WILBURTON, Oklahoma – Eastern Oklahoma State College has transitioned its respiratory therapy program to a hybrid-online format, becoming one of only three colleges in Oklahoma to offer the program in this format. The revised program will be available to students beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.

The program recently received provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, allowing Eastern to begin offering the revised hybrid-online format.

The hybrid-online model allows students to complete academic coursework remotely while participating in required laboratory instruction and supervised clinical experiences. The format expands access to respiratory therapy education for students across southeast Oklahoma and surrounding areas while maintaining the hands-on training required to prepare graduates for careers in respiratory care.

Eastern's revised program helps prepare graduates to enter a high-demand profession while strengthening the healthcare workforce in the communities the college serves.

The program is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge, clinical skills and professional behaviors expected of entry-level registered respiratory therapists. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to take the credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, an important step toward professional licensure.

"Transitioning to a hybrid-online format allows Eastern to expand access to respiratory therapy education while continuing to provide the high-quality instruction and clinical training our students need to succeed," said John Spradling, vice president for Academic Affairs at Eastern. "This revised program creates additional opportunities for students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare while helping address the growing demand for qualified respiratory therapists throughout Oklahoma, particularly in rural communities."

Students interested in the respiratory therapy program must first be admitted to Eastern before applying to the program.

Individuals interested in learning more about Eastern's hybrid-online respiratory therapy program or the application process may contact the recruitment office at 918-465-1822 or visit the respiratory therapy webpage at eosc.edu/rt.