Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy
Program Overview
Master of Respiratory Therapy
The Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree is designed to address the rising complexity of skills and knowledge required to prepare students for advanced-practice career pathways in the profession and related services. The program aims to provide advanced practitioners (APRT) as the community identifies scope and roles for expanded technology and widening need for practitioners with skills and knowledge in cardiopulmonary health.
Mission Statement
Consistent with the University mission, the Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy degree will:
- Provide learning opportunities for students through a variety of instructional methodologies and writing in multiple settings throughout the curriculum.
- Provide expanded knowledge and skills for graduate students for expanded clinical roles in:
- Health administration, supervisors, and department directors
- Pulmonary navigators
- Critical care specialists (supported with advanced-level credentialing at the national level)
- Clinical preceptors, team leaders, hospital and asthma educators
- Best-practice consultants and industry researchers
- Provide appropriate, accurate, and timely advisement for students within the program by:
- Assisting and encouraging faculty and graduate students to develop collaborative relationships with other professionals.
- Supporting and assisting with developing scholarly writing.
- Promoting the recruitment and support of students from diverse backgrounds.
- Promote appropriate professional behavior, ethics, diversity, and respect for self and others by:
- Assisting and supporting graduate students in professional development and research to improve clinical best-practices and foundational professional research.
- Providing student orientation to community/campus support services.
- Provide access and opportunity for graduate students in the program by:
- Providing appropriate technologies in order for graduate students to access, gather, organize, and present information related to clinical, educational, and professional research.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Professional writing & program synthesis
- Expanded pathophysiology & case medicine
- Stacked professional credentials in Respiratory Care
- Health administration & ethics
- Curriculum development & education
- Clinical research & course design
Curriculum Grid
The curriculum grid outlines the particular MSRT courses where content for learning outcomes are housed and discussed as objectives within the program. All courses utilize study questions, case studies, and clinical scenarios in the courses allow for participation in group chats, peer responses, and guided discussions to help meet the objectives of the course. Learning outcomes are followed based on the following:
| Professional Writing & Program Synthesis | Expanded Pathophysiology & Case Study in Medicine | Stacked Professional Credentials | Health Administration & Ethics | Curriculum Development & Education | Clinical Research & Course Design
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
MHA 6000 | | | | X | |
MSRT 6010 | X | | | | |
MSRT 6020 | | X | | | |
MSRT 6030 | X | | | | X |
MSRT 6040 | X | | | | X |
MSRT 6050 | X | | | | X |
MHA 6100 | | | | X | |
MSRT 6130 | X | | | | | X
MSRT 6140 | X | | | | | X
MSRT 6150 | X | | | | | X
MHA 6240 | | | | X | |
MSRT 6410 | | | X | | |
MSRT 6420 | | | X | | |
MHA 6440 | | | | X | |
MSRT 6460 | | | X | | |
MSRT 6470 | | | X | | |
MSRT 6480 | | | X | | |
MSRT 6700 | X | | | | |
MSRT 6800 | X | | | | |
Program Description
Respiratory Therapy can be characterized as a life-support specialty that routinely consults with a multi-disciplinary healthcare team in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, management, and education of patients with lung, heart, and kidney dysfunction. The Weber State University Department of Respiratory Therapy offers an advanced degree at the Master of Science level for bachelor's degree graduates with a "registered respiratory therapist" [RRT] credential wishing to pursue careers as advanced-practitioners (APRT), or "mid-level providers" as pulmonary navigators, critical care specialists, consultants, and/or clinical educators in hospitals, industry, or in higher education institutions.
Program Goals
The goals of the program are accomplished through predominately online courses, independent study, cooperative learning groups, individual and group assignments, and intensive writing projects that emphasize a practical application of theory in the practice of respiratory care. The 36-hour program of study consists of professional core requirements and a guided emphasis in health administration, education courses, and research content. A portion of the core requirement is the completion of a Master's capstone project, a practical application of knowledge and research gained while in the program.
Assessment Plan
The MSRT program builds upon the professional knowledge and credential(s) that students acquire during undergraduate education. The MSRT program was developed to increase professional knowledge and skills. Additionally, the program is preparing students to assume leadership roles in healthcare facilities and educational programs. Evidence accumulated from each class listed is evaluated to assist the student with developing the necessary competencies and allow for further professional development to include increased responsibility and autonomy in practice.
Assessment Report Submissions
Assessments of the program to the community of interest will include reporting to the graduate faculty, medical advisor, and program advisory board the following data:
- Admission, attrition, and graduation reports to program advisory board
- Student course evaluations
- Number of graduates employed in the Respiratory Therapy field, clinical supervisory positions, or industry researchers/product managers
- Graduate surveys of student experiences in the program
- Employer surveys of student skills
- National certification of specialty exams
Program Review
This information is part of the cyclical program review process. Details such as mission statements, learning outcomes, etc., are updated as part of the biennial assessment reporting process, an integral component of program review.