Southeast Missouri State University’s respiratory therapy program has been recognized with the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), placing it among a select group of programs nationwide.
The award recognizes programs that demonstrate sustained success in preparing graduates to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, a national standard for professional practice in respiratory care.
To receive the honor, programs must meet rigorous criteria over multiple years, including maintaining at least a 90% success rate for graduates earning the RRT credential. The national average for RRT credentialing success is 73%. Graduates must pass two comprehensive national board exams that assess advanced knowledge and clinical decision-making in respiratory care.
“This recognition reflects the level of commitment our students bring to the program,” said Pete Darnell, director of SEMO’s respiratory therapy program. “The instructors prepare and guide, but it’s the students who deserve the credit for how hard they worked to achieve this goal.”
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT RESPIRATORY THERAPY
In addition to credentialing success, award recipients must demonstrate strong student retention and meet or exceed established benchmarks on national exam performance, while maintaining full accreditation without additional reporting requirements.
For SEMO, the recognition represents a long-term effort to achieve a standard of excellence in student outcomes.
“It is a goal that the program has been working toward for the last 10 years,” Darnell said. “This accomplishment is a credit to our students and to the administrators who have supported the program along the way.”
Earning the RRT credential allows SEMO graduates to practice as respiratory therapists in any state, opening the door to careers in hospitals, clinics and specialized care settings across the country.
The CoARC will formally recognize award recipients during a ceremony in July.
As demand for skilled respiratory therapists continues to grow, SEMO’s program remains focused on preparing graduates with the knowledge and credentials needed to enter the workforce with confidence.
By connecting students with expert faculty and preparing them for nationally recognized credentials, SEMO continues to prioritize an experience-driven approach to education. Visit semo.edu/respiratorytherapy to learn more.