ϳԹ Celebrates First Bachelor's Degree (in Respiratory Care)

March 09, 2026

ϳԹ (ϳԹ) is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever bachelor’s degree program, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Care, marking a significant milestone in the College’s history. This new program, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled health care professionals, will be available to students this fall.

Ribbon Cutting
From left: Trustee Gwen Van Asselt, Patrice Johnson, Clint Johnson, Dr. Tammy Robinson, Trustee Jermaine Reed, Dr. Tyjaun Lee, Dr. Kimberly Beatty, ϳԹ Chancellor

Respiratory Care Program Lab Equipment Students will use the latest technology to learn how to adminster respiratory care on adult, pediatric and NICU patients.

Student working with Respiratory Care program lab equipment



“ϳԹ’s new Respiratory Care program is not just about earning a degree; it’s about empowering students with the qualifications and experience needed to thrive in one of the fastest-growing fields in health care,” said Dr. Kimberly Beatty, ϳԹ Chancellor. “Graduates will enter a profession with excellent career prospects, thanks to a curriculum combining academics with hands-on training in ϳԹ's state-of-the-art facilities.” 
 
The new Respiratory Care Program suite is housed within ϳԹ-Penn Valley’s Health Science Institute, which includes a 10,000-square-foot accredited health care simulation center. There, students will receive hands-on experience with advanced industry equipment used in today’s modern hospitals, including ventilators, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), percussion therapy, and more. This unique learning environment is designed to provide students with the tools and experience they need to excel in their careers.

The program’s launch is supported by health care institutions committed to improving health care education and advancing patient care. ϳԹ extends special thanks to the following health care partners for their collaboration in designing and implementing the program: 

  • Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics
  • HCA Midwest Health
  • Kansas City VA Medical Center
  • Liberty Hospital
  • North Kansas City Hospital
  • Research Medical Center
  • Saint Luke's Hospitals of Kansas City
  • University Health Medical Center
  • University of Kansas Medical Center 

Additionally, ϳԹ plans to introduce an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care, offering students additional options for educational advancement. ϳԹ is actively working to provide a degree advancement pathway, as we have been encouraged by both HLC and CoARC to develop an option for currently registered respiratory therapists to return to ϳԹ and complete their bachelor’s degree. 

For more information on ϳԹ’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Respiratory Care, visit mcckc.edu /RespiratoryCare