Respiratory Therapy (RT) Pathway Program

Respiratory Therapist (RT) Pathway Program at the University of Vermont Health Network

Ready to further your education?

Through our partnership with Vermont State University, 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.

What does a Respiratory Therapist do?

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.

Next Cohort - Important Dates

  • UVMHN Pathway Program Application Deadline: April 1st of each calendar year
  • Cohort Selected: by May 1st of each calendar year
  • VTSU Classes Begin: August of each calendar year

How to Apply: VTSU

  1. Apply to VTSU at Vermont State University (link opens in a new window)
    • Apply to the Respiratory Therapy program (if you meet all pre-requisite requirements)
  2. Apply for financial aid

How to Apply: RT Pathway Program

Application Deadline – April 1st of each calendar year

Please have ready the following items to upload with your application:

  • Cover letter
  • Résumé
  • Two letters of reference, inclusive of written confirmation from current department leader of ability to support the employee and their schedule during the duration of the program
  • Vermont State University RT program Acceptance Letter
Click here to complete the application no later than April 1st.

Eligibility Requirements:

All candidates must:

  • Currently work at least 72 scheduled hours per pay period at a partner site within the UVM Health Network (part-time/per diem employees are not eligible).
  • Be in good standing with no corrective actions above a counseling level.
  • Have earned or obtain a high school diploma or GED by July 1st (prior to VTSU academic program year).

Program Details

Offered in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU), the Respiratory Therapy Pathway Program offers full-time employees of a University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) Partner the opportunity to further their health care careers while continuing to earn a full-time salary.

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, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the next Cohort begin?

Program participants will apply to VTSU’s Respiratory Therapy (RT) program for Fall semester admission. The two-year program admits students annually, and participants are eligible to apply for the year in which they are eligible.

How many work hours are required during the program?

Year 1 – 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 2 – Class and clinical hour requirements will increase in year two. Students in this academic year will adjust their work hours to 32 working hours per pay period, receiving 40 paid study hours per pay period.

How does tuition reimbursement work?

Students are responsible for paying all out-of-pocket expenses, related tuition and fees, and books/supplies. 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.

What if I’m not an employee within the UVM Health Network? Can I still apply?

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.

Interested in joining our team?

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.

What if I’m per diem or part-time? Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you need to be a working a full-time employee at a UVMHN partner.

What pre-requisite courses are required for this program?

Students applying to Vermont State University’s Respiratory Therapy program must have successfully completed Anatomy & Physiology I and II to apply. Please visit VTSU’s website for a complete listing of application eligibility requirements and criteria.

I’ve taken pre-requisites in the past. Do I need to retake those courses?

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.

I’ve started RT school in the past, but did not finish. Do I need to start over?

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.

Questions?

Please contact: Megan Foster, Workforce Development Program Manager – megan.foster@uvmhealth.org (link opens in a new window)

RT Pathway Program Application
(all required)

Please complete the below form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Formats accepted: .pdf / .doc / .docx / .txt / .jpg / .jpeg / .png
1 Internal reference from Direct Supervisor (i.e. Manager or Director) with confirmation of departmental ability to support employee during completion of program
1 Additional reference (non-family) who can speak to your desire to enter Respiratory Therapy and ability to be successful in our program

By submitting information, you are not officially applying to a position at this time, and you authorize The University of Vermont Health Network to contact you via phone, email, and text messaging.

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