OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan — The high quality of the respiratory therapy program at Oakland Community College and the success of its students has been recognized by the organization that sets the standards for similar programs across the nation.
In announcing the OCC program’s receipt of the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success
Award, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care called the honor “a measure of a program’s success in 
inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations.”
Respiratory therapy, also known as respiratory care, deals with patients with respiratory diseases. Therapists work with people with cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) problems and are primarily involved in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, management and rehabilitation. The OCC program accepts 30 students each year.
“The award we received recognizes that we are adhering to the highest standards that CoARC has,” said Lauren Goldwater, director of OCC’s respiratory therapy program. “For the past three years, our program has received this award.
“This award recognizes that at least 90% of the students from the respiratory therapy program have attained the highest credential that a student can receive [the registered respiratory therapist credential]. “This data shows that we are among a select group of schools that has been recognized for our success.
“I am extremely proud of our students that have put in the time and effort to achieve this success. The Respiratory faculty continually shares their expertise and clinical experience, empowering our students success.”
CoARC will present the OCC program a certificate of recognition during a reception July 20 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the Summer Forum of the American Association for Respiratory Care.
About OCC
With multi campus system in Oakland County, OCC is Michigan’s No. 1 transfer institution, offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates. The College empowers academic and developmental experiences, allowing students to reach their potential and enhance their communities. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the college since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu