100 percent pass rate for DSU Respiratory Care Program

The Dakota State University Respiratory Care program boasts a pass rate of 100 percent for the 2001 year. The national average was 50 percent. The five-year pass rate for DSU students was 82 percent and the national average was 54 percent.

“I attribute our good pass rates to the diligence, clinical knowledge and caring of the respiratory care faculty, as well as the staffs at the primary clinical training sites (Avera McKennan and Sioux Valley Hospitals),” said Bruce Feistner, DSU Respiratory Care Director and Associate Professor. “Since our student numbers are rather small, we can individualize instruction and give each student a higher level of understanding than can some programs with many students.”

DSU has had 50 graduates from the program since 1996, with 47 of those graduates passing the Licensure & Certification exam. Of the three who haven’t passed the exam, one person has changed professions, and the other two have not yet tested.

“Our students are essentially no different than others around the country,” commented Feistner. “You will see a motivated work ethic and strong support of the faculty and administration for this program, as well as from home. All this tells the student that there are many people behind him or her, encouraging further success.”

“The faculty will continue to provide the students with the most current respiratory care practice available, and hope to continue the encouraging news from this exam,” added Feistner.