Reynolds strengthens Respiratory Therapy pipeline through new Mary Washington Healthcare partnership

Reynolds Community College is strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce through an expanded partnership with Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC), creating a seamless and innovative pathway for students pursuing careers in respiratory therapy.

Designed to increase access and meet growing regional demand, the collaborative program connects the strengths of Reynolds Community College, Germanna Community College, and MWHC. Students begin their journey by earning the Health Professions Preparation certificate at Germanna. They then transition to Reynolds to complete the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy.

Students based in the Germanna service area complete their Reynolds coursework through real-time virtual instruction, learning alongside Richmond-based classmates. Through this synchronous model, students participate in lectures and skills lab rotations as one unified cohort, regardless of location. The structure ensures academic consistency while providing flexibility and expanded access for students in the Fredericksburg region.

After building foundational knowledge and technical skills through Reynolds, students apply what they have learned in hands-on clinical experiences at Mary Washington Healthcare facilities. The newest cohort has now begun its second semester of in-person instruction and clinical training, marking an important milestone in the program’s expanded partnership.

Reynolds delivers the academic instruction online, while MWHC provides immersive, in-person clinical training. Together, the institutions ensure students graduate with both the theoretical understanding and practical experience required to succeed as respiratory therapists.

“This partnership strengthens the pipeline of highly skilled respiratory therapists in the Fredericksburg region,” said Patricia P. Lawson, Ph.D., R.N., dean of the School of Health Professions at Reynolds. “Students receive a high-quality education close to home while preparing for essential roles in patient care.”

Respiratory therapists play a critical role on healthcare teams, providing life-saving treatment to patients experiencing breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. Through training on modern equipment and direct mentorship from experienced respiratory therapists and clinical educators at MWHC, students gain the confidence and competence necessary to deliver critical respiratory care in hospitals and other medical settings.

Alicia Jones, respiratory therapy distance education coordinator at Reynolds, said the addition of Mary Washington Healthcare significantly enhances students’ access to hands-on training while keeping them rooted in their communities.

“Students can learn and work in the communities they call home, positioning them to serve those communities after graduation,” Jones said.

The program’s design reflects a shared commitment among the partner institutions to reduce barriers to healthcare education. By allowing students to begin at Germanna, complete advanced coursework through Reynolds, and gain clinical experience at MWHC, the pathway eliminates the need for relocation while maintaining high academic and professional standards.

This collaborative model not only supports student success but also addresses workforce shortages in the Fredericksburg region. By aligning education with employer needs and providing clinical training within a leading regional health system, the partnership helps ensure a steady pipeline of well-prepared respiratory therapists ready to enter the field.

As the newest cohort progresses through its second semester of clinical and in-person instruction, Reynolds continues to demonstrate its commitment to accessible, high-quality programs that respond directly to community and industry demand.

Prospective students, healthcare professionals, and community members are encouraged to learn more about the Respiratory Therapy AAS program and the opportunities made possible through the partnership with Germanna Community College and Mary Washington Healthcare.

For more information on our Respiratory Therapy Program, visit our website.