Dalton State College’s respiratory therapy program has received the Distinguished Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) for the 11th consecutive year, recognizing the program’s sustained success in preparing graduates to earn the profession’s highest credential.
“Our program is built on a simple but powerful foundation: exceptional education paired with unwavering support for every student,” said Stephanie Watkins, respiratory therapy program director at Dalton State. “Approximately 16% of accredited programs met the award criteria in 2025, making the recognition a significant indicator of our program effectiveness and graduate success.”
Receiving the award signifies that a respiratory therapy program consistently produces graduates who earn the RRT credential, demonstrates strong board examination outcomes, maintains high retention and completion rates, and meets or exceeds national accreditation benchmarks.
According to CoARC’s 2025 programmatic outcomes data, Dalton State’s respiratory therapy graduates achieved a 97% job placement rate, exceeding the national average of 88%. The program also reported a 100% employer satisfaction rate, reflecting strong workforce readiness and graduate performance.
“We hold our academic standards high because our graduates step into careers where lives depend on their expertise. At the same time, we surround our students with the guidance, encouragement, and resources they need to thrive. We emphasize professionalism, academics, and critical care thinking for our students.”
Dalton State’s respiratory therapy program launched in 2009 and first earned the award in 2013, the first year it was eligible. Since then, the program has received the honor in 12 of its 13 eligible years.
To learn more about Dalton State’s respiratory therapy program, visit www.daltonstate.edu.
