Barton Community College has announced a new partnership with Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) to expand access to respiratory care education and help meet a critical workforce need in central Kansas.

The two institutions recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creating a clear pathway for Barton students to enter the respiratory care field. Students will complete their general education requirements at Barton before transitioning into HutchCC’s Respiratory Care Program.

Barton’s Dean of Workforce Training & Community Education Dr. Kathy Kottas said the initiative was sparked by conversations with healthcare providers across Barton’s nine-hospital service area. Many reported a large portion of their respiratory care staff nearing retirement and expressed an urgent need

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