Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy (MHS-RT)
Program Overview
Bellarmine University's Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy (MHS-RT) program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to excel as respiratory therapists. The rigorous curriculum emphasizes clinical training, preparing graduates for leadership roles in education and research. Accredited by CoARC, the program boasts high NBRC exam pass rates and graduates are highly sought after by healthcare facilities nationwide.
Program Outline
Master of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy (MHS-RT) at Bellarmine University:
Degree Overview:
Focus:
Preparing individuals for a career as a respiratory therapist. This is one of only eight programs of its kind in the nation. The program focuses on developing strong clinical skills as well as preparing leaders in the profession in the areas of education and research.
Target Audience:
Individuals with a bachelor's degree who are interested in becoming respiratory therapists.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality respiratory care to patients of all ages.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities for effective decision-making in complex clinical situations.
- Cultivate leadership skills to contribute to the advancement of the respiratory therapy profession.
- Foster a passion for lifelong learning and professional development.
Description:
The MHS-RT program is a rigorous, two-year curriculum that blends classroom instruction, laboratory exercises, and extensive clinical rotations. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of respiratory therapy principles and techniques, including:
- Patient assessment and evaluation
- Respiratory system mechanics and disease processes
- Mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy
- Medication administration and aerosol therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation and critical care management
- Patient education and counseling The program emphasizes hands-on training in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, critical care units, and rehabilitation facilities. Students work directly with patients under the supervision of experienced respiratory therapists, gaining invaluable experience in managing real-world cases.
Benefits:
- Graduates are highly sought-after by healthcare facilities nationwide due to the program's reputation for excellence.
- The program prepares graduates for success in the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examination.
- The MHS-RT curriculum aligns with the latest industry standards and evidence-based practices. )
Careers:
- Career Paths:
- Respiratory Therapist in hospitals, clinics, home care, and rehabilitation settings.
- Critical Care Specialist
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
- Educator in respiratory therapy programs
- Research Scientist in respiratory therapy field
- Career Opportunities:
- High demand for respiratory therapists with a projected 13% growth rate over the next decade.
- Excellent salary and benefits packages.
- Diverse career options across various healthcare settings.
- Outcomes:
- Graduates of the MHS-RT program consistently achieve high pass rates on the NBRC exam.
- Many graduates secure employment in prestigious healthcare institutions across the country.
- The program equips graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen career path.
Other:
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), ensuring its high standards and quality.
- Financial Aid: Various financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and federal loans.
Bellarmine University
Overview:
Bellarmine University is a private, Catholic university located in Louisville, Kentucky. It is known for its liberal arts-based education, strong faculty, and commitment to student success. Bellarmine consistently ranks among the nation's best colleges and universities.
Services Offered:
Academic Advising:
Students receive personalized guidance and support from dedicated advisors.Career Services:
Bellarmine offers resources and programs to help students prepare for their careers, including career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Financial Aid:
Bellarmine provides a variety of scholarships, grants, and awards to help students afford their education. 100% of incoming first-year students receive financial aid.Student Support Services:
Bellarmine offers a range of support services to students, including tutoring, writing centers, and mental health counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Bellarmine fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on student involvement. Students have numerous opportunities to get involved in clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities. The university also offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Holistic Education:
Bellarmine provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for meaningful lives, rewarding careers, ethical leadership, and service to the community.Small Class Sizes:
Bellarmine has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and close relationships with professors.High Graduate Outcomes:
98% of Bellarmine graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation, and 97% are working in their chosen field.Affordable Education:
Bellarmine offers competitive tuition rates and generous financial aid packages.Academic Programs:
Bellarmine offers over 50 undergraduate majors, a variety of minors, and dual degree programs. The university also provides over 30 graduate, second degree, and certificate programs in fields such as Business, Communication, Education, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Health Professions, Clinical Sciences, and Athletic Training.
Other:
- Bellarmine is committed to the Catholic tradition of educational excellence.
- The university is located in the historic Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, offering students access to a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene.
- Bellarmine has a strong focus on community engagement and service learning.
- The university offers a variety of online programs for students who prefer a flexible learning environment.
Entry Requirements:
Domestic Applicants (US Citizens and Permanent Residents):
- Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of specific prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. These courses include:
- 8 hours of Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- 4 hours of Microbiology
- 4 hours of General Chemistry
- 3-4 hours of Physics
- 3 hours of Psychology
- 3-4 hours of Pathophysiology
- 3-4 hours of Statistics
- Additional Requirements:
- Submission of an application essay
- Two professional references
- No GRE required
International Applicants (Non-US Citizens and Non-Permanent Residents):
For international applicants, the above-mentioned entry requirements apply, along with the following additional requirements:
- English Proficiency:
- International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a minimum score on one of the following exams:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 80
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): 53
- Applicants are encouraged to complete the transcript review form available on the program website to receive feedback on their eligibility based on their academic background.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
As stated above, international applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a minimum score on one of the recognized English proficiency tests.
- TOEFL: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 53 Please note that the program may require additional documentation to support English language proficiency claims, even if the applicant has achieved the minimum score on an English proficiency test.