SEMO respiratory therapy program earns national credentialing award

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University’s respiratory therapy program has received a national credentialing success award, recognizing its graduates’ performance on professional certification exams.

The program was honored with the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, placing it among a select group of programs nationwide.

The award recognizes programs that consistently prepare graduates to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential, a national standard in the field. To qualify, programs must maintain at least a 90% success rate over multiple years. The national average is about 73%.

Graduates must pass two national board exams that assess advanced knowledge and clinical decision-making skills.

“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.”

Programs must also meet benchmarks for student retention and exam performance while maintaining full accreditation.

Darnell said the recognition represents a long-term effort by the program to improve student outcomes.

“It is a goal that the program has been working toward for the last 10 years,” he said.

Earning the credential allows graduates to practice as respiratory therapists nationwide, opening opportunities in hospitals, clinics and specialized care settings.

The accrediting body is expected to formally recognize recipients during a ceremony in July.