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What does it cost?

Learn more about the cost of an online master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study. For information on how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to determine eligibility, visit the FAFSA tips page.

Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

How long will it take?

36 hours

All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: September 15
  • Summer: January 15

For more details on the application process, visit the Graduate Admissions page.

Online Master of Science in Health Science - Respiratory Therapy Concentration

Talk to an enrollment coach
404-413-4393
[email protected]

Talk to a faculty member
Josh Roach
Administrative Specialist Administration and Admission
404-413-1220
[email protected]

As a health care professional, you already know what you look for in trusted colleagues. As you move up in your respiratory therapy career, let the Georgia State online Master of Science in Health Science with a concentration in respiratory therapy prepare you to be the team member who others see as the “go-to expert.”

Georgia State’s online respiratory therapy master’s degree program will prepare you for:

  • Clinical specialist certification
  • Leadership and managerial positions
  • Clinical teaching positions
  • Respiratory care research roles

Our master’s degree in respiratory therapy program is designed for credentialed and experienced practitioners to advance. Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who hold master’s degrees are in demand as directors of clinical education at respiratory care education programs nationally. There are also opportunities for our master’s graduates to fill leadership and research positions at facilities nationwide and around the globe.

Recognized by the profession as a top producer of leaders in the field, Georgia State is proud of our continuing record for 100 percent employment for our graduates. Many of our graduates even receive offers before their graduation.

Program Highlights

Nurture Your Passion for Health Care at Georgia State Online

Georgia State’s master’s degree in respiratory therapy is the next step on your path toward becoming a respiratory therapy professional. Use your experience and expertise in the health care industry to propel your career in a new and exciting direction.

  • Flexible online courses that work with your schedule
  • Lower cost for an online education with the same quality and stability of our in-person RT program
  • Well-respected program with over 50 years of providing respiratory therapy education at Georgia State University (1969-2022)
  • Online degree accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SAS-COC)
  • Taught by the same internationally and nationally recognized faculty as our in-person RT program
  • Research opportunities and clinical experience
  • Advanced practice coursework
  • Interprofessional education

Respiratory Therapy Career Outlook

Career Fields

Working in health care is a rewarding career path for individuals who are interested in serving others through medicine. Respiratory therapists work with patients to improve breathing and respiratory function and treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome and other illnesses.

Graduates of the online master’s degree in respiratory therapy program may find employment in a variety of workplaces, including inpatient care at hospitals in both emergency care units and intensive care units and outpatient care in clinics.

Those pursuing a career in respiratory therapy can look forward to a projected job growth rate of 23% from 2020-2030 — much higher than the average of 8% for all occupations.

Earnings Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Respiratory Therapists earn a median annual salary of $61,830. RTs with an M.S. in RT in the Atlanta area are averaging salaries of $100,000+ annually.

Program Details

Please note: There are no additional prerequisites that students need to take for the online respiratory therapy program since students must already have a bachelor's degree in either respiratory therapy or pulmonary care.

Admission requirements for the online master’s degree in respiratory therapy are as follows:

  • Online application
  • GRE score(s)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended

Admission FAQs

Can the GRE be waived?
Yes, with a current RRT credential. To request a waiver of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) requirement, applicants to the online Master’s in Health Science with a concentration in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT) Program must submit a written request as to why they want the GRE waived and that request provides details of their RT education and RT work experience; applicants must attach their current resume and official academic transcripts to the waiver request. Please submit your waiver request by May 15th for fall admission, January 15th for summer admission and Sept 15th for spring admission to the Office of Academic Admission. Applicants who submit a GRE waiver request after this date risk not having adequate time to take the GRE if their request is denied. The following are requirements for a waiver of the GRE:

  • Minimal GPA of 3.0
  • Minimum of 2 years of clinical respiratory therapy work experience.
  • Two letters of recommendation that can document your work in the respiratory therapy profession.
  • RRT credential

How often does the online respiratory therapy program accept students?
The online MSHS with respiratory therapy program accepts for Fall, Spring & Summer each year.

What is the average GPA for admitted students?
3.0

What is a competitive GPA for MS with RT applicants?
3.0-4.0

What is the minimum to apply?
3.0

What is a competitive score for the GRE?
150 - VERBAL, 150 - QUANTITATIVE, 3.5 - AWA

Who makes admissions decisions?
Respiratory Therapy chair and faculty members.

Are letters of recommendation required?
Yes, at minimum two, no more than four.

What factors are considered for admission?
Your overall GPA, Resume, Letters of Recommendation & GRE score.

If I am an international student with international credentials/courses, how can I apply?
You must have your credentials evaluated by an international credentialing agency (WES or Josef Silny). You must request a document-by-document evaluation. The TOEFL or IELTS is required for applicants whose first language is not English or who completed a degree outside the U.S.

What is a competitive score for the TOEFL or IELTS?
TOEFL – IBT exam score of 80 or higher; IELTS – overall score of 7 or higher

How do I apply for my I-20 Visa?
The I-20 Visa is done through International Student Services. Start your I-20.

