Itawamba Community College’s respiratory therapy program has received reaccreditation from the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care at the conclusion of a recent site visit, and evaluators called the program “exemplary.”

According to Harold Plunkett, dean of health sciences, evaluators described the program during the exit interview as “remarkable, stellar, elite and in a class by itself.”

“In our combined 30 years of experience evaluating Respiratory Therapy programs, this is the best program we have ever seen,” said the evaluation team. “Over time this program has the nation’s highest pass rates coupled with the highest retention rates. Rarely, if ever, have we seen such remarkable outcomes. ICC’s program is the model for all other programs in the nation. All other programs including the BS programs are in its shadow.”

Accredited respiratory care programs must be reevaluated every 10 years in order to maintain accreditation, according to program director Jim Newell. “As part of the accreditation comprehensive review, the program must complete a self study report and be approved by CoARC prior to the on-site review.” The evaluation team, Newell said, normally consists of a physician with emphasis in pulmonary and a respiratory therapist from a leading teaching institution.

ICC’s site visitors reviewed 47 various criteria including pass rates on the National Board Exam, retention, placement, labs, equipment and curriculum, Newell said. They interviewed graduates of the program, current students, clinical instructors affiliated with the program, clinical affiliates and the medical director of the program.

ICC submitted its self study report in the fall, according to Newell. “All 47 criteria were met or exceeded. I knew that we had a great program, but it was nice to hear the comments from our peers,” Newell said. “Our program has consistently had a 100 percent pass rate on national board over the past 10 years. I was very surprised when the evaluators said that we may be the best program in the country.” There are approximately 400 programs in respiratory care in America including programs at community colleges and university level which are all evaluated by CoARC.

ICC’s respiratory therapy program offers a basic certificate level of study as well as an expanded curriculum for advanced practitioners, according to Newell.. Certificate students are trained to perform clinical tasks utilizing equipment to diagnose and treat heart and lung diseases, set up and monitor life support systems, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and collect arterial blood samples. Advanced practitioner students are trained to perform clinical tasks included in the respiratory therapists job description and in most cases fill management, educational and critical care positions in the hospital environment.

Upon completion of the two-year curriculum, the student will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care. The graduate will be eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care entry-level certification exam and the NBRC Advanced Practitioner exam.

Adam Denton is also an instructor for ICC’s respiratory therapy technology program.