https://majors.sf.edu/respiratory-therapy/

University of Saint Francis - Respiratory Therapy, 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, IN (2025)

10/28/2025

Faculty Spotlight – Meet Prudy Moore, RRT

We’re proud to introduce Prudy Moore, who joined the University of Saint Francis Respiratory Therapy faculty in June 2025. Prudy serves as the Fort Wayne Site Coordinator and Lab Instructor, bringing an incredible 41 years of experience in respiratory care to our program.
Having dedicated her entire professional career to Parkview Health before retiring in December 2024, Prudy brings a wealth of clinical knowledge, compassion, and professionalism to her teaching. In addition to her role in the classroom and lab, Prudy also assists with clinical site visits, ensuring students receive consistent support and feedback throughout their clinical rotations. Whether students see her on campus or out in the field, they’ll quickly recognize her calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and passion for patient care.

Here’s what Prudy shared about her background, career, and what inspires her:

1. Name & Background
“My name is Prudy Moore, and I was born and raised in Columbia City, Indiana. I began my respiratory career in 1983 and spent my entire 41-year career at Parkview Health. I officially retired in December 2024, but my passion for the profession continues as I begin this new chapter in education.

2. Why Respiratory Therapy & Education?
“After deciding not to go into the Air Force, my grandmother became very ill with pneumonia. I was fascinated by the respiratory therapists who cared for her and intrigued by their treatments — especially IPPB therapy, which was common at that time. That experience inspired me to pursue respiratory therapy. Now, after decades of bedside experience, I want to pass along what I’ve learned and help shape the next generation of respiratory therapists.”

3. Education & Career Experience
“I graduated from Ivy Tech’s one-year respiratory therapy program in 1983 and later returned in 1996–1997 to complete the requirements to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). During my years at Parkview, I worked in nearly every area the department offered; from pediatrics to critical care. The only role I hadn’t taken on was that of educator, so I’m excited to now share my knowledge and stories with students in this new role.”

4. Special Interests in RT
“My favorite areas to work in were the PICU, Emergency Department, Pediatric Floor, NICU, and STICU. I loved the fast pace, teamwork, and opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives during some of their most critical moments.”

5. Fun Fact
“I love antiques and enjoy spending weekends shopping for treasures with my husband. I also find joy in cleaning, organizing, and yard work — it keeps me grounded and gives me a sense of peace.”

6. Teaching Focus
“My passion is teaching students the heart of what respiratory therapy is all about: caring for patients with compassion, teamwork, and pride in your work. I want my students to know what it takes to be their best — putting their patients and their teammates first, always.”

10/28/2025

We are VERY excited to announce new pricing for our AAS Respiratory Therapy Degree.

Saint Francis expands affordable pathways into healthcare careers
Oct. 20, 2025 FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis is excited to announce a new pricing structure for select certificate and associate degree programs designed to increase opportunities for students pursuing high-demand nursing and allied health careers.

Saint Francis formed a healthcare education partnership with Leffler Academy in Gas City, Indiana, in 2024. The university has since expanded healthcare education across Indiana, offering programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Indianapolis and Lafayette.

Beginning in spring 2026, Saint Francis will adopt the Leffler Academy pricing structure to lower tuition for workforce development healthcare programs by building institutional aid directly into the cost of attendance. This approach offers students streamlined pricing and eliminates the need for separate scholarships.

“The Leffler Academy pricing structure has been a critical component in their success providing students with a viable route to their initial goals in entering the healthcare field,” said Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey. “We believe this model addresses students’ needs and encourages a greater number of people to pursue careers that meet urgent needs in the healthcare industry.”

These nursing and allied health programs—many of which can be completed in under two years or as quickly as eight weeks—prepare students for immediate employment or continued study toward advanced healthcare degrees. Tuition for 8- to 16-week certificates ranges from $1,150 to $2,950 per semester, while 1- to 2-year programs range from $5,800 to $8,750 per semester. Students may also qualify for federal and state financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement.

“The success of the Leffler Academy model is evident in the growing number of students completing these pathways and transitioning seamlessly into professional healthcare roles,” said Dr. Amanda Leffler, founder of Leffler Academy and Saint Francis Vice President for Workforce Development and Interim Chief Nursing Officer.

Courses are available in in-person, hybrid, online, and evening formats, supporting both traditional students and working adults. Graduates often continue their education through Saint Francis’ associate and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and allied health related fields.

