Respiratory Care, M.S.

Online
30 Credit Hours
Admits: Fall & Summer
Apply Now
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Program Tabs

Program

The UNC Charlotte Master of Science in Respiratory Care (MSRC) program is a 30-credit-hour, fully online program designed for practicing respiratory care professionals. The program prepares respiratory therapists to advance the respiratory care profession through leadership and evidence-based practice. Students have the opportunity to pursue relevant topics that can be applied to current practice. The program provides graduates with additional knowledge, skills, and competencies that support advancement opportunities in clinical leadership, educational leadership, scholarship and research, and disease management.

Respiratory Therapy (RT) has become more complex over the past 20 years and requires that Respiratory Therapists have a greater breadth and depth of knowledge. Respiratory therapists need the ability to communicate more effectively in the inter-professional care team and serve as consultants in the delivery of respiratory support in the clinical environment. These expanded roles and expectations have led the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) to examine the future educational needs of the bedside respiratory therapist. A graduate degree has already become the norm for managers of large RT departments in North Carolina. As entry level education moves to the bachelor’s level, there will be greater demand for respiratory therapists with master’s degrees to teach in those programs.

The program is 100% online and designed to be flexible for working professionals hoping to continue their education. 

Admissions

Priority Application Deadline: 

  • July 15 (fall)
  • May 1 (summer)

Admissions & Requirements: 

Admission requirements for acceptance include the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, related science, or social science from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • GPA 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).  If an applicant has earned or attempted a post-baccalaureate degree (i.e. a master’s, doctoral or other), grades in that program will also be taken into consideration.
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (achieving and maintaining the RRT Credential offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care).
  • Current state license to practice Respiratory Therapy.
  • Professional experience consisting of at least 2 years of clinical Respiratory Therapy practice.
  • Current Resume.
  • Written statement of purpose (500-1000 words) describing the applicant’s educational goals and expectations of the program.
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals with academic or professional knowledge of the applicant’s capabilities are required.
  • Complete and submit an application via the Graduate Schools admission System.
Courses

  • RESP 5101: Health Outcomes and Quality Assessment (3)
  • RESP 6101: Respiratory Care Leadership (3)
  • RESP 6104: Health Policy, Law & Ethics in the Health Professions (3)
  • RESP 6105: Pulmonary Function Testing & Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (3)
  • RESP 6106: Mechanical Ventilation Application & Monitoring (3)
  • RESP 6110: Cardiopulmonary Disease Management (3)
  • RESP 6111: Patient-Centered Care in Cardiopulmonary Disease (3)
  • RESP 6115: Research Methods for Respiratory Care (3)
  • RESP 6804: Respiratory Care Capstone (3)
  • RESP 6601: Emerging Issues in Respiratory Care Seminar (3)
  • OR NURS 6282: Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare (3)

Total: 30 credit hours

Tuition

*Rates are subject to change* 

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour
  • $55.56 per credit hour tuition increment
  • $10,332.00 est. program cost

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour
  • $55.56 per credit hour tuition increment
  • $17,776.00 est. program cost

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour
  • $55.56 per credit hour tuition increment
  • $34,614.00 est. program cost