Master of Science in Respiratory Care - Entry to the Profession
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the program is on a competitive basis. Student selection is based on a number of factors including overall grade point average, prerequisite grade point average, consistency of academic performance, coursework completed prior to application and interpersonal abilities. Application deadline can be found on the program admission's webpage.
Requirements for admission to the professional phase of the Master of Science in Respiratory Care (MSRC) program include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited college/university prior to program entry.
- Completion of all required professional prerequisite courses with a "C" or better.
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II Lectures & Laboratories (8 semester credit hours) OR Anatomy I Lecture & Laboratory AND Physiology I Lecture & Laboratory (8 semester credit hours)
- Any Chemistry Lecture & Laboratory (4 semester credit hours)
- Any Physics Lecture & Laboratory (4 semester credit hours)
- Microbiology Lecture & Laboratory (4 semester credit hours)
- Senior standing at the time of application and the ability to complete all preprofessional coursework prior to program entry.
- Completed application to the program and submission of official transcripts for all college coursework completed.
- Completion of the online Allied Health Centralized Application System (AHCAS).
- Payment of a non-refundable application fee of $95 to AHCAS.
- Recommended that two letters of reference be provided that attest to the applicant's readiness for graduate level studies.
International Applicants only:
- Each foreign transcript will be evaluated to ascertain that courses are equivalent in content and rigor to prerequisite courses offered by an accredited higher education institutions in the United States.
- Applicants from countries where English is not the official language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test. The minimum required scores are listed below:
- Duolingo 115
- IELTS 7.0
- TOEFL 84
- Scores on TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo tests taken more than two years prior to the date of application are not acceptable.
- This requirement may be waived when the applicant is a graduate from an accredited post-secondary institution in the USA.
Application Requirements
- Completion of the online Allied Health Centralized Application System (AHCAS).
- Payment of a non-refundable application fee of $95 to AHCAS.
- Submission of the following documents to AHCAS or Office of University Registrar contingent on which application system was used.
- All official transcripts from each college/university attended. Applicants who are enrolled in college courses at the time of application should submit official transcripts showing courses in progress. An updated transcript must be submitted upon completion of courses.
- Note: Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by an acceptable NACES Members organization. For additional information – www.naces.org
If you are accepted to the Master of Science in Respiratory Care Entry to the Profession program you will need to complete the following:
- Pay a non-refundable Tuition Deposit of $450.00 to the School of Health Professions.
- A background check. Directions for this process will be sent to accepted students.
- Proof of completion of required immunizations: All enrolled students at the health science center are required to be fully immunized with required immunizations prior to orientation and registration. Additional information is available on the Wellness 360 website.
- Evidence of current health insurance showing dates of coverage. Unless proof of proper insurance coverage is provided before the first day of classes, students will be charged for a health insurance policy through the university.
- Final updated transcripts must be submitted upon completion of courses from each college/university to the Office of University Registrar. All Foreign transcripts must be also sent to include the original transcript and the NACES evaluated official transcript (course by course).
The University Registrar Mailing Address:
Office of the University Registrar – MC 7702
7703 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229-3900
Degree Requirements
To graduate from the Respiratory Care Master of Science in Respiratory Care program, students must:
- Complete all required respiratory care professional courses with a grade of C (75%) or better.
- Must have an overall GPA 3.0 to graduate.
- Successfully complete the self assessment examinations given by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
- Successfully complete a comprehensive end-of-year and program competency assessment.
- Successfully complete a research project (create and implement an educational project, create and implement a quality improvement plan, or create and implement a research project).
- Hold current certification in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Provider course (NRP).
- Complete all University requirements for graduation.
