MSRC Perspectives

“Never in a million years did I imagine returning to school after 25 years, but Boise State University made the journey seamless from start to finish. I truly valued the camaraderie of my cohort and the mentorship of experienced educators whose expertise proved invaluable in my role as a Pulmonary Disease Navigator.

The knowledge and skills I gained through the program have enabled me to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across the globe. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity the Boise State master’s program provided to expand my horizons—because a master’s degree truly opens doors.”

“The MSRC program was an excellent experience that I completed while working full-time as a Flight Respiratory Therapist. The education I received strengthened both my clinical practice and leadership skills. As a result, I was able to advance into an Educator role within my department and was later promoted to Quality Manager.

The leadership coursework was instrumental in preparing me to lead people, manage projects, and facilitate organizational initiatives. During my time as an Educator, the instructional design and education-focused courses were invaluable in helping me develop content that was both effective and efficient.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone. Even for those not seeking advancement, the clinical courses were engaging and directly improved my clinical care.”

“The Master of Science in Respiratory Care program was directly applicable to my real-world clinical practice. There was a strong emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and advanced clinical skills, which helped me grow both professionally and personally. The faculty at Boise State University were genuinely invested in student success, making themselves available for guidance and mentorship throughout the program and well after graduation.

Overall, the program challenged me to become a better leader, mentor, and Respiratory Therapist, preparing me to excel in my current role as a Lead Respiratory Therapist in our Interventional Pulmonology Program.”

“The MSRC program at Boise State has been an incredible journey, pushing me to grow as a leader and educator while balancing work, school, and life. The program’s flexibility, supportive faculty, and collaborative environment made it possible to advance my education. Through this experience, I’ve gained the skills to contribute meaningfully to the future of respiratory care as a Program Director at a local community college.”

“My experience in the Master of Science in Respiratory Care (MSRC) program was both challenging and deeply rewarding. The program was characterized by a positive, encouraging environment that connected me with clinicians nationwide.

A primary motivator for pursuing this degree was to continue growing and become a better resource for my patients and my team. Through this program, I stepped out of my comfort zone, refreshing and expanding my clinical knowledge while building on my existing experience. The curriculum enabled me to immediately apply advanced concepts to patient care and staff education, while navigating unexpected organizational changes.

The journey equipped me with various leadership tools that have helped build a healthy team culture following a major transition. Ultimately, the MSRC degree was a key factor in my promotion to supervisor of our respiratory department.

With support from the Boise State Respiratory faculty, I successfully published original research and presented my findings at an AARC Congress. This process alone sharpened my professional communication and improved my approach to problem-solving.”

“Deciding to pursue the Boise State Master of Science in Respiratory Care (MSRC) program was one of those moments where I knew I was ready for something more, even if I couldn’t fully articulate what that “more” was yet. I love being a respiratory therapist, but I felt a pull toward growth. I wanted more understanding of the bigger picture of healthcare through leadership, education, and how we, as respiratory therapists, can create lasting change within our profession using research. The MSRC program taught me more than just new concepts. It helped me get clearer on what I care about, where I want to go, and the kind of RT that I really want to be.

What surprised me most was how deeply meaningful the relationships became. My cohort quickly turned into a source of encouragement, shared vulnerability, and genuine connection. We celebrated wins together, supported one another through challenges, and built friendships that didn’t end when the program did. Even now, I still keep in touch with several of them, and it’s really special to have people in your life who understand exactly what that season of growth felt like because they lived it with you.

Since graduating, I’ve been able to carry the lessons from the MSRC program into my work in ways that feel both practical and personal. The confidence I gained through the program helped me pursue advanced credentials like the ACCS, begin working toward my AE-C, and continue investing in my growth through leadership development experiences such as graduating from the AARC Emerging Leaders Program. I also stay actively involved in the profession through service with organizations like the Wisconsin Society for Respiratory Care (WSRC), the National Board for  Respiratory Care (NBRC), and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). These were spaces that once felt intimidating, but now feel like meaningful places to learn, contribute, and give back.

When I look back on it, the MSRC program represents a turning point. It gave me tools, perspective, and direction, and it also gave me people. I walked away not only feeling more prepared professionally, but more connected to the profession and the community within it. I will always be incredibly grateful for the faculty who believed in me, the classmates who supported me throughout the journey, and the experience that reminded me that growth happens best when we’re supported, curious, and willing to take that next step forward.”

“Earning my MSRC degree from Boise State University was a life-changing accomplishment for me! It not only enabled me to grow as a leader, educator, and advocate, but improved my confidence and opened my eyes to a world of career possibilities beyond the bedside. I recently took on a new adventure at my organization as our compliance officer and education manager. I am better equipped to tackle my new role with evidence-based solutions, a strong leadership foundation, and the skills to teach adults because of this program.

I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to drive meaningful improvements within our organization and to support the next generation of respiratory care professionals. This degree didn’t just elevate my career—it transformed how I show up as a leader. I’m grateful for the journey and ready for whatever comes next!”

“My experience at Boise State in their Masters of Science in Respiratory Care program was nothing short of amazing. I’ve learned invaluable skills in communication, problem solving, research, patient outcomes, and more!

As an educator, I use these skills everyday to improve communication to my students and highlight why continuing your education is so important to the field.The Boise State School of Respiratory Care has given me lifelong connections, advanced skills, and a foundation to push the profession forward. Go Bronchi!”

“Earning my master’s degree in respiratory care from Boise State University has been a deeply rewarding experience. The exceptional faculty support and top-tier instruction have made my learning and classroom interactions among the most engaging and educational experiences I’ve ever had.

I firmly believe this program has equipped me with the knowledge and tools not only to succeed professionally but also to join the next generation of respiratory care leaders dedicated to advancing the field. Making higher education accessible to motivated individuals reinforces this program’s commitment to respiratory care and highlights the vital role that specialized respiratory care practitioners play in improving public health and patient-centered outcomes.”

“I chose Boise State due to the curriculum emphasis on pathophysiology, leadership development and the focus on applied research. Although I entered the program already holding a leadership position, I feel significantly more prepared and confident in my role after taking the leadership and management courses. What I enjoy the most about the curriculum are the roadmaps for building quality improvement projects and learning how to apply evidence-based medicine.

I believe these are key ingredients in the recipe for all who strive to be change agents in our profession. One of the highlights of my two years has been building my capstone research project with the help of my advisors, who have really made the process feel less daunting and achievable. I look forward to presenting my first poster at the AARC Open Forum in 2026.

I have also had the incredible opportunity to be the research assistant on an Education Advancement- Value Proposition Taskforce where I am able to observe, absorb and learn from individuals who have made significant contributions to the Respiratory Care profession, including some of our very own MSRC Program faculty! Being on the receiving end of their mentorship has been incredibly impactful and has inspired me to work harder to follow in their footsteps.”