#United States #Kansas City #Concorde Colleges #Respiratory Therapy #Universal Technical

Concorde Career Colleges Expands Respiratory Therapy Education Programs

In a bid to tackle the growing national demand for respiratory therapists, Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare education division under Universal Technical Institute, Inc., is broadening access to its educational programs across multiple campuses. The expansion comes as projections show that employment for respiratory therapists is expected to increase by an astonishing 12% over the next decade, which is more than three times the growth rate anticipated for all other occupations.

Kevin Prehn, President of Concorde Career Colleges, noted, "Our constant pursuit to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals aligns perfectly with our corporate North Star Strategy. By enhancing access to our respiratory therapy programs in high-demand states and rural areas, we are equipping communities with essential healthcare services."

Enrollment Increases at Key Campuses

To address the escalating need for qualified respiratory therapists, Concorde has announced it will increase enrollment in nine of its campuses. Locations in states like California, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas are seeing substantial growth, with demand expected to soar between 20% and 24% over the next few years. Notably, the plan involves the addition of around 160 new students each year, concentrating on clinical areas where healthcare services are in urgent need.

The campuses set to increase enrollment include:

• - California: Garden Grove, North Hollywood, San Bernardino
• - Florida: Miramar, Tampa
• - Texas: Dallas, San Antonio
• - Tennessee: Memphis

Prehn asserted that this increase in enrollment is a strategic move backed by strong partnerships with clinical facilities in these regions. These partnerships enable a robust training environment for the students.

Innovative Collaboration with Local Hospitals

Recognizing that many regions, especially rural areas, lack access to accredited respiratory therapy programs, Concorde has initiated a hospital partnership model to facilitate education in these locations. Launched in July 2023, this initiative has expanded from three hospital systems to 20 across 11 states, offering a unique solution to workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.

Hospitals participating in this program can identify existing employees interested in pursuing respiratory care education. They cover some or all of the education costs. Prehn elaborated, "Our program encompasses all foundational online coursework, while our hospital partners ensure practical training that prepares students for licensure exams. This innovative approach helps close the gap of workforce shortages."

For instance, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System in Northeast Missouri recently joined this initiative, with its employees beginning the respiratory therapy program in July. Suzanne Dewey, Manager of Respiratory Therapy at Hannibal Regional, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "This strategic collaboration not only addresses a critical staffing shortage but also allows us to build our workforce internally."

Dewey highlighted the benefits of nurturing talent within their organization, fostering a sense of teamwork and cultural integration from the very start of their training. "This isn't just an educational initiative; it's a commitment to ensuring the highest quality of care for our community."

Conclusion

Concorde Career Colleges' proactive approach to expanding its respiratory therapy program aligns perfectly with the healthcare industry's trajectory toward increased demand for skilled professionals. With partnerships that enhance training opportunities in underserved regions, Concorde is paving the way for both aspiring therapists and the communities they will serve, ensuring that more patients receive the care they need. As this program continues to grow, it promises to make significant strides in addressing the healthcare workforce crisis.