Program Description
ProfessionAdvances in respiratory medicine, technology, and changes in health care have created a need for better prepared respiratory care practitioners with advanced abilities in research, basic sciences, and practice among others. Job analysis research by the National Board for Respiratory Care and the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) reveals that employers and the practice of respiratory care now expect higher skill levels from respiratory program graduates. The Master's degree in respiratory care seeks to graduate individuals with advanced knowledge and skills in the respiratory care profession including research, evidence based medicine, assessment, therapeutic interventions and management of patients with cardiopulmonary related disorders.
Program
The 4-quarter MSRC Program is a designed to allow customizable options for interactions with the program faculty both face-to-face and on-line offered through two tracks:
Track I – Professional focus
Students receive and develop didactic and clinical knowledge to advance their expertise in areas of education, research, leadership, clinical performance, industry, and management in the cardiopulmonary sciences from an evidence-based perspective. Courses combine discussion, projects, case studies, service activities and Web-enhanced learning. An optional advanced practice clinical practicum of two quarters is also provided that requires the consent of the program director, department chair, and the medical director—along with the approval and acceptance of a physician preceptor agreement form on file.
Track II – Research focus
Students receive and develop didactic and research knowledge to advance their expertise in areas of education, research, leadership, project management, and industry in the cardiopulmonary sciences from an evidence-based, innovation perspective. Courses combine discussion, bench research, projects, case studies, service activities and Web-based learning. An advanced research practicum is included that requires the development and execution of an innovative biomedical project related to cardiopulmonary science. Arrangements will be made for distance education students in regard to distance mentorship.
The online program students will be required to schedule an online orientation one week prior to the beginning of their courses. All students must have a detailed discussion with the program director to begin to outline capstone projects.
Program Length
One year full-time. May be completed on a part-time basis.Possible Careers
Respiratory care educator, Respiratory researcher, Respiratory care manager, Advanced Respiratory care practitioner, industry leaders and consultants.Application Deadlines
There are currently no published application deadlines.Admissions Requirements
Track I – Professional Focus
- The applicant should have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited or recognized institution of higher education by Loma Linda University.
- In addition, the applicant is required to have earned the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care, and licensed in their state of residence or eligible to practice by the government or equivalent.
- Interview, references, essay.
- Regardless of nationality or citizenship, an applicant whose native language is not English or whose secondary education has been given outside the U.S. is required to pass a test of English proficiency.
Track II –Research Focus
- The applicant should have a minimum of a baccalaureate of science degree from an accredited or recognized institution of higher education by Loma Linda University.
- Prerequisite course work:
i. 1 course of each: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology
ii. 12 quarter units of Biology: General and/or human
iii. 16 quarter units of Chemistry: General Inorganic, Organic, and/or Biochemistry
3. Interview, references, essay.
4. Regardless of nationality or citizenship, an applicant whose native language is not English or whose secondary education has been given outside the U.S. is required to pass a test of English proficiency.
Discipline Accrediting Agency
Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; telephone: (510) 748-9001.
Expected Cost of Attendance
The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.
Required Program Costs
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Year of Program Months Enrolled |
Year 1 9 |
Year 2 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $24,446 | $9,182 |
|
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance (May or may not be purchased through the school) |
$675 | $225 |
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
The cost of attendance varies from year to year. Please contact the office of Student Finance for up-to-date costs.- Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
- Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
- To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.