Respiratory Therapy Grads Earn 100% Pass, Placement Rates

Brad Nester draws blood for an arterial blood gas test. Nester is a 2023 graduate of the Walters State Respiratory Therapy Program.

Respiratory Care Grads Earn 100% Pass, Placement Rates

          The Walters State Respiratory Therapy Program’s 2024 graduates earned both a 100% job placement rate and a 100% pass rate on the National Board for Respiratory Care. 
“This reflects on the dedication of our students, our faculty members and our clinical partners,” said Sara Smith, Associate Professor and Director of the Respiratory Care Program.
          “Our students graduate with skills learned in the classroom, laboratory setting, and through clinical placements. Upon entry into the program, students are exposed to a variety of experiences that prepare them to be successful.”
          Respiratory therapists assist in the management of patients who are experiencing breathing problems, respond to emergency calls, management of artificial airways, and educate patients and families about respiratory conditions. The demand for respiratory therapists continues to grow nationally.
          Smith, who has been involved in respiratory care since she was 18, said the demand for respiratory therapists continues to grow and Walters State graduates have impact in the college’s 10-county service area.
          “The cost here is affordable for most,” Smith said. “The cost may double at a private college. Our students benefit from Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Lottery and other financial aid sources.”
          Tennessee Promise is a last-dollar scholarship awarded to recent high school graduates. Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship designed for students 23 and older. The Tennessee Lottery scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement.
          The Respiratory Therapy Program is very interactive, giving students the knowledge and experience needed to confidently work as part of a healthcare team. 
          “Our students learn concepts in the classroom then apply those concepts in a laboratory setting. For example, a student learns about oxygen therapy in the classroom while in the laboratory setting, they demonstrate skills that reflect that knowledge. The last semesters of the program allow students opportunities to work side-by-side with licensed respiratory therapists and healthcare team members. Students are often offered jobs at their clinical sites,” Smith said.
          Applications for admission to the respiratory therapy program begin Jan. 1. For more information, contact Smith at sara.smithFREEWS.