SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Students can pursue a degree in the growing field of respiratory therapy while working at Regional West, thanks to partnerships with Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) in Omaha; Casper College in Casper, Wyoming; and Southeast Community College (SCC) in Lincoln.

Respiratory therapy is a healthcare field that specializes in treating cardiopulmonary disorders. Respiratory therapists work closely with physicians, providers, and nurses to care for patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. High school students, college students, or people looking to make a career change can explore options that allow them to complete their education remotely while working in Regional West’s Respiratory Therapy department.

NMC offers two options: an Associate of Science degree (AS) in Respiratory Care, or a 3+1 dual degree program with Chadron State College (CSC). If students pursue an AS in Respiratory Care, they can choose to complete their third year remotely and work with Regional West’s Respiratory Therapy department. The dual degree program allows students to earn their associate degree in Respiratory Care through NMC and their bachelor’s degree through CSC at the same time while working at Regional West. At the end of the program, graduates will become eligible to take the national boards to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Casper College offers one of two Respiratory Therapy programs in the state of Wyoming. Their AS degree program spans 24 months, including two summer sessions. Students can choose to complete their program online while gaining in-person clinical experience at Regional West.

Over the span of 24 months, students at SCC can take classes online and do their lab and clinical rotations in Regional West’s Respiratory Therapy department. This option is a part-time track that leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

All three schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Regional West Director of Cardiopulmonary Services Sean McCracken, RRT, said these options offer great ways for students to earn their degree and earn a living at the same time.

“This is an exciting opportunity for students who want to stay in the area and become a respiratory therapist,” he said. “Respiratory therapists are in high demand and the profession continues to grow. If you want to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others, you should consider becoming a respiratory therapist.”

Regional West’s respiratory therapy team is staffed 24 hours a day to provide both routine and on-call services for the region’s cardiopulmonary patients. Regional West benefits include health, vision, and dental plans; competitive wages; and a sign-on bonus up to $10,000.

For more information on each school’s remote respiratory care degree programs, visit rwhs.org/careers/remote-respiratory-therapy-programs. To see Regional West’s career opportunities, visit rwhs.org/careers.

About Regional West

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West features an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics. Regional West offers comprehensive and innovative healthcare services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.