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Omaha, Nebraska - Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) has partnered with Hastings College on a program that allows students to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees to pursue careers in respiratory therapy.
“Helping others in their time of need is what draws students to healthcare. Many students choose respiratory therapy as a profession because they or their loved ones have experienced asthma or other diseases which affected their breathing. Our respiratory care program at NMC builds on this and guides students to achieve their dreams and make a difference,” said Christine Hamilton, respiratory therapy program director.
In the 3+1 program, students enrolled in the pre-respiratory therapy program at Hastings College can apply to the respiratory care program at NMC. Through NMC students will complete their fourth year in professional respiratory care. Clinical experience can be completed in Hastings, the surrounding area or in Omaha.
In four years, they’ll graduate with an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care from NMC and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Health Systems from Hastings College.
“The program brings a multitude of advantages for both the healthcare sector and students. This partnership addresses the shortage of respiratory therapists, especially in rural areas. It also offers a local option for students interested in getting respiratory therapy training,” said Michelle Olson, director of enrollment services at NMC. “The program bridges a crucial gap in the healthcare industry while giving students the unique opportunity to partake in a traditional college experience.”
Students enrolled in the programs are eligible for the NMC Steve Mendenhall, Registered Respiratory Therapy (RRT) Memorial Scholarship, which provides a renewable award in the amount of $5,000 for three semesters, $15,000 total. Students who receive the scholarship agree to work in rural healthcare after graduation.
As part of NMC’s effort to fill the demand for respiratory care in rural areas, the College has similar partnerships with Chadron State College (CSC) and the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).
“As of 2021, over 20 counties in Nebraska had no registered respiratory therapists. With over 100 million Americans affected by respiratory disorders, the need only continues to increase,” said Lindsay Buechler, NMC’s regional recruitment and admissions coordinator. “By partnering with colleges in Central and Western Nebraska and local providers to offer clinical experiences, students are able to remain in their community to complete their education and make great connections for their professional careers.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2022 and 2032, openings for respiratory therapists will grow 13%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This is due primarily to factors that include an aging population, elevated patient acuity and increased cases of respiratory illness.