Mary Washington Healthcare Welcomes New Cohort of Reynolds Community College Respiratory Therapy Students

Partnership Expands Respiratory Therapy Workforce and Opens New Pathways for Healthcare Education in the Region

Fredericksburg, VA, (February 12, 2026) – Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) is proud to announce the arrival of the newest cohort of Reynolds Community College Respiratory Therapy students, who have begun their second semester of training in the state-of-the-art Simulation Lab at Mary Washington Hospital.

This growing partnership between Mary Washington Healthcare and Reynolds Community College plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s respiratory therapy workforce. By combining high-quality online classroom instruction from Reynolds with immersive, hands-on clinical and simulation experiences at MWHC, students gain the skills and confidence needed to support patients across a wide range of respiratory care needs.

“Investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals is central to our mission,” said Carrie Ludwig, BS, RRT, Director of Respiratory Care Services, Sleep and Wake Disorder Center and Neurodiagnostics, Mary Washington Healthcare. “This collaboration ensures aspiring respiratory therapists in our region can access exceptional education close to home while preparing to enter a critically important field.”

“Partnering with Mary Washington Hospital extends the Respiratory Care Program into a broader service area while increasing awareness of the respiratory care profession,” said Alicia Jones, MSHA, RRT, Respiratory Therapy Distance Education Coordinator, Reynolds Community College.

Through this joint program, students benefit from:

• Clinical rotations and simulation experiences within MWHC facilities
• Direct mentorship from experienced respiratory therapists and clinical educators
• Access to modern equipment and real-world care environments
• A seamless academic-to-clinical pathway into an in-demand healthcare career

MWHC is committed to helping shape the future of respiratory care and supporting a strong workforce that meets the growing needs of the Fredericksburg region and beyond.

Prospective students, staff, and community members are encouraged to explore the program and learn more about the opportunities it provides.

Program Information:
MWHC Respiratory Therapy Program:
https://www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com/education/respiratory-therapy-program/

Reynolds Community College Respiratory Therapy A.A.S. Program:
https://www.reynolds.edu/programs/program-pages/respiratory-therapy-aas.html

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About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at more than 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital; Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital; four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to providing care regardless of patients’ ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.