Division of Health Professions
BS Health Science
The BS degree program in health science is designed so students can use prior education and/or experience to realize their career goals in a health/human service field. Graduates will have the knowledge of available resources and practices and the ability to assess needs to enable them to fill the role of the care-giving professional. The flexible program is structured as an academic, as well as career-ladder-offering. Students with associate degrees in such areas as nursing, dental hygiene, or respiratory therapy; certificates in radiologic technology; or diplomas in nursing can generally complete the program in two years or less of full-time study. The program also provides opportunities for the entering freshman or transfer student from a non-health related field.
This program does not prepare students for nursing practice.
The degree has special relevance for the following individuals:
- Those who desire academic preparation in fields for which no universally recognized baccalaureate has been established, such as environmental health, community health education, health administration, nursing home management, and voluntary health organization service.
- Those with a basic technical education in a health career who desire to broaden their exposure to the liberal arts as well as to continue study in the health field.
- Those who are moving their careers away from their basic discipline yet desire to broaden their career options in health care.
- Those who plan to enter a graduate program that requires a strong background in health affairs and yet is not specific to any one discipline. Health systems, health planning, public health education, hospital administration, counseling and social work are prime examples.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates will understand the role of the care-giving professional in the provision of services to clients/patients.
- Graduates will be familiar with leading health/social services resources and can use them to address current problems.
- Graduates will compile, calculate and use health-related data to identify and evaluate health needs, interests and concerns of individuals and/or groups.
- Graduates will be able to function as providers of assistance for the health-related problems of individuals and/or groups.
- Graduates will be able to identify and describe components of good mental and physical health.
- The program will provide a flexible degree program that enables students to prepare for a career of their choosing.
- The program will provide a quality educational experience for its students.
Admission Requirements
Students transferring into the health science program from another major at Columbus State University or from another institution, must have a minimum combined grade point average of 2.00.
Course Requirements
Areas A-E and Wellness Courses - Required Hours: 45
Area F - Courses Related to Major - Required Hours: 18
- HESC 1105 Introduction to the Health Professions
- HESC 1115 Interpersonal Relations
- HESC 1116 Interviewing Techniques
- HESC 2105 Personal Health
- HESC 2115 Group Communication
- HESC 2125 Applied Nutrition
Area G - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 24
- HESC 3105 Survey of Environmental Health
- HESC 3107 Habit Forming Substances
- HESC 3125 Crisis Intervention
- HESC 3145 The Dysfunctional Personality
- HESC 4105 Community Health Organization
- HESC 4106 Methods and Materials in Health Education
- HESC 4115 Principles of Epidemiology
- HESC 4145 Working With Families
Area H - Program Electives - Required Hours: 24
- EDUT 3217 Technology for the Teacher
- HESC 2165 Assertiveness Training
- HESC 3165 Working with the Aged
- HESC 4107 Fundamentals of School Health
- HESC 4129 Death and Dying
- HESC 4698 Internship in Community Health Services
- HESC 4795 Seminar in Health Science
- HESC 4899 Independent Study
- HESC 5105 Advanced Concepts in Environmental Health
Area I - General Electives - Required Hours: 12
Total Hours Required 123
Nursing Programs
Columbus State University offers two degree programs in nursing: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The BSN program is an eight-semester curriculum with nursing courses beginning the sophomore year. Graduates are prepared to assume the role of the professional nurse. The ASN program is a four-semester curriculum with nursing courses beginning in the first semester. Graduates of this program are prepared to assume the roles of the associate degree nurse. Information regarding both programs follows; more information may be obtained by contacting the program directors.
Facilities
The nursing programs are in Illges Hall where classrooms, a skills laboratory, and faculty offices are located. Facilities for clinical nursing experiences include Doctors Hospital, The Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, Martin Army Community Hospital, Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital, and others in the area. Long-term care facilities include Pine Manor, Muscogee Manor, and Oak Manor. Other facilities are physicians' offices, Columbus Department of Public Health, and West Central Health District sites, public schools, preschools, and industrial sites.
Expenses
Expenses beyond the usual university fees will be incurred by students to include uniforms, equipment, and transportation to clinical sites. Detailed information is available from program directors.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the Associate of Science in Nursing program have full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, New York 10014, (212) 363-5555.
Licensure
Graduates of both nursing programs are eligible to take the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). A student with a felony conviction may be admitted to either nursing program, but permission to take the NCLEX-RN rest with the Georgia Board of Nursing. Further licensure information may be obtained from the director of each nursing program.
Clinical agency agreements
In accordance with University System of Georgia standard clinical agreement contracts, students of both programs must comply with the following policies prior to enrollment in the first nursing course:
- evidence of professional liability insurance
- a current negative tuberculin screening (e.g. PPD) or negative chest X-ray
- current basic CPR certification
- immunizations and current physical examination
Performance standards
For admission and retention, an applicant to the nursing programs must have abilities and skills of four varieties: observation, communication, motor, and behavioral. Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis. However, an applicant is expected to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
Observation - An applicant must be able to observe a patient/client accurately. Examples of observation include: listening to heart and breath sounds, visualizing the appearance of a surgical wound, detecting the presence of foul odor, and palpating an abdomen.
