Breathing Life Into Her Future

 

Maegan Pigford’s Journey to Becoming a Respiratory Therapist

After graduating from Carteret’s Respiratory Therapy Program in May 2026, Maegan Pigford is beginning a career dedicated to helping others while creating a brighter future for herself and her daughter.

For Maegan Pigford, graduation was more than earning a degree. It was the culmination of years of determination, growth, and believing in herself when the path forward wasn’t always clear.

At 28 years old, Maegan recently joined the ranks of Carteret Community College’s newest Respiratory Therapy graduates. This fall, she will begin her career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Carteret Health Care, a milestone that once felt far away but is now a reality.

Her journey to healthcare was not a traditional one.

Before entering the Respiratory Therapy Program, Maegan worked in the food service industry, coached gymnastics, and later stepped away from the workforce to focus on raising her daughter. Although she always knew she wanted to help people, she wasn’t sure what career path would allow her to make the greatest impact.

That changed after a conversation with a mentor through the Better Beginnings program.

One day, her mentor encouraged her to return to school and explore her options. Together, they met with an advisor at Carteret Community College and began discussing possible career paths.

As Maegan researched healthcare professions, Respiratory Therapy quickly stood out.

“The focus on the cardiopulmonary system, the variety of responsibilities, and the ability to make a difference in patient care really appealed to me,” she said.

Today, after successfully completing the program, she knows she made the right choice.

“Every time I had the opportunity to brighten a patient’s day or help make them more comfortable while hospitalized, it confirmed that this was where I was supposed to be,” she shared.

A Program Designed for Success

From the beginning, Maegan knew the Respiratory Therapy Program would be challenging.

She expected a rigorous curriculum, extensive clinical experiences, and a steep learning curve. What she found was all of that and more.

“The first semester, you really eat, sleep, and breathe respiratory therapy,” she said.

But the hands-on nature of the program and the opportunity to begin clinical experiences early helped transform classroom knowledge into real-world confidence.

Students gain experience in a variety of healthcare settings, working alongside experienced respiratory therapists and caring for patients across different stages of life.

“We were able to attend clinicals from the beginning of the program,” Maegan explained. “The variety of locations really helps students understand all the possibilities that come with being a respiratory therapist.”

Those experiences helped her develop confidence in patient assessment, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making, skills she now feels prepared to use every day in her profession.

The Power of Support

While the Respiratory Therapy Program helped prepare Maegan academically and clinically, the support she received outside the classroom played an equally important role in her success.

Throughout her time at Carteret, she utilized resources including TRIO, WIOA, CCAMPIS childcare assistance, advising services, study spaces, faculty mentorship, and clinical support.

“TRIO, CCAMPIS, and WIOA gave me the support, resources, and guidance to be successful and persevere,” she said.

One person who made a lasting impact was TRIO advisor Melanie Reels.

“Melanie always had her door open for me,” Maegan shared. “Whether I needed encouragement, advice, or help finding solutions, she was always there.”

She also credits WIOA advisor Hedda Bunting and Respiratory Therapy instructors David Roach and Kim Miller for helping her stay motivated and focused throughout the program.

“The faculty were always supportive, encouraging, and willing to answer questions,” she said. “They helped me grow into the respiratory therapist I’m becoming.”

For Maegan, these relationships reinforced one of the things that makes Carteret Community College unique: a genuine commitment to student success.

Confidence for the Future

Looking back, Maegan sees how much she has grown both personally and professionally.

The program strengthened her confidence, sharpened her clinical skills, and taught her that she is capable of achieving goals that once seemed out of reach.

“I’ve learned that you can do anything you put your mind to,” she said.

One of her proudest accomplishments was graduating with a high GPA while earning multiple scholarships and awards along the way.

She also feels confident entering the workforce thanks to the program’s focus on board exam preparation, professional development, and career readiness.

“They fully prepared us to take and pass our boards and taught us how to conduct ourselves in a professional medical environment,” she said.

As she begins her career at Carteret Health Care, Maegan is excited about the future and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her patients.

A Message to Future Students

For anyone considering Respiratory Therapy or thinking about returning to school, Maegan offers simple advice:

“Don’t put it off. Just do your best.”

She believes Carteret Community College provides students with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.

“There are so many people here who genuinely want to see you succeed,” she said.

When reflecting on her experience, Maegan sums it up in one sentence:

“It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”

Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, support, and opportunity. Through Carteret Community College’s Respiratory Therapy Program, Maegan not only found a career she loves—she found the confidence to build the future she always hoped for.

For more information about our Respiratory program visit our website carteret.edu.