Calhoun Community College in Huntsville is taking a major step to combat North Alabama’s growing respiratory health needs. Their new 18-month program offers students hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art respiratory therapy lab, and in weekly local clinicals.

The program director emphasized the critical need for respiratory therapists in the region.

"They’re much needed in healthcare, like many of the healthcare fields there aren’t enough of them," Christy Goodwin said.

First-semester student Gabrielle McCovery expressed her enthusiasm for the program.

“It’s bigger than just doing the breathing treatments," McCovery said. "It’s cool to be able to say that hopefully one day I will be able to do that."

The accredited program was developed with more than 20 local healthcare employers

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