By Debbie Bunch
April 7, 2025
The AARC launched the Apex Program in 2017 to recognize excellence in providing respiratory care services. Like the Magnet Program for nurses, Apex garners accolades from organizational management and communities and raises the stature of RTs employed at these facilities. To date, more than 50 organizations in the spectrum of respiratory care have met the program’s strict standards, and more are applying every year. But what does this all mean to job seekers, specifically those looking for new opportunities in an acute care hospital?
According to AARC Apex Committee Co-chairs Claire Aloan, MS, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, and Chip Zimmerman, PhD, RRT- RRT-NPS, FAARC, FNAP, the details lie in the standards themselves, and they believe these six may be most meaningful:
Apex requires hospitals to have a clinical ladder or similar advancement program.
Why that’s important: Hospitals with clinical ladders or other advancement programs ensure promotions are guided by established criteria, increasing the chances they are distributed fairly.
Apex requires hospitals to establish medical director-approved evidence-based protocols for 75% of procedures.
Why that’s important: Evidence-based protocols allow therapists to use their patient assessment skills and clinical judgment, offering them the opportunity to work at the top of their license.
Apex requires hospitals to measure and track quality, patient satisfaction, safety, staff satisfaction, and/or operational performance, with at least one quality improvement project developed each year.
Why that’s important: Hospitals that engage in performance improvement demonstrate a willingness to focus on problems and concerns, many of which come directly from staff experiences and may be focused not just on patient care but also on ways to improve work processes and quality of life for staff.
Apex requires hospitals to have a staffing plan in place.
Why that’s important: Departments with a clear staffing plan actively work to have the right number of staff in the right place at the right time, increasing work satisfaction while reducing burnout. The AARC’s Safe and Effective Staffing Guide supports that work.
Apex requires hospitals to make an evidence-based department policy and procedure manual available to staff.
Why that’s important: RTs with ready access to an evidence-based manual always have a place to turn to when questions arise.
Apex requires all respiratory therapists to undergo annual competency testing on low-volume, problem-prone, and/or high-risk procedures.
Why that’s important: Ensuring staff remain competent in these procedures not only improves patient care and promotes patient safety, but it also enhances staff confidence that they have the tools they need to handle almost any situation that may come their way.
Many hospitals meet some of these requirements. Apex hospitals have met ALL of them – and a host of others. Simply put, these hospitals are the best of the best.
If you are looking for a hospital that stands out from the crowd for your next job opportunity in respiratory care, look for the Apex logo. Learn more about the Apex Recognition Program here.
