Home > Degrees > Healthcare > Respiratory Care > Master of Science in Respiratory Care, Clinical Specialist Concentration
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
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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*
DurationAs few as 14 months
Credit Hours36
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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.
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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. For more information, please visit https://onestop.txst.edu/cost-payments/cost-attendance.html.
Tuition breakdown
Total Tuition$17,964*
Per Credit Hour$499
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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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Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 1 2024 | 8/26/24 | 8/12/24 | 8/19/24 | 8/26/24 | 8/26/24 | 10/14/24 | 8 weeks |
Fall 2 2024 | 10/15/24 | 10/1/24 | 10/8/24 | 10/15/24 | 10/15/24 | 12/6/24 | 8 weeks |
Spring 1 2025 | 1/13/25 | 12/30/24 | 1/6/25 | 1/13/25 | 1/13/25 | 3/3/25 | 8 weeks |
Spring 2 2025 | 3/4/25 | 2/18/25 | 2/25/25 | 3/4/25 | 3/4/25 | 5/7/25 | 8 weeks |
Now Enrolling
Apply by8/12/24
Start Class8/26/24
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 [emailprotected] 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.
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Core Courses
RC 5301: Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology
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.
RC 5302: Clinical Practice Guidelines and Respiratory Care Protocols
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.
RC 5303: Respiratory Care Research Methods and Design
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.
RC 5304: Cardiopulmonary Disease Patient Education
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.
RC 5305: Respiratory Care Applied Research
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.
RC 5306: Academic Leadership in Respiratory Care
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.
RC 5307: Advanced Respiratory Care Seminar
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.
RC 5308: Advanced Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Therapeutics
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.
Concentration Courses
RC 5309: Advanced Respiratory Care Practice
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.
RC 5310: Fundamentals of Polysomnography
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.
RC 5311: Advanced Mechanical Ventilation Practice
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.
RC 5316: Respiratory Care Curriculum Development
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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Request Information
Submit the form below, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.
Or call 833.690.1245833.690.1245
By submitting this form, I am providing my digital signature agreeing that Texas State University (TXST) and its agent, Academic Partnerships, may email me or contact me regarding educational services by telephone and/or text message utilizing automated technology or a pre-recorded message at the telephone number(s) provided above. I understand this consent is not a condition to attend TXST or to purchase any other goods or services.