UW Health, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and Madison College announced in a recent press release that they have partnered to create the nation’s first respiratory therapist registered apprenticeship.
The three-year program is currently open to UW Health staff, who can submit applications starting April 1. Graduates will earn an associate degree and can become licensed registered respiratory therapists after passing board examinations.
Madison College faculty will provide all the classroom instruction, including prerequisite coursework and core respiratory therapy-specific courses in this apprenticeship program.
All tuition, books and supplies, as well as full-time salaries and benefits for the apprentices will be supported by UW Health. The program will also provide holistic academic, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and community support.
The first respiratory therapy registered apprenticeship group will consist of five people. Apprentices will work as respiratory therapist assistants for the first 12 months of the program and as student respiratory therapists for the last 24 months.
After graduating and passing the board examination, the apprentices will transition into respiratory therapy positions at UW Health.
