The Respiratory Therapy program at The Ohio State University’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences has been honored with the prestigious 2026–2027 American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Apex Designation. This national distinction places Ohio State among an elite group of only 20 designees across the country—and one of just five out of more than 490 accredited educational programs—to meet the award’s rigorous standards in quality, clinical practice and education.The AARC Apex Designation distinguishes programs for their commitment to excellence in professional development and the education of respiratory therapists to deliver the highest quality of care and elevate the respiratory therapy profession.
Established in 1971, Ohio State’s Respiratory Therapy program has a long-standing mission to prepare therapists to lead for ongoing advancement of the profession. For over 50 years, the program has awarded baccalaureate degrees and earned national recognition for excellence. It maintains continuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and has received the CoARC Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award for 14 consecutive years.
With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 22, the Ohio State Respiratory Therapy program offers personalized instruction and mentorship. Approximately 45% of graduates pursue advanced degrees, and alumni hold leadership roles in administration, education, clinical practice and professional respiratory care organizations nationwide.