Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, the region’s preeminent institution for the health care field, has received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for its Respiratory Care program.
The College received this award in recognition of its success in preparing its Respiratory Care students to achieve the highest educational and professional aspirations.
“We’re honored to be recognized by CoARC for our success in graduating talented professionals who are true leaders in their field, making a real difference in our community’s health care systems,” said Mary Grace Simcox, PhD, President of Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. “Respiratory therapists play a critical role in the health care ecosystem, and that’s true now more than ever. Our rigorous Respiratory Care program prepares graduates for a successful, high-earning career in advanced pulmonary care.”
Graduates awarded a Respiratory Care Associate Degree maintain a 97 percent placement rate. The current national placement rate is 88 percent. Program gradates also hold a 100 percent employer satisfaction rate and a 100 percent RRT credentialing success rate.
“The Respiratory Care program prepares graduates for the credentialing process and a rewarding career in respiratory care. Our learning approach has been critical in training our future health care workers,” said Jim Christie, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences Respiratory Care Program Chair. “Our students are learning core competencies through interactive, hands-on experiences led by highly experienced faculty, a state-of-the-art simulation facility, interdisciplinary exercises that model the dynamics of a hospital, and real-life skills development through our clinical affiliates.”
PA College was recognized by the CoARC board of directors and awarded the distinguished honor by exceeding the following criteria:
- Have three or more years of outcomes data;
- Hold accreditation without a progress report;
- Maintains documented RRT credentialing success of 90 percent or above, and
- Meet or exceed established CoARC thresholds for CRT credentialing success and retention.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for respiratory therapists is $61,330. Employment demand for respiratory therapists is projected to grow 21 percent through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an even greater need for licensed, skilled respiratory therapists to provide critical care for patients with severe pulmonary conditions caused by the virus.
For more information about Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and the Respiratory Care Associate Degree, please click here.
About Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
A dynamic and academically rigorous institution, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is a private, accredited, four-year college focusing exclusively on the field of health care. Offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well as a number of certificate programs, PA College provides professional development for health care workers throughout their career. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the College attracts a select group of more than 1,800 students to study with faculty who are experts in their specialty areas.
