Degree Plan & Curriculum

The Degree Advancement MSRT program is designed for Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) with a baccalaureate degree in any field. This fully online program allows students to advance their skills and knowledge and prepares them to be the next leaders in management, education, research, advanced clinical practice, or industry.

The UTMB MSRT program supports the professional advancement and increased scope of practice for RRTs, empowering the next generation of leaders to thrive in a growing field and build upon the foundations laid by experienced professionals.

Curriculum

This fully online MSRT degree advancement program features a flexible, customizable curriculum totaling 31+ credit hours, designed to be completed in 2-4 years. Students complete 20 credit hours of required core courses and choose at least 11 credit hours from three leadership domains: operational, educational, and research.

Our core curriculum focuses on topics such as Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Mechanical Ventilation, Current Trends in Respiratory Care and includes a Capstone Experience for those in the operational and education tracks or Thesis for those in the research track.

Guided by faculty mentorship, students select a Capstone Experience or Thesis designed to drive meaningful outcomes, such as improving patient care, shaping policy, or advancing professional practice.

Potential career paths for our graduates include:

Operational Leadership Track

• Department leader (supervisor/team lead, manager, or director)
• Quality improvement leader
• Care Coordinator
• Disaster response leader
• Industry leader

Education Leadership Track

• Academic Educator (with 20 credits of graduate education in RC often needed for accreditation)
• Health System Educator
• Industry Educator or Coordinator
• Patient Education Coordinator
• Educational Specialist

Research Leadership Track

• Research Coordinator
• Preparation for a PhD program (thesis available)
• Clinical Research Organization Leader
• Staff Researcher
• Industry Research Program Leader
• Clinical Specialist

Admission Requirements

• Fall Semester: May 1 - July 1
• Spring Semester: September 3 - November 1
• Summer Semester: January 2 - March 1

Admission Prerequisites

To be considered for the Degree Advancement Master's in Respiratory Therapy Applicants must present official documentation of the following:

• Bachelor's degree  
• Unexpired RRT Credential
• GPA 2.75

Application Process

1. Visit the Allied Health Centralized Application Service (AHCAS) and sign in or create an account. New applicants should create an online account. Returning applicants should login and complete the registration.
2. Submit all official transcripts to AHCAS. Do not send to UTMB.
3. Complete and submit your AHCAS application as soon as possible. After your AHCAS application is the verified status, UTMB will send an email to the applicant with the link for the supplemental application ($40). Your application will not be processed until the supplemental application is completed.
4. Once received, applicants will be given a UTMB ID number to access MyStar. Please allow several weeks for processing.
5. The Program Director will reach out to discuss the program and schedule prior to acceptance.
6. Once a decision has been made by the admissions committee, you will be notified via email.
7. Once accepted, all selected students will be required to undergo a background check for security clearance and pass a drug screen in order to matriculate at UTMB and other off-campus clinical training facilities. 

Pre-Enrollment

If accepted into the program, students will receive a formal offer of admission letter with instructions on how to accept the position into the program. The offer of admission provides incoming students links to checklists that serve as guides to the matriculation process (to enroll as a new student). This checklist can also be found on the New Students webpage of the School of Health Professions website.

The offer of admission is contingent on the receipt of a clear background check and clear drug screen.