School of Health Professions

Coursework and Accreditation Information

Master of Science in Respiratory Care (Online)

The Master of Science in Respiratory Care (Online) program is for; (1) the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) who has earned a bachelor of science in respiratory therapy/respiratory care or (2) the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) who has an earned a bachelor degree in any field and holds the RRT credential from a CoARC accredited associate degree program and has completed the required program requirements. Master's degree graduates have many option including leadership positions in clinical practice, management, education, research or further graduate education. The Master of Science in Respiratory Care (Online) program will require the student to complete at least 33 graduate credit hours for graduation from UT Health San Antonio.

General Respiratory Care program policies and regulations

Advancement, probation and dismissal academic

All respiratory care courses in the Master of Science in Respiratory Care (Online) program are taught online. Therefore, students must be self-directed and motivated. All students must maintain a cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 in the program. A student who earns a grade of D or F in any course in any semester may be subject to dismissal. 

The Department of Respiratory Care Student Progress Committee (SPC) may recommend dismissal, probation, repetition of courses, repetition of the year or other actions as deemed appropriate by the SPC.

Withdrawing from a course

To withdraw from a course, a student must have permission from a faculty member and the Chair of the Department. The student is cautioned to withdraw from a course as it may delay enrollment in subsequent courses until the course is offered again. If a student withdraws from a course the grade granted is a "W". If this occurs the student must submit a request in writing and develop a plan for continuing in the respiratory care program. The plan will be evaluated by the Student Progress Committee and a resolution will be made. It should not be taken for granted the proposal is implemented without the Student Progress Committee's approval.

Institutional accreditation

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, also called UT Health San Antonio, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. UT Health San Antonio also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of UT Health San Antonio may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404)-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website, www.sacscoc.org.

Program outcomes

Graduates of the respiratory care program will be prepared to function as competent advanced-level respiratory therapists.

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Respiratory Care (Online) program, all students will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Exhibit leadership attributes to promote safe, quality care for diverse patients across a variety of settings
  • Analyze and apply evidence-based practice in diverse settings
  • Evaluate, conduct and publish cardiopulmonary evidence
  • Compare, contrast and promote cost-effective quality healthcare for all cardiopulmonary patients
  • Collaborate as a member of the interprofessional health care team

For more information about the program

Contact the Department of Respiratory Care or see the UT Health San Antonio course catalog.
Richard Wettstein, MMEd, RRT, FAARC
Department of Respiratory Care - Director of Admissions
wettstein@uthscsa.edu
Phone: 210-567-7966
Fax: 210-567-7961