In an attempt to keep respiratory therapy students in the eastern Kentucky region after graduation and certificate acquisition, Pikeville Medical Center has offered students a $10,000 payment if they agree to work at PMC.
Respiratory Therapy students at Big Sandy Community and Technical College have been given the opportunity to receive a one-time $10,000 payment if they agree to work for Pikeville Medical Center after graduation.
Pikeville Medical Center has offered what they are calling the Respiratory Therapist Education Agreement as a means to keep Kentucky students in the region after graduation. In an interview with Appalachian News-Express, the President and CEO of Pikeville Medical Center Donovan Blackburn explained the program, saying, “Too many times, local students who graduate from postsecondary healthcare-related programs decide to pursue employment outside of our region. By offering this financial incentive to students going into the field of respiratory therapy, Pikeville Medical Center aims to increase our number of licensed respiratory therapists while offering the students a financial boost.”
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers a two-year program for Respiratory Therapy students. The program covers treating and caring for various types of breathing disorders in patients of all ages. Students who sign the Respiratory Therapist Educational Agreement and get their Respiratory Therapy license will jump to the head of the line to be considered for a Respiratory Therapist job at Pikeville Medical Center.
According to their website, Big Sandy Community and Technical College has four campuses in eastern Kentucky and enrolls over 4,700 students across all programs.