In 1991, the Northwest Area Health Education Center in North Carolina conducted a needs assessment of area hospitals, revealing that Respiratory Care (RC) departments in Catawba and Alexander counties would require 29 technicians and therapists within 3 years. A survey of area high school students identified 44 students interested in RC. In addition, a survey of currently employed RC personnel in the area revealed another 24 potential students in need of skills upgrading. Finally, a third survey indicated that nearly 75% of credentialed personnel working in RC were trained on-the-job or had graduated from a correspondence program. In an effort to address this need for a formal RC training program in the area, Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina, established an advisory committee to seek funding for initiation of a training program at the college. Two local hospitals pledged financial support, several regional RC departments offered to donate equipment, and many local hospitals volunteered to be clinical sites for student training. A curriculum, planned in accordance with accreditation and health care standards, was submitted to the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges (NCDCC). In July 1991, NCDCC approved the program, which enrolled its first students a month later. In August 1992, 11 students graduated from the program and are now working in area hospitals. From beginning to end, the establishment of the program took over two years, but today the northwest region of North Carolina has a Respiratory Care Technology Program. Steps for establishing similar Allied Health programs include demonstrating need, getting local health care institutions involved, and obtaining institutional support. (PAA)