Master of Science in Respiratory Care Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| RESC 5002 | Introduction to Respiratory Care | 5 |
| RESC 5005 | Pharmacology | 4 |
| RESC 5010 | Cardiopulmonary Physiology | 5 |
| RESC 5011 | Patient Assessment | 5 |
| Spring | ||
| RESC 5020 | Diseases Affecting the Cardiopulmonary System | 4 |
| RESC 5023 | Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Pulmonary Function Testing | 3 |
| RESC 5030 | Pediatric & Neonatal Respiratory Care | 4 |
| RESC 5031 | Critical Care & Mechanical Ventilation | 5 |
| RESC 5041 | Clinical Practice Introduction | 1 |
| Summer | ||
| RESC 5013 | Management & Leadership in Health Profession | 3 |
| RESC 5015 | Education in Respiratory Care | 3 |
| RESC 5017 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| RESC 5042 | Critical Care Introduction | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| RESC 6011 | Clinical Seminar 1 | 2 |
| RESC 6019 | Clinical Practice 1 | 12 |
| RESC 6030 | Research Project 1 | 2 |
| Spring | ||
| RESC 6029 | Clinical Practice 2 | 12 |
| RESC 6031 | Research Project 2 | 2 |
| RESC 6033 | Clinical Seminar 2 | 2 |
| Summer | ||
| RESC 6032 | Clinical Practice 3 | 8 |
| RESC 6034 | Research Project 3 | 2 |
| RESC 6035 | Clinical Seminar 3 | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 92.0 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Students may enroll in elective courses with the approval of their division director or department chair. | ||
| RESC 6150 | Independent Study | 1-6 |
| RESC 6301 | Advanced Patient Assessment and Care Plan Development | 3 |
| RESC 6302 | Advanced Critical Care and Ventilatory Support | 3 |
| INTD 5064 | Applied Statistics for Health Care Practitioners | 3 |
Courses
INTD 5064. Applied Statistics for Health Care Practitioners. 3 Credit Hours.
This online course focuses on the application of descriptive and inferential statistics in research studies. Students are expected to gain knowledge and skills that will enable them to understand, interpret, and evaluate statistical results; work with a consultant statistician; and use software to enter, analyze, and summarize data. Course requirements include homework assignments, online discussions and/or chats, and periodic projects.
RESC 5002. Introduction to Respiratory Care. 5 Credit Hours.
This course will introduce the student to respiratory therapies, protocols and hands-on experience with respiratory care equipment to gain experience. Specific modes of therapy are examined to recognize principles of application to patients, indications, hazards, contraindications, and efficacy. The equipment this course will focus include; medical gases, oxygen delivery devices, humidifiers, aerosol generators, pressure ventilators, gas delivery, metering and analyzing devices, percussors, environmental devices, manometers, gauges and vacuum systems, manual resuscitators, artificial airways, intubation equipment, maintenance of artificial airways, tracheostomies secretion removal devices.
RESC 5005. Pharmacology. 4 Credit Hours.
This course presents the physiologic and pharmacologic basis of cardiopulmonary medications. This course describes several aspects of formulation and preparation of the most commonly prescribed respiratory drugs. Indications, contraindication, and side effects of drugs related to the cardiopulmonary system will be included.
RESC 5010. Cardiopulmonary Physiology. 5 Credit Hours.
This course provides a study of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology. Topics include the function of the respiratory system, ventilatory mechanics, gas transport in the blood, natural and chemical regulation of breathing, circulation, blood flow and pressure, and cardiac output. The cardiopulmonary relationship and clinical applications of these phenomena in the cardiopulmonary system will be emphasized.
RESC 5011. Patient Assessment. 5 Credit Hours.
This course provides the fundamentals of respiratory assessment beginning with the review of existing data in the patient record, patient history, physical examination, oximetry, blood gases, respiratory monitoring, laboratory studies, chest and upper airway radiographs, ventilation/perfusion scans, bedside EKG interpretation, cardiovascular monitoring, and nutritional assessment. These data, procedures, and equipment will be utilized in the delivery of care to patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disorders in alternate care settings. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, tobacco education programs, respiratory therapy protocols, and case management will be incorporated into patient care plans.
RESC 5013. Management & Leadership in Health Profession. 3 Credit Hours.
Leadership principles and management of respiratory care departments, health care organizations and programs will be studied.
RESC 5015. Education in Respiratory Care. 3 Credit Hours.
This course is an introduction to basic principles and techniques used in respiratory care education. Topics include patient education, inservice education, course design, objectives, lesson-plan development, learning activities, use of media, development of presentations, testing, and evaluation.
