For Immediate Release

Mercy Memorial Announces Rose State Respiratory Therapy Graduates

Ardmore — Mercy Memorial Health Center recently graduated its second class of respiratory therapy students through a bridge program with Rose State College.

In 2006, Mercy Memorial’s cardiopulmonary department recognized the need to bring respiratory therapists to Ardmore and partnered with Rose State College in Midwest City to offer extension classes.

“Respiratory classes on Mercy Memorial’s campus are designed to offer a learning environment, as if the students are attending classes on Rose State’s campus,” said J.P. Edgar, RRT, Mercy Memorial cardiopulmonary manager. “We are proud of their accomplishments.”

The extension classes are held on Mercy Memorial’s campus through the use of video conferencing equipment purchased with a grant from the Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation.

“A dedicated classroom and computers are available to students, providing them with a classroom atmosphere here in Ardmore,” said Lisa Ferguson, RRT, Mercy Memorial respiratory therapist and clinical instructor. “The students have taken full advantage of the video conferencing program. Their participation with the Midwest City students during lectures and class discussions was seamless.”

The 2008 Ardmore graduates are: Amanda Fry, Marilyn Hernandez, Kyle Lawson and Melanie Martin. Six students are already enrolled for the fall 2008 class.

For information about the respiratory therapist program, call Ferguson at (580) 220-6380.

Mercy Memorial Health Center is a member of Mercy Health System of Oklahoma and the Sisters of Mercy Health System.

Press release dated: May 7, 2008