Respiratory Therapist Program (BHS)

More benefits of choosing GMercyU's Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care include:

• Progress in a career ladder approach (a 3+1 model, with the first 3 years representing the Associate Degree and the final year being a degree completion culminating in the Bachelor of Health Science Degree)
• Gain hands-on experience through GMercyU’s 21 regional health care affiliations 
• Get a head start on your career with full employment eligibility after year three
• Participate in a fulfilling and exciting learning experience with the personal attention you need 
• Attend courses taught by our experienced faculty who are published and present at state, national and international conferences and conventions
• Experience GMercyU’s state-of-the-art Respiratory Care Laboratory with cutting edge technology and a comprehensive array of equipment, models, mannequins, and simulators

As a graduate with a bachelor of health science in respiratory care, you’ll have first-hand experience, and be prepared to:

• Use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and competently treat patients with cardiopulmonary disorders
• Administer oxygen therapy, deliver inhaled medications, and initiate and maintain life support equipment, such as mechanical ventilators, among other responsibilities
• Work in large academic medical centers, community hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long term care, and even the home care setting
• Provide care for patients of all ages (from newborns to children, to adults and the elderly)
• Enter entry-level leadership positions in education or management/ supervision

Here are some of the places where GMercyU’s Respiratory Care majors have gained practical, hands-on experience locally.  Some students choose to go to other regions of the country to gain hands-on experience and training.

• Abington Memorial Hospital
• Aria Health Systems (Frankford Hospitals)
• Cancer Treatment Centers of America
• Chester County Hospital
• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Doylestown Hospital
• Einstein Montgomery Hospital
• Fox Chase Cancer Center
• Grandview Hospital
• HCR Manor Care
• The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Jeanes Hospital
• Lankenau Hospital
• Lehigh Valley Hospital Center
• Lehigh Valley Medical Center and Health Care System
• Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia
• Montgomery Einstein Hospital
• Mercy Suburban Hospital
• Thomas Jefferson University Medical Center

Omar Duggan '16, RRT

Omar was drawn to GMercyU's Respiratory Care program because of its exceptional exam pass rates, and as a recipient of our Kathleen and Alan Owens Scholarship, he found GMercyU more affordable than other options. He also appreciated GMercyU's small classes and one-on-one time with his professors. "It’s more of a family-oriented school – everyone’s really close, and the teachers really care about you and want you to succeed," he said. “My clinical work at HUP and at Magee made me see many different types of patients – and some of the equipment I used I haven’t even seen yet at my current hospital.” 

Today, he is a respiratory therapist at The Brooklyn Hospital Center. Omar has also worked for Electromed, Inc., the company that makes SmartVest®, a device that helps keep airways clear for patients prone to illnesses such as pneumonia.

Read more about Omar's GMercyU experience.

Catharine Hay '21

After attending an Open House at GMercyU, Catherine knew she'd found her calling in respiratory care. Her first clinical experience confirmed that she was on the right career path. "When I placed my stethoscope on the patient’s back to listen to their breath sounds, I had a moment that made me realize that I was about to embark on a career that makes a huge difference," she said.

Catharine landed her new job before she even graduated, as an RRT at the Lehigh Valley Health Network, and she absolutely loves what she does for a living.  

Read more about Catharine's GMercyU experience.

Throughout the pandemic, respiratory therapists have cared for an overwhelming number of COVID-19 patients who've required advanced and life-sustaining ventilator care.

Yet even before COVID, there was an urgent need for more respiratory therapists due to an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases such as asthma and COPD. COPD is one of the  leading causes of death in the U.S., and the number of diagnosed asthmatics continues to rise.

By attending one of the best respiratory therapy schools in the area, you will earn your bachelor’s degree in respiratory care that will qualify you to specialize and focus on the lungs and the heart, and to secure specialty credentials in areas such as adult critical care, neonatal/ pediatrics, pulmonary function testing, and asthma education. Additionally, you will be prepared to work in pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep medicine, and home care.

You may also pursue leadership roles as a respiratory care supervisor, department director, clinical preceptor, classroom educator, disease manager, and/or in patient advocacy.

Respiratory therapy is the study of issues affecting patients' hearts and lungs. Respiratory therapists evaluate, diagnose and treat heart and lung issues, including chronic diseases and emergencies. They may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities or in patients' home.

Have questions about GMercyU's admissions requirements or transferring eligible credits? Contact us! Our Admissions staff is ready to walk you through the process of applying to GMercyU’s BHS in Respiratory Care Program.

Email: admissions@gmercyu.edu
Phone: 215-641-5510

Please note: Students enrolling in this program must have the ability to obtain a U.S. background check and other clearances for placement in a U.S. clinical/school setting. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is also a requirement for licensure within certain academic programs. International students and students who are under DACA status or are undocumented should carefully review the licensure requirements in their state before enrolling in a degree program that leads to licensure. Additional information can be found on the National Conference of State Legislatures website. 

Gwynedd Mercy University offers a wide range of educational advantages, making it one of the most prominent Baccalaureate Respiratory Care Programs in PA. Start your journey today!