Snow College is set to address a critical healthcare need in central Utah by developing a new respiratory therapy program, thanks to a significant grant from Talent Ready Utah. The program will receive an initial funding boost of nearly $250,000, which will be used to establish a state-of-the-art respiratory therapy lab equipped to train students in diagnosing and treating respiratory disorders. In addition to this initial grant, the program will receive ongoing support of $150,000 annually to ensure its growth and sustainability.

The creation of the respiratory care program at Snow College comes in response to concerns raised by local hospital leaders. Central Utah hospitals have been facing challenges in filling both new and replacement positions for respiratory therapists, a situation expected to worsen as many current therapists near retirement within the next five years. Without a dedicated training program, the region could face a significant shortage of respiratory care professionals, potentially leading to a healthcare crisis.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Snow College leadership began exploring ways to develop a program that would meet the needs of the community. Their search led them to the Talent Ready Utah grant, an initiative designed to foster collaboration between industry and education to build a skilled workforce for in-demand jobs.

Snow College Provost Michael Austin expressed his enthusiasm upon learning that the college’s grant proposal was accepted and fully funded. “This grant is a testament to the strong partnerships that Snow College has cultivated with local hospitals. It directly addresses a looming shortage of respiratory care professionals in our region and will provide local students with the opportunity to pursue rewarding, high-paying careers without having to leave central Utah,” said Austin.

The college plans to begin preparations for the new respiratory therapy program immediately, with the first cohort of students expected to start in early 2026. This program will not only serve the healthcare needs of the community but will also offer students a pathway to a vital and stable career in a growing field.

For more information about the new respiratory therapy program, interested parties can contact Provost Michael Austin at michael.austin@snow.edu or by phone at 435-283-7300.

About Snow College

Founded in 1888 by Utah pioneers, Snow College is a two-year institution with campuses in Ephraim and Richfield, Utah, and a learning center in Nephi. The college serves over 5,000 students and is dedicated to helping students graduate debt-free, gain valuable experience, and develop a clear plan for their future. Snow College offers an affordable and personalized educational environment, providing students with numerous opportunities to discover their potential. To learn more about what Snow College has to offer, visit http://www.snow.edu.