The Power of Apex for Your Organization

Are you a respiratory care professional looking to elevate your department’s standards and showcase your commitment to patient safety and quality? If so,  applying for the Apex designation might be your organization’s next move.  The Apex designation recognizes respiratory departments (Acute Care, Critical Care Transport, Long-Term Care, and International Acute Care), educational institutions, and home medical care companies that meet rigorous, evidence-based standards. 

Why pursue Apex?

• It highlights your organization’s commitment to evidence-based standards and quality improvement
• Serves as an effective recruitment and retention tool for skilled RTs
• Provides measurable outcomes that showcase your department’s excellence to leadership and patients.
• Elevates your team’s professional standing and promotes a culture of safety and innovation.

Strategic Insights from the Field

During a recent AARC Perspectives podcast at Congress 2025, Apex recipients, Felix Khusid, BS, RRT‑ACCS, RRT‑NPS, RPFT, FAARC, FCCM, FCCP, ATSF (New York–Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital), Emilee Lamorena, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC (CHOC Children’s), and Andy Klein, MS, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FCCP (Rush University), shared different ways that Apex has impacted their institutions:

• Apex is not just about meeting standards but also about validating initiatives already in place, offering an objective endorsement of a team’s performance. “It’s a validation that what you’re doing aligns with recognized standards,” explains Khusid. “It proves the quality of care and processes are on the right track.”
• A catalyst for continuous improvement: Achieving Apex isn’t static—it’s a journey of ongoing measurement and development. Lamorena emphasized starting early, “Measure where you are now, set small goals, and track progress regularly.” Departments must develop protocols, refine policies, and foster staff professional growth, all of which are integral to the process.
• Enhancing staff engagement and career development: The Apex designation motivates departments to support RTs pursuing advanced credentials and leadership roles. Khusid noted that it acts as a roadmap to career growth, fostering staff pride and retention. “We encourage staff to pursue bachelor’s degrees,” Khusid says. “It’s an essential part of the standards and shows a department’s commitment to professional excellence.”

Practical Steps Toward Achieving Apex

Embarking on the Apex journey may seem daunting, but with some planning, it becomes manageable. Here are some actionable tips from Lamorena, Khusid, and Klein: 

Start Early and Measure Continuously

• Review all of the AARC standards before you apply
• Collect baseline data on staff credentials, protocols, and policies.
• Track progress quarterly or biannually to identify gaps and areas for improvement.

Align Policies and Practice

• Ensure departmental policies accurately reflect current practices.
• Standardize protocols across the organization.
• Address low-hanging fruit, such as policy updates and staffing metrics, early on.

Promote Staff Development

• Encourage RTs to obtain bachelor’s degrees, offer tuition reimbursement, and pursue certifications.
• Recognize and celebrate milestones in staff education.
• Foster a culture that values ongoing professional growth.

Leverage Resources and Community

• Utilize AARC’s toolkit, guidelines, and shared best practices.
• Connect with other departments that have achieved Apex for mentorship.
• Consider forming a task force dedicated to the application process.

Document and Collect Objective Data

• Gather credential verifications, protocol documentation, and quality metrics.
• Utilize spreadsheets or digital tools to streamline information gathering.
• Be prepared for extensive documentation, especially for the first application.

Involve Leadership and Stakeholders

• Engage hospital administrators and medical directors early.
• Demonstrate how Apex aligns with institutional goals on patient safety and quality.
• Make a compelling case for resource allocation and staff support.

Start Your Apex Journey

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining existing processes, the key lies in early planning, staff engagement, and continuous measurement. Remember, Apex isn’t just a professional designation — it’s a framework that fosters a culture of excellence, safety, and professional growth.