Gwynedd Mercy University’s Respiratory Care Program Ranks in Top 1% of Programs Nationwide

The university is one of only four schools in the country to receive both the AARC APEX Award and CoARC President’s Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success — meeting the urgent need for respiratory therapists

Gwynedd Mercy University’s (GMercyU) Respiratory Care Program was recently recognized with The President's Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This prestigious award underscores the program's commitment to addressing the pressing demand for skilled respiratory therapists amid rising challenges in lung health.

As an established leader in respiratory care education for more than four decades, the university proudly stands out as the sole recipient of the President's Award in Pennsylvania this year. Among the competitive field of 415 programs nationwide, only 18 programs, including GMercyU, received this honor.

In addition to this achievement, in February, GMercyU’s Respiratory Care program was honored with the 2023-2024 APEX Award by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), a recognition given to only 11 programs out of the 415 across the country. The APEX Award is a testament to the program's outstanding efforts in enhancing patient care quality and elevating the respiratory therapy profession.

"As the demand for respiratory therapists continues to grow in response to increases in asthma and other respiratory illness rates, I’m extremely proud that our program stands as a cornerstone in healthcare education,” said Deanne H. D'Emilio, JD, President of GMercyU. “We pride ourselves on equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and compassionate care mindset they need to excel in this dynamic field. Our graduates are making a profound impact as they contribute to the health and well-being of our local communities and beyond.”

With the dual recognition of the APEX Award and the President's Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success, GMercyU stands as one of only four schools nationwide to receive both distinctions.

“We are honored and proud to be recognized with these two prestigious awards,” said GMercyU’s Respiratory Care Program Coordinator Randy Solly, MS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C. “Only 1% of respiratory care programs nationwide received both awards this year; it’s a testament to the hard work of our dedicated faculty and students. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing our new graduates begin successful careers in this deeply rewarding – and much-needed – healthcare field.”

About Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University prepares students to become top professionals in the fields of nursing and other health professions, arts and sciences, business, and education. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, Gwynedd Mercy University is a co-educational institution offering more than 40 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs on a full- and part-time basis. The University’s Main Campus is situated on 145 private acres on Sumneytown Pike between routes 309 and 202 in Gwynedd Valley, Montgomery County. The university also offers a growing number of online and accelerated degree programs for working adults. Learn more at gmercyu.edu, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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