Growing up in Montana City, Montana, Kennedy West (’21) knew she wanted to enter the medical field, and jumped at the chance to attend Boise State University.
“Being a first-generation college student, I have gotten the opportunity that my parents didn’t: the opportunity at an education,” she said.
When she attended an open house for the Respiratory Care program in the College of Health Sciences, West was excited about what the course offered — and where it could take her — so she chose to major in Respiratory Therapy.
One of the top programs of its kind in the nation, Respiratory Care engages students in hands-on learning to develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to work competently as registry-eligible respiratory therapists. In fact, graduates are eligible to sit for the examination of the National Board for Respiratory Care, though they often go on to pursue further studies, teach, work in hospital and private settings, and much more.
A degree in Respiratory Care makes graduates eligible to fill critically needed roles throughout the healthcare sector, and to advance their career. Boise State’s mission is to make educational opportunities available to anyone regardless of their ability to pay, but for many, including West, scholarships put that education within reach.
“I decided to go to school out of state to better my education,” she said. “I have had to take out loans to pay for school. With this scholarship, there was less of a financial burden. It gave me the opportunity to continue my education and grow my passion.”
The Online Respiratory Care Scholarship and Respiratory Care Alumni and Friends Scholarship are two ways our Bronco community can support students like West — students intending to go into high-impact careers in the medical field. Together, Boise State, alumni and loyal supporters can ensure our Respiratory Care program continues to be a shining example of excellence and innovation at the university.
“With learning in the classroom and online, we’re touching the lives of more students than ever before with affordable, accessible and relevant curricula to support their educational needs,” said Respiratory Care Department Chair Megan Koster. “The generous gifts from donors and the engagement of our “Bronchi” community have strengthened the Respiratory Care program at Boise State, and will help us hold our momentum and make us a leader in respiratory therapy and related fields.”
Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor all gifts to Respiratory Care scholarships will be matched 1:1 up to a total of $10,000! Give today and double your impact!
Become a donor to support respiratory care scholarships at Boise State.
