MaryBeth Emmerth, MS, RRT, CPFT

Hello, and welcome to Wheeling Jesuit University's Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership's web page. I'm excited to have you explore the site.

My background is in respiratory therapy, with a graduate degree in Allied Health Management and an emphasis in Education. I also have extensive experience in educational outcomes assessment. You should feel confident to know that someone will be looking at the courses and program as a whole, on a continuous basis to always try and find ways for improvement.

I obtained my degrees in the traditional way - driving back and forth several times a week for several years to attend class. More recently, I have also taken a few courses via distance and can testify to the good and the bad of online education. For me, "frustration" sometimes with the technology seems to be the only bad. At WJU in our Online Learning programs, we have many things already in place to deal with any problems - like an orientation before beginning a course so you will be better prepared for using online learning technologies.

We are excited to bring to you a new online learning program in Healthcare Leadership. I truly wish online education had existed ten years ago. How convenient it would have been for me juggling work, home, and family obligations. Our e-mail addresses are provided if you would like to contact us. The admissions page will link you to information on how to apply if interested. Thanks for taking the time to visit our site.

Kristy Lewis, BSN, RRT, RN

What goes around, comes around!!!

That's what Kristy Lewis, professor of Respiratory Therapy at WJU has realized.  A 2000 WJU respiratory therapy graduate, she went onto work at Mercy Hospital of/ in Pittsburgh's Respiratory Therapy department.  While there she decided to pursue her nursing degree through the hospital's Nursing School program.  After graduating as an RN, she worked in the Trauma Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Units as a nurse. She felt it was important to keep up her skills as a RT, so on her days off she worked as a respiratory therapist. 

In 2005 she made the switch from working in the field full time to becoming a professor at WJU.  "I am truly happy that I started teaching.  It challenges me in a different way than working in a hospital does." 

Kristy continues to perfect her skills by working as both a respiratory therapist and a nurse on the weekends.  "I enjoy working with the students, and believe that WJU's program provides an excellent foundation for what our students will encounter after they graduate, both in and out of the hospital setting! "