The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) established the Apex Recognition Program in 2017 to recognize respiratory therapy programs that achieve and consistently perform at the highest standards of education, quality, and patient care.
Similar to the Magnet Program for the nursing profession, the Apex Program requires facilities to submit detailed documentation on a range of factors that figure into the delivery of high-quality care. Apex honorees excel in areas ranging from education and credentialing of their RT staff to the implementation of protocols aimed at facilitating the safe and effective delivery of care and more. Apex designation is awarded in the organizational categories of acute care hospital, post-acute care, long-term care facility, home medical equipment, dedicated transport programs, and respiratory therapy education programs.
Organizations that earn Apex recognition stand out in their communities as exemplary centers of respiratory care with a commitment to excellence in professional development, and evidence-based quality care. The AARC is pleased to honor these 11 organizations with its 2024-2025 Apex Awards:
Acute Care Hospital Category
- Advent Health for Children
- Cooper University Health Care
- UTSouthwestern Medical Center
- Wellstar Hospital
- Advent Health East Orlando
- Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas at Austin
- Children’s Hospital Colorado
Education Category
- Midwestern State University
- University of Kansas Medical Center Department of Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science, Respiratory Care Bachelor’s Degree Advancement Program
Transport Category
- Advocate Children’s Hospital
- MedCenter Air Atrium Health
These Apex Award winners for 2024-2025 join another 29 organizations that received the award in 2023-2024. You can view that list here.
The next application cycle for Apex recognition opens on May 1. Organizations interested in learning more about the award and how to apply are encouraged to visit the AARC’s Apex Recognition Award Information page.
