Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 219
spring semesters. Rotations are of an advanced nature and include specialty rotations that occur in a variety of clinical sites, including large university-teaching hospitals, pediatric and neonatal centers, community hospitals, and alternate care sites.
Upon successful completion of the program ' s third year, the student will receive an Associate Degree in Respiratory Care and be eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care( NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice Examination. Successful completion of the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination at a designated low cut score level grants the student the Certified Respiratory Therapist( CRT) credential and allows the student to apply for a license to practice in the State of Pennsylvania.
Upon completion of the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice Examination at a designated high cut score level, the student is eligible to sit for the NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination. Upon successful completion of this examination, the student is granted the title of Registered Respiratory Therapist( RRT) and the receipt of an exclusive registry number. The RRT is the terminal credential in the profession of respiratory care and the highest level of professional practice. All students should aspire to achieve this level of credentialing. Additional specialty examinations and credentials are available and can be addressed by the program faculty.
Fourth Year The fourth year is the baccalaureate level of the program. It is designed as a degree completion program that enhances the liberal arts and adds health science electives geared towards professional leadership in the areas of patient / family clinical education, wellness, and / or entry-level management / supervision. The bachelor’ s degree strives to prepare a well-rounded graduate prepared to provide professional leadership and service.
Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care: As noted above, this option is designed as the final year of the 3-plus-1 program. It is a degree completion program designed for students seeking professional leadership, education, and / or service in Respiratory Care. Students choosing this option must first complete all course work outlined in the Associate Degree curriculum and the additional courses outlined on the curriculum sheet.
Preparation for Professional Licensure: The Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Care is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care( CoARC) and is an Entry into Respiratory Care Professional Practice Program. It prepares the student for eligibility to sit the NBRC Examination. Upon completion of the NBRC Examination at the low-cut score, the student is eligible to secure a license from the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs of the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine to practice as a certified respiratory therapy practitioner.
Program Learning Outcomes: Program learning outcomes flow from the CoARC-mandated requirement to“ develop student in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domain.” Specific learning outcomes are as follows: PLO1 Integrate knowledge from the humanities, natural and behavioral / social sciences with the current practice of respiratory care. PLO2 Know, apply and analyze the principles and concepts of respiratory care to function in the health care setting. PLO3 Use current professional standards including clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based medicine in respiratory care. PLO4 Perform clinical procedures and modalities to practice as a competent respiratory therapist.