Connecticut Society for Respiratory Care (CTSRC) Strategic Plan

2026–2028

Mission

To support excellence in respiratory care practice through evidence-based education, legislative advocacy, professional engagement, and public awareness in Connecticut—fully aligned with the mission and strategic direction of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

Vision

A vibrant and influential Connecticut respiratory care community recognized for professional excellence, policy leadership, and improved patient outcomes. As an AARC-chartered affiliate, the CTSRC advocates for respiratory therapists, patients, families, and the public by promoting the highest standards of care.

 

Strategic Priorities

 

Strategic Priority 1: Engage – Membership & Community

Foster meaningful connection, inclusion, and professional belonging among Connecticut respiratory care professionals.

Objectives:

  • Expand membership value by implementing periodic needs-assessment surveys, strengthening mentorship programs, and promoting dual membership with AARC.
  • Increase inclusive participation through:
    • Virtual community forums and statewide town halls.
    • Student-focused outreach to address declining enrollment trends and workforce shortages seen nationally and in Connecticut task force reports.
    • CTSRC Ambassador Program to engage hospitals and academic sites.

Strategic Priority 2: Elevate – Professional Recognition

 

Advance recognition of respiratory therapists as essential healthcare professionals andleaders.

Objectives:

  • Conduct statewide campaigns highlighting the RT role in acute, chronic, home-based, and community care.
  • Support leadership development through active participation of both candidates and mentors in the AARC Emerging Leader Program.
  • Support professional growth through development of advanced practice respiratory therapist (APRT) pathways as AARC continues to advocate for APRT licensure models.

Strategic Priority 3: Advocate – Policy & Patient Access

 

Influence public policy and healthcare systems to improve patient access and strengthen professional practice.

Objectives:

  • Strengthening state and federal advocacy efforts aligned with AARC initiatives, including:
    • Workforce development strategies.
    • Compact licensure advocacy.
    • APRT-related legislative groundwork.
  • Build and expand alliances with hospital associations, academic institutions, long-term care networks, and pulmonary patient-advocacy groups.
  • Advocate for policies that:
    • Expand access to respiratory care services.
    • Address Connecticut’s critical RT workforce shortages by promoting clinical training capacity, educator development incentives, and scholarship/loan-forgiveness programs.
    • Support improved reimbursement for RT-led services.

Strategic Priority 4: Educate – Professional Development

 

  • Deliver innovative, evidence-based education to prepare a future-ready respiratory care workforce.
  • Deliver high‑impact, evidence‑based educational programming.
  • Support students and early career professionals.
  • Integrate AARC clinical guidelines and emerging research into state education.Objectives:
  • Provide high-impact evidence-based continuing education incorporating the latest AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines and emerging research.
  • Expand support for students and early-career RTs through outreach, scholarships, and career pathways.

 

Cross‑Cutting Enablers

 

Communications & Technology

  • Leverage social media, newsletters, and AARConnect to improve communication with members.
  • Regularly update the CTSRC website with events, legislative updates, workforce resources, advocacy toolkits and member resources

 

Leadership Development

  • Support CTSRC leaders’ participation in AARC leadership training, governance, and national committees.
  • Establish a CTSRC Emerging Leaders Cohort to build long-term organizational capacity and succession readiness.

 

Metrics & Evaluation

CTSRC will measure progress through:

  • Membership growth and retention rates.
  • Number and type of advocacy actions taken by members (letters sent, meetings attended, legislative testimonies).
  • Participation levels at CTSRC educational programs.
  • Increased recognition of respiratory therapy roles in Connecticut legislative,
  • regulatory, and health system settings.
  • Tracking advancements in workforce pipeline and RT educator recruitment.

 

Implementation Timeline (2026-2028)

 

Year 1 (2026): Build & Launch

  • Conduct member needs-assessment survey.
  • Conduct comprehensive review of digital footprint including website, social media channels and AARConnect.
  • Expand CTSRC sponsored educational offerings.• Initiate compact licensure legislation.

 

Year 2 (2027): Grow & Pilot

  • Pilot advanced practice and leadership development initiatives
  • Deepen partnerships with CT academic institutions to address training bottlenecks.
  • Monitor workforce and membership trends; refine programming accordingly.

 

Year 3 (2028): Evaluate & Advance

  • Evaluate strategic outcomes using CTSRC metrics dashboard.
  • Align state progress reporting with AARC Congress and AARC strategic goals.
  • Develop recommendations for the 2029–2031 Strategic Plan based on data insights.