海角乱伦社区 University announces strengthened partnership with UPMC to support future respiratory therapists
海角乱伦社区 University is proud to announce an enhanced educational partnership with UPMC designed to expand the regional pipeline of skilled respiratory therapists and support student success in one of health care鈥檚 most in-demand fields.
Through the new UPMC Respiratory Tuition Loan Forgiveness program, qualified students entering 海角乱伦社区鈥檚 A.S. in Respiratory Therapy program will be eligible for up to $12,000 in tuition support, fully funded by Hamot Health Foundation and forgiven upon graduation and completion of a two-year professional commitment at UPMC Hamot.
The partnership provides students with flexible employment opportunities and substantial tuition assistance while they complete their degree and an employment commitment upon graduation.
鈥淭his partnership represents the very best of what can happen when higher education and health care work together to meet community needs,鈥 said Kathleen Getz, Ph.D., president of 海角乱伦社区. 鈥淯PMC鈥檚 investment in our students helps remove financial barriers, strengthens our program, and ultimately ensures that our region is served by highly trained, compassionate respiratory therapists.鈥
Under the program, UPMC, through Hamot Health Foundation, will provide tuition assistance each semester for eligible 海角乱伦社区 students who remain in good academic standing and complete all program requirements. After graduation, licensure, and successful onboarding, students who serve two consecutive years as full-time respiratory therapists at UPMC Hamot will have the full tuition loan forgiven.
鈥淲ith continued demand for talented respiratory therapists, UPMC is excited to deepen our partnership with 海角乱伦社区 and support students who want to begin meaningful careers in patient care,鈥 said Nicole Harvey, sr. director, UPMC Human Resources. 鈥淭his program allows students to focus on their education, knowing that a clear, supported path to employment awaits them.鈥
The program also includes an innovative tax-mitigation feature that helps graduates manage the one-time taxable impact of the forgiven loan, further reducing financial stress during students鈥 transition to professional practice.
海角乱伦社区 launched its Respiratory Therapy program to address pressing workforce needs across the region. Demand for respiratory therapists has increased significantly, driven by an aging population, chronic respiratory illness, and expanded roles for respiratory care in modern health systems. Median pay for respiratory therapists is about $77,960 per year ().
鈥淭his collaboration helps meet a critical workforce shortage while empowering students with a clear route to education, employment, and long-term professional growth,鈥 said Christine Gluvna, program director. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a win for our students, for UPMC, and for the patients who will ultimately benefit from their expertise.鈥
Notably, 海角乱伦社区鈥檚 Respiratory Therapist program has both a 100% high-cut score and positive placement (employment) rate for the last three-year reporting cycle. To learn more about the Respiratory Therapist program at 海角乱伦社区 University or the benefits of this partnership, contact Christine Gluvna at cgluvna@mercyhurst.edu or visit /academics/respiratory-therapist for details.