Josephine Okyere, RRT

Current Position: Registered Respiratory Therapist, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Job title updated Summer 2022

Originally from New Jersey, Josephine Kraah Okyere was hooked the first time she visited GMercyU. "I fell in love with the school when I stepped foot onto campus," she said. "I also fell in love with all the great things I had heard about the school."

During her time at GMercyU, Josephine served as a member of the Student Activities Committee, Black Student Union, and the Women’s Tennis team.

I would recommend GMercyU to a prospective student because GMercyU is a great place to learn, get involved in various clubs and organizations, and meet great lifelong friends.

Experience in the Respiratory Care Program

Josephine feels her classmates and professors are all very easy to talk to, and while the course material can be challenging, she believes one can do everything they set their mind to. "With hard work, dedication, and the help of my professors, I was able to work through those challenges," she said.

Retired Assistant Professor of Respiratory Care Bill Galvin, MSEd, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC especially made an impact on her.

“I fell in love with the program when I met with Bill Galvin. His love for the program is unmatched. He was the selling point,” said Josephine.

She also described Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for Respiratory Care Barbara Schuster, MSEd, RRT as kind and caring, always having her students’ best interests at heart. "She was always encouraging us to do our best and giving us advice,” Josephine said.

Clinical Experience

Josephine completed clinical rotations at a variety of hospitals in the area, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Abington Jefferson Hospital, Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, Lankenau Medical Center, and Chestnut Hill Hospital.

Some of her responsibilities included treating patients utilizing oxygen or oxygen mixtures, aerosol medications, and chest physiotherapy. She assisted patients struggling to breathe by connecting them to a ventilator and provided therapy for patients in intensive care. Lastly, she educated patients on how to use equipment and medication.

Post-Graduation

Josephine was offered and accepted a position as a Respiratory Therapist at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center before graduating in May 2022.

“I would recommend GMercyU to a prospective student because GMercyU is a great place to learn, get involved in various clubs and organizations, and meet great lifelong friends,” Josephine said. "My favorite part about GMercyU is the people that I met here. I’ve met some incredible people here that I’m happy to call my best friends. They are a fantastic group of ladies that I love dearly."