Great Basin College (GBC) and Renown Health have announced the launch of an accelerated 18-month Respiratory Therapist Training Program in Elko, Winnemucca, and Reno. This initiative aims to train respiratory therapists as part of healthcare teams to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions that affect lung and breathing function.
Funded by grants from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and the Health Resources and Services Administration, GBC will offer this unique program to support several rural northern Nevada communities. The program leads emphasize its potential value to both the community and the healthcare system.
“Great Basin College is thrilled to join forces with Renown Health to launch this new program and be a critical contributor to advancing the respiratory care profession for our community,” stated Interim GBC President Dr. Amber Donnelli.
The program culminates in an Associate of Applied Science in Cardio-Respiratory Care Science degree. It features advanced training equipment and provides real-world experience for students. Classes will be held at GBC campuses in Elko and Winnemucca, as well as at Renown Health in Reno. Applications open in June with a deadline of October 31, 2024, and courses are set to begin in Spring 2025.
“Investing in the training of new respiratory therapists is crucial to meeting Renown’s mission of providing essential services for our community,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, CEO & President of Renown Health. “These professionals help patients manage respiratory conditions, making a significant difference in their lives.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists is projected to grow by 13 percent from 2022 to 2032. Recognizing this growth potential, GBC has worked diligently to bring this opportunity to Nevada’s healthcare workforce.
“This vital program will support our health care systems through innovative teaching strategies geared towards developing the highest caliber respiratory therapist,” remarked Jason Farnsworth, GBC Respiratory Therapy Program Director and Director of Respiratory Care Services at Renown Health.
The program is currently seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), with a decision expected around November 2024.
Great Basin College offers associate and baccalaureate level education across various fields, serving over 4,000 students annually from across the country both online and at multiple campuses throughout Nevada.
Renown Health is a locally governed not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northern California with more than 7,500 employees.
