SKCTC alum Garrett Phillips enters respiratory care career with record-high score on national board exam

Published on Feb 4, 2025

Garrett Phillips of Jenkins, Kentucky, is proving that access to higher education can lead to life-changing success. At Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, Phillips found the support, hands-on training and mentorship that helped him launch a career in respiratory care and a record-high score on the national board exams.

Inspired by his grandfather’s battle with cardiopulmonary complications due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War, Phillips was drawn to SKCTC’s respiratory care program.

“Going through this program gave me the confidence to provide some sort of comfort to patients in the final stages of COPD, just like my grandfather,” he said.

Program director and professor of respiratory care at SKCTC, Wendy Wright, M.S., RRT-NPS, said Phillips is an exceptional example of the dedication and perseverance she sees in their students.

“From the beginning, he showed a strong work ethic, a commitment to patient care and the resilience needed to excel in this field,” said Wright. “His accomplishments are a testament to the quality of education and mentorship we provide at Southeast.”

Phillips highlights the impact of his instructors, including Wright and Appalachian Regional Healthcare clinical instructor Donella Adams, whose guidance helped him grow both academically and professionally.

Among his greatest achievements, Phillips scored one of the highest scores in program history on his national board exams.

However, he considers his proudest moment to be walking across the stage at graduation, where his mother placed his pin on his white coat in front of his family and supporters.

Now, Phillips plans to continue his education and work in a local hospital to gain experience and advance his career.

He encourages those hesitant about higher education to explore available resources.

“Scholarships and grants eased my stress, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than the financial burden of student loans,” said Phillips. “Resources are there for everyone, but you have to take the initiative to apply.”

His personal motto, “how bad do you want it,” reminded him throughout his journey that hard work and determination lead to success.

SKCTC’s respiratory care program provides hands-on training, experienced faculty and strong job placement opportunities. Registration is now open, and prospective students are encouraged to apply and watch the required online information video before May 1.

For more details, including the online application and informational video, visit southeast.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/whitesburg-respiratory-care.aspx.