Respiratory Care (MSRC)

The M.S.R.C. graduate will be a leader in acute care, specialty clinics, pulmonary rehabilitation, home care and academic settings.

The Department of Respiratory Care operates two research labs, three teaching labs and a four-bed sleep lab that is fully accredited to diagnose and treat patients suffering from sleep disorders. Students have access to internationally recognized faculty and the most up-to-date equipment to complement learning and research opportunities.

Course Work

The 36-credit-hour non-thesis program consists of a core curriculum and a concentration curriculum in a specialty area chosen by the student. The core curriculum focuses on cardiopulmonary physiology, clinical practice guidelines/protocols, research methods/design, patient education, academic leadership, and diagnostics/ therapeutics. The concentration curriculum includes content in leadership, sleep, and clinical specialization. Courses are developed around current and emerging healthcare topics. All courses are taught online using an advanced learning management system. Students work with faculty and peers in a supportive environment to hone knowledge and expertise. Full-time, non-minor students can complete the program in four semesters. Part-time completion options are also available.

Program Details

The department owns state-of­-the-art equipment to conduct bench-top and clinical research on pulmonary function and mechanics, ventilator assessment, oxygen delivery, asthma management, aerosol deposition and sleep diagnostics.

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Respiratory Care is directed toward advancing critical-thinking skills, developing competent professionals and preparing graduates for cardiopulmonary, polysomnography and leadership roles in various healthcare delivery systems. The curriculum is structured to encourage a lifelong habit of research advancement, continuing education and professional skill growth. The vision of the Department of Respiratory Care is to produce quality graduates who meet the expectations of the communities of interest served by the program, to establish and maintain an excellent national reputation, and to be a leader in innovative educational endeavors in the profession.

Career Options

• faculty member in an academic institution
• director of clinical education in a respiratory care program
• program director of a respiratory care program
• director/manager in a hospital respiratory care department or sleep lab
• clinical specialist in a healthcare/equipment company
• research scientist
• research project manager
• clinical educator for a hospital or respiratory care company
• bedside clinician as a respiratory therapist or sleep technologist

Program Faculty

Faculty research interests provide students with a range of expertise. Clinical/technical interests include sleep disorders, ventilator machines, and anatomic flow dynamics of upper airways; other key research areas are more professional in nature, such as leadership and learning styles, best practices in distance education, stress management and role ambiguity, and evidence-based practice in the clinical settings, helping students achieve a holistic, well-rounded education.