LUKE MULLINS
Graduate, Mountain Empire Community College

Samuel “Luke” Mullins graduated from MECC’s Respiratory Therapy program in December, 2006 and passed his national credentialing examinations in January, 2007. He is currently employed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at Norton Community Hospital and is continuing his education at East Tennessee State University to receive his bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy. “The Respiratory Therapy program provided me an opportunity to enter the workforce with a dynamic and rewarding career that provides many future options,” states Luke.

Respiratory therapists have job opportunities in hospitals, home care, rehabilitation agencies, nursing homes, emergency transport teams, sleep centers, pulmonary function laboratories, outpatient clinics, and physician offices. The respiratory therapist sees a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatric patients to adults and the elderly.

Job opportunities are very good in this area and nationwide. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects “employment of respiratory therapists to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.” In 2005, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national average annual earning of respiratory therapists was $46,270 and Virginia had an average annual earning of $48,160.

The Respiratory Therapy program is currently accepting applications. This five-semester, 18 month program begins a new class of students each June.