Distance education in respiratory care.

This study would not have been possible without the valuable insight of program directors across the country who were willing to share their experience. Although not conclusive, the results of the survey of program directors indicate that online education is being used in a small number of respiratory care education programs. The benefits and difficulties related by these program directors are similar to those found in the larger body of literature in higher education. The authors agree with most survey respondents that online education is a critical long-term strategy for programs of respiratory care education. Further investigation and better understanding of the various issues affecting online learning for respiratory care students are needed, however.