Comprehensive Respiratory Therapy Education and Student Support Services

Respiratory Therapy (RT) was established in 1971 in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, as one of the first undergraduate programs in the nation. Our mission remains the same, to prepare advanced-level therapists who have the abilities to provide leadership for the ongoing development of the profession. Our program is well-respected, highly competitive and very successful, offering degrees such as the Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care and the new Master of Respiratory Therapy which is addressing the RT needs of tomorrow, today.

Program Mission and Educational Goals

The mission of the West Chester University/Bryn Mawr Hospital Respiratory Care Program is to provide students with a comprehensive academic and clinical curriculum that allows graduates to serve the medical community as competent, ethical, and professional Respiratory Therapists who are committed to life-long learning. To achieve this, the program is designed:

• To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
• To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in management, education, research and advanced clinical practice.
• To ensure graduates function as an advanced-level practitioner who utilizes effective communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making skills.

Accreditation and Programmatic Outcomes

The West Chester University/Bryn Mawr Hospital Respiratory Care Program, CoARC Number 200313, located on the campus of Bryn Mawr Hospital, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States utilizing an "outcomes based" process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved.

The following table illustrates the success of the program outcomes and general information:

Comprehensive Student Support Services

Choosing a respiratory therapist school is a significant decision that shapes your career and life. What truly sets a school apart isn’t just the curriculum—it’s the support services offered to students. Guidance begins on day one and continues throughout the program. Academic advisors are available to help map out coursework, ensuring students stay on track and do not feel overwhelmed.

Academic Resources and Tutoring

The school offers a variety of academic resources, including a comprehensive tutoring program where tutors are specialists in the field, many of whom had worked as respiratory therapists. Additional resources include:

• Office of Academic Affairs and Curriculum Guides.
• Study groups and access to a well-stocked library.
• Online resources specifically for respiratory therapy students.
• Student Handbooks designed to guide you throughout your journey in the program.

Clinical Placement and Career Services

One of the most valuable aspects of the program is hands-on experience. The school has a dedicated team to assist with clinical placements, ensuring every student finds a spot matching their interests and career goals. As graduation approaches, the career services team is dedicated to helping students succeed, from resume workshops to interview prep sessions. They provide resources on crafting the perfect resume and even offer mock interviews with actual respiratory therapists.

Mental Health and Wellness

Balancing the demands of respiratory therapist school with personal life can be overwhelming. The school offers counseling services that are easily accessible and completely confidential. Support is available if you need someone to talk to or help manage stress, alongside workshops on mindfulness and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Program Faculty and Leadership

The program is supported by a dedicated directory of professionals:

• Program Director: Brian Kellar, MS, MEd, RRT-NPS, RPFT
• Director of Clinical Education: Alexa Moran BS, RRT, CHSE
• Program Instructors: Eric Murray, EdD, RRT-NPS, AE-C; Brendan White MBA, RRT-NPS; Summer Thomas BS, RRT-NPS, AE-C.