Blaine Allen left his shift with fatigue in his bones and a full box in his hands. With the donated hospital equipment from Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) loaded, he drove directly to COTC for the delivery — and his morning classes. It’s a routine he followed frequently on his journey toward a respiratory therapy technology degree.

Along the way, he watched his employer help establish the college’s newest healthcare program.

“COTC is vital for creating the local workforce that LMHS needs,” said Allen, who worked full time at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) during his time here. “That’s why they’re so willing to assist with the development of this program. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”

The pandemic pushed demand for respiratory therapists (RTs) into overdrive. At that time, Allen worked as a transporter at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s, accompanying RTs all over the hospital.

“I liked how they assessed patients so in depth and saw a huge variety of people every day,” the Newark native said. But he sensed an air of concern within their field. “There’s a massive shortage of RTs,” Allen revealed.

COTC was keen to that issue too. So in early 2023, the college contacted Tyler Richards, DHA, RRT, RCP, a veteran RT at LMH who for a decade also designed and refined healthcare education curricula.

“LMHS definitely made a big push for this program as well,” he said. “Everyone really bought in.”

Richards joined COTC as its first respiratory therapy technology program director. He hired Wesley Bender, RRT, RCP, a longtime RT and lovable teacher, as the program’s director of clinical education. Together, they spearheaded a speedy accreditation process. Richards worked with his LMH colleagues to collect donated lab equipment.

“That’s our first resource any time we need something,” Bender mentioned. “The next day, whatever we need appears.”

The collaboration appears to have paid off. In autumn 2024, COTC’s respiratory therapy technology program took its first breath. Nine students, including Allen, comprised its inaugural cohort. Through five formative semesters, they mastered advanced cardiac life support. They studied pharmacology, learning how to administer medication. They experienced working in numerous hospitals through their clinical placements, of which they voted LMH their definitive favorite.

Moreover, they developed confidence, a culture and a clear path for 21 more students to complete the program in 2027. The cohort after that, which began autumn 2026, is at full capacity.

“Nobody projected such growth this quickly,” Richards remarked. And he knows exactly where to project his appreciation.

I don’t think this program could exist without the support of Licking Memorial Health Systems.

Its personnel personified that support at respiratory therapy’s first pinning ceremony. There, Allen — one of three recent graduates who received licensed RT roles at LMH — watched the organization’s leadership, his boss and several coworkers crowd the auditorium. They applauded as he crossed the stage and the threshold between student and healthcare professional. Brick by brick, box by box, LMHS has helped build and breathe life into this new opportunity for future RTs.

“Their partnership with COTC,” Allen said, “is incredibly important to this community.”