Mercyhurst University has announced an expanded partnership with UPMC aimed at strengthening the regional workforce of respiratory therapists, one of health care’s most in-demand professions.
The collaboration introduces the UPMC Respiratory Tuition Loan Forgiveness Program, offering qualified students in Mercyhurst’s Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program up to $12,000 in tuition support, fully funded by the Hamot Health Foundation. The loan will be forgiven upon graduation and completion of a two-year employment commitment at UPMC Hamot.
“This partnership represents the very best of what can happen when higher education and health care work together to meet community needs,” said Kathleen Getz, Ph.D., President of Mercyhurst. “UPMC’s 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.”
Under the program, students who maintain good academic standing will receive tuition assistance each semester. After graduation, licensure, and onboarding, those who serve two consecutive years as full-time respiratory therapists at UPMC Hamot will have their tuition loan fully forgiven. The initiative also includes a tax-mitigation feature to ease the financial impact of loan forgiveness.
“With continued demand for talented respiratory therapists, UPMC is excited to deepen our partnership with Mercyhurst and support students who want to begin meaningful careers in patient care,” said Nicole Harvey, Sr. Director, UPMC Human Resources.
Mercyhurst launched its Respiratory Therapy program to address growing workforce needs driven by an aging population, chronic respiratory illness, and expanded roles for respiratory care. Median pay for respiratory therapists is approximately $77,960 per year. The program boasts a 100% high-cut score and positive job placement rate over the past three years.
For more information about Mercyhurst’s Respiratory Therapy program and the UPMC partnership, visit mercyhurst.edu/academics/respiratory-therapist or contact Christine Gluvna at cgluvna@mercyhurst.edu.