Advanced Standing Degree in Respiratory Therapy (A.S. to B.S Bridge)
Division of Respiratory Therapy
School of Health Professions
1228 Urban Life Building
404/413-1255
chhs.gsu.edu/rt
Lynda T. Goodfellow, School Director and Division Head
Robert Pettignano, MD, Medical Director
Respiratory therapy is a health care profession dedicated to the support and management of individuals with abnormalities or deficiencies of the cardiopulmonary system. The respiratory therapist is an expert in therapeutic and diagnostic modalities associated with the pulmonary system, as well as the heart. He or she must have a working knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, and physiology as well as respiratory therapy. This background affords the therapist the ability to become proficient in working with respiratory life support systems. Under the guidance and supervision of a physician, the therapist treats by employing academic knowledge and technical skill for direct patient care. For a dedicated man or woman who finds a service field rewarding, respiratory therapy offers a career opportunity as a vital member of the health care team that is both personally and financially rewarding.
The Division of Respiratory Therapy offers a program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. The program provides classroom study with observation, clinical experience, independent study, and seminars. The Georgia State University respiratory therapy program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The program provides classroom study, laboratory study and observation, clinical experience, computer-assisted instruction and simulation, seminars, and independent study. Classes generally meet on a daily basis from approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Clinical courses in area hospitals (clinical affiliates) meet generally from 6:45 AM to 3:15 PM.
The overall purpose of the Division of Respiratory Therapy is to provide a quality education that is relevant and professionally sound to meet the respiratory therapy needs of the health care community. Inherent to this purpose is the goal to prepare respiratory therapists who are able to demonstrate the attitudes, skills, and knowledge required to meet the changing needs of the community. It will be necessary for the respiratory therapist to cooperate with all members of the health care team in identifying and solving the problems related to respiratory diseases and disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. The respiratory therapist must be able to think critically, communicate effectively, demonstrate good judgment, and provide self-direction. It is a primary objective of the respiratory therapy program to educate well-qualified, competent respiratory therapists who demonstrate leadership ability.
The baccalaureate degree program in respiratory therapy seeks to establish an atmosphere in which the student achieves respect for the dignity and worth of the individual, the capacity for critical thinking, a genuine desire for knowledge, and the realization of his or her own potential. Graduates of the baccalaureate program are qualified to enter the Registry Examination System of the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
Admission to the Division of Respiratory Therapy is limited. In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the university, the applicant must meet the specific admission requirements and regulations of the Division of Respiratory Therapy. Acceptance into the program is based competitively on the factors of demonstrated academic ability, consistency of performance, personal qualifications, including motivation and interpersonal abilities.
International applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of language of instruction, must submit acceptable results from the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP). Because of the communication demands in the profession of respiratory therapy, both with patients and staff members, and the critical nature of clinical care, adequate verbal and written comprehension of English is necessary.
Individuals who desire to pursue respiratory therapy as a profession and show academic ability may apply for admission. Enrollment in the Division of Respiratory Therapy is limited and, therefore, early application is advisable. The application deadline is March 15 preceding the fall semester in which admission is desired. The Office of Admissions evaluates the credentials of students transferring from other colleges and universities. Acceptance into the university does not ensure admission into the respiratory therapy program.
Students taking the prerequisite courses in colleges or universities other than Georgia State University should take equivalent course work.
Students are admitted into the professional courses in the fall of the junior year. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required. Higher GPAs receive preference for admission.
The Division of Respiratory Therapy has a comprehensive advanced standing policy. Students who are graduates of CoARC-approved A.S. degree programs and are Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) may apply for advanced standing to the B.S. degree program. The department utilizes the following mechanisms to assess the awarding of credit in advanced standing: transfer credit and credit for professional credentials. The department maintains a philosophy of educational flexibility to meet the needs of the profession.
An Integrated B.S. to M.S. degree is an option to those who have a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to enter the respiratory therapy profession. See the Graduate Catalog for details.
During the junior year, students can expect to pay approximately $750 for uniforms, stethoscopes, student liability insurance, and books. In the senior year, expenses are estimated at approximately $1200. This includes books and expenses related to NBRC self-assessment and credentialing exams.
A minimum grade of C is required in all major, major-field-related, and mathematics and natural sciences courses for graduation. If a student's progress is interrupted at any point in the program through withdrawal or unsatisfactory performance, the student will no longer be in the program. If an individual applies to reenter the program, consideration will be given on the same basis as any new applicant. Curriculum changes are made whenever necessary to keep the learning experiences up to date and relevant in this rapidly changing technological field. Students will be expected to subscribe to these changes whenever they are necessary.
Students are expected to provide their own transportation to clinical training sites. Students are expected to comply with the policies and regulations of the division regarding absences, tardiness, standards of performance, conduct, dress code for the clinical areas, and other regulations as specified. A copy of these policies and regulations may be obtained from the division and will be given to all entering students.
Although respiratory therapy courses are intended to be taken by students majoring in the Division of Respiratory Therapy, selected courses may be taken by non-majors with written permission of the instructor of each course and the division head. All professional courses involving a component of clinical training are open only to professional program majors.
Semester hours are shown in parentheses following an entry. Requirements for areas A through E of the undergraduate core curriculum are listed in the "Core Curriculum" chapter of this catalog.
Area D: Chemistry 1151K and 1152K are strongly recommended as the lab science sequence.
Area F: Courses Related to the Program of Study (18)
Area G: Major (66)
Total Program Hours Required: a minimum of 127 semester hours