Are you looking to advance your career in healthcare and make a significant impact on patient lives? A respiratory care master’s program could be the perfect path for you. This comprehensive graduate degree is designed for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, even those without prior healthcare experience, to become highly skilled respiratory therapists.
Admission Requirements for the Respiratory Care Master’s Program
To be considered for admission into the Master of Science in Respiratory Care program, prospective students must meet several key requirements. These are designed to ensure that admitted students are prepared for the rigorous graduate-level coursework and clinical practice.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university. This opens the door for individuals with varied undergraduate education to transition into respiratory care.
- Letters of Reference: While recommended, two letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s readiness for graduate studies can significantly strengthen an application. These letters should ideally come from academic or professional sources who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in a demanding master’s program.
For students who need to fulfill prerequisite coursework, specific science courses are required to build a foundational understanding for respiratory care studies. These prerequisites ensure all students begin the program with a comparable level of scientific knowledge.
| Required Semester Hours | Subject | TCCNS Course |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Anatomy and Physiology I | BIOL 2401 |
| 4 | Anatomy and Physiology II | BIOL 2402 |
| 4 | Chemistry Lecture with lab | Any Chemistry |
| 4 | Physics Lecture with lab | Any Physics |
| 4 | Microbiology Lecture with lab | BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421 |
Alt: Prerequisite coursework table for Respiratory Care Master’s program including Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Physics, and Microbiology with corresponding semester hours and TCCNS course codes.
Coursework Notes: Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses with labs can also satisfy the A&P prerequisites. It is also strongly preferred that all prerequisite courses are from a science-based curriculum, indicating a solid foundation in scientific principles. For Texas residents, you can check course equivalencies at Texas institutions using the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) to ensure your previous coursework aligns with the program requirements.
Application Process and Required Materials
Applying to the respiratory care master’s program involves submitting several important documents to ensure a complete application review.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from every college or university you have attended, both currently and previously. These transcripts must reflect all completed and in-progress coursework. For international transcripts, those from institutions outside the United States must be submitted in their original language, accompanied by a NACES Members evaluation agency English translation for each course to verify equivalency and understanding.
Information for International Applicants
International applicants seeking to enroll in a respiratory care master’s program have additional requirements to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must submit scores from one of the following English language tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. The minimum required scores are TOEFL 84, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 115. Please note that scores are valid for only two years from the test date. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has graduated from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution in the USA, as this demonstrates sufficient English language competency.
Program Details and Resources
For the most up-to-date and detailed information about the Respiratory Care Master’s Program, please refer to the University Catalog. This catalog provides comprehensive details regarding curriculum, program structure, faculty, and other essential program aspects.
Important Notice: It is also important to note that COVID-19 Vaccinations MAY be required by Clinical Affiliates. As clinical rotations are a crucial component of the respiratory care master’s program, students need to be prepared to meet the health requirements of affiliated clinical sites.
Alt: Respiratory Care Master’s program student practicing ventilation techniques on a mannequin in a lab setting, highlighting hands-on learning and skill development.
Respiratory Care Early Acceptance Program (RCEAP)
For undergraduate students at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), there’s an accelerated pathway to a master’s in respiratory care through the Respiratory Care Early Acceptance Program (RCEAP). This partnership between UTSA and UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA) allows eligible students to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from UTSA and a Master of Science in Respiratory Care from UTHSA in a condensed five-year timeframe, instead of the traditional six years.
Students participating in this 3+2 program will complete three years at UTSA, majoring in either biology or kinesiology. After fulfilling the program requirements at UTSA, these students will then transition to the UTHSA School of Health Professions for a two-year specialized curriculum. The RCEAP is specifically designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as respiratory therapists, offering an efficient route to advanced practice.
RCEAP Eligibility
To be eligible for the RCEAP program, UTSA students must meet specific criteria:
- Major and Enrollment Status: Be a full-time UTSA student pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology (Kinesiology and Health Science Concentration).
- Credit Hours: Have completed at least 12 semester credit hours (SCH) but no more than 60 SCH of coursework at UTSA within their chosen program of study.
- GPA Requirements: Maintain a minimum overall UTSA GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all college science/math coursework (unless only one science or math course has been completed).
Maintaining RCEAP eligibility requires students to successfully complete the first three years of their chosen curriculum (BS in Biology or BS in Kinesiology) at UTSA, including all core curriculum requirements, while consistently maintaining an overall GPA of ≥ 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of ≥ 3.0 in all science coursework.
RCEAP Application Process
The application process for the RCEAP is structured in a step-by-step manner:
Step 1: Application Submission. Interested students should apply between August 15 and April 30. To obtain the RCEAP Application, contact The Health Professions Office. Applications must be submitted before or upon completing 60 SCH at UTSA.
Step 2: Application Review. Applications and supporting documents are reviewed by the RCEAP selection committee, composed of faculty members from both UTHSA and UTSA. Selection criteria extend beyond academics and may include:
- Work experience
- Honors and awards
- Extracurricular activities
- Interest in health professions
- Community/volunteer service
Step 3: Interviews. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview with the RCEAP selection committee in April. This interview aims to evaluate interpersonal and communication skills, motivation, knowledge of the health profession, maturity, character, and personality.
Step 4: Admission Decisions. Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision during the first week of May. Students accepted into the program must commit to the RCEAP by July 1 of the same year to secure their spot.
Alt: Collaborative learning environment in Respiratory Care Master’s program showing students working together on a project, emphasizing teamwork and professional development.
A respiratory care master’s program is a significant step towards a fulfilling and impactful healthcare career. Whether you are entering directly with a bachelor’s degree or through an accelerated program like RCEAP, this advanced degree will equip you with the expertise and skills to excel in the field of respiratory care.
