Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) has been recognized as the first respiratory care program in Massachusetts to receive the prestigious President’s Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CoARC is responsible for accrediting Entry into Professional Practice respiratory care programs across the United States.
QCC earned the award by achieving three consecutive years in which 100% of its students obtained the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, while also meeting or surpassing CoARC program standards. In 2021, only 26 out of 404 programs nationwide received the recognition.
Employers often mandate the RRT credential either prior to hiring or within a specified timeframe for continued employment.
Dean of the School of Healthcare Pat Schmohl acknowledged the collective efforts of programmatic and clinical faculty, as well as the dedication of graduates who undertake the rigorous RRT credentialing exams. Schmohl expressed gratitude for their contributions to this accomplishment.
Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Respiratory Care program, Keith Hirst, emphasized the crucial role of respiratory therapists in the healthcare field. Hirst highlighted the increasing prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adult and pediatric asthma, and lung cancer, underscoring that RRTs are the only allied healthcare professionals specifically trained in the treatment and management of these respiratory diseases.
