The West Chester University/Bryn Mawr Hospital Respiratory Care Program has been named a recipient of the 2021-22 Apex Recognition Award by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). The program is among an elite group of only eight respiratory care educational programs from across the U.S. to receive this award.

In conjunction with Bryn Mawr Hospital, West Chester University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory care. Students train to become respiratory care professionals through the partnership of an institution of higher learning and a teaching hospital.

Respiratory care professionals, who work to evaluate, treat, educate, and care for patients with breathing disorders, have become particularly crucial in the care and treatment of COVID patients. As COVID often affects the lungs, respiratory therapists provide critical care to these patients through ventilator management and by helping to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. In addition to the part they play in the COVID pandemic, respiratory therapists also work with infants as young as 23 weeks old who have incomplete lung development as well as adults who have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis.

The Apex Recognition Award recognizes facilities for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care, patient safety, patient satisfaction, and quality improvement. Awards are presented to facilities in five categories: acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment (HME) companies, educational programs, and dedicated transport teams. The full list of Apex recipients can be found at http://www.aarc.org.