MARIETTA, OHIO — Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) is proud to announce another outstanding milestone for its Respiratory Therapy Technology program. For the third consecutive year, 100% of graduates passed the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination on their first attempt, and 100% of graduates successfully earned their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential by passing the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).
These results significantly exceed national averages and reinforce the program’s reputation for preparing highly qualified respiratory therapists. According to the National Board for Respiratory Care, the current national first-time pass rate for the high-cut score on the TMC Examination is approximately 74%, making WSCO’s three-year streak of 100% first-time success a remarkable achievement.
“This accomplishment reflects years of intentional continuous improvement and an unwavering commitment to student success,” said Adrienne Hellinger, Director of Respiratory Therapy at WSCO. “Our faculty are not only experienced respiratory therapists—they’re educators, mentors, and data analysts who are constantly evaluating our program to ensure students receive the highest quality education possible. I’m incredibly proud of both our faculty and our graduates for making this level of success possible year after year,” continued Hellinger.
Graduates of the program leave WSCO prepared to enter the workforce with the knowledge, clinical experience, and professional credentials employers seek. In addition to earning eligibility for the nationally recognized RRT credential, students graduate with multiple advanced resuscitation certifications that prepare them to provide critical patient care from day one.
WSCO’s success is built on a culture of continuous improvement. Faculty regularly analyze student performance data, align coursework with national board examination standards, and implement targeted instructional strategies that strengthen critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills throughout the program.
“Our program is always looking for ways to improve,” said Michael Perry, Director of Clinical Education. “We’ve adopted data-driven strategies that help identify opportunities to strengthen both our curriculum and our students’ learning. But ultimately, the credit belongs to our students. They’re the ones who commit themselves to mastering the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients whose lives often depend on them.”
Perry added, “Respiratory therapists are part of a healthcare team responsible for making life-saving decisions every day. The standards to enter this profession are intentionally high, and our students consistently rise to meet those expectations through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.”
Beyond impressive exam results, the program’s continued success is strengthening its reputation throughout the region.
“Recognition as a high-quality program benefits everyone,” Hellinger said. “It gives prospective students confidence that they’ll receive outstanding training, helps our graduates stand out to employers, and strengthens our relationships with clinical partners who trust the preparation our students receive. Ultimately, that means our communities benefit from highly skilled respiratory therapists providing exceptional patient care.”
Hellinger also hopes more prospective students discover what she calls one of healthcare’s “hidden gems.”
“I don’t think many people realize what an incredible career respiratory therapy can be,” she said. “A community college education can lead to a respected profession with outstanding earning potential and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives every day.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapists earned a median annual salary of $80,450 in 2024, making the profession one of healthcare’s fastest-growing and most rewarding careers.
For more information about the Respiratory Therapy Technology program at Washington State College of Ohio, visit wscc.edu or contact Adrienne Hellinger, Director of Respiratory Therapy, at ahellinger@wscc.edu
