WVU School of Medicine plans to launch new respiratory therapy program

Respiratory therapists are in high demand, and the West Virginia University 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, M.Ed., 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.

Program Overview and Career Growth

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. This is a perfect career track for those seeking opportunity in a medical profession with versatility.

Key details of the new program include:

• Initial Enrollment: Plans to enroll a cohort of 16 students initially in the fall semester of 2024 with the possibility of future expansion.
• Location: The only program of its kind in the northern part of the state.
• Facilities: The program will provide students with an excellent educational foundation offering advanced practice facilities, renowned clinical partners and experienced faculty.

Clinical Partnerships and Training

WVU Medicine, the university’s academic medical center partner, has played an integral role in providing support to establish the program. 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. Students will work closely with WVU Medicine providers during their training.

Leadership and Expertise

Mehall serves as the program's founding director and brings more than 25 years of experience as a professional and educator. He brings experience in program development to the role, serving as a previous founding program director at Carlow University. He is a registered respiratory therapist, adult critical care specialist, neonatal/pediatric specialist and certified pulmonary function technologist. “The School of Medicine is happy to respond to this workforce need and appreciates the support of WVU Medicine,” added Mary Beth Mandich, Ph.D., P.T., vice dean for Professional and Undergraduate Programs.

Accreditation and Application

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.