Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Respiratory Care
Prepare for a Career in Respiratory Care
If you’re looking for Associate of Science in Respiratory Care programs in PA, Gwynedd Mercy University’s associate degree in respiratory therapy provides a quick path to professional competency as a respiratory therapist. The program is offered by the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions, renowned for its long and celebrated history of preparing competent, caring and compassionate respiratory therapists. It's how we earned our reputation as a renowned respiratory therapist school in Philadelphia.
Attain the program goal of acquiring the knowledge, skills and professional behaviors to practice as a competent, caring and compassionate health care practitioner
Be eligible to sit for the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice Examination and the NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination
Apply for a temporary permit from the State of Pennsylvania (or other state agency) and secure temporary employment as a graduate therapist
Your temporary permit becomes a permanent license once you successfully complete the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice Examination at the designated level
After completion of the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice Examination at the designated level, you will be eligible to sit the NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination and secure the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) -- the highest level credential of professional practice.
In your program, you will:
Gain hands-on experience from clinical specialists at world-renowned health care institutions
Benefit from our low student-faculty ratios (16:1 in the classroom setting and 8:1 in the laboratory)
Work with junior and senior respiratory care students serving as tutors and mentors
Make the most of GMercyU’s 21 regional health care affiliations
Have the flexibility to extend your studies by one year for a BS degree in Respiratory Care and greater employment opportunities
Learn in GMercyU’s state-of-the-art Respiratory Care Laboratory with the latest technology, including a broad array of equipment, models, mannequins, and simulators
The Role of a Respiratory Therapist
As a respiratory therapist, you’ll use a combination of physical examination and sophisticated technology to diagnose and treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. You will learn to administer oxygen therapy, deliver inhaled medications, and initiate and monitor patients on life support, such as mechanical ventilators. This fulfilling work can take you to a variety of settings, from hospitals to home care, and provides the opportunity to work with patients of all ages, from neonatal to elderly.
Undergraduate Minors
Increase the value of your associates in respiratory therapy degree by adding an undergraduate minor. GMercyU offers a wide variety of minors so you can choose the one that best meets your personal and professional goals.
Curriculum
In addition to general education requirements, you will complete the following courses:
Respiratory Care Courses: 63 Credits
RC 200
Introduction to AH - 2 Credits
RE 210
Medical Terminology – 1 Credit
RC 230
Respiratory Theory I – 4 Credits
RE 231
Respiratory Theory II – 3 Credits
RC 232
Respiratory Theory III – 3 Credits
RC 233
Respiratory & Cardiac Physiology – 3 Credits
RC 234
Respiratory Pharmacology – 3 Credits
RC 240
Respiratory Procedures I – 1 Credit
RC 241
Respiratory Procedures II – 1 Credit
RC 242
Respiratory Procedures III – 1 Credit
RC 250
Clinical Respiratory Care I – 3 Credits
RC 251
Clinical Respiratory Care II – 3 Credits
RC 330
Advanced Respiratory Theory I – 3 Credits
RC 331
Advanced Respiratory Theory II – 3 Credits
RC 332
Advanced Respiratory Theory III – 3 Credits
RC 333
Respiratory Pathophysiology – 3 Credits
RC 334
RC Research – Capstone – 3 Credits
RC 335
Respiratory Seminar – Capstone – 3 Credits
RC 340
Advanced Respiratory Procedures I – 1 Credit
RC 341
Advanced Respiratory Procedures II – 1 Credit
RC 342
Advanced Respiratory Procedures III – 1 Credit
RC 350
Advanced Clinical Respiratory I – 2 Credits
RC 351
Advanced Clinical Respiratory II – 3 Credits
Credit Requirement
A minimum of 99 credits is required for the associate degree in respiratory care.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that respiratory therapist jobs will grow faster than average through 2022 (at 19%), presenting graduates with rich employment opportunities. Respiratory care has been recognized for its great return on investment for career-seekers by both U.S. News and Business News Daily. In 2015, the profession ranks #24 on U.S. News’ list of “Best Health Care Jobs” and #51 on their “100 Best Jobs” list. In 2015 the median pay for Respiratory Therapists was $57,790/year (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Now's the time to earn your degree from one of the best respiratory therapist schools in the area.
Possible Careers for Respiratory Care Majors
Clinician
Diagnostician
Adult critical care specialist
Pulmonary function technologist
Sleep technologist
Asthma educator
Neonatal/ pediatric specialist
Patient advocate
Tobacco cessation counselor
Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
Clinical preceptor
Areas of specialization
• Medical/ surgical care
• Adult Critical Care
• Neonatology
• Pediatrics
• Pulmonary diagnostics * Additional education and training may be required for some of these positions.