Communication - An applicant must be able to communicate effectively with patient/clients and other members of the health care team. He/she must be able to interact with patients/clients and other members of the health care team in order to obtain information, describe patient situations, and perceive nonverbal communication.
Motor - An applicant must have adequate motor function to effectively work with nursing problems and issues and carry out related nursing care. Examples of nursing care include ambulation of patients; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; administration of intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral medications; application of pressure to stop bleeding; opening an obstructed airway; and the provision of patient/client daily hygiene care.
Behavioral - An applicant must possess the emotional health required for total utilization of his/her intellectual abilities. Applicants need to be able to tolerate physically taxing work loads and to function effectively during stressful situations. They must be capable of adapting to ever-changing environments, displaying flexibility, and learning to function in the case of uncertainty that is inherent in clinical situations involving patients/clients.
Adapted with permission from the Medical College of Georgia, January 1993.
Employment
Upon successful completion of the first clinical nursing course, students are often hired as a nurse technician/nurse aide by some health care agencies. LPN students may also be employed while in school. The nursing programs at Columbus State University renounce all responsibility for the actions of nursing students who are employed in these positions. Clearly stated job descriptions for these positions are the sole responsibility of the employing agency. The employing agency also assumes legal and ethical responsibility for the actions of these employees.
Health related licenses
Students with health-related licenses must bring the license to the nursing program director’s office. A copy of the license may be made for the students record.
BS in Nursing
The mission of the Columbus State University baccalaureate nursing program is to provide an innovative professional educational program, excellence in teaching, clinical expertise, scholarly inquiry and professional service locally, nationally and internationally. The mission is achieved through educating nurses who strive for the highest standards of health care, are sensitive to changing societal needs for nursing care, and develop behaviors that enable them to function in a changing complex society.
The program is designed for qualified high school graduates, college students, individuals who have already earned a degree in another field, and registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas who wish to prepare for professional nursing practice. Today's changing health care delivery system, as well as the increasing complexity of health problems, requires better educated and better prepared nurses. Baccalaureate education has become the standard for professional nursing.
The nurse with a baccalaureate degree in nursing synthesizes general and professional education and experience to make critical clinical judgments concerning client responses to actual or potential health problems in order to give effective and efficient nursing care. Graduates of the program are prepared to practice in the community hospital, large health science center, military, public health agency, nursing home, school system, and industry, as well as care for individuals and families in their homes. Nursing education at the baccalaureate level also prepares the nurse for management of client care, application of research findings in nursing practice, continued study, participation in professional nursing organizations, and pursuit of graduate education.
The first three semesters of course work are designed as pre-nursing. The following five semesters comprise the professional nursing major.
Expected Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares professionals with a liberal arts background who are capable of delivering comprehensive health care to a multicultural clientele in a variety of settings across the life-span, using accepted methods for diagnosis and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems. Each graduate will be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, make independent judgments in therapeutic client interventions, and display leadership skills needed to obtain entry-level nursing practice positions.
- Graduates will compete successfully in a nursing career.
- Graduates will utilize appropriate forms of communication in relating effectively to clients/patients, family members, the health care team and the community at large.
- Graduates will utilize the nursing process and theoretical frameworks to perform health promotion and therapeutic nursing interventions directed at individuals, families and/or aggregates.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate reasoning skills, employing critical thinking and leadership skills.
- Students admitted to the major in the BSN program will complete the baccalaureate degree at a comparable percentage rate as students enrolled in similar programs at the state, regional, and national level.
- Students, alumni, employers and faculty will express high satisfaction with the BSN program.
- Faculty and students will participate in community service activities (health education and promotion, clinical practice, political process, service on policy boards with the community and university) to assist in meeting the service and leadership needs of the Columbus region.
Admission Requirements
A student who meets the criteria for admission to Columbus State University may be admitted to the university for any semester and be classified as a pre-nursing student. An informational interview with a member of the nursing faculty is the first step in student advisement and pursuit of a nursing career.
Admission to the University as a pre-nursing student enables the student to take core curriculum and general education courses only, as they are available and consistent with the prerequisites. Acceptance as a pre-nursing student does not guarantee admission to the professional nursing course sequence of the program.
Advance standing through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit in pre-nursing courses is granted in the behavioral sciences, humanities, social sciences and mathematics according to policies stated in this catalog. No CLEP credit is allowed in the science courses required by this program.
One nursing class is admitted each spring semester. Students must submit a separate application to the Baccalaureate Nursing Program for the nursing course sequence of the program. Applications should be submitted between June 1 and September 1 to be considered for spring semester admission.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission the program, students must have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required pre-nursing course grades only
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses within seven years of application
- submitted a completed application, references, and an essay
Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Selection Criteria
If there are more qualified applicants than the number of spaces allotted for the program, applicant decisions will be based on:
- a score derived from a combination of grades received in prerequisite courses
- the number of prerequisite courses completed
- