Dakota State University students walking around campus

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Majors & Degrees

DSU respiratory care program awarded 4 years in a row

May 21, 2015

For the fourth year in a row, Dakota State University’s respiratory care program was recently among a select group of programs that will be recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) to receive the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award. From a program effectiveness perspective, the CoARC views the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential as a measure of a program’s success in inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations.

In selecting programs for this recognition, the CoARC Board used objective criteria based on key accreditation metrics. These programs were required to: (1) have three or more years of outcomes data; (2) hold accreditation without a progress report; (3) document RRT credentialing success of 90% or above; (4) meet or exceed established CoARC thresholds for CRT credentialing success, attrition and positive job placement.

"I'd again like to extend a sincere thank you to all the faculty and staff members who take part in the students' education,” stated Bruce Feistner, respiratory care program director.  “Special appreciation and gratitude goes to our excellent clinical affiliate hospitals -- Avera McKennan and Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls and Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City."

Dakota State University is the only university in the state of South Dakota to offer professional degrees in respiratory care. DSU’s respiratory care program was established in 1980 and is now at three locations: Madison, Sioux Falls and Rapid City.