MS in Respiratory Therapy

At a Glance

College

College of Health Professions
Degree

Master of Science
Campus

Center City
Format

Hybrid (Online and On Campus)
Credits

50
Duration

1 - 2 Years
Starting Term

Fall
Enrollment Options

Full Time, Part Time

Jefferson College of Health Professions, in collaboration with National Jewish Health in Denver, offers the first hybrid, minimal-residency Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT) program in the Tri-State area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware). The 50-credit program offers both an accelerated one-year pathway and a traditional two-year pathway.

Why Jefferson's Respiratory Therapy Program?

What sets Jefferson’s Respiratory Therapy program apart is its collaboration with National Jewish Health, one of the nation’s leading centers dedicated to respiratory and pulmonary care. This partnership brings together Jefferson’s more than 200 years of health-professions education with National Jewish Health’s nationally recognized expertise in respiratory medicine, clinical care, research, and innovation. Students gain an educational experience grounded in the latest advances in respiratory care and informed by experts who are dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with complex pulmonary conditions. Together, Jefferson and National Jewish Health provide a distinctive foundation for students preparing to become highly skilled, knowledgeable, and future-focused respiratory therapists.

The Entry into Practice Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy program consists of one year or two years of hybrid learning, 990 clinical hours, specializing in acute care, critical care, neonatal and pediatric care, pulmonary function testing and post-acute care. Our program prepares graduates to be leaders in the field through courses focusing on research, management, and leadership. We offer unique pathways that give students the flexibility to fast-track their education and advance their careers.

Learning Goals

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in one or more of the following: management, education, research, and advanced clinical practice (which may include an area of clinical specialization).

Curriculum

The Entry into Practice MS in Respiratory Therapy program consists of 50 credits, with a one-year track and a two-year track:

Semester	Course	Credits
Fall	RESP 501 Cardiopulmonary A&P	3
Fall	RESP 503 Pulmonary Function Testing w/lab	4
Fall	RESP 505 Respiratory Care Equipment. & Techniques w/lab	4
Fall	RESP 509 Clinical Practicum 1	4
Fall	RESP 507 Respiratory Pharmacology	3
	Total	18
Spring	RESP 515 Neonatal and Ped RC w/lab	4
Spring	RESP 519 Clinical Practicum 2	4
Spring	RESP 511 Intro to Mechanical Ventilation w/lab	4
Spring	RESP 517 Pulmonary Pathophysiology	4
Spring	RESP 607 Respiratory Entry Capstone Part 1	2
	Total	18
Summer	RESP 611 Clinical Practicum 3	4
Summer	RESP 521 Mechanical Ventilation w/lab	4
Summer	RESP 601 Critical Care	3
Summer	RESP 617 Respiratory Entry Capstone Part 2	2
Summer	RESP 615 Exam Prep Course	1
	Total	14

Semester	Course	Credits
Fall 1	RESP 501 Cardiopulmonary A&P	3
Fall 1	RESP 505 Respiratory Care Equipment. & Techniques w/lab	4
Fall 1	RESP 503 Pulmonary Function Testing w/lab	4
Fall 1	RESP 507 Respiratory Pharmacology	3
	Total	14
Spring 1	RESP 511 Intro to Mechanical Ventilation w/lab	4
Spring 1	RESP 517 Pulmonary Pathophysiology	4
Spring 1	RESP 515 Neonatal and Ped RC w/lab	4
	Total	12
Summer	RESP 509 Clinical Practicum 1	4
Summer	RESP 521 Mechanical Ventilation w/lab	4
	Total	8
Fall 2	RESP 601 Critical Care	3
Fall 2	RESP 519 Clinical Practicum 2	4
Fall 2	RESP 607 Respiratory Entry Capstone Part 1	2
	Total	9
Spring 2	RESP 611 Clinical Practicum 3	4
Spring 2	RESP 617 Respiratory Entry Capstone Part 2	2
Spring 2	RESP 615 Exam Prep Course	1
	Total	7

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the program online? The program is hybrid. All didactic coursework is completed online. Labs are conducted at state-of-the-art clinical simulation centers located in two cities: Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley
Where do I do clinicals? Clinicals are completed in the Philadelphia metro and Lehigh Valley. Students are placed at major academic medical centers, children’s hospitals, outpatient clinics, and acute rehabilitation centers in these regions, and are required to complete 990 clinical hours as part of the program.
Can I work while being in the program? Students in our one-year track are strongly discouraged from working, considering the accelerated nature of the program, and the workload involved. Students in the two-year can work while being in the program, though we recommend not more than 24 hours per week.
I have not completed all my prerequisites. When can I apply? We require you to have all the prerequisites completed prior to the start of the program. If you have completed most of the prerequisites, we welcome you to submit your application online.
Where can I work after graduation? Respiratory therapists are in high demand. Hospitals in most regions are looking to hire RTs. Most of our students receive job offers during their clinical placements. Our respiratory therapy graduates currently work at Jefferson Health, AtlantiCare, Cooper University Health, Virtua Health, Temple Health, Penn Medicine, St. Luke’s Health, and Mass General Hospital.