SUNY Westchester Community College Respiratory Care Program Receives National Recognition for Credentialing Excellence for Sixth Consecutive Year

Valhalla, NY — August 5, 2025 — SUNY Westchester Community College (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, affirming its continued excellence in preparing students for advanced professional success in respiratory care.

The CoARC bestows this award to programs that demonstrate outstanding outcomes in key accreditation metrics, as documented in its 2024 Annual Report of Current Status (RCS). To qualify, programs must meet rigorous criteria, including maintaining full accreditation, achieving a 90% or higher RRT credentialing success rate, and surpassing benchmarks in student retention and performance on the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam.

Currently ranked #2 in the tristate area for RRT credentialing success (92%)—regardless of degree offered—and #67 nationally out of 450 programs, SUNY WCC continues to elevate its reputation 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.

“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,” said George W. Contreras, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness. “This is a team effort between the faculty and students throughout their educational journey.”

Professor Barrette added, “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 helped make this accomplishment attainable.”

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