Snow College to Develop Respiratory Therapy Program

The program will be made possible through a Talent Ready Utah grant

August 13, 2024 – EPHRAIM, UT – Snow College is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Talent Ready Utah for the development of a respiratory therapy program. The initial funding of nearly $250,000 will facilitate the construction of a respiratory therapy lab with a full range of equipment for studying respiratory disorders. Ongoing funding of $150,000 per year will ensure the future of the program as it grows and develops.

Snow developed the proposal for a Respiratory Care program at the urging of area hospital leaders. They explained that central Utah hospitals are struggling to fill new and replacement positions for respiratory therapists, and many current respiratory therapists are set to retire in the next five years. Without a way to train new therapists, the area will face a crisis for this critical area of healthcare.

As Snow College leadership began looking for a way to fill this critical need in the community, they became aware of the Talent Ready Utah grant. Talent Ready Utah aims to increase coordination between industry and education to prepare a skilled workforce to fill in-demand jobs.

Snow College Provost Michael Austin was thrilled to learn that the grant proposal was accepted and fully funded. He said, “This grant grows out of the close partnerships that Snow College has with our local hospitals. It addresses a critical shortage of respiratory care professionals in our region, and it will prepare dozens of local students for rewarding, high-paying careers that they can pursue without leaving central Utah."

Preparation for the new program will begin immediately. The program is anticipated to be ready to start with its first cohort in early 2026. For more information about this new program, please contact Provost Michael Austin at ude.wons@nitsua.leahcim or 435.283.7300.

About Snow College

Snow College, founded in 1888 by Utah pioneers, is a two-year college with campuses located in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah, and a learning center in Nephi, Utah. Serving more than 5,000 students, the college is committed to helping students graduate debt-free, gain resume-worthy experience, and develop a plan for the future. The affordable price and personalized environment full of opportunities allow students who find Snow College to find themselves. Learn more about all Snow College has to offer online at snow.edu.