Commonwealth University respiratory care achieves 100% credentialing success rate 6th year in a row
PA (08/03/2026) — For the sixth consecutive year, the Commonwealth University - Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital Respiratory Care program achieved a 100% credentialing success rate to once again earn the President's Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Commonwealth University was the only program in Pennsylvania to achieve a 100% credentialing success rate for graduates becoming Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).
From a program effectiveness perspective, CoARC views the RRT credential as a measure of a program's success in inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations.
"We are incredibly proud to receive the CoARC President's Award for Excellence in Credentialing Success for the sixth consecutive year," said Sheila Merrill, program director for the School of Respiratory Care. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, clinical partners and graduates."
The CU Respiratory Care program is a four-year, bachelor of science degree in collaboration with Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. Students spend their first two years on a CU campus - Mansfield, Lock Haven or Bloomsburg - completing program prerequisites and general education courses before taking classroom and clinic courses at Robert Packer Hospital. Students also receive clinical experience in assignments with regional healthcare providers.
The CU Respiratory Therapy program is nationally accredited by CoARC.
"Our consistent achievement of exceptional credentialing outcomes demonstrates that our graduates are well prepared to excel in today's healthcare workforce," Merrill said. "As the demand for respiratory therapists continues to grow, so do the outstanding career opportunities available to our graduates."
The program is currently accepting applications for fall 2026 admission.
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Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Julie Stellfox, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, jms833@commonwealthu.edu, 570-484-2280Share this Story
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