Gwinnett Tech’s Respiratory Program Garners National Spotlight with Prestigious CoARC Award

Lawrenceville, GA – Gwinnett Technical College boasts one of the nation’s premier Respiratory Care programs, a distinction well-earned by its graduates. With an impressive twelve-year streak of 100 percent pass rates on the field’s national credentialing exam, their achievement is nothing short of remarkable.

Respiratory Care students in class

In July, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) will recognize Gwinnett Tech’s Respiratory Care program with the prestigious President’s Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success. To qualify for this honor, colleges must demonstrate three or more years of outcomes data, maintain accreditation without any progress reports, and achieve RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credentialing success rates of 90 percent or higher. Additionally, they must meet or exceed CoARC’s established thresholds for CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) credentialing success, student retention, and on-time graduation rates.

“Receiving the CoARC President’s Award is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, the perseverance of our students, and the strength of our healthcare partnerships,” said Dr. D. Glen Cannon, President of Gwinnett Technical College. “This recognition reflects our mission to deliver exceptional education that leads directly to career success and community impact. Our Respiratory Care program not only meets the highest national standards but also plays a vital role in preparing skilled professionals who are ready to serve on the front lines of healthcare. We are proud to be a leader in this critical field and to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of our community.”

Respiratory care therapists play a crucial role in caring for patients with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Gwinnett Tech’s program equips students with cutting-edge medical technology and hands-on training, preparing them for successful careers in the healthcare field. From premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with respiratory diseases, these professionals provide essential care. They also respond to emergencies, supporting high-risk patients during intense moments such as heart attacks, drownings, or shock.

For those interested in pursuing a career in respiratory care, Gwinnett Tech offers an associate degree program that can be completed in just two years. To learn more about Gwinnett Tech’s Respiratory Care program, visit their website: https://www.gwinnetttech.edu/respiratorycare/

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About Gwinnett Tech: Gwinnett Technical College is Georgia’s largest technical college, committed to producing workforce-ready graduates to meet the needs of its community’s high-demand business and industry sectors. The college offers more than 160 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, as well as hundreds of seminars, workshops, and courses that provide specialized training. Gwinnett Tech is Gwinnett County’s largest corporate training provider, serving residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Gwinnett Technical College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Gwinnett Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.