Walters State, East Tennessee State University Create Path for Advanced Respiratory Therapists
June 8, 2026
Agreement Creates Smooth Path for Walters State Grads to Complete Bachelor's Degrees
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Walters State Community College (WSCC) are
partnering to establish a new pathway for students seeking a bachelor’s degree in respiratory
therapy to meet the region’s need for advanced respiratory therapists.
Under the agreement, students in Walters State’s Associate of Applied Science in respiratory
care will be able to transfer seamlessly to the ETSU College of Health Sciences’ online degree
completion program to earn their Bachelor of Science in respiratory therapy.
“This agreement provides a convenient way for our respiratory care graduates to advance
their education and their careers,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, president of Walters State.
“Being able to complete the final two years of a bachelor’s degree online enables
graduates to advance in their careers."
“Respiratory therapists are essential to the health of our region, and the demand
for highly trained professionals continues to grow,” said Dr. Jeff Snodgrass, dean
of ETSU’s College of Health Sciences. “This partnership creates a clear, accessible
pathway for students to advance their credentials while staying rooted in the communities
that need them most, strengthening our workforce and improving care across Appalachia.”
For students, the bachelor’s degree may open additional career opportunities in health
care, leadership or teaching. ETSU’s B.S. in Respiratory Therapy is an accredited,
online program dedicated to providing advanced instruction that emphasizes best practices
in the field.
It is open to students with an Associate of Applied Science in respiratory therapy who are licensed
or license-eligible.
All coursework in ETSU’s online program may be completed asynchronously, allowing
students to complete their coursework on their own schedule. The required clinicals and
fieldwork can often be completed at a student’s place of employment.
Graduates of Walters State’s programs had a 100% licensure pass rate and 100% placement
rate last year, while Intelligent.com has ranked ETSU’s program as a best online respiratory
therapy program two years in a row (2024 and 2025).
“This pathway helps working respiratory therapists take the next step without putting
their careers on hold,” said Donna Lilly, director of ETSU’s Respiratory Therapy program.
“With an accredited, fully online completion option and clinical requirements that
can often be met where students already work, graduates can build advanced skills
for leadership, education and specialized practice – meeting workforce needs while
expanding their own opportunities."
Walters State’s Respiratory Care Program is in its fourth decade of training students
to offer excellent patient care. The first graduates earned a certificate. The Associate
of Applied Science was approved in 2000.
“Respiratory therapists serve on the front lines in emergency departments, critical
care units and in outpatient settings,” said Sara Smith, director of respiratory care
at Walters State. “Investing in education growth through this collaboration ensures
our region is prepared to provide the needed respiratory therapists for years to come.”
A grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission will enable the Walters State
program to expand, offering courses at both the Niswonger Campus in Greeneville and
the Sevier County Campus.
Learn more about Walters State’s Respiratory Care program at https://ws.edu/academics/programs/aas/respiratory-care.aspx.
Learn more about ETSU, or apply, at https://www.etsu.edu/online/undergraduate-degrees/respiratory-therapy.php.