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. Full-time, non-minor students can complete the program in four semesters. Part-time completion options are also available.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Leadership | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Leadership | Hours 48 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option Polysomnography |
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Polysomnography | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S.R.C. | Concentration Clinical Specialist | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Online Availability
The majority of the Polysomnography concentration and minor may be offered online while the Leadership concentration is offered completely online. If you are not a Texas resident and will not relocate, please visit the Office of Distance and Extended Learning. International applicants will not be eligible to receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for an F-1 or J-1 visa from Texas State and may review the eligibility requirements of enrolling in online programs and contact the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) with questions.
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 The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Christopher Russian
cr23@txstate.edu
512.716.2697
Willow Hall (WILW), Room 214
Advisor Support
Kary Daily
aoi21@txstate.edu
512.716.2682
Willow Hall (WILW), Room 214
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall | U.S. Citizen June 15 (*Flexible) | International June 1 |
Deadlines Spring | U.S. Citizen October 15 (*Flexible) | International October 1 |
Deadlines Summer I | U.S. Citizen April 15 (*Flexible) | International March 15 |
*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Funding Information The deadlines to apply for certain types of funding may be earlier than the deadlines above. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis after the priority deadline has passed. |
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.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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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
- minimum 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
Effective Fall 2024
- 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)