There are about 400 respiratory care educational programs in the U.S. and over 1,000 members of the AARC Education Section.

Rye, a registered respiratory therapist, is the director of clinical education and an associate professor in the Department of Respiratory Care and Surgical Technologies of the UAMS College of Health Related Professions. She received the award during the AARC’s International Congress, Dec. 13-16 in Anaheim, Calif.

Rye was recognized in part for developing a clinical preceptor program that helps respiratory therapists who host students in hospitals or clinics to be effective teachers while giving those students clinical experience. The program was presented at the 2007 AARC Summer Forum and elements of it were subsequently incorporated into the AARC’s own preceptor program at the 2008 Summer Forum.

“Preceptors are sometimes oblivious to the vital role that they play in the education of future health care professionals, and they often underestimate their own importance,” Rye said. “It is the characteristics of preceptors and the clinical environment that they create that makes the learning experience rewarding and productive for all participants.

“Preceptors are the very people to whom we are entrusting the future of our profession.”

Rye said the clinical phase of the respiratory care program is the cornerstone of a student’s educational experience. Thus it is critical that those preceptors are effective teachers.

“It is during clinical that our students develop not only their psychomotor and affective skills, but also self-confidence and we hope a positive attitude about our profession,” Rye said.

Erna Boone, chairman of the Department of Respiratory Care and Surgical Technologies, who nominated Rye for the honor based on her contributions to the profession, said the preceptor program has been used as a model for similar programs across the country.

Rye joined the UAMS faculty in 1993. She was recently appointed to serve as a referee and committee member on the Committee for Accreditation for Respiratory Care Education, the accreditation agency for respiratory care educational programs.