PRESS RELEASE

NOVEMBER 2021

SJR State respiratory graduates earn 100% passing rate

For a fourth consecutive year, St. Johns River State College respiratory care graduates have excelled on their credentialing exam, achieving a 100% passing rate.

The 2021 graduates who took the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) surpassed the national average of 81% for 2020.

“We are proud of our outstanding graduates, dedicated faculty and the clinical affiliates who work in collaboration to prepare the next generation of therapists to serve our local workforce," said Holly Coulliette, SJR State’s Dean of Allied Health.

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the crucial role of respiratory care workers has risen to the forefront, Coulliette added. “The first occupation most people think of when they hear “frontline health care workers” are usually, and understandably, nurses; yet, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. Functioning as part of the healthcare team, it takes respiratory care workers to run ventilators and make life-saving decisions at the bedside. For these reasons, respiratory therapy has gained national and local attention.”

SJR State’s Associate in Science degree program prepares students for careers as respiratory care professionals. Upon successful completion of the 20-month curriculum, students are eligible to apply to take the national certification exams administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care.

The program is offered on the St. Augustine campus. Prerequisites and requirements apply. The A.S. Degree Respiratory Care program, CoARC program number 200539, located at the St. Augustine Campus of St. Johns River State College, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).

 

 

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Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Publications
(386) 312-4020