RESC 5017. Introduction to Research. 3 Credit Hours.
This course provides an introduction to the methods of scientific research to include research design and statistical analysis. Critical review of the components of research reports will be performed to include definition of the problem, review of the literature, research design, data analysis and results.
RESC 5020. Diseases Affecting the Cardiopulmonary System. 4 Credit Hours.
This course provides a broad approach to etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of pulmonary diseases and disorders. This course will stress the obstructive, restrictive pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Non-respiratory disorders impacting cardiopulmonary function will be discussed.
RESC 5023. Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Pulmonary Function Testing. 3 Credit Hours.
This course focuses on normal and abnormal cardiopulmonary function utilizing diagnostic tools. The course provides hands on opportunities to perform, interpret, and evaluate various cardiopulmonary diagnostic results to include the operation, calibration, quality control, and maintenance of pulmonary function and gas analysis equipment.
RESC 5030. Pediatric & Neonatal Respiratory Care. 4 Credit Hours.
This course describes the most important concepts associated with neonatal and pediatric patient care. From fetal growth and development, through assessment and determining treatment plans for the most common neonatal and pediatric cardiopulmonary diseases. This includes cardiopulmonary congenital diseases, gastrointestinal, and neurologic diseases. The course also includes hands on opportunities to work with the respiratory care equipment used to care for neonates and pediatric patients.
RESC 5031. Critical Care & Mechanical Ventilation. 5 Credit Hours.
This course describes the role of the respiratory therapist in the critical care settings. Instruction and hands on opportunities will be provided to set-up, operate and maintain mechanical ventilators and related equipment. The course will include the history of mechanical ventilation, modes of mechanical ventilatory support, implementation, patient stabilization, monitoring, hemodynamics, ventilator weaning and discontinuance.
RESC 5041. Clinical Practice Introduction. 1 Credit Hour.
This clinical practice introduction provides the student the opportunity to observe and achieve competencies related to respiratory care procedures in general medical and surgical floors. Introduces students to clinical respiratory care procedures. Topics include: introduction to the clinical affiliate, patient assessment, medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, positive pressure breathing, chest physiotherapy and airway care.
RESC 5042. Critical Care Introduction. 3 Credit Hours.
This clinical observation provides the students the opportunity to observe and achieve competencies related to respiratory care procedures in the adult, pediatric and neonatal critical care units, the diagnostic and pulmonary labs, and other specialty areas. The topics include initiation of mechanical ventilation, patient stabilization and monitoring, measurement and evaluation of hemodynamic variables, bronchial hygiene, evaluation for weaning, extubation, arterial line samples, arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, and noninvasive monitoring.
Prerequisites: RESC 5041.
RESC 6011. Clinical Seminar 1. 2 Credit Hours.
Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and theory. Review of respiratory care with an emphasis on problem solving and decision making. Practice board credentialing examinations will be administered for national board examinations preparation. Current issues relevant to respiratory care will be explored to include new treatments and technologies, and issues related to professional development and practice.
Prerequisite: Second year status.
RESC 6019. Clinical Practice 1. 12 Credit Hours.
This course provides students the opportunity to further develop both basic and advance skills required in the intensive care of the respiratory patient. Topics include: patient assessment, medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, positive pressure breathing, chest physiotherapy, airway care using nasal, endotracheal, tracheal tubes, initiation of mechanical ventilation, patient stabilization and monitoring, evaluation of hemodynamic variables, bronchial hygiene, evaluation for weaning, endotracheal intubation, extubation, arterial line sampling, arterial puncture, blood gas analysis, and non-invasive monitoring. The students will also complete a pulmonary function, bronchoscopy observation, long-term care, and pediatric rotations.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of first year course work.
RESC 6029. Clinical Practice 2. 12 Credit Hours.
