Master of Science in Respiratory Care (M.S.R.C.)

The Master of Science in Respiratory Care (M.S.R.C.) program prepares mid- to high-level clinical specialists, managers, researchers, and educators to function at a higher intellectual level. The MSRC is a degree advancement program that combines core graduate respiratory care courses with specialty track courses. 

Goal of the MSRC

1. To provide graduates with additional knowledge, skills, and attributes in leadership, management, education, research, and/or advanced clinical practice that will enable them to meet their current professional goals and prepare them for practice as advanced degree respiratory therapists.

We are accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester.

Apply now to start your next journey.

Don’t live in Texas? No problem.

Students outside the State of Texas are charged a rate comparable to in-state tuition when enrolled in the MSRC. Find out more here.

Career Prospects

Graduate degrees can lead to career and personal development. The M.S.R.C. at Texas State will prepare respiratory therapists for roles in leadership, education, research, administration, and polysomnography. The program’s extensive training in patient education, disease management and guideline development makes graduates an asset to hospitals, specialty clinics, healthcare agencies and drug companies. M.S.R.C. graduates may find opportunities as a faculty in an academic institution, manager/director in a hospital department, clinical or sales specialist in a healthcare equipment company, research scientist/coordinator, disease management educator/coordinator, and sleep and scoring technologist. Of course, the M.S.R.C. courses expand the knowledge of a practicing respiratory therapist and would make that person more valuable at the bedside working with other healthcare providers.

Advanced Credentials

Students completing the M.S.R.C. polysomnography concentration are encouraged to take the Sleep Disorder Specialist (SDS) subspecialty credential exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

Program Structure and Topics

The M.S.R.C. is a post-professional program composed of a 24-hour core curriculum and one of three 12-hour concentrations: clinical specialist, leadership, or polysomnography (sleep diagnostics). Minor option is available. Full-time students can complete the degree in four semesters.

Curriculum

Core curriculum covers:

• Cardiopulmonary physiology
• Clinical practice guidelines and protocols
• Research methods and designs
• Patient education
• Academic leadership
• Diagnostics and therapeutics

Clinical Specialist concentration covers:

• Advanced RC Practice
• Mechanical Ventilation
• RC Curriculum Development
• Sleep Fundamentals

Leadership concentration covers:

• Economics and financial theory
• Healthcare law
• Organizational behavior and theory
• Finance for Clinical Leaders

Polysomnography concentration covers:

• Sleep physiology
• Instrumentation
• Sleep staging
• Diagnostics and therapeutics

Marketable Skills

• Analyze and solve problems
• Develop research proposals
• Conduct experimental research
• Institutional Review Board experience
• Survey and critically analyze evidence-based practice
• Develop evidence-based practice guidelines
• Conduct and report statistical procedures
• Develop healthcare education programs
• Knowledge of academic accreditation
• Experience with advanced diagnostics and therapeutics
• Think critically and make informed decisions
• Communicate clearly and effectively with healthcare team, patients, and family
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in respiratory care
• Function effectively in a team setting and provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

Accreditation

Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Texas State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).