Gwynedd Mercy University 2026-2027 University Catalog
• The ability to travel to all areas of a health care facility including patient rooms, various care areas and the respiratory care department.
• Perform physically demanding tasks including, but not limited to, positioning and transporting patients, performing CPR and moving life sustaining equipment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients and hospital staff.
• Use appropriate equipment to accurately assess patients.
• Apply sufficient intellectual and emotional skills to plan and exercise independent judgment and to respond quickly to medical emergencies.
• Accurately measure and administer medication.
• Read, interpret, and evaluate patient data to make appropriate recommendations for improving patients’ conditions.
• Calibrate and operate equipment associated with providing respiratory care.
• Perform the numerous tasks required of a respiratory therapist.
• The physical and mental acumen to adjust and cope with the stressors associated with providing respiratory care to critically ill patients.
Compliance Requirements and Clearances: All candidates accepted into the Respiratory Care Program must have documented proof of the following additional requirements prior to clinical courses:
1. Certificate of Health / Physical Examination: A physical examination performed by a primary care physician, e. g.: MD, DO, NP, PA, is required to take part in clinical rotations. Official physical forms are provided by the University. Separate forms may be required depending on the clinical site. Completed health forms are to be submitted to the Campus Health Office at least 2 weeks before clinical rotations begin. Students without completed health forms will not be permitted to take part in clinical rotations.
2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation( CPR) Certification / Recertification: Valid, current CPR
certification is required before beginning clinical education experiences. Respiratory Care faculty can provide CPR training prior to the start of clinical at the expense of the student. A copy of the current certification must be submitted to the Director of Clinical Education prior to the start of clinical rotations.
3. Health Insurance Coverage: Students must carry health insurance while in the Respiratory Care Program. Health insurance can be obtained through the University if the student does not have personal coverage. Confirmation of health insurance coverage must be submitted to the University by the beginning of each academic year.
4. Liability Insurance: All students enrolled in the Program are required to carry liability insurance and this coverage is provided through the University.
5. Child Abuse History Clearance: All students enrolled in the Program are required to have a Child Abuse History Clearance through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This is accomplished online, and further instructions will be provided by the Director of Clinical Education at the time of clinical orientation. Students are responsible for the cost of the Child Abuse History Clearance.
6. Criminal Background Check: All students enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program are required to have a Pennsylvania State Police( PSP) criminal background check performed via the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History( PATCH) web portal. In addition, all students must undergo a Federal Bureau of Investigation( FBI) background check. Information related to criminal background checks will be provided by the Director of Clinical Education at the time of the orientation to clinical. Students are responsible for the cost of the Criminal Background
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