Stephen Kohler graduated from Governor Mifflin High School and enrolled in RACC’s Respiratory Care program. “The Respiratory Care Program itself attracted me to RACC, but it was also the financial benefit. I was able to graduate and not be in debt.”

Stephen graduated from the Respiratory Care Program and continued his education at Alvernia University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Computer System’s Management and an Executive Medical Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Stephen credits his experience and education at RACC for preparing him to care for his patients from the emergency room to the neonatal intensive care unit. “RACC is beneficial because students get to attend clinical experiences at a variety of hospitals and settings to gain a perspective from a multitude of institutions and varied care providers in the field, which makes for a synergistic real world learning experience.”

Stephen has worked at Tower Health Reading Hospital as a respiratory therapist since the day he graduated from RACC and currently holds a supervisory position as a critical care clinical specialist. He feels RACC’s rigorous program creates graduates who are ready to tackle their career. “You do not walk out of the doors on graduation day looking to the sky saying, ‘now what,’ you know, and are prepared for exactly what you were trained to do. You can find employment for exactly what your field of study was, and you have a chance to help people in their time of need.”

As Stephen looks back at his time at RACC, he has wonderful memories and valuable learning experiences. “RACC is a wonderful institution filled with an abundance of caring individuals who are dedicated and full of life experiences. The student body is comprised of a multitude of backgrounds and diverse age differences, which creates perspectives that are paramount in having the absolute best learning environment possible. Learning from those who have lived through changes and experiences can be very rewarding and eye opening. One should never shy away from where they have come; it will only make the future stronger if you never forget the past.”