Cameron respiratory therapy program expands to meet growing demand

Cameron University's respiratory therapy program continues to grow in response to increasing student interest and workforce demand across southwest Oklahoma.

Beginning with the upcoming group of enrollees, the program will expand from 12 students to 16, creating additional opportunities for those pursuing careers in respiratory care while helping address the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region.

Although an increase of four students may appear modest, expanding enrollment in a healthcare program requires thoughtful planning, collaboration, and significant institutional support to ensure educational quality remains strong, said Dr. Brandon Kuehne, who directs CU's respiratory care program.

This expansion should be seen as significant in other ways, he noted.

"It was just three years ago that interest in the respiratory program was almost nonexistent," Kuehne said. "The pipeline had dwindled to two students … and then interest in respiratory therapy exploded. As of now, we have more than 40 students interested in the major."

One of the major contributors to the program's recent growth has been its relocation to Cameron University's main campus in Lawton. Since the move, visibility of the respiratory therapy program has increased among prospective students and awareness of the profession has grown.

Respiratory program administrators have seen a noticeable rise in student applications, program inquiries, campus visits from prospects and interest from students exploring healthcare careers.

The move to CU's main campus has enabled the program to become more integrated into the broader university community and more accessible to students considering healthcare education opportunities. At the same time student interest has grown, healthcare employers throughout the region continue to face workforce shortages in respiratory care.

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in caring for patients with breathing disorders, trauma, chronic lung disease, advanced life support device management, neonatal complications, and critical care needs. Hospitals continue to seek highly trained and licensed professionals who can step into these demanding roles.

Healthcare leaders throughout southwest Oklahoma have overwhelmingly communicated the need for additional graduates entering the workforce, validating the need for program expansion, Kuehne said.

A key component in making this expansion possible has been the development of a new partnership with Memorial Healthcare System of Southwest Oklahoma. Through this partnership, Memorial Healthcare System has provided financial support to assist with program growth and help strengthen the pipeline of future respiratory therapists in the region.

"This investment reflects a shared commitment between Cameron and regional healthcare providers to address workforce shortages and ensure patients continue receiving high-quality respiratory care services close to home," Kuehne said. "The partnership also strengthens clinical training opportunities for students by expanding collaboration between the university and local healthcare providers."

Respiratory therapy programs are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and any enrollment increase requires careful review of accreditation standards.

To move from 12 to 16 students, Cameron completed the necessary planning to demonstrate the university had adequate faculty support, sufficient laboratory resources, appropriate classroom space, clinical placement capacity, and the services available to continue to support students.

Maintaining compliance with CoARC standards ensures that program growth does not compromise educational quality. Clinical education remains a critical part of respiratory therapy training. Students gain hands-on experience in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments and specialty care areas. Program leaders worked closely with clinical affiliates to ensure they could support additional students while maintaining high-quality educational experiences.

The expansion from 12 to 16 students represents more than increased enrollment - it reflects Cameron's commitment to meeting regional workforce needs, supporting student success, and strengthening healthcare access throughout southwest Oklahoma, said Dr. Lance Janda, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

"With growing student interest, strong employer partnerships, and continued institutional support, Cameron University's Respiratory Therapy Program is positioned to continue preparing highly skilled respiratory therapists for years to come," Janda said. "As healthcare needs continue to evolve, Cameron remains committed to creating opportunities for students while serving the communities that depend on well-trained healthcare professionals every day."

To find out more about CU's respiratory care program and the career opportunities it provides, contact Kuehne at 614-302-6509 or by email at [email protected].

PR#26-060