Respiratory Care, M.S. – Early Entry

Program Overview

The Early-Entry Master of Science in Respiratory Care program at UNC Charlotte allows students to complete the requirements for both the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) and the Master of Science in Respiratory Care (MSRC) degrees in as few as three academic years, including summers. This accelerated program is designed for dedicated students who wish to advance their careers quickly.

Program Structure

Senior Year Graduate Coursework: Students begin their graduate coursework during their senior year while completing their BSRT requirements. Up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework can be double-counted towards both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Flexible Admission: Students may be accepted into the Early-Entry MSRC program after completing 75 or more hours of undergraduate coursework. It is recommended that students have 90 hours completed before taking their first graduate course.

Graduate and Undergraduate Integration: Early-Entry MS students must complete their undergraduate degree requirements by the time they have completed 15 hours of graduate coursework.

Program Contact

  • Delivery
    Online
  • Credits
    30 Credit Hours
  • Admits
    Fall
Courses

RESP 5101: Health Outcomes and Quality Assessment (3)

RESP 6101: Respiratory Care Leadership (3)

RESP 6104: Health Policy, Law & Ethics in the Health Professions (3)

RESP 6105: Pulmonary Function Testing & Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (3)

RESP 6106: Mechanical Ventilation Application & Monitoring (3)

RESP 6110: Cardiopulmonary Disease Management (3)

RESP 6111: Patient-Centered Care in Cardiopulmonary Disease (3)

RESP 6115: Research Methods for Respiratory Care (3)

RESP 6804: Respiratory Care Capstone (3)

  • RESP 6601: Emerging Issues in Respiratory Care Seminar (3)
  • OR NURS 6282: Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare (3)

Total: 30 credit hours

Admissions

Application Deadline:

  • May 1 (Fall)

Admissions & Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in the UNCC BSRT program
  • Completion of 75 or more hours of undergraduate course work and overall GPA of 3.2 to be accepted (90 hours of undergraduate course work will have been earned, with an overall GPA of 3.0, by the time the first graduate course is taken)
  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (achieving and maintaining the RRT Credential offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care).
  • Current state license to practice Respiratory Therapy.
  • Current Resume
  • Written statement of purpose (500-1000 words) describing the applicant’s educational goals and expectations of the program.
  • Two professional letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors are required.
  • Complete and submit an application via the Graduate School’s admission system.

Upon acceptance, a Graduate Petition must be submitted and approved by the BSRT Program Coordinator, MSRC Program Director, and the Graduate School.

Application

Applicants can apply via the Graduate Admissions Portal.

Outlook

A Master’s degree can significantly enhance your career prospects. Graduates of UNC Charlotte’s MSRC program are employed as Directors of Respiratory Therapy and Respiratory Therapy Supervisors.

Respiratory care practitioners, managers, supervisors and directors can expect strong job growth and increased compensation. According to salary.com, the annual median salary for respiratory care managers in North Carolina is $98,439. The average median salary for respiratory care directors in North Carolina is $115,055.

Why Choose UNC Charlotte?

Why Choose UNC Charlotte’s MSRC Program?

The UNC Charlotte M.S. in Respiratory Therapy program includes benefits such as:

  • Rigorous curriculum: Gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your chosen career path.
  • Developed by experienced respiratory therapists: Learn from faculty who understand your challenges and aspirations.
  • Tailored to working professionals: Benefit from flexible online learning and a supportive community.
Tuition

Undergraduate Rates: Early-Entry students are charged undergraduate tuition and fees for all courses (both graduate and undergraduate) they register for.

Graduate Rates: After completing the baccalaureate degree, students are charged graduate tuition and fees. Note that students in graduate programs with a tuition increment will be initially charged, but this fee will be removed after the add/drop deadline.

*Rates are subject to change*

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour

Find more information regarding tuition and fees here ».