Crafton Hills College Respiratory Care Student Selected for The SHIFT: Season 2

Publish Date: Aug. 20, 2026

From July 31 through August 2, Crafton Hills College (CHC) Respiratory Care student Christian Brandes visited Texas for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: competing in The SHIFT: Season 2, a reality competition focused on respiratory care.

Brandes is currently completing the Respiratory Care program at Crafton Hills College to become a registered respiratory therapist. He says respiratory care has become a passion because of the opportunity to make a difference for patients during some of their most critical moments. His long-term goals include gaining experience in critical care and giving back to the profession through education, mentorship and advocacy.

Created and hosted by Joe Lewis, known online as Respiratory Coach, The SHIFT is the first reality show competition structured around respiratory therapy students and professionals. The show brings together eight respiratory therapy students to face clinical and creative challenges designed to test their knowledge, clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, leadership and ability to perform under pressure.

More than 300 respiratory therapy students from across the country applied for this opportunity, and only Brandes and seven others were selected. 

Brandes decided to apply because he wanted to challenge himself beyond the traditional classroom and clinical environment. Being selected gave him the opportunity to meet other students who share his passion for respiratory care while learning from experienced respiratory therapists, educators and leaders in the profession.

The competition included a “princess shift” from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., simulating a 12-hour healthcare shift. Contestants were required to draw on their clinical knowledge and judgment while navigating fatigue and high-pressure situations and focusing on providing the best possible patient care.

For Brandes, the experience began with an unexpected moment at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. None of the contestants had met one another beforehand or knew what the other participants looked like. As they gathered near each other at the airport, they eventually began making eye contact and realized they were all there for the same reason. Brandes described the moment as the “unofficial beginning of the entire experience for us.”

Although confidentiality agreements prevent him from discussing specific challenges or details of the competition before the show airs, Brandes said the experience pushed him outside his comfort zone and taught him to trust the knowledge and skills he has developed through respiratory school.

“I learned that I’m capable of stepping outside of my comfort zone and trusting the knowledge and skills I’ve developed throughout respiratory school,” Brandes said. “The experience challenged me to believe in myself, communicate confidently and adapt when I was placed in unfamiliar situations.”

He also came away with a deeper understanding that becoming a great respiratory therapist involves more than clinical knowledge.

“It’s about how you communicate, work with others and continue learning,” he said.

Brandes credits the Crafton Hills College Respiratory Care program with helping prepare him for the opportunity. The program has challenged him academically while providing hands-on clinical experience that has helped him develop confidence in his abilities. He also credits his professors, clinical instructors, classmates and the broader respiratory care community at CHC with helping shape the therapist he is becoming.

“I was proud to represent Crafton Hills College and our Respiratory Care program on a platform dedicated to showcasing the profession,” Brandes said.

Recognizing the significance of the opportunity, the Crafton Hills College Foundation provided funding for Brandes’ airfare to Texas, helping remove a financial barrier that could have prevented him from participating.

“Having the support of the Crafton Hills College Foundation meant a tremendous amount to me,” he said. “Their support helped turn an opportunity I was excited about into something I was actually able to pursue. Knowing that my college believed in me enough to support an experience like this made representing Crafton even more meaningful.”

The experience is one example of how the Crafton Hills College Foundation helps students go beyond the classroom. Through scholarships, emergency grants, program support, professional development opportunities and assistance with workforce-entry expenses, the Foundation helps students access experiences that strengthen their education and prepare them for successful careers.

Brandes hopes other students will be willing to take similar chances when opportunities arise.

“Apply—even if you’re nervous and even if you don’t think you’ll be selected,” he said. “Sometimes we talk ourselves out of opportunities before anyone else ever gets the chance to tell us yes.”

He encourages students to put themselves out there, meet people, ask questions and take advantage of opportunities that may push them beyond their comfort zones.

“You never know where one application or one conversation might lead you,” he said.

“I’m incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to represent Crafton Hills College and its Respiratory Care program on The SHIFT: Season 2,” he said. “This experience introduced me to people from across the respiratory care profession, challenged me to grow and reminded me why I chose respiratory care in the first place.”

Due to confidentiality agreements, much of Brandes’ experience will remain undisclosed until the season airs. The SHIFT: Season 2 premieres in September, when viewers will be able to follow Brandes’ journey and see respiratory therapy showcased through the competition.

You can watch The SHIFT, Season 1 now on Respiratory Coach’s YouTube channel. For more information about the Respiratory Care program at Crafton Hills College, visit craftonhills.edu/respiratorycare.