5 Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Respiratory Therapy

Are you ready to pursue a master’s degree in respiratory therapy? It’s the final educational step you need to take on advanced leadership roles with organizations. It can feel like a big investment — but at the University of Cincinnati, your investment leads to big rewards. We’re here to help you lead the respiratory care industry into the future.

What Is a Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy?

The University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy is designed to empower you as you advance your career into leadership, informatics, or education. Need to continue employment while you further your education? No problem. The program is built for working respiratory therapists. Take two courses per semester for five semesters and choose from three concentrations: Health Informatics, Health Care Administration, and Education.

Coursework topics include leadership in respiratory therapy, respiratory therapy disease management, delivery of respiratory therapy care, respiratory therapy in public health and policy, respiratory therapy health systems and informatics, respiratory therapy in higher education, online learning, inclusion and diversity, instructional design, and more.

With graduation behind you, you can manage, lead, and teach in hospitals, clinics, and care centers, home care, nursing homes, hospice, private practice, and higher education. A Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy from UC can significantly enhance and expand your fulfilling career opportunities.

What Are the Benefits of Earning My Respiratory Therapy Master’s Degree?

Earning a master’s degree in respiratory therapy comes with many benefits, but ultimately, these benefits add up to one very important outcome: a more fulfilling and impactful career in respiratory therapy.

Benefit #1: Advanced Clinical Expertise and Specialization

The more expertise you gain, the greater your career opportunities. With a master’s degree in respiratory therapy, you can move beyond the foundational skills you learned in your bachelor’s program. Handle more complex respiratory cases, learn and apply sophisticated diagnostic tools and methods, and gain proficiency in advanced procedures.

The UC’s online master’s program also offers coursework that focuses on the specialized areas that interest you most. Some examples include critical care, neonatal and pediatric care, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Benefit #2: Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Research is a crucial component of your Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy at UC. You’ll learn how to incorporate the latest research into clinical practice.

Plus, you’ll gain experience in designing and conducting research studies — which make a big difference in advancing the field. Become established as an expert when you publish research in journals, present at conferences, and participate in speaking opportunities. A master’s degree can boost your professional credibility and recognition that propel your career and impact forward.

Benefit #3: Additional Leadership and Management Skills

Do you dream of becoming a healthcare administrator? At UC, our online courses help you understand healthcare systems, policies, and management. Clinical leadership is another impactful avenue you can explore in our master’s program in respiratory therapy. Our training helps prepare you to lead clinical teams and manage departments.

Benefit #4: Expanded Career Opportunities and Higher Earning Potential

Looking to broaden your career opportunities beyond traditional respiratory therapy roles? A Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy can help you become a healthcare consultant, product development specialist, or even a policymaker or advocate.

Statistics show that advanced degrees often correlate with higher earnings. That is certainly the case in the respiratory care field. According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for respiratory care directors is $122,900. Career paths include pulmonary department director, healthcare administrator, respiratory therapy educator, respiratory equipment educator, and many more.

Benefit #5: Teaching Opportunities and Contribution to Healthcare Innovation

If a career in education calls to you, UC can prepare you to take on roles as an educator or clinical trainer. You’ll be able to guide future respiratory therapists in their careers and everyday work.

With a master’s degree, you can also pursue rewarding roles in academia. Teach at colleges and universities or provide educational training within healthcare facilities.

Are you drawn toward the idea of contributing to healthcare innovation? With a master’s degree in respiratory therapy, you can accomplish this goal in many ways. Help integrate new technologies into respiratory therapy practice, focus on quality improvement methodologies, collaborate with other healthcare professionals and organizations, and leverage your advanced knowledge, skills, and opportunities to play a pivotal role in driving healthcare innovation and improving patient outcomes.

Can I Earn My Master’s of Science in Respiratory Therapy Online?

The Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy is earned completely online. Choose from full-time or part-time options with six start dates per year. Plus, the degree can be completed in less than two years.

Keep in mind that every UC Online student works closely with a dedicated academic advisor and student success coordinator —and faculty members are nationally recognized experts in respiratory healthcare.

In order to be admitted, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field, current National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentials, and state licensure.

Ready to get started? Contact an enrollment advisor today!