Youngstown State University earns national recognition for respiratory care program

Youngstown State University has received the 2025 Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, recognizing the university’s Respiratory Care program for excellence in student achievement and credentialing success.

The award is presented by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care as part of its effort to promote the RRT credential as the standard of professional achievement in respiratory care education. Programs selected for the honor must meet rigorous criteria, including sustained outcomes data, high credentialing success rates of 90% or above, strong student retention and full accreditation without additional reporting requirements. YSU presently boasts a 98% pass rate on the national registry.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication, credibility and integrity of our faculty,” said Kelly L. Colwell, associate professor of health professions and program director of respiratory care at YSU. “Our students and graduates can be confident in the high-quality academic structure and experience offered here, which prepares them to be highly sought after in the health care workforce.”

Colwell attributed the program’s success to its experienced faculty and emphasis on real-world learning. He noted that students benefit from instruction led by highly trained and credentialed respiratory care professionals who integrate clinical scenarios into the curriculum, helping graduates develop the skills needed to succeed in the field.

The national recognition underscores the program’s commitment to preparing graduates who are academically, clinically and professionally ready to enter the workforce. According to Colwell, the combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience ensures students are equipped to meet the demands of modern health care and improve patient outcomes.

Faculty, clinical partners and students all play a critical role in maintaining the program’s high standards. Strong partnerships with regional health care providers offer students valuable clinical opportunities while reinforcing the program’s focus on quality patient care and workforce readiness.

Colwell said the award will further elevate the program by strengthening relationships with clinical partners and reinforcing its reputation for academic excellence. “This recognition highlights our program’s high standards, professionalism and commitment to preparing future respiratory care professionals,” he said. “Ultimately, it supports our mission to improve patient care, enhance outcomes and serve the needs of the health care industry.”

The award will be formally recognized during the CoARC ceremony in July in Bonita Springs, Florida.