Rowan-Virtua Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions celebrates inaugural respiratory therapy pinning ceremony

In a Thursday evening ceremony attended by family, faculty and soon-to-be graduates, the Rowan-Virtua Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions (SNHP) marked its first annual awards and pinning ceremony for the Respiratory Therapy (RT) program. With the presentation of academic awards, occupational pins, and honor society tassels, the event marked a significant milestone for both the program and its first cohort of graduates.  

The pinning ceremony, a cherished tradition in health care education, symbolizes the transition from study to professional practice. Receiving their pins on Thursday were 13 graduates of the Entry into Practice program and 15 Degree Advancement graduates who entered with an associate degree in respiratory care and will now hold a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree.    

For the RT program at Rowan-Virtua, this ceremony was particularly meaningful as it marked the first cohort of graduates to complete what is the only baccalaureate respiratory therapy program in New Jersey.  

The keynote speaker of the evening was a friend of the program and clinical instructor at Shore Medical Center, Maria Caltabiano-Gonzalez. She reflected on her own experience as a respiratory therapist, and explained she feels connected to the challenges and triumphs of the students in the audience. “You are entering a field where every day is a chance to learn something new,” she said. “Your career as a respiratory therapist will continue to teach you, challenge you and push you to grow.” 

SNHP’s Respiratory Therapy program is designed to not only ensure that graduates are equipped to pass their board exams and serve as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs), but to prepare students who are leaders and lifelong learners.   

The ceremony not only honored the academic accomplishments of the graduates but also underscored the program's commitment to producing highly skilled and compassionate health care professionals. Graduates were recognized for their dedication to patient care and their readiness to contribute meaningfully to the field of respiratory therapy.  

“This is not an ending, but a new beginning,” said Barry Ransom, founding director of the Respiratory Therapy program. “You are now and continue to be part of a proud and noble profession called to make a difference one patient and breath at a time.” 

As the first pinning ceremony for the RT program, this event set a precedent for future cohorts. It highlighted the program's dedication to excellence in education and its alignment with the pillars of the Rowan-Virtua partnership. Three exceptional students were singled out for special recognition with the presentation of the Academic Excellence Award to Sam Hand, Clinical Excellence Award to Vianna Palmieri and the Dean’s Outstanding Senior Award to Kristi Hughes. Students who achieved GPAs in the top 25 percent of their class were also recognized with induction into the Lambda Beta Honors Society and given a tassel to wear at Commencement.