The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) launched the Apex Recognition Program in 2017 to honor respiratory therapy programs that consistently meet the highest standards in education, quality, and patient care.
Much like the Magnet Program for nursing, the Apex Program requires facilities to provide comprehensive documentation on various factors essential for delivering top-notch care. Apex honorees excel in areas, including staff education and credentialing, as well as the implementation of protocols that ensure safe and effective care delivery. Apex designation is available for acute care hospitals, post-acute care facilities, long-term care settings, international acute care, home medical equipment suppliers, dedicated transport programs, and respiratory therapy education programs.
Organizations awarded Apex recognition distinguish themselves as leaders in respiratory care within their communities, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in professional development and evidence-based quality care. The AARC is proud to recognize these organizations with its 2025–2026 Apex Awards:
Acute Care Hospital Category
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Children’s Healthcare of Philadelphia
- Children’s Hospital Orange County Respiratory Department
- ChristianaCare
- Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Orlando Health
- Emory University Hospital
- Houston Methodist Hospital West Campus
- Inova Fair Oaks
- Inova Fairfax Medical Center
- Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Respiratory Care Department
- Nemours Children’s Hospital — Delaware
- NewYork — Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
- North Shore University Hospital, Northwell Health
- Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Piedmont Atlanta
- Reading Hospital — Tower Health
- Rush University Medical Center
- The Valley Hospital, NJ
- University Health Pediatric Respiratory Therapy Department
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- University of Maryland Shore Regional Health
- VA Maryland Healthcare System
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Acute Care International Category
- Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City
- Respiratory Care Administration at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster
Education Category
- Boise State University Master of Science in Respiratory Care
- CHI/UMary Respiratory Therapy Program
- Georgia State University
- Gwynedd Mercy University
- Loma Linda University
- Rush University
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: College of Health Professions
- University of Missouri #510020 RRT to BHS Degree Advancement Program
- University of Missouri #200033 Entry to BHS Program
- University of Texas Medical Branch
Transport Category
- University of Missouri Hospital
= Multiple Year Recipient
= 100% AARC Membership
= 100% RRT Credential
= 100% Master’s Degree or Higher
You can also view previous Apex award recipients.
Details about the next application cycle for Apex will be available in the spring of 2025. Organizations interested in learning more about the award and the application process are encouraged to visit the Apex Recognition Award Information page.
