(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – July 20, 2020) - - - For the fifth consecutive year, Columbia State Community College’s respiratory care program has received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award.

“It is humbling to receive this award for five consecutive years” said R. David Johnson, program director and associate professor of respiratory care at Columbia State. “An award like this is the product of many people working together for a common goal. Roger Major, director of clinical education and associate professor, the many adjunct instructors and the support of our clinical sites all come together to develop and graduate respiratory therapists that are sought after by area employers. This year, I’ve also been contacted by hospitals in Ohio, Indiana and Virginia seeking to recruit the graduates and hospitals in other states as well.”

The award recognizes the small group of respiratory care programs that meet the following criteria: (1) have three or more years of outcomes data; (2) hold accreditation without a progress report; (3) document first-attempt RRT credentialing success rates of 90 percent or above; and (4) meet or exceed established CoARC thresholds for certified respiratory therapist credentialing success, attrition and positive in-field placement of graduates. 

According to the 2019 CoARC outcomes data report, Columbia State graduates’ three-year average RRT credentialing rate is 93 percent compared to the national three-year average of 75 percent. Columbia State graduates’ three year average in-field employment rate is 96 percent compared to the national three-year in-field placement rate of 88 percent.

Only 112 of the 451 respiratory care programs in the country were awarded. Out of the nine programs in Tennessee, three received this recognition. 

“Recent world events have made everyone acutely aware of the importance of the role of the respiratory therapist in patient care and positive outcomes,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division and professor of radiologic technology. “Respiratory Care graduates leave Columbia State well-prepared for careers which are both challenging and rewarding.”

At the last re-accreditation visit, Columbia State’s respiratory care program was granted full re-accreditation by the CoARC with zero deficiencies.

For more information about the respiratory care program, contact R. David Johnson, Columbia State program director and associate professor of respiratory care, at 931.540.2663 or online at www.ColumbiaState.edu/Respiratory-Care