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Respiratory Care Program Recognized by CoARC

Alvin Community College recently received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award for its credential rates from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

The award was given to the college for its 90 percent credentialing rate.

“I am excited for our program to receive this honor,” said Dr. Marby McKinney, director of the Respiratory Care program. “Considering the extreme labor shortage for respiratory therapists, I am incredibly proud our graduates see the value in achieving more than the minimum credential to obtain employment.”

ACC also received the recognition from CoARC in 2016. To receive an RRT credential, graduates from accredited programs must past two exams.

Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages, from premature babies with underdeveloped lungs to an elderly individual who may have been affected by disease, get the oxygen they desperately need to live. Therapists also provide patients the treatments and other resources to improve their quality of life.

The credentialing award is due to the collective efforts of everyone who works in the department, McKinney said.

“I am grateful to be part of a fantastic team of dedicated faculty, clinical instructors, and supportive clinical partners who all play a crucial part in our success,” she said.

The criteria for Distinguished Success Award was to have three or more years of outcomes data, hold accreditation, post a 90 percent pass rate or higher and meet CoARC standards for credentialing and job placement.