Can I defer my acceptance?
Yes, you can ask to defer your acceptance once to the upcoming semester. All deferral cases are reviewed independently and are not guaranteed approval. Your deferral request must come no later than 10 days after the beginning of the semester. Any requests beyond that date will be automatically denied.

A minimum of 36 hours are required for the online Master of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Respiratory Therapy. The program typically can be finished in five semesters.

The program curriculum is comprised of the following courses:

I. Health science core (12 hours) required for both traditional and integrated master's

CNHP 6000 Research Methods for the Health and Human Science Professions
CNHP 6010 Graduate Medical Terminology
CNHP 7800 Interprofessional Collaborative for Advanced Practice OR
CNHP 6900 EKG Interpretation
CNHP 8000 Trends Affecting Health Policies, Practices and Laws
CNHP 8010 Ethics and Leadership in Health Care

II. Specialization curriculum (respiratory therapy) (18 hours)

Integrated master's requires an additional 61 hours including clinical experience (see catalog).

III. Thesis/project ( 6 hours)

Area A: Essential Skills
ENGL 1101 (Composition I)
ENGL 1102 (Composition II)
MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or higher

Area B: Institutional Options
Choose two:
SPCH 1000 (Human Communication)
PHIL 1010 (Critical Thinking)
PERS 2001 (Perspectives on Comparative Cultures)
PERS 2002 (Scientific Perspectives on Global Problems)

Area C: Humanities and Fine Arts
Select one course from two of these three categories:
- Humanities ENGL 2110, ENGL 2130, PHIL 2010, RELS 2001 or SPCH 2050
- Foreign Language: Any foreign language course 1002 or higher
- Fine Arts AH 1700, 1750, 1850, FILM 2700, MUA 1500, 1900, 1930 or THEA 2040

Area D: Science, Mathematics and Technology
CHEM 1151K (Survey of Chemistry I)
CHEM 1152K (Survey of Chemistry II)
MATH 1070 (Elementary Statistics)
Chemistry 1151K and 1152K are strongly recommended as the lab science sequence.

Area E: Social Sciences
HIST 2110 (Survey of United States History)
POLS 1101 (Intro to American Government)
Select one Global Issues Course: HIST 1111, 1112, POLS 2401, or ECON 2100
Select one Social Science Elective:  AAS 2010, AAS/HIST 1140, ANTH 1102, CRJU 2200, ECON 2105, 21006, GEOG 1101, PSYC 1101, SOCI 1101, SOCI 1160 or WST 2010

Area F: Courses Related to the Program of Study (18)
• BIOL 2110K & BIOL 2120K Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8)
• BIOL 2300 Microbiology and Public Health (3)
• BIOL 2310 Microbiology and Public Health Lab (1)
• RT 2011 Application of Physical Principles in Healthcare (3) (General Physics accepted in place of RT 2011)
• Elective Adviser-approved elective (3)

Area G: Major (66)
Includes courses in medical terminology, cardiopulmonary physiology, pulmonary diseases and diagnostics, pharmacology, respiratory care -- ventilatory Support, advanced Critical Care Monitoring, patient care management – pediatrics, neonatal, end of life as well as 15 hours of clinical practice.

Total Program Hours Required: a minimum of 126 semester hours

For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

Affording Your Online Master of Science in Health Science - Respiratory Therapy Concentration Degree
Georgia State is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible programs for all prospective students because we value the investment each student makes in their education. We understand that the path to a student’s future shouldn’t be blocked due to finances, and we pride ourselves on offering financial assistance and scholarships that can support students through their education.

Learn more about the cost of an online master’s degree, or use Georgia State’s Cost Calculator to get an idea of the investment required for your path of study.

Contact Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program, the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

Use the Student Financial Services Guided Paths to walk you through the Financial Aid Process and learn about all our options for financing your education.

Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits. Download our guide to How to Start Your VA Benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see TAP Tuition Assistance.

Georgia State’s online respiratory therapy master’s degree program will prepare you for:

  • Clinical specialist certification
  • Leadership and managerial positions
  • Clinical teaching positions
  • Respiratory care research roles

Our master’s degree in respiratory therapy program is designed for credentialed and experienced practitioners to advance. Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who hold master’s degrees are in demand as directors of clinical education at respiratory care education programs nationally. There are also opportunities for our master’s graduates to fill leadership and research positions at facilities nationwide and around the globe.

Recognized by the profession as a top producer of leaders in the field, Georgia State is proud of our continuing record for 100 percent employment for our graduates. Many of our graduates even receive offers before their graduation.

Contacts

General Questions
404-413-4393
[email protected]

Josh Roach
Administration and Admission
404-413-1220
[email protected]

Dr. Douglas S. Gardenhire
Department Chair
404-413-1270
[email protected]

Mailing Address:
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3995
Atlanta, GA 30302-3995

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Atlanta, GA 30303