

The Respiratory Care Master of Science program at the University of North Carolina provides students with advanced knowledge in pulmonary medicine, patient care, and respiratory therapy practices. The curriculum emphasizes respiratory assessment, clinical interventions, and evidence based approaches to patient care, preparing learners to manage acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Students develop clinical expertise, patient assessment skills, research competence, and critical thinking abilities, equipping them to deliver high quality respiratory care in diverse healthcare settings.
Throughout the program, learners engage in coursework, online simulations, and applied research projects that integrate theoretical understanding with practical respiratory care applications. Faculty mentorship guides students in developing treatment plans, analyzing clinical outcomes, and implementing evidence driven interventions. By combining theory with applied practice, students strengthen clinical reasoning abilities, treatment planning skills, research competence, and applied healthcare expertise, ensuring they are prepared for professional roles in respiratory therapy, patient management, and healthcare leadership.
Semester 1 Foundations in Respiratory Care
• Pulmonary Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Advanced Respiratory Assessment Techniques
• Clinical Interventions and Patient Management
• Research Methods in Respiratory Care
Semester 2 Advanced Practice and Applied Research
• Mechanical Ventilation and Critical Care
• Evidence Based Respiratory Therapy
• Applied Clinical Research Project
• Professional Development and Portfolio
Graduates of this program are prepared for professional roles that require expertise in respiratory care, patient management, and clinical research. Many pursue careers in hospital respiratory departments, critical care units, clinical research, and home health care services, applying clinical and analytical skills to improve patient outcomes. Others work in healthcare institutions, rehabilitation centers, or public health programs, developing treatment plans, implementing evidence based interventions, and supporting respiratory health initiatives. The programs emphasis on applied practice, clinical research, and patient care equips graduates to succeed in diverse healthcare and respiratory therapy environments.
This program is ideal for students who want to combine theoretical knowledge of respiratory medicine with practical skills in patient assessment, clinical intervention, and healthcare management. Its curriculum emphasizes evidence based care, applied research, and advanced respiratory therapy techniques, providing learners with the tools to manage complex respiratory conditions effectively. Faculty mentorship supports students in developing clinical expertise, analytical reasoning, research competence, and applied patient care abilities. Through online coursework, simulations, and applied research projects, learners strengthen clinical assessment skills, treatment planning expertise, applied research abilities, and patient care competence, preparing them for impactful careers in respiratory therapy, critical care, and healthcare leadership.
Phone: +1 (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Address: Jackson Hall, 174 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA