Vermont State University’s Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program has received the President’s Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), recognizing outstanding student outcomes, including a 100% job placement rate.
This recognition comes as the university has worked for several years to strengthen the program and grow its enrollment in partnership with UVM Health to meet employer needs, student demand, and the growing need for respiratory care in Vermont.
VTSU graduates are eligible to test for respiratory therapy licensure and work in hospitals throughout the region as key members of the medical teams treating conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and cystic fibrosis. They provide diagnostics, treatment, critical care and patient education across a wide spectrum of ages from infants to older adults.
“We’re incredibly proud of the role our graduates play in Vermont’s health care workforce,” stated Vermont State University President David Bergh. “It’s a testament to their work ethic and personal successes, as well as those of the dedicated faculty and staff at VTSU that the respiratory therapy program continues to receive recognition above and beyond accreditation from organizations like CoARC.”
For four years, VTSU and UVM Health have partnered to secure the respiratory therapy educational pipeline. VTSU provides the education and training while the health network financially supports both the program and the students pursuing the associate degree, and provides job placement to program graduates. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the university, students, and the health network, as VTSU provides the only educational pipeline for training respiratory therapists, and the health network has a critical need for the program’s graduates in its workforce.
“Respiratory therapists play a critical role for patients and families across our region and are among a number of health care careers in high demand nationwide,” said Mary Broadworth, chief human resources officer for UVM Health. “UVM Health’s collaboration with Vermont State University ensures Vermont’s only educational pipeline for these critical health care professionals remains strong and grounded in consistency, quality and a commitment to providing the best clinical training and patient care.”
VTSU student Jerika LaValley is in her second year in the program.
“As Respiratory Therapists, we see people in some of the worst moments of their lives. To think that I could be part of the team that helps them get better is really rewarding. I’m in my second year in VTSU’s program now and I’m looking forward to graduating and starting my career.”