Through our partnership with Vermont State University and the Community College of Vermont, our RT Pathway Program allows full-time employees of partners within the UVM Health Network to continue earning full-time wages and benefits while studying to complete their Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree and earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Respiratory therapists deliver care that helps people manage a wide range of breathing problems caused by disease, accident or illness. These professionals provide care whenever and wherever breathing is an issue. They work in hospitals or other acute care settings, or are employed in clinics, physicians’ offices, or skilled nursing facilities.
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Offered in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU) and the Community College of Vermont (CCV), the Respiratory Therapy RT Pathway Program offers full-time employees of a University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) Partner the opportunity to further their health care career while continuing to earn a full-time salary.
In year one, students will complete their pre-requisite courses through CCV while continuing to work in their full-time role. They will also apply to VTSU’s Respiratory Therapy program for admission in the subsequent academic year.
During years two and three, students admitted into VTSU’s Respiratory Therapy program will begin their academic journey in a comprehensive curriculum that includes classroom learning, labs and hands-on clinical rotations within the UVM Health Network. Additionally, in years two and three, participants will work reduced hours in their current positions at UVM Health Network partner sites.
Upon completing Vermont State University’s 67-credit Associate of Science program, graduates will be prepared to earn the RRT credential, obtain state licensure and work as a respiratory therapist at one of our health care partner sites across Vermont and northern New York.
Participation requires full-time commitment across four semesters at Vermont State University, as well as an internship during the summer semester. Classes take place at Vermont State University’s Williston campus. Virtual learning options may be available.
Program participants will begin their pre-requisite year through CCV in Fall 2024, with subsequent application to VTSU’s Respiratory Therapy (RT) program for Fall 2025.
Year 1 – While taking pre-requisites at CCV, students will work their full-time scheduled hours. Students will coordinate with their managers to flex their regular schedule to allow them to attend class as needed.
Years 2 & 3 – While enrolled in the RT program at VTSU, students will work their regular job for 24 hours per week. Students will receive pay for an additional 12 hours per week to allow time for classwork, lab/clinical instruction, and studying.
Year 1 – Students will not need to take out any loans. The UVM Health Network (UVMHN) prepays for tuition, fees, and textbooks. If a student does not complete their pre-requisite courses, not to apply to VTSU’s RT program, or leaves employment at their respective partner, they will be responsible for these costs.
Years 2 & 3 – Students are responsible for paying all tuition and fees. For graduates who commit to working at their UVMHN partner site for three years, the UVMHN will begin reimbursing tuition costs one year after graduation.
Being a full-time employee at a partner within the UVM Health Network is a requirement for application and enrollment. To be eligible for the program you’ll need to be hired as a full-time employee in any department at any partner.
Call 800-722-9922 and choose option 3 to talk with one of our talent acquisition partners about full-time job opportunities within the UVM Health Network.
In order to be eligible, you need to be a working a full-time employee at a UVMHN partner.
Possibly, depending on the timeframe and your grades. VTSU will review the courses and grades on your transcript to determine whether they meet the requirements for this program.
Possibly, if there are available seats within the UVMHN RT Pathway cohort. Please complete the RT Pathway application process and your application will be reviewed accordingly.
For courses taken prior to enrollment, VTSU will review the courses and grades on your transcript to determine whether they meet the requirements for this program.
Please contact: Megan Foster, Workforce Development Program Manager – megan.foster@uvmhealth.org (link opens in a new window)
Please complete the below form and a member of our team will be in touch.
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