Respiratory Care (M.S.R.C.)
M.S.R.C. Respiratory Care
Program Overview
The Department of Respiratory Care operates two research labs, three teaching labs and a four-bed sleep lab that is fully accredited to diagnose and treat patients suffering from sleep disorders. Students have access to internationally recognized faculty and the most up-to-date equipment to complement learning and research opportunities.
Course Work
The 36-credit-hour non-thesis program consists of a core curriculum and a concentration curriculum in a specialty area chosen by the student. The core curriculum focuses on cardiopulmonary physiology, clinical practice guidelines/protocols, research methods/design, patient education, academic leadership, and diagnostics/ therapeutics. The concentration curriculum includes content in leadership, sleep, and clinical specialization. Courses are developed around current and emerging healthcare topics. All courses are taught online using an advanced learning management system. Students work with faculty and peers in a supportive environment to hone knowledge and expertise. Students enrolling in nine hours each semester will complete the program in one year. Part-time completion options are also available.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Minor Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Clinical Specialist (Accelerated Online) | Hours 36 | Minor Option No minor | Location Online |
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Leadership (Accelerated Online) | Hours 36 | Minor Option No minor | Location Online |
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Leadership (Accelerated Online) | Hours 48 | Minor Option Polysomnography | Location Online |
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Leadership (Accelerated Online) | Hours 48 | Minor Option Clinical Specialist | Location Online |
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Polysomnography (Accelerated Online) | Hours 36 | Minor Option No minor | Location Online |
For more information on online programs, certifications, and international restrictions, visit our Application Policy Information page.
Program Details
The department owns state-of-the-art equipment to conduct bench-top and clinical research on pulmonary function and mechanics, ventilator assessment, oxygen delivery, asthma management, aerosol deposition and sleep diagnostics.
Program Mission
The mission of the Department of Respiratory Care is directed toward advancing critical-thinking skills, developing competent professionals and preparing graduates for cardiopulmonary, polysomnography and leadership roles in various healthcare delivery systems. The curriculum is structured to encourage a lifelong habit of research advancement, continuing education and professional skill growth. The vision of the Department of Respiratory Care is to produce quality graduates who meet the expectations of the communities of interest served by the program, to establish and maintain an excellent national reputation, and to be a leader in innovative educational endeavors in the profession.
Career Options
- faculty member in an academic institution
- director of clinical education in a respiratory care program
- program director of a respiratory care program
- director/manager in a hospital respiratory care department or sleep lab
- clinical specialist in a healthcare/equipment company
- research scientist
- research project manager
- clinical educator for a hospital or respiratory care company
- bedside clinician as a respiratory therapist or sleep technologist
Program Faculty
Faculty research interests provide students with a range of expertise. Clinical/technical interests include sleep disorders, ventilator machines, and anatomic flow dynamics of upper airways; other key research areas are more professional in nature, such as leadership and learning styles, best practices in distance education, stress management and role ambiguity, and evidence-based practice in the clinical settings, helping students achieve a holistic, well-rounded education.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
| Term | Part of Term | Deadline | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | First 8 Weeks | August 15 | August 25 |
| Fall | Second 8 Weeks | September 30 | October 14 |
| Spring | First 8 Weeks | January 6 | January 20 |
| Spring | Second 8 Weeks | February 24 | March 10 |
| Summer | First 8 Weeks | TBD | TBD |
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (U.S. Citizens).
- International applicants not eligible for the NBRC RRT credential must have a baccalaureate degree in Respiratory Care/Therapy.
- (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (U.S. Citizens).
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- proof of the RRT national credential administered through the NBRC (U.S. Citizens)
- International students not eligible for the NBRC credential must complete their country’s credentialing exam, if one exists
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose indicating ability and interest in completing the degree program
- three letters of recommendation from professionals or academics competent to assess your interest in pursuing a career or advancing in the field of study
Review important information about documents.
- proof of the RRT national credential administered through the NBRC (U.S. Citizens)