GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA — Gwynedd Mercy University has secured a national respiratory care education designation for the third consecutive award cycle, placing its program among 10 selected from 449 nationwide for the American Association for Respiratory Care’s 2027-2028 Apex recognition.
The university reported that its Respiratory Care program has maintained the designation since 2023. The recognition evaluates educational programs on professional development, respiratory therapy training and adherence to established practices in patient care.
The designation comes as the university continues a career-ladder approach designed to move respiratory care students into the healthcare workforce before they complete their bachelor’s degrees.
Under the program’s 3+1 structure, students become eligible for employment after their third year while continuing their undergraduate studies and preparing for professional certification as Certified Respiratory Therapists or Registered Respiratory Therapists.
The university reported a 100% final pass rate on the Certified Respiratory Therapist examination and a 96% clinical pass rate on the Registered Respiratory Therapist examination among its respiratory care students since 2016.
Students receive clinical instruction through the university’s Respiratory Care Laboratory, which includes a Laerdal SimMan Critical Care simulator capable of reproducing cardiopulmonary conditions. Training also includes clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities, including academic medical centers and pediatric and neonatal units.
“Our students learn through rigorous coursework, hands-on simulation and clinical experiences that prepare them to step into the profession with confidence and provide excellent care from day one,” stated Randy Solly, director of the university’s Respiratory Care program.
The American Association for Respiratory Care established its Apex Designation to recognize respiratory care departments and educational programs that demonstrate established standards in evidence-based practice, professional development and clinical education.
AARC President Dana Evans described the recipients as organizations that demonstrate “specialized clinical and educational expertise” and a commitment to improving patient care.
Jane H. Tang, dean of the university’s Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions, attributed the program’s continued recognition to its faculty and educational structure.
The 2027-2028 designation marks the university’s third consecutive recognition cycle, maintaining its position among a limited group of respiratory therapy education programs recognized nationally by the professional association.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.