Degree Advancement Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT)

Degree Plan & Curriculum

The Department of Respiratory Therapy offers the Degree Advancement Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT).

The Degree Advancement MSRT program will enable prospective registered respiratory therapists (RRT) with a baccalaureate degree the ability to advance their education to the Master of Science level within Respiratory Therapy. Graduates will be prepared to be a leader within the respiratory care profession.

Curriculum

See Also: SHP Bulletin

The self-paced MSRT curriculum is 31+ credit hours over 2-4 years. The program allows for specialization in one of three domains of leadership:

• Operational Leadership
• Education Leadership
• Research Leadership

Students will take 20 hours of core courses and 11+ hours of program courses. The student could take up to 36 credits to earn their degree. We plan that the average student will complete the curriculum within 6 semesters, but it may be longer.

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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
• TOEFL Score of 550 (if English is a second language)

Application Process

1. Visit the UTMB Online Application and choose either new applicant or returning applicant.
2. New applicants should create an online account. Returning applicants should login and complete the application. (pay $60.00 nonrefundable application fee.)
3. Program information page on the UTMB application, make note to select the following
1. Semester you wish to enroll: Entry Period (Year) and Term (Fall, Summer or Spring)
2. School of Anticipated Enrollment: School of Health Professions
3. Program: Master of Science
4. Applicants must arrange to have a sealed official transcript from EVERY regionally accredited U.S. institution they have attended. UTMB only accepts official transcripts sent directly to UTMB by the issuing institution. Applicants are strongly encouraged to request to have their transcripts sent electronically to UTMB whenever possible. This greatly expedites processing and improves the accuracy of transcript evaluation. The accepted standard for this process in Texas goes by the name SPEEDE. The school code for UTMB is 004952.
5. References will be contacted via the email address provided on the application.
6. International applicants will be considered. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a minimum score of 550 for the TOEFL PBT (paper based) or a minimum score of 79 for the TOEFL iBT (internet based).
7. Once the application has been completed and all transcripts and reference letters have been received, applications will be reviewed. All applicants will be notified via email when the admissions decision has been made. Please allow several weeks for processing.

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.

Key Skills & Competencies

This advanced degree will equip you with a wide range of skills and knowledge to elevate your career in respiratory care to new heights. Here are some of the key skills and competencies you can expect to gain from our program:

1. Evidence-Based Practice: Learn to critically evaluate current research and apply evidence-based practices in your daily clinical work, ensuring the most effective and up-to-date care for your patients.
2. Leadership and Management: Develop leadership skills to excel in supervisory or managerial roles within healthcare organizations. You'll gain the ability to lead teams, manage resources, and make strategic decisions.
3. Education and Training: If you aspire to become an educator, our program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to teach and mentor future respiratory therapists, helping to shape the next generation of professionals in your field.
4. Research and Scholarship: Develop the ability to conduct research in respiratory care, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. You'll learn how to design studies, collect and analyze data, and disseminate your findings.
5. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Hone your critical thinking skills to quickly assess and respond to complex clinical situations, making informed decisions that can be life-saving for patients.
6. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Gain a deep understanding of the ethical and legal aspects of healthcare, including patient confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with regulations.
7. Cultural Competency: Learn to provide culturally sensitive care, respecting the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of your patients, and promoting inclusivity in your practice.
8. Quality Improvement and Patient Safety: Acquire the skills to participate in quality improvement initiatives, helping healthcare organizations enhance the safety and effectiveness of care delivery.

By completing our Degree Advancement Master's in Respiratory Therapy program, you will not only expand your skill set but also position yourself as a leader in the field, capable of providing the highest level of care to patients while contributing to the advancement of respiratory care knowledge and practice. Invest in your future and take your career to the next level with our comprehensive and advanced degree program.