The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Health Professions Department of Respiratory Therapy has been selected to receive the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), placing the program among an elite group of respiratory therapy programs nationwide.
The award recognizes programs that demonstrate exceptional outcomes in preparing graduates for professional success, including:
- Registered respiratory therapist credentialing success rates of 90% or higher
- Strong student retention
- Exceptional student performance on the therapist multiple-choice certification exam
- Consistent compliance with national accreditation standards
“This recognition underscores the dedication of our faculty and the hard work of our students, who consistently strive for excellence in education and patient care,” said David Vines, PhD, senior vice president and dean, School of Health Professions. “Our program is designed to prepare graduates not only to succeed on national credentialing exams, but also to become leaders who advance respiratory care across diverse clinical and academic settings.”
The award will be formally presented during the CoARC Awards Ceremony on July 12 in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Preparing leaders in respiratory care
The UTMB respiratory therapy programs prepare graduates for leadership roles in clinical practice, education, and research, offering two master of science pathways tailored to students at different stages of their careers.
- The Entry-Level Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program requires no prior health care experience and is delivered on campus. With a completion timeline of just two years, graduates are prepared to quickly enter the workforce and begin caring for patients with a wide range of cardiopulmonary conditions.
- The BS/BA RRT to Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree Advancement Program is designed for practicing registered respiratory therapists. This online program requires 20 graduate credit hours in respiratory therapy and provides three leadership tracks — operational, education, and research for a minimum of 31 credits to complete — allowing working professionals to advance their education over two years while continuing to provide clinical care.
About respiratory therapists
Respiratory therapists play a critical role in the health care system, providing specialized care to patients with heart and lung conditions.
Their responsibilities include:
- Treating patients with acute, chronic, and emergency cardiopulmonary conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, shock, and drowning
- Conducting diagnostic tests to evaluate cardiopulmonary function under physician direction
- Specializing in areas such as neonatal care, pediatric care, adult critical care, and cardiopulmonary diagnostics
- Working in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation centers, and home care settings
Visit the UTMB School of Health Professions Department of Respiratory Therapy to learn more about degree programs, upcoming information sessions, and the application process. The deadline for applications for the fall semester is July 1.