SWAG�ϼ�

August 13, 2025
Story and photos by Maggie Harris

SWAG�ϼ� 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 SWAG�ϼ� students to enter the respiratory care field. Students will complete their general education requirements at SWAG�ϼ� before transitioning into HutchCC’s Respiratory Care Program.

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

“Starting a new program to quickly address the problem was not feasible, so we had to be innovative and creative and look for ways that we can help the hospitals in our area,” she said. “We actually have nine hospitals in our service area, and everyone that we talked with was in need of respiratory therapists.”

SWAG�ϼ� President Dr. Marcus Garstecki emphasized the strengths community colleges bring to partnerships like this.

“One thing we know about community colleges is how flexible we are, how adaptable we are, and how quickly we can meet the needs of our industry partners and our students,” he said. “Through collaboration, openness, and a willingness to find creative solutions, this partnership became a reality.”

HutchCC President Dr. Tricia Paramore also highlighted the cooperative nature of Kansas community colleges and their shared role in serving the local workforce.

“Hutchinson Community College and SWAG�ϼ� are dedicated to serving the workforce needs of our local communities and throughout the state,” she��said. “When we look at healthcare, there is an obvious need for a variety of different positions in the area, and we are absolutely dedicated to serving that need with a skilled workforce.”

SWAG�ϼ� leadership views the partnership as another way the College is fulfilling its mission to provide affordable, accessible, and relevant education while supporting the economic and healthcare needs of the region.

For more information about the Respiratory Care pathway, visit ��or contact SWAG�ϼ�’s Admissions office at (620) 792-2701.