News Article

100% of 2020 FSW Respiratory Care Grads Earn Top Credential

Jun 24, 2021

JUNE 24, 2021 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Respiratory Care program has been awarded the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care’s (CoARC) President’s Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success for 2021.

To receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success, respiratory programs are required to have three or more years of outcome data, hold accreditation without a progress report (no deficiencies), document Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialing success of 100%, and meet or exceed the CoARC thresholds for scoring on exams and retention.

Out of 439 accredited respiratory programs in the U.S., only 26 programs received the President’s award.

“We are proud that all of our graduates are striving for and obtaining the top RRT credential,” said Jean Newberry, program director, FSW Respiratory Care. “It shows how well prepared our graduates are for the workforce. Prior to being awarded the President’ Success award, FSW’s Respiratory Care program received the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success award for five consecutive years, proving that our students are receiving some of the best education in the field and they are well prepared to enter the workforce following graduation.” 

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) national credential is an advanced credential in the profession that recognizes the individual as having advanced clinical skills, advanced decision-making skills, and training to act in a consulting role in matters concerning patient care planning and treatment.

About CoARC: The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) accredits entry into professional practice programs in respiratory care at the Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s Degree level in the United States. The CoARC also accredits polysomnography programs offered by professional respiratory care degree programs in the United States. CoARC’s mission is to ensure that high quality educational programs prepare competent respiratory therapists for practice, education, research, and service. - http://www.coarc.com

####

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and most affordable institution of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: June 24, 2021