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West Virginia University School of Medicine
WVU School of Medicine Plans to Launch New Respiratory Therapy Program
Respiratory therapists are in high demand , and the West Virginia University ( WVU ) School of Medicine is planning to launch a new respiratory therapy bachelor ’ s degree program in an effort to not only give students career options but also support and grow critical respiratory services throughout West Virginia and beyond .
“ Hospitals nationally are having trouble filling critical respiratory therapy positions , and West Virginia has an increasingly high demand in particular ,” Michael Mehall , MEd , RRT , RRT-NPS , RRT-ACCS , CPFT , the program ’ s founding director , explained . “ This program is vital and meets our university ’ s land-grant mission to serve our state while producing compassionate and competent professionals who are equipped to be a critical part of the overall healthcare team .”
Respiratory therapists work under the direction of doctors to treat a wide range of patients who have difficulties breathing in a variety of inpatient or outpatient settings . The U . S . Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 14 % within the next 10 years .
WVU ’ s program is uniquely positioned to provide clinical rotation opportunities through WVU Medicine and other clinical partners , one of the strengths Mehall wants to draw on while laying the foundation to build and implement a dynamic program .
The hope is that this close working relationship will ultimately help WVU Medicine meet a critical workforce need , according to Mary Beth Mandich , PhD , PT , vice dean for professional and undergraduate programs .
“ The university is committed to providing educational opportunities that support the healthcare needs of the state and beyond ,” Mandich said . “ The school of medicine is happy to respond to this workforce need and appreciates the support of WVU Medicine . We are very fortunate to have an experienced leader in Dr . Mehall at the helm .”
Mehall joined WVU in 2022 and has more than 25 years of experience . He previously served as the founding program director at Carlow University .
He earned a bachelor ’ s degree in respiratory science from Wheeling Jesuit University in 1995 and a Master of Science degree in education from American Intercontinental University in 2010 . He is a registered respiratory therapist , adult critical care specialist , neonatal / pediatric specialist , and certified pulmonary function technologist .
The Respiratory Therapy Program at West Virginia University is currently in the process of seeking Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care ( CoARC ) accreditation and can provide no assurances accreditation will be granted by CoARC . Therefore , you may apply to the respiratory therapy program , but enrollment is contingent upon CoARC granting Provisional Accreditation .
Image : WVU Photo / Davidson Chan . Michael Mehall , MEd , BSRT , RRT , RRT-ACCS , RRT-NPS , CPFT .
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The program will be the only one of its kind in the northern part of the state and plans to enroll a cohort of 16 students initially in the fall semester of 2024 with the possibility of future expansion .
“ This is a perfect career track for those seeking opportunity in a medical profession with versatility ,” Mehall said . “ The program will provide students with an excellent educational foundation offering advanced practice facilities , renowned clinical partners , and experienced faculty .”
Students will work closely with WVU Medicine providers during their training . WVU Medicine , the university ’ s academic medical center partner , has played an integral role in providing support to establish the program .
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