Master of Science in Respiratory Care
M.S.R.C. Master of Science in Respiratory Care
36 Credit Hours
100% online program
Overview
The M.S.R.C. at Texas State will prepare respiratory therapists for roles in leadership, education, research, administration, and polysomnography. The program’s extensive training in patient education, disease management, and guideline development makes graduates an asset to hospitals, specialty clinics, healthcare agencies, and drug companies. M.S.R.C. graduates may find opportunities as a faculty in an academic institution, manager/director in a hospital department, clinical or sales specialist in a healthcare equipment company, research scientist/coordinator, disease management educator/coordinator, and sleep and scoring technologist. Of course, the M.S.R.C. courses expand the knowledge of a practicing respiratory therapist and would make that person more valuable at the bedside working with other healthcare providers.
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Career Prospects
Graduate degrees can lead to career and personal development. The M.S.R.C. at Texas State will prepare respiratory therapists for roles in leadership, education, research, administration, and polysomnography. The program’s extensive training in patient education, disease management and guideline development makes graduates an asset to hospitals, specialty clinics, healthcare agencies and drug companies. M.S.R.C. graduates may find opportunities as a faculty in an academic institution, manager/director in a hospital department, clinical or sales specialist in a healthcare equipment company, research scientist/coordinator, disease management educator/coordinator, and sleep and scoring technologist. Of course, the M.S.R.C. courses expand the knowledge of a practicing respiratory therapist and would make that person more valuable at the bedside working with other healthcare providers.
Advanced Credentials
Students completing the M.S.R.C. polysomnography concentration are encouraged to take the Sleep Disorder Specialist (SDS) subspecialty credential exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
Career Outlook Statistics
Medical and Health Services Managers*
- 2024 Median Pay: $117,960 per year/ $56.71 per hour
- Work Experience in Related Occupation: Less than 5 years
- Number of Jobs, 2023: 562,700
- Job Outlook, 2023-2033: Projected to grow 29% (much faster than average)
Respiratory Therapists*
- 2024 Median Pay: $80,450 per year/ $38.68 per hour
- Work Experience in Related Occupation: None
- Number of Jobs, 2023: 133,900
- Job Outlook, 2023-2033: Projected to grow 13% (Much faster than average)
Medical Scientists*
- 2024 Median Pay: $100,590 per year/ $48.36 per hour
- Work Experience in Related Occupation: None
- Number of Jobs, 2023: 146,600
- Job Outlook, 2023-2033: Projected to grow 11% (Much faster than average)
*Clinical Liaison, Research Liaison, and Clinical Specialist are typical positions for graduates of a Master of Science in Respiratory Care; however, they are not listed as standalone occupations in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. However, they typically fall under broader occupational categories. Here's how they align:
- Clinical Liaison – This role often falls under Medical and Health Services Managers, depending on the focus (clinical coordination vs. patient advocacy). Clinical liaisons often work in hospitals, long-term care, or home health settings, coordinating patient care and transitions.
- Research Liaison – This is closely related to the role of Medical Scientists, especially if the graduate is involved in clinical trials, data analysis, or translational research. These professionals conduct studies to improve human health and may work in academic, government, or private research settings.
- Clinical Specialist (Respiratory or Medical Devices) – This role is often categorized under Health Educators, Medical and Health Services Managers, or even Sales Representatives of Technical and Scientific Products, depending on the setting. Clinical specialists often provide training and support for medical devices or advanced therapies.