Students who are trained to work as respiratory therapists provide assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment and care for patients with breathing disorders. Upon completion of the program, graduates have become experts in artificial ventilation, resuscitation and airway management.

The graduates are pursuing employment at long-term care facilities, home care agencies and area hospitals, such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Maury Regional Medical Center, Williamson Medical Center, Saint Thomas West Hospital and Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

"Many of the students have job commitments before graduation," said R. David Johnson, director and associate professor of the respiratory care program. "These students work hard to prepare for their new careers."

Columbia State's respiratory care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. All students participate in supervised, hands-on care in a variety of area healthcare settings and receive adult, pediatric and neonatal training.

"For the second consecutive year, Columbia State's respiratory care program is among a select group recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award," said Dr. Kae Fleming, dean of the Health Sciences Division and professor of radiologic technology. "This distinction honors a history of exceptional credentialing success, retention and positive job placement. This year's graduates become part of Columbia State's tradition of excellence in preparing healthcare professionals."

For more information about applying to the respiratory care program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Respiratory-Care.

Photo Caption: (Seated, left to right): Scarlet Hutchinson, Lezlee Thursby, Lisa Gray and Kaylee Jones. (Standing, left to right): Megan Burcham, Jesse Elizondo, Tanner Thurman, Christina Gray, Andrew Morrow, Latonya Durham, Jessica Byrd, Ludia Herrick and R. David Johnson, director and associate professor of the respiratory care program.


Photo Caption: Humphreys County: Megan Burcham.

Photo Caption: Hickman County: Jesse Elizondo.

Photo Caption: Lawrence County: (Left to right): Lisa Gray, Kaylee Jones and Jessica Byrd.

Photo Caption: Maury County: (Left to right): Andrew Morrow, Lezlee Thursby and Christina Gray and Tanner Thurman.

Photo Caption: Williamson County: (Left to right): Scarlet Hutchinson, Lydia Herrick.

Photo Caption: Lambda Beta Honor Society: (Left to right): Scarlet Hutchinson, Tanner Thurman and Lezlee Thursby.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.

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