Calhoun showcases Respiratory Therapy Lab with launch of new academic program

Calhoun showcases Respiratory Therapy Lab with launch of new academic program

Published 6:00 am Saturday, November 8, 2025

Calhoun Community College recently opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art Respiratory Therapy Lab, giving the public a first glimpse at the educational setting for the college’s new Respiratory Therapy.

The opening was accompanied by an open house event that showcased the lab at Calhoun’s Huntsville campus, time to coincide with both Respiratory Care Week (October 19–25), as well as the launch of its first Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Respiratory Therapy — an accelerated five-semester program that enrolled its first student cohort in the Fall semester of this year.

The initiative is intended to directly address the north Alabama region’s increasing need for respiratory therapists, alongside an increasing number of patients affected by acute conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and pneumonia.

Calhoun’s Respiratory Therapy program recently earned provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), following a rigorous two-year process that involved curriculum development, lab construction, and collaboration with clinical partners.

“This program is both a solution and an opportunity,” said Wes Rakestraw, Vice President of Academics. “We are preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers while strengthening the healthcare workforce that serves our communities. When our students succeed, our entire region breathes easier.”

Calhoun Director of Clinical Education Emily Russell said in a statement that new program represents a deeply personal and professional achievement. 

“What excites me about Calhoun launching its first Respiratory Therapy Program is the chance to help shape the future of a profession that has meant so much to me personally,” Russell said. “Respiratory therapists play an essential role in patient care, and by establishing this program at Calhoun, we are not only preparing the next generation of therapists but also directly serving the needs of our community.”

The Respiratory Therapy program at Calhoun was conceived to respond directly to those needs. Developed in partnership with more than 20 local healthcare employers, the curriculum prepares students for high-demand careers in respiratory care. The college also announced plans to expand and renovate additional space at its Huntsville campus to build an even larger lab, further enhancing hands-on training opportunities with industry-standard equipment and real-world simulations.

“This program represents a major step forward in meeting the urgent need for trained respiratory therapy professionals throughout our region,” said Christy Goodwin, Respiratory Therapy Program Director — who alongside Russell holds an Asthma Educator-Certified (AE-C) credential. “Our graduates will help people breathe easier, literally. From asthma and COPD to allergy season and critical care, respiratory therapists save lives every day.”