News Article

FSW Respiratory Care Program Accreditation Reaffirmed for 10 Years

Aug 3, 2016

AUGUST 3, 2016 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Respiratory Care Program has received continuing accreditation following a two-day site visit from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The program was reaffirmed for the full 10 years and will be up for continuing accreditation again in 2026.

“In order to sit for the national certification exam, students must graduate from an accredited program,” said Jeff Davis, Respiratory Care Program director. “Our faculty, clinical associates, and hospital partners all work together to guarantee the strength of our program and help develop highly educated and certified respiratory care practitioners.”

The program also received six commendations from CoARC regarding the strength of the program:

• Superior faculty quality and collaboration in educational delivery, (Professor Sindee Karpel, Professor Jean Newberry)
• Devotion of the Medical Director/Physician (Dr. George Mestas) for 30 years to the program
• Foresight to have in place an opportunity for degree advancement to the Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) degree in Cardiopulmonary Sciences
• Active and engaged advisory board and contribution of Respiratory Care program alumni in leadership roles at area hospitals and centers
• Innovative use of simulation education in teaching students and area professionals for continued education
• Collaborative program leadership of the Associate Dean Dr. Jeff Elsberry with current Program Director Professor Jeff Davis.

“Accreditation not only protects our students, but it protects the public as well,” Davis said. “Our students will work with some of the most critically ill patients in southwest Florida hospitals. Accreditation holds our program to a high standard assuring that the students have received the education they need to work with these patients.” 

According to the CoARC website, students in FSW’s Respiratory Care Program have certification exam pass rates and employment rates well above the national average.

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Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: August 3, 2016