Master of Science in Respiratory Care, Clinical Specialist Concentration Online

Stand out as an authoritative leader in respiratory care. Designed for working RRTs, this nationally recognized online master’s program prepares you for in-demand managerial and educator roles.

Apply by: 8/12/24
Start class: 8/26/24
Apply Now

Program Overview

What you’ll want to know about your online M.S. in Respiratory Care – Clinical Specialist program

Advance your knowledge of cutting-edge respiratory care practices and join the ranks of highly qualified scholars in your field. This respected online Master of Science in Respiratory Care, Clinical Specialist Concentration—the largest program of its kind—prepares you to lead in clinical and classroom settings.

Become versed in the most up-to-date technologies and methodologies and hone your ability to conduct research, write case studies, and analyze findings. All courses are taught online using an advanced learning management system. As a student you get to work with faculty and peers in a supportive environment that will boost your knowledge and expertise. Internationally recognized faculty members are widely regarded as experts in the field.

As a student of this Master of Science in Respiratory Care online program, you will learn how to:

  • Develop evidence-based care plans in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardio-pulmonary patients
  • Lead in the respiratory care field, effectively collaborate and communicate, and make evidence-based respiratory care services decisions
  • Understand the most recent respiratory care practices and clinical guidelines and conduct scholarly projects using evidence-based research, up-to-date methodologies, and statistical procedures
As a student of this Master of Science in Respiratory Care online program, you will learn how to:
  • Develop evidence-based care plans in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardio-pulmonary patients
  • Lead in the respiratory care field, effectively collaborate and communicate, and make evidence-based respiratory care services decisions
  • Understand the most recent respiratory care practices and clinical guidelines and conduct scholarly projects using evidence-based research, up-to-date methodologies, and statistical procedures

Also available:

We offer a variety of student-centered online degrees that can help you advance. Explore other healthcare programs.

Total Tuition $17,964*
Duration As few as 14 months
Credit Hours 36
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Need More Information?

Call 833.690.1245 today!

Call 833.690.1245 today!

Tuition

Note the practical tuition for a priceless education

Tuition for the MSRC – Clinical Specialist online degree program is affordable and paid by the course, so you can achieve your academic goals while remaining within your budget.

View full tuition

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program
MSRC – Clinical Specialist $499 $1,497 $17,964*

*Tuition and fees are subject to change by legislative or Board of Regents action; changes become effective on the date of enactment.

Tuition breakdown

Total Tuition $17,964*
Per Credit Hour $499

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toward earning your degree?

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Calendar

Dates and deadlines to keep in mind

The Texas State MSRC – Clinical Specialist is delivered in a convenient online learning format that offers maximum flexibility for working adults like you. Choose the start date that fits your goals.

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TermStart DateApp DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlineTuition DeadlineClass End DateTerm Length
Fall 1 20248/26/248/12/248/19/248/26/248/26/2410/14/248 weeks
Fall 2 202410/15/2410/1/2410/8/2410/15/2410/15/2412/6/248 weeks
Spring 1 20251/13/2512/30/241/6/251/13/251/13/253/3/258 weeks
Spring 2 20253/4/252/18/252/25/253/4/253/4/255/7/258 weeks

Now Enrolling

Apply by 8/12/24
Start Class 8/26/24

Admissions

A step-by-step guide to our admission process

Apply to the online MSRC program quickly and easily with our streamlined admission process. Review the admission requirements below and take the next step toward your professional goals.

View all admission requirements

To be eligible to earn your Master of Science in Respiratory Care, Clinical Specialist Concentration online from Texas State University, you must have the following:

    • Completed online application
    • Nonrefundable application fee of $55
    • 3.25 GPA or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work including any graduate work
    • Resume/CV
    • Statement of purpose
    • Completed bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Three letters of recommendation from professionals or academics competent to assess the student’s interest in pursuing a career or advancing in the field of study
    • Must be a credentialed Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

Transcripts may be sent electronically to [email protected] or mailed to:

Texas State University
Graduate Admissions
429 N. Guadalupe St.
San Marcos, TX 78666-46844

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum 3.25 GPA
  • Active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university

Courses

Preview the courses in your online MSRC – Clinical Specialist program

To graduate from the MSRC online degree program, you must complete a total of 36 credit hours, including 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of concentration courses.

Expand All
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth study of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology. This course investigates pathologic physiological changes, adaptive mechanisms, and interrelationships of the cardiopulmonary systems. Students will apply advanced cardiopulmonary physiology to the management of patients requiring respiratory care services.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the roles of clinical practice guidelines and protocols in the continuum of patient care. Analysis of the development, modification, initiation, and evaluation of patient outcomes will be covered. Barriers to protocol practice and strategies for implementation will be explored. Evidence-based outcomes will be summarized through literature reviews.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Provides an in-depth study of medical research including evaluation of published, peer-reviewed research designs. Students examine research articles and evaluate evidence-based research findings. Topics include: research ethics, sampling and research design, test statistics, conclusions, and practical verses statistical significance. Students will explore research protocol development, research proposals, and project management.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A comprehensive study of patient education and self-management of cardiopulmonary disease exacerbations including disease information, prevention and treatment. Programs for patient self-assessment , treatment efficiency, adjustment of drug regimen, behavior modification, and nicotine addiction will be examined. Methods for documenting outcomes and patient behavior modification will be covered.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers an opportunity to apply research methods and design concepts. Students will design and submit a research proposal to the Texas State University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval. Prerequisite: RC 5303 with a grade of "B" or better and instructor approval.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the foundations necessary to build a strong understanding of academic administration, fiscal planning, curriculum development, and outcomes assessment for respiratory therapist programs. Topics include preparation of annual accreditation reports, organization of clinical practice rotations, the role of advisory committees, and integration of didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In-depth discussion of topics related to current issues and trends in the profession and the impact on patient care services. Includes journal review, group discussion, project development, and online presentation.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An overview of advanced cardiopulmonary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures addressing selected disorders including asthma, chronic obstructive lung diseases, restrictive lung diseases, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, and cardiac disorders. International disease standards and classifications established by the World Health Organization with appropriate treatment protocols will be discussed.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an exploration of advanced Respiratory Care topics to optimize practice in the healthcare environment. The course will address best practice recommendations and evidence-based research to enhance and expand the role of respiratory therapists. Topics will be presented through a translational medicine lens to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the physiology of sleep, including sleep neurology, sleep architecture, and classification of sleep disorders. Review of basic cardiac physiology and ECG arrhythmia recognition. Sleep pathologies will be discussed according to etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an exploration of advanced mechanical ventilation in the acute care setting. This course will consist of in-depth review of current and emerging mechanical ventilation strategy and protocol. Mechanical ventilation content will be focused on invasive and non-invasive support mechanisms with a goal of bridging theory and practice. Evidence-based research, patient case studies, and video waveform analysis will be used to reinforce learning.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course prepares the respiratory therapist for a role as an educator in an academic and industry setting. The course focuses on building foundational knowledge of respiratory care curriculum and instruction. Topics include adult learning theory, writing objectives, online and in-person instruction, exam preparation, item analysis, and providing feedback. National organization curriculum recommendations will be integrated into the course content.

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