Master of Science in Respiratory Care


Rush University Student Receiving Respiratory Therapy Education through the M.S. in Respiratory Care Program.

Respiratory therapists are critical members of the health care team who apply scientific principles to prevent, identify and treat acute or chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system in a diverse patient population, from newborns and children to adults and the elderly.

RUSH University is the only institution in Illinois to offer a respiratory therapist master’s degree. The Master of Science in Respiratory Care program has a uniquely designed curriculum that offers outstanding leadership and advanced practice preparation in multiple areas, including critical care, neonatal care and cardiopulmonary diagnostics.

You will obtain hands-on experience at top-tier academic medical centers in Chicago. The low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that you will receive individualized attention.

At RUSH, you will experience the innovative practitioner-teacher model, whereby faculty members take on multiple roles as educators, researchers and practitioners.

No previous health care experience is required. However, an advanced standing option is available for individuals who have earned the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Email the CHS admissions office for more information.

After graduating, you will be eligible to take the advanced examinations for registered respiratory therapists given by the NBRC.

Shadowing Session
Prospective students should contact Brady Scott at Jonathan_B_Scott@rush.edu  to set up a shadowing session with a respiratory therapist at RUSH University Medical Center. Shadowing sessions typically take place in the morning and last a few hours, as prospective students will rotate through multiple clinical settings.
Respiratory Care MS Program Quick Facts
Program Type:

Full-Time
(or Part-Time for Advanced Standing)

Location:

On-Campus

Length:

24 Months

Average Class Size:

20

Tuition:

Click Here

David Vines

Faculty Accomplishments

David Vines, PhD, MHS, RRT, FAARC, associate professor, recently received the Mike West, MBA, RRT Patient Education Achievement Award. Established in 2012, this award is named for Mike West, a registered respiratory rherapist who recognized the importance of educating  patients to help them manage chronic pulmonary diseases and the profound impact such self-management has on patient respiratory quality of life. Mike West made it his goal throughout his career to ensure that patients, caregivers and industry had the highest understanding of respiratory disease and the best solutions for treating these diseases. An endowment has been established to recognize excellence in patient education by American Respiratory Care Foundation’s (ARCF) Trustees, with a grant from Phillips Healthcare, to recognize a respiratory therapist who has had a profound impact on patients as established by measurable outcomes as a result of patient education.

Thank you for sharing your love in what you do and your passion for education. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement. Graduating the masters program was one of the most difficult challenges I have ever gone through making it an accomplishment that I’m extremely proud of, and for that I’m very grateful and thankful; it made me the proud person I’m today.

Shada Alodaini, Class of 2013

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Respiratory Care Videos

Attend an information session

Learn more about the Master of Science in Respiratory Care program at an on-campus or online information session.