Healthcare professional writing notes at desk in clinical setting - respiratory therapy education and workforce development

Data-Driven Expansion to Meet Washington’s Evolving Healthcare Workforce Needs

A Washington community college partnered with Artemis Connection to transition an associate healthcare program into a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, using data and stakeholder insights to address workforce shortages.

88%

of current students expressed interest in a BAS program

Multiple

signed statements of support secured from clinical partners

22-52

BAS-prepared respiratory therapists supplied annually to meet demand

Opportunity

As the final program in Washington State to remain at the associate level, the college faced increasing pressure to modernize its healthcare curriculum. Employers were seeking BAS-prepared professionals with advanced clinical judgment, specialty skills, and leadership capabilities. To justify the transition, the college needed clear, data-backed evidence of workforce demand, student interest, and alignment with accreditation standards drawn from labor market data, employer input, clinical partners, and current and prospective students.

Constraint

Response

Artemis served as a strategic and analytical partner, guiding the institution through a structured, data-driven program expansion process. The team quantified the statewide shortage of BAS-prepared professionals and measured pipeline demand through surveys of current students, alumni, and high school students. Drawing on feedback from clinical site partners and current and former AAS Respiratory Therapy students, the team provided recommendations for advanced BAS competencies aligned with American Association 2030 priorities and employer needs, including specialty preparation, advanced critical care, leadership, and quality improvement. Stakeholder feedback from students, alumni, employers, and clinical partners refined the program while protecting associate-level clinical capacity. Artemis also developed core proposal sections for the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, secured clinical site partner Statements of Support, and outlined master’s pathway options.

Impact

Through partnership with Artemis, the college successfully built a compelling, evidence-based case for program expansion. The new BAS pathway aligned education with workforce needs, strengthened relationships with clinical providers, and created clear advancement opportunities for students. By demonstrating strong demand and addressing the statewide shortage, the institution positioned itself to better serve both learners and the healthcare system.

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