FORT PIERCE - Indian River State College’s Respiratory Care program has received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) in recognition of its 2024 graduates’ 90% pass rate on the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam, placing it among the top 10% of programs nationwide.

This is the fourth consecutive year the program has been recognized for excellence in credentialing outcomes, reflecting its ongoing commitment to preparing well-qualified respiratory care professionals.

Respiratory Care students at Indian River State College demonstrate a clinical skill on a mannequin arm.

"This fourth consecutive year of national recognition demonstrates Indian River State College’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success," said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, president of Indian River State College. "Our Respiratory Care program exemplifies what makes The River special – dedicated faculty, exceptional students, and a focus on preparing graduates who make a real difference in their communities."

"Our students’ achievement on the RRT exam reflects their hard work, determination, and the quality of the program we provide at Indian River State College," said Ann Hubbard, dean of health science. "The dedication of our faculty and students ensures that our program continues to perform at a high level year after year."

Graduates of the program are prepared for employment in hospitals, clinics, home care, and other healthcare settings, providing essential respiratory care to patients. Completion of the program’s requirements qualifies graduates to apply for the RRT credential in Florida.

"Graduates of our Respiratory Care program enter the workforce ready to provide essential care to patients," said Heather Belmont, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs. "Their skills directly support the needs of healthcare providers and improve health outcomes for individuals across our region."

Applications for the Fall 2026 Respiratory Care program will open Jan. 12, 2026, and close April 30, 2026. For more information about Indian River State College’s Respiratory Care Program, visit irsc.edu/program/respiratory-care/.