Best Master’s in Respiratory Therapy Programs

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $690
Out of State | $690

Credits to Graduate
72

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Bellarmine University's master of health science in respiratory therapy allows students to pursue the health promotion and social change track or the leadership track. The program offers courses in neonatal and pediatric care, advanced life support, and clinical education.

Application requirements include a bachelor's degree, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and a "C" or higher on specified prerequisite courses. Students must also participate in an interview and submit official transcripts, two references, and a personal statement.

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $766
Out of State | $766

Semester Hours to Graduate
92

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Rush University in Chicago, Illinois offers a master of science in respiratory care — the only program of its kind in the state. Students can choose between the two-year MS track or the advanced MS track for those already with a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential.

For admission consideration, students must hold a bachelor's degree and a 2.5 cumulative and science GPA. Applicants also need to submit official transcripts, provide three references, and take part in an on-campus interview. Prospective students must also schedule a shadowing session at Rush University Medical Center.

100% Online | Course Format (i.e., Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes)

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $301
Out of State | $709

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers an onlineMS in respiratory care for professionals with the RRT credential. The program emphasizes preparing graduates for leadership roles in respiratory care.

Admission requirements include an RRT credential or the equivalent, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and two recommendation letters. The school highly recommends that applicants show evidence of physician shadowing.

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $612
Out of State | $612

Units to Graduate
45

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Linda Loma University offers a master of science in respiratory care (MSRC). Students can complete the program in one year of full-time study. Students can specialize in advanced clinical practice, education, leadership and management, polysomnography (sleep diagnostics), and research. Graduation requirements include a capstone project. 

To apply, students must hold a bachelor's from an accredited school, an RRT credential, and at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also participate in an interview.

Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $542
Out of State | $1,601

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Weber State University offers a master of science in respiratory therapy. Students choose a concentration in education, research, or health administrative services. Some out-of-state applicants might qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, an RRT credential, and healthcare experience. Students should also show a minimum 3.0 GPA within the last 60 semester hours of their undergraduate curriculum. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may gain acceptance with an acceptable score on the Miller's Analogy examination or the GRE.

100% Online | Asynchronous Courses

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $447
Out of State | Extra $15 per Credit Hour

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Youngstown State University offers an online master of respiratory care (MRC). The core curriculum provides a foundation in clinical research, leadership development, and technology applications.

Program applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also hold a state license and RRT credential. Prospective students should obtain membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care to access materials related to their coursework.

100% Online for Core Courses and Traditional Track, Hybrid for Polysomnography Track | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $357
Out of State | $765

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

Texas State University offers a master of science in respiratory care. The program requires 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credits in a leadership or polysomnography concentration.

To apply, students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and at least a 2.75 GPA within the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, proof of an RRT credential, and resume. In addition, they must provide a purpose statement and three recommendation letters.