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What You'll Be Doing

Gannon University believes in the value respiratory care professionals bring to those who cannot breathe. No one thinks about breathing until they cannot, and that is where the respiratory care practitioner (RCP or respiratory therapist) comes in. If you are interested in helping patients who suffer from asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, infant respiratory distress syndrome or postoperative surgical complications, Gannon’s respiratory care program can help prepare you to save someone’s life.

Respiratory care is a dynamic and exciting health profession, offering many opportunities for new graduates. Respiratory therapists holding a bachelor’s degree enjoy exceptional job security and an excellent opportunity for advancement into management and supervision, clinical academic education, research and clinical specialization, and other leadership positions. Respiratory care is one of the fastest growing professions in the country, driven by the aging “baby boomers” and a rise in respiratory ailments and cardiopulmonary diseases. As a respiratory therapist, you will help treat a diverse group of patients, ranging from newborns and children to adults and the elderly in many specialty areas, including labor and delivery, neonatal, pediatric and adult intensive care units, pulmonary function laboratories and sleep laboratories. You may also deliver respiratory care in patients’ homes or other alternative care sites.

 

Admission Requirements

Completion of high school-level courses (with a grade of C or better) in biology with lab, chemistry with lab, algebra and a second academic math; SAT scores of 950 (out of 1600 Math and Critical Reading) or higher and 2.5 GPA overall in the sciences.

 

Alumni Testimonial

“Creating opportunity through a well-rounded education - that’s what comes to mind when I reflect on my educational experiences at Gannon University. From the simulator-packed computer lab to the two major tertiary care hospitals located within a short distance of campus, many opportunities were provided in all areas of respiratory care. These resources gave me a chance to first experience each of the areas and then pursue those which I felt fit my desired career path. For me it was pediatrics and clinical research. As a member of the transport team at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, I use many of the physiologic principles I learned in the Gannon classroom. Not only did I benefit from my clinical education, but Gannon’s liberal arts core provided me with the foundation to pursue my research career as well. Recently, I had the honor of being named associate of clinical research within the Department of Critical Care and Transport Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The roots of this accomplishment began with the well-rounded education I received at Gannon University.”

- Brad Kuch ’98, B.S., N.P.S., R.R.T.

 

The Gannon Advantage

• Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
• Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
• On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
• An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
• Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
• Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.