19 March ICC Respiratory Care Technology program earns national recognition March 19, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Itawamba Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology program has been recognized for the second consecutive year by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care with the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award, a national honor that highlights programs demonstrating exceptional student achievement and outcomes. The award is part of CoARC’s ongoing effort to emphasize the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential as a benchmark of professional excellence. From an accreditation and outcomes perspective, the organization views RRT credential attainment as a key indicator of a program’s ability to prepare graduates for success and encourage them to reach their highest professional aspirations. Programs selected for this recognition must meet rigorous, objective criteria based on data reported in the 2025 Annual Report of Current Status. To qualify, programs must have at least three years of outcomes data, maintain full accreditation without the need for a progress report, achieve an RRT credentialing success rate of 90% or higher and meet or exceed established benchmarks for high cut scores on the Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and student retention. “This recognition speaks to the consistency, quality and commitment of our faculty and students within the Respiratory Care Technology program,” said Dr. Jay Allen, ICC president. “To be recognized nationally two years in a row reflects the strength of our instruction, the dedication of our students and the critical role this program plays in preparing highly skilled healthcare professionals for our region and beyond.” The program is led by Adam Denton, program director, and Victoria Gray, clinical coordinator, whose leadership and guidance continue to support student achievement and program excellence. ICC’s Respiratory Care Technology program continues to play a vital role in meeting workforce demands in the healthcare sector by equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills and credentials necessary to succeed in respiratory therapy careers. Learn more about health science education programs offered at ICC by visiting www.iccms.edu/HS. Related Articles ICC Respiratory Care Technology program selected as recipient of Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success award Itawamba Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology program has been nationally recognized during a Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care awards dinner in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. recently. ICC is among a select group of programs and the only one in Mississippi that received the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award, which is presented as part of the CoARC’s continued efforts to value the RRT credential as a standard of professional achievement. ICC’s program has the best pass rates in Mississippi. Program director Adam Denton of Saltillo said that from a program effectiveness perspective, the CoARC views the RRT credential as a measure of a program’s success in inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations. “We are honored to be recognized with the CoARC Distinguished RRT Credentialing award,” Denton said. “This award validates the hard work of our respiratory therapy faculty and demonstrates the dedication of our graduates, who invest countless hours preparing for national board exams. This recognition reflects the commitment to excellence that ICC and the Health Science division consistently uphold. With this award, we ... Respiratory Care Technology program joins schools from across the nation in Oct. 22-28 celebration Itawamba Community College’s Respiratory Care Technology program is joining schools from across the nation in honoring and recognizing the invaluable contributions of respiratory therapists to patient care during a week designated in their honor. “Respiratory Care week is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the essential work and dedication of respiratory care professionals as well as to promote awareness for lung health,” said Adam Denton, program director. Additionally, it provides a platform for sharing the multifaceted impact of respiratory therapists from collaborating with executive leaders to serving as advocates for patients and engaging with local communities. ICC’s Respiratory Care is a two-year (five-semester) program. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (Respiratory Care practitioner). “Respiratory Therapists apply scientific principles to prevent, identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system,” Denton said. “Their knowledge of the scientific principles underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as biomedical engineering and technology, enables them to effectively ... ICC's Public Health Technology program joins in Apr. 7-13 national celebration Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “It Starts Here.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s nationally-recognized Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities,” Alexander said in summarizing the information provided by the American Public Health Association. “It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger – and healthier – together through the efforts of organizations like the APHA and others that advocate for healthy communities.” Alexander, who serves on the Mississippi State Department of Health Community Health Worker Taskforce, is excited about recent legislation that will help advance the educational and career opportunities for ... ICC's Public Health Technology program to join in national celebration with local events Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating the week of April 1 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Community health workers are the backbone of public health, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of well-being and equity,” said Caroline Newkirk, ICC adjunct instructor and Evaluation Specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. “ICC’s Public Health Technology program fills a critical gap in Mississippi by offering a curriculum that prepares its students exceptionally well with the knowledge and skills to be invaluable community health workers. In a state that is medically underserved, ... ICC students can take advantage of Mississippi Works Career-Tech Scholars Program Itawamba Community College students who enroll in one of 18 career education programs this fall can take advantage of a new scholarship program. The Mississippi Works Career-Tech Scholars Program, administered by the Mississippi Community College Board, has been established to serve as a state-assisted tuition scholarship program for eligible community and junior college students by providing tuition financial assistance to those who enroll in approved, in-demand Career Education certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree programs identified through sector analysis to meet the workforce demands of the state, according to Emily Tucker, ICC adviser and recruitment coordinator. Programs at ICC include Emergency Medical Tech-Paramedic, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology, Surgical Technology, Computer Networking Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology, Welding and Cutting Technology, Computer Programming Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Technology, Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology. To be eligible for the program, students must be legal residents of Mississippi, admitted to an approved Mississippi Works ... ICC revamps Precision Machining Technology program, introduces one-year Associate of Applied Science dgreee Itawamba Community College has revamped its Precision Machining Technology program, transitioning it from two years to a streamlined one-year Associate of Applied Science degree opportunity, beginning this fall. The newly revised program will equip students with essential skills and knowledge through a carefully designed curriculum, ensuring that they are well-prepared for rewarding careers in the field of precision machining, according to Dylan Baldwin, director of Career Education. The three-semester program will enable students to graduate in July 2024. Upon completion of the program, they will receive a 45-hour certificate, demonstrating their mastery of precision machining techniques. The revised program incorporates several new classes to enhance students’ understanding and proficiency in precision machining. Courses such as Metallurgy, Die Repair and Jigs, Fixtures and Tools along with another Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operations course have been added to the curriculum, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training in cutting-edge machining technologies and industry best practices. These courses will provide students with a well-rounded education and equip them with the skills demanded by the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry, Baldwin said. In addition to ... Comments are closed.