2027-2028 Apex Designation Recipients Announced

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.

Like the Magnet Program for nursing, the Apex Program requires facilities to provide comprehensive documentation on factors essential to delivering top-notch care. Apex honorees excel in areas such as staff education and credentialing, as well as implementing protocols that ensure safe, 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 2027-2028 Apex Designation:

Acute Care

• Dr. P. Phillips Hospital
• Orlando Health
• VA Maryland Health Care System
• Orlando Health Saint Cloud Hospital
• Emory Hillandale Hospital
• Rush University Medical Center
• ChristianaCare
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
• Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Children’s Hospital
• WellSpan York Hospital
• Rady Children’s Health Orange County
• University Health Pediatric Respiratory Therapy Department
• Reading Hospital-Tower Health
• Emory Johns Creek Hospital
• Emory University Hospital
• Yale New Haven Hospital
• Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware
• The Valley Hospital, NJ
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• University of Maryland Shore Regional At Easton
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• AdventHealth Altamonte
• Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
• Arkansas Children’s Hospital
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
• North Shore University Hospital Northwell Health
• Houston Methodist West
• Medstar Washington Hospital Center
• University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
• Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center
• The University of Maryland Medical Center
• New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital

Acute Care International

• Dr.Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital Al- Rayyan
• King Abdullah Specialty Children Hospital-Jeddah
• Al Nas Hospital
• Respiratory Care Administration at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster

Education

• Gwynedd Mercy University
• University of Texas Medical Branch
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Georgia State University
• University of Missouri Entry-to-BHS Program
• University of Missouri RRT-to-BHS Degree Advancement Program
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• Ursuline College of Gannon University Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Degree Advancement Program
• Rush University
• Boise State University, Master of Science in Respiratory Care

Post Acute Care

• Corewell Health

You can also view previous Apex award recipients.

Details about the next Apex application cycle will be available in spring 2027. Organizations interested in learning more about the award and the application process can email apex@aarc.org or visit the Apex Recognition Award Information page.