Programs included are:

Central Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) (Hybrid, 16 Weeks)

Clinical Medical Assistant (Hybrid, 16 weeks)

Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician (Online, 8 weeks)

Emergency Medical Technician (In person, 16 weeks)

Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Preparation (Online, 8 weeks)

Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS) (Hybrid, 3–5 semesters)

Nurse Aide (CNA) (In person, 8 weeks)

Nursing (ADN) (In person, 4 semesters)

Nursing (LPN to ADN) (In person, 3 semesters)

Phlebotomy Technician Preparation (Hybrid, 8 weeks)

Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) (In person, 16 weeks)

Respiratory Therapy (AAS) (Hybrid, 5–7 semesters)

Surgical Technology (AAS) (Hybrid, 4–5 semesters)

These programs address Indiana’s growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. For more information about these Saint Francis programs, visit sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.

10/28/2025

Introducing more of the Class of 2027

1.) Name & hometown – Where are you from?
My name is Mackenzie and I am from Leo, Indiana

2.) Why Respiratory Therapy? – What inspired you to choose this field?
I grew up as a kid with respiratory problems and still struggle with them. Back then I don't remember if it was RTs who helped me but it made a huge difference in my life and I want to do the same for others.
3.) Education background – What year are you in the program? Any prior healthcare or related experience?
First year in the program. Maybe some relation during my Bachelor's degree but not in the hospital setting.

4.) Special interests in RT – Are you drawn to critical care, pediatrics, neonatal, pulmonary rehab, etc.
Pediatrics and Neonatal. I'm drawn towards kids.

5.) Fun fact or hobby – Something outside of school/work that makes you unique
I have a fish tank collection that includes Pea Puffers, Betta fish colorful shrimp and more.

6.) Career goals – Where do you see yourself working after graduation?
My goal is to work at PRMC

10/28/2025

Introducing more of the class of 2027

1.) Name & hometown – Where are you from?
My name is Kourtlynn and I am from Fort Wayne

2.) Why Respiratory Therapy? – What inspired you to choose this field?
I've always wanted to work in the healthcare field. I feel like RT came to me in the time I needed it.

3.) Education background – What year are you in the program? Any prior healthcare or related experience?
I'm in my first year of the program and I don't have any healthcare experience.

4.) Special interests in RT – Are you drawn to critical care, pediatrics, neonatal, pulmonary rehab, etc.
So far I think I will like critical care and pediatrics, but I haven't seen it first-hand yet.

5.) Fun fact or hobby – Something outside of school/work that makes you unique
I love to do makeup on myself and others.

6.) Career goals – Where do you see yourself working after graduation?
I see myself working in a hospital after graduating, pursuing my RT career path.

10/28/2025

Introducing more of the class of 2027

1.) Name & hometown – Where are you from?
My name is Kayla, I am from Defiance, Ohio, but I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

2.) Why Respiratory Therapy? – What inspired you to choose this field?
I love the lungs and the idea of gas exchange. Both my grandparents have COPD and my grandma has lung cancer, so I want to know more about that and treatments.

3.) Education background – What year are you in the program? Any prior healthcare or related experience?
I'm in my first year of RT school. I've been in healthcare for 8 years now. I've been a HHA, CNA, Phlebotomist and now CMA.

4.) Special interests in RT – Are you drawn to critical care, pediatrics, neonatal, pulmonary rehab, etc.
I'm currently drawn to critical care. I feel like critical care, I'll use all my skills and one day will never be the same.
5.) Fun fact or hobby – Something outside of school/work that makes you unique
A hobby of mine is that I like to cook and make candles. I've opened a BBQ business with my husband.

6.) Career goals – Where do you see yourself working after graduation?
I see myself still working at Parkview in ICU.

10/15/2025

Meet two more of the class of 2027
My Name is Marcy. I'm excited and terrified to be going back to school. I became interested in respiratory therapy years ago when I was a caretaker for my dad who needed lots of care including O2 therapy, nebulizer medications, and tracheostomy care. I have a twin sister that is a nurse so I've been, repeatedly, asked if I was going to be one too. My answer has always been absolutely not. I have worked alongside nurses for years so I know nursing is not for me.
Hello, my name is Nicole. I got interested in Respiratory Therapy from my father who has had multiple back surgeries and had to go through breathing treatments and everything to help get him better. Something that is unique about me would be that I drive a 1998 Dodge Dakota and when I got it the car only had 100,000 miles but it still runs great!

10/08/2025

Meet two more of our class 2027:
Hi I'm Thomas. For the past four years I have been a teacher. I was a substitute teacher for the first year and for the past three I was a full-time teacher teaching 5th grade. I believe my teaching experience is related to the Intro to Respiratory Care course in that I will be learning how to effectively communicate with patients and their loved ones in a way that would benefit them. Being able to use my teaching skills as a Respiratory Therapist is what interested me in Respiratory Therapy. The other thing that made me choose Respiratory Therapy was that my wife is a nurse and recently started to travel. I didn’t want to miss out on the fun so I decided to find something in the healthcare industry that would allow me to travel with her.

