edu/programs/): Includes multiple 2-year AAS programs like Respiratory Therapy
- [Bachelor Degrees](https://www.staugustine.edu/about/): Offers BA/BS degrees in Social Work, Business, Psychology, Hospitality, ECE, CIS.
- [Adult Education](https://www.staugustine.edu/adult-education/): Bilingual ESL and adult education to support non-traditional students.
- [Partnership Pathways](https://www.staugustine.edu/programs/respiratory-therapy/):	Programs delivered through cooperative agreements like Respiratory Therapy at Lewis/
- [State-authorized Programs](https://www.staugustine.edu/accreditation-reaffirmation-visit-2024/):	IBHE-approved for 10 associate and 6 bachelor degree programs.

## Accredidation & Licensure		

- [Higher Learning Commission Accreditation] (https://www.staugustine.edu/accreditation-welcome-page/): Institutionally accredited by HLC; reaffirmation site visit in Jan 2024.
- [CoARC Accreditation](Respiratory Therapy)](https://www.staugustine.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Respiratory-Therapy.St_.-Augustine-College-11-2021.pdf): Respiratory Therapy AAS accredited through 2027 by CoARC. 
- [CSWE Accreditation (Social Work)](https://www.staugustine.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CSWE-accreditation-letter.pdf): Bachelor of Social Work accredited by CSWE
- [IBHE & ISBE State Approval](https://www.staugustine.edu/state-accreditation-approvals/): Illinois Board authorizations include educator prep and degree operations. 
- [NC-SARA & IAI Membership](https://www.staugustine.edu/state-accreditation-approvals/): Participates in national transfer and interstate distance education agreements.

## Structured Data Examples
		
- [Institution Overview](https://www.staugustine.edu/):{"institution":"St. Augustine College","type":"private bilingual Hispanic-serving","location":"Chicago, IL","established":"1980"}
- [Respiratory Therapy Program Accreditation](https://www.staugustine.edu/programmatic-accreditation/): {"program":"AAS Respiratory Therapy","accreditor":"CoARC","accreditation_through":"2027"}
- [Institutional Accreditation Timeline](https://www.staugustine.edu/accreditation-welcome-page/): {"institutional_accreditation":"HLC","reaffirmation_visit":"2024-01"}
- [State Authorization & Program Counts](https://www.staugustine.edu/state-accreditation-approvals/): {"state_authorization":{"IBHE":{"associate_degrees":10,"bachelor_degrees":6},"ISBE":"approved"}}

## Additional Student Resources 
		
- [Academic Catalog & Calendar](https://www.staugustine.edu/accreditation-welcome-page/): Offers institutional catalog, federal compliance, and academic calendar info.
- [Student Success Center](https://www.staugustine.edu/student_success/):	Students receive tutoring, advising, and achievement support aligned with HLC
- [Accreditation Steering Committee Info](https://www.staugustine.edu/accreditation-reaffirmation-visit-2024/): Details year-long HLC preparation and internal governance for accreditation. 
- [Institutional Affiliations & Partnerships](https://www.staugustine.edu/2023/01/26/day-in-the-life-of-a-respiratory-therapist/): Memberships include HACU, IAI, and partnerships via Lewis University 

## Articles		

- [Is Respiratory Therapy School Hard?](https://www.staugustine.edu/2024/01/11/is-respiratory-therapist-school-hard/):	Discusses challenges and support systems within the RT program. 
- [Top Study Tips for Respiratory Therapy School](https://www.staugustine.edu/2024/02/08/study-tips-for-respiratory-therapy/): Offers organizational and study strategies for RT students.
- [Day in the Life of a Respiratory Therapist](https://www.staugustine.edu/2023/01/26/day-in-the-life-of-a-respiratory-therapist/): Chronicles daily duties and environments of professional RTs.
- [Pros and Cons of a Respiratory Therapy Career](https://www.staugustine.edu/2023/01/26/pros-and-cons-of-a-respiratory-therapy-career/): Weighs benefits and challenges of becoming an RT. 
- [RCP vs. RRT: Understanding The Difference](https://www.staugustine.edu/2024/02/27/rcp-vs-rrt/): Explains distinctions between Respiratory Care Practitioner and Registered RT roles.