On November 13, 2025, thirteen Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) Respiratory Care graduates were honored during a pinning ceremony in Thomasville.
Joined by students’ families and friends, the Respiratory Care program faculty at SRTC hosted the annual pinning ceremony in honor of the senior students. These students completed two semesters of prerequisite coursework as well as four semesters of rigorous occupational coursework, including a series of clinical rotations at local hospitals. In addition to the pinning ceremony, these students are eligible to participate in the college’s December 11 graduation ceremony at SRTC’s Bainbridge Campus.
The graduates honored were: Asia Barthell of Albany, Acisha Clark of Albany, Kendra Evelyn of Dixie, Shakerra Ivey of Thomasville, Azhanae Messer of Valdosta, Cruz Ornelas of Pelham, Amari Sanon of Columbus, Alexaundria Staten of Valdosta, Chedricka Strum of Albany, Tovonya Thomas of Moultrie, Matesha Troutman of Thomasville, Octavious Williams of Albany, and Josey Young of Sylvester.
"This cohort has demonstrated remarkable resilience, compassion, and professionalism throughout their journey. Their dedication to mastering the art and science of respiratory care, especially during times of challenge, reflects the true spirit of this profession,” said SRTC’s Respiratory Care Program Chair, Vester Smith, Ed.S., M.Ed., RRT. “Each graduate stands ready to make a difference in the lives of patients and families, carrying forward the values of excellence and empathy that define Southern Regional Technical College’s Respiratory Care Program.”
Upon successful completion of programmatic Self-Assessment Examinations (SAE), these students will be eligible to sit for National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing exams to obtain the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Registered Respiratory Therapists specialize in providing patient care for individuals of all age groups who have cardiopulmonary disorders. Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care, who obtain the RRT credential are also eligible to sit for additional specialty credentialing exams including Neonatal Pediatric Specialist, Critical Care Specialist, Pulmonary Function Technologist, Sleep Disorder Specialist, and Certified Asthma Educator. According to statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, the demand for respiratory therapists continues to increase, parallel to increases in pre-term birth rates and growing numbers of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, asthma, and sleep disordered breathing.
Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 38 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205-3449.
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