This course provides an opportunity to acquire clinical experience in the intensive care of neonatal and pediatric patients. Topics include: patient assessment, medical gas therapy, aerosol therapy, incentive spirometry, chest physiotherapy, airway care, initiation of mechanical ventilation, patient stabilization and monitoring, evaluation of hemodynamic variables, bronchial hygiene, evaluation for weaning, endotracheal intubation, monitoring (invasive and non-invasive), labor and delivery assistance, and transport. Students are also given the opportunity to further develop their adult critical care skills.
RESC 6030. Research Project 1. 2 Credit Hours.
This course provides the student with guided activities to develop an appropriate research question and research methodology for completion of the required research requirements.
RESC 6031. Research Project 2. 2 Credit Hours.
Guided activities to develop an appropriate research question and research methodology and begin data collection for completion of the required program research requirements.
Prerequisite: Second year status.
RESC 6032. Clinical Practice 3. 8 Credit Hours.
This course provides an opportunity to advance the students clinical experience in a specialization area. This includes the adult, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units in the areas of patient assessment and monitoring (invasive and noninvasive), mechanical ventilation, ECMO, airway care, labor and delivery assistance and transport. The specialization area may include diagnostics, education, leadership or research.
RESC 6033. Clinical Seminar 2. 2 Credit Hours.
Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and theory. Emphasis will be placed on decision making and problem-solving as they relate to neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Current issues relevant to the neonatal and pediatric respiratory care will be discussed. Review of respiratory care will continue as it pertains to the Therapist Multiple Choice and Clinical Simulation credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful completion of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple Choice Self Assessment examination is required in order to meet course requirements.
Prerequisite: Second year status.
RESC 6034. Research Project 3. 2 Credit Hours.
Guided activities to develop an appropriate research question, research methodology, completion of data collection and analysis for completion of the required program research requirements.
Prerequisite: Second year status.
RESC 6035. Clinical Seminar 3. 2 Credit Hours.
Case presentations are required to integrate clinical and theory. Emphasis will be placed on decision making and problem-solving as they relate to clinical respiratory care and disease management. Current issues relevant to respiratory care will be discussed ethical issues in health care, smoking cessation, palliative care, and issues related to professional development and practice. Review of respiratory care as it pertains to the credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) will continue. Successful completion of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) self-assessment examinations are required in order to meet course requirements.
RESC 6150. Independent Study. 1-6 Credit Hours.
This course will be arranged through RESC faculty. Topic and mode of study are agreed upon by student and instructor. Semester hours are variable and credit hours will be determined by topic/project and rigor. The course is offered all terms. The course may be repeated for credit when topics vary (1-6 SCH). Graduate student standing and consent of instructor is required. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.
RESC 6301. Advanced Patient Assessment and Care Plan Development. 3 Credit Hours.
Advanced patient evaluation and the design and implementation of evidence-based respiratory care plans will be emphasized. Evidence-based practice and critical diagnostic thinking are reviewed and applied to the review of the medical record, patient interview, physical assessment and evaluation of diagnostic studies. Assessment of oxygenation, ventilation, and arterial blood gases are reviewed. Laboratory studies, imaging studies and ECG monitoring and interpretation are discussed. Pulmonary function testing, diagnostic bronchoscopy and other diagnostic studies are also described. Acute and critical care monitoring, sleep studies and maternal and perinatal/neonatal patient assessment are overviewed. The student will integrate assessment findings in the development and evaluation of care plans for specific disease states and conditions.
RESC 6302. Advanced Critical Care and Ventilatory Support. 3 Credit Hours.
Provides advanced instruction over all phases of adult critical care and continuous mechanical ventilation. Principles of critical-care are reviewed followed by a discussion of respiratory failure to include recognition, causes, and treatment. Principles of mechanical ventilation are then reviewed, and resources provided regarding the operation and features of the major critical care ventilators. An in-depth discussion of the indications for, and implementation of invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilatory support is provided and patient stabilization and adjustment of ventilatory support is described, to include patient assessment and monitoring. High-frequency ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, use of inhaled nitric oxide, and mechanical ventilatory assistance are described and point-of-care ultrasound, as well as other diagnostic and supportive techniques used in the ICU are reviewed. An overview of neonatal and pediatric critical respiratory care is provided, followed by an in-depth discussion of ventilator discontinuance.