Respiratory Therapist Program (BHS)

Choose GMercyU's Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care to:

• 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 — including a new state-of-the-art ASL-5000 lung simulator, capable of replicating a wide range of lung conditions for patients of all ages

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

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 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's website.

Licensure: This program was designed to meet the licensure requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you reside in a different state, you should carefully review your home state’s licensure requirements prior to enrolling in this program. For more information, please visit our Program Licensure Requirement page.

In addition to general education coursework, you will complete the following courses:

Respiratory Care Courses:  63 Credits

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Credit Requirement
A minimum of 127 credits is required for the bachelor’s degree in respiratory care. See the undergraduate catalog for more information and course descriptions.

Undergraduate Minors
Increase the value of your associates in respiratory therapy degree by adding an undergraduate minor that best meets your personal and professional goals.

William R. (Randy) Solly MS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C
Position: Professor of Practice and Program Director, Respiratory Care
Did You Know? Solly has presented at the local, state, and national levels on topics such as pulmonary function testing, updated spirometry standards, interventional bronchoscopy, disaster medicine, and health care provider burnout.
Read bio

 William Galvin, MSEd, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC
Position: Professor Emeritus, Respiratory Care
Did You Know? Galvin authored and edited the 60-chapter comprehensive textbook, Respiratory Care: Principles and Practice, which has been adopted and used by RC students nationally. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards.
Read bio

Barbara Schuster, MSEd, RRT
Position: Assistant Professor, Respiratory Care
Did You Know? Schuster's specialties include Acute Care, Advance Cardiac Life Support, Invasive Cardiac Monitoring, Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology, and Neonatal & Pediatrics. 
Read bio

Melissa Thornborough, MEd, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C
Position: Instructor and the Director of Clinical Education, Respiratory Care
Did You Know? She has worked at Jefferson Abington Hospital as a staff therapist for most of her career -- the last nine years, serving as supervisor. She is still currently on staff on an as-needed basis.
Read bio

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
• St. Luke's Health Care System (specifically Upper Bucks)
• Temple University Health System, including:
  • Fox Chase Cancer Center
  • Jeanne's Hospital
  • Temple University Hospital
• Thomas Jefferson University Medical Center

Demand for Respiratory Therapists

During the pandemic, respiratory therapists cared for an overwhelming number of COVID-19 patients who required advanced and life-sustaining ventilator care. Yet even before the pandemic, 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. 

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 13% increased demand for respiratory therapists through 2033 – more than three times the growth of all occupations. 

U.S. News Best Healthcare Job Ranking

Respiratory care has been recognized as a career with a great return on investment. In 2025, the profession ranks #9 on U.S. News’ list of “Best Healthcare Jobs” and #25 on their “100 Best Jobs” list. 

Average Salary for Respiratory Therapists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $80,450 in May 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $108,820. In the Philadelphia area, respiratory therapists averaged $86,250 per year.

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.

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.

During the pandemic, respiratory therapists 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.

Earning your bachelor’s degree in respiratory care 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.

Respiratory therapists diagnose and treat lung and heart problems in patients. They work as part of the medical team that administers medications, manages airways, and conducts rehabilitation activities. Here are some other job responsibilities:

• Manage ventilation machines
• Assess lung capacity
• Perform diagnostic tests
• Develop and implement treatment plans
• Consult with physicians
• Monitor and record progress of treatment plans
• Educate patients about diseases and their treatments