猫咪社区APP Student Finds Purpose and Growth in Respiratory Therapy
Jinelle Fromme鈥檚 passion for a health care career grew out of personal and formative experiences.
Diagnosed with asthma and Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) as a child, she became fascinated with the respiratory system and was inspired by the kind professionals who helped her. Her family鈥檚 struggles with asthma further deepened her connection to respiratory care. A pivotal moment came when, as a science camp counselor, Jinelle helped a child experiencing an asthma attack, advocating for the child鈥檚 care when others were unsure how to respond.
鈥淏eing in the hospital growing up and being surrounded by such kind people, especially the respiratory therapists, they were always the nicest,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y asthma and VCD, my family鈥檚 asthma and helping that child made me want to be that person who saves someone鈥檚 day.鈥�
That passion led her to Laramie County Community College鈥檚 Respiratory Therapy Program on the Cheyenne campus. Jinelle, born in Kansas and later moving to Northern California, is part of the program鈥檚 first cohort, marking the beginning of a new era in the Health Sciences & Wellness Pathway at 猫咪社区APP.
Respiratory therapists (RTs) play a critical role in health care, a role highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. RTs work across various settings and are essential throughout a patient鈥檚 life, significantly improving the quality of life within communities.
鈥淭he first thing you do in life is breathe, and the last thing you do in life is breathe; a respiratory therapist is there for every breath in between,鈥� said Lori Arnold, 猫咪社区APP鈥檚 Respiratory Therapy Program director. 鈥淭here is an RT behind the operation of every ventilator, a life support system that breathes for someone who can鈥檛 breathe. RTs are an integral part of the health care team.鈥�
Students in the Respiratory Therapy Program learn to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients with breathing problems and lung disorders, as well as manage life-saving equipment like ventilators. Launched in Fall 2024 with 13 students, the program addresses the growing need for respiratory therapists in southeast Wyoming and neighboring states like Nebraska and Colorado, where it can take months to fill full-time RT positions. Students complete over 900 hours of hands-on clinical experience with 猫咪社区APP鈥檚 partners across Wyoming, Northern Colorado and Nebraska, gaining real-world skills and the opportunity to be evaluated for potential hiring by these clinical sites.
猫咪社区APP鈥檚 Respiratory Therapy Program holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), allowing it to admit students and be recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification and registry exams, which can lead to earning the credentials of Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), as well as obtaining state licensure as a Respiratory Therapist.
Crucial funding for the program came from the Wyoming Works Program, along with financial support from Cheyenne Regional Medical
Center. The program is off to a great start, Lori said, benefiting from the extensive experience of Lori and Clinical Coordinator Krista Young, who together bring over six decades of expertise in respiratory therapy.
鈥淲hen I started this journey over two years ago, I never dreamed I would have this opportunity to educate the next generation of respiratory therapists,鈥� Lori said.
Jinelle first heard about 猫咪社区APP from a high school teacher who highlighted the college鈥檚 health care programs. A family trip from California to Kansas brought her near Cheyenne, prompting a campus visit where she toured the facilities, met Lori, and connected with the Health Sciences & Wellness Pathway team. She quickly knew she wanted to be part of the new respiratory therapy program.
鈥淚 fell in love with the campus, the people and the teachers,鈥� she said. 鈥淢eeting Lori and seeing the program鈥檚 opportunities was really eye-opening, and I knew I was going to be in a good place with her teaching style.鈥�
Now enrolled and immersed in the program, Jinelle appreciates its rigorous academic training and real-world application. She completes clinical rotations in settings like intensive care units and emergency rooms, preparing her for the fast-paced environments where RTs work. The variety of patients and departments excites her most.
鈥淚 love the fast pace of it all, and how you can be everywhere in the hospital and help anybody,鈥� she said.
The program benefits from 猫咪社区APP鈥檚 strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers and a curriculum designed in consultation with industry experts. With national and regional demand for respiratory therapists growing, especially as many RTs reach retirement age, the program aims to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation.
Living in 猫咪社区APP鈥檚 dorms, Jinelle enjoys the vibrant campus community, participating in clubs and events that make her feel connected. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really nice to be part of everything,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he dorms, clubs and events create a welcoming environment, and I love being here all the time, seeing all these things and being a part of what鈥檚 going on.鈥�
As one of the first students in the program, Jinelle feels proud to be part of something new - and excited to grow into a role where she can help people the same way respiratory therapists once helped her.