Newman University honored 19 nursing and respiratory care graduates at a December 5 pinning ceremony, preparing them for careers in a healthcare workforce facing significant demand across Kansas and nationally.
-- Newman University celebrated 19 healthcare graduates at its December pinning ceremony, recognizing 11 Bachelor of Science in Nursing recipients and eight Associate of Science in Respiratory Care recipients as they transition from students to licensed professionals. The ceremonial pinning, held December 5 in DeMattias Performance Hall, marks a milestone for graduates entering a healthcare workforce facing significant demand across Kansas and nationally.
More information is available at https://newmanu.edu/academics/respiratory-care-wichita
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapy employment is projected to grow 14 percent through 2032. The Kansas Department of Labor predicts a 4.9 percent increase in demand for registered nurses statewide by the same year. These graduates enter a field where qualified candidates remain in short supply, positioning them for immediate career opportunities in regional healthcare systems.
Both programs maintain rigorous accreditation standards that prepare students for professional licensure. The nursing program holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The respiratory care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care under program number 200117. Graduates of the respiratory care program are eligible to sit for registry examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, leading to the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential recognized as the standard of excellence in the field.
Three respiratory care graduates—Jessica Liebst, Haven Sjogren, and Brittany Friend—shared the Outstanding Respiratory Care Graduate Award, selected based on academic excellence, professionalism, and clinical competency as evaluated by faculty and clinical preceptors. A respiratory therapist saved Liebst's daughter's life during an RSV episode, inspiring her to pursue the field. Friend witnessed the impact of respiratory care on a loved one after years working as a medical coder. Katie Metzger received the Distinguished Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduate Award, recognized for leadership and service while simultaneously serving as her grandmother's full-time caregiver for three years and participating actively in campus organizations including the Nursing Student Council Board and Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society.
Dean of the School of Healthcare Professions Tim Cho emphasized the university's commitment to supporting students through their educational journey. Keynote speaker Charity Clark, chief operating officer of McPherson Center for Health and president of the Kansas Respiratory Care Society, encouraged graduates to carry their "light" into healthcare settings, reminding them that their presence brings hope and reassurance to patients in moments of crisis.
Graduates have accepted positions at major Wichita healthcare facilities including Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wesley Medical Center, and Via Christi Home Medical, reflecting the strong demand for Newman-trained professionals in the regional market. Metzger will begin work in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, where she completed her capstone experience. Liebst and Sjogren start roles at Ascension Via Christi Hospital and Wesley Medical Center respectively in January.
For more details, visit https://newmanu.edu/
Contact Info:
Name: Clark Schafer
Email: Send Email
Organization: Newman University
Address: 3100 McCormick , Wichita, Kansas 67213, United States
Website: https://newmanu.edu/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89178445
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