SUNY Westchester Community College Celebrates National Respiratory Care Week 2025

“Let us take a moment to recognize our respiratory care healthcare professionals during National Respiratory Care Week,” said George W. Contreras, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness. “These professionals play a vital role in healthcare in support of favorable patient outcomes. Our Respiratory Care program at WCC is exceptional, and our faculty and staff do an excellent job preparing students to enter the workforce.”

Adding to the celebration, SUNY WCC is proud to announce that its Respiratory Care program has once again received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This marks the sixth consecutive year the program has earned this national distinction, underscoring its sustained excellence in preparing students for professional success in respiratory care.

The CoARC presents this award to programs demonstrating exemplary outcomes in accreditation standards and performance measures as reported in its 2024 Annual Report of Current Status (RCS). To qualify, programs must maintain full accreditation, achieve a 90% or higher RRT credentialing success rate, and surpass benchmarks in student retention and performance on the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam.

Currently ranked #2 in the tri-state area for RRT credentialing success (92%)—regardless of degree type—and #67 nationally among more than 450 programs, SUNY WCC continues to elevate its reputation for excellence in respiratory care education. “It is great to see the department’s commitment to excellence receiving this well-earned recognition,” said Dr. Vanessa Morest, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Dean Contreras added, “We are extremely pleased about this achievement and wish to congratulate our faculty and staff, under the leadership of Professor Patrick Barrette, for their ongoing dedication to our program and students. This is truly a team effort between faculty and students throughout their educational journey.”

Professor Barrette noted, “An achievement such as this would not be possible without the support of the college administration, adjuncts, clinical affiliates, directors, managers, supervisors, preceptors, physicians, and staff. Their tireless dedication and commitment to our students’ success and professional advancement are what make this accomplishment possible.”

For more information about the Respiratory Care program at SUNY Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/respiratory

About SUNY Westchester Community College

SUNY Westchester Community College provides over 20,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 65 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as Cybersecurity, Health Information Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Digital Filmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.