Hi, my name is Garret. I come into this program with a background as an EMT and as a Army veteran. In both roles, I’ve worked in high pressure situations and have seen just how necessary and life-saving oxygen therapy can be. That experience inspired me to pursue Respiratory Therapy and learn how to better care for patients with breathing issues.

10/08/2025

Today's lab: Humidification devices

10/03/2025

Meet two more of our new RT class:

Hi! My name is Taylor, and with a personal diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD) I have and continue to experience respiratory testing and procedures from a patient's perspective. Originally, I was a nursing major, and in the last year, my life plan has switched paths. While I'm not feeling as pulled to nursing, I still wanted to lean towards a field I am familiar with. Something fun about me is that I go to a lot of concerts. In 2024, I attended 6, and this year so far, I have been to 3, with 2 more on the schedule!

Hi my name is Aisha . I am a CNA, I currently work at an assisted living . I have been a CNA for about 2 years now. I have been interested in respiratory therapy because I have seen what they do and I was interested. I also did not want to become a nurse what so ever but the medical field is where my heart is.

10/02/2025

Faculty Spotlight – Meet Claire Lonsbury, RRT, NPS

We are happy to introduce Claire Lonsbury, who joined our team in June as the Crown Point Site Coordinator for the University of Saint Francis Respiratory Therapy program!

Based in Fort Wayne, Claire plays a key role in making sure both Fort Wayne and Crown Point students receive consistent, high-quality learning experiences in the lab and at clinical sites. She’ll be working closely with students, faculty, and clinical partners to ensure skills are mastered, expectations are met, and all students are fully supported. While Sarah Connelly will continue site visits in Crown Point, Claire serves as the bridge between both campuses, helping maintain consistency and connection across locations. Claire has already impressed colleagues and students alike with her professionalism, intelligence, and thoughtful approach, which makes her a strong role model and mentor. Here’s what Claire has to share about her background, passions, and goals:

1. Name & Background
“My name is Claire Lonsbury, and I am from Fort Wayne, Indiana. I am still relatively new to the field of Respiratory Therapy, having been an RRT since the summer of 2023! I recently earned my bachelor’s degree in respiratory care (2025) and obtained my Neonatal Pediatric Specialist (NPS) certification through the NBRC. I currently still work full time at PRMC, primarily in the NICU as one of the NICU Specialists, in addition to my new role as Site Coordinator with USF.”

2. Why Respiratory Therapy & Education?
“I found out about Respiratory Therapy during the 2020 Covid lockdown when I was a senior in high school. At first, I thought it would just be a good start until I knew what I really wanted to do — but I quickly fell in love with the profession. The detail behind patient care, the theory of what we do, and the unique opportunity to care for patients of all ages — from neonates to geriatrics — all drew me in. I’ve been blessed with amazing instructors and preceptors, and my hope is to be that same kind of mentor: strong, knowledgeable, and approachable for my students.”

3. Education & Career Experience
“I continue to work full time at PRMC. Prior to focusing on neonatal care, I primarily worked in Adult Critical Care and was newly trained in Pediatric Critical Care. I also helped orient new hires and guided students during their clinical rotations. Currently, I’m primarily in the NICU, and I absolutely love every second of it.”

4. Special Interests in RT
“At this time, neonatal care is where my heart is. The NICU is a world of its own, and I feel blessed to be part of it — caring for little ones who need extra support and walking alongside their parents and the incredible NICU team.”

5. Fun Fact
“Outside of work, I love to bake and experiment with cooking. I also enjoy drawing — colored pencils are my favorite, but I like experimenting with oil paints, watercolors, graphite, and charcoal. And I’m a proud cat mom to three cats: Yummy, Binki, and Sushi.”

6. Teaching Focus
“Being relatively new to both Respiratory Therapy and teaching, I feel strongly about guiding students in a way that is open and friendly, while still stressing the importance of a solid foundation and critical thinking. I can empathize with students who are working hard through the program and want to provide the kind of support and answers I wished I had as a new therapist.”

09/24/2025

Meet our new class of Respiratory Students! Tonya and Kevin :)

09/22/2025

PPE lab for the Class of 2027!

University of Saint Francis - Respiratory Therapy

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

10/15/2025

10/08/2025

10/08/2025

10/03/2025

10/02/2025

09/24/2025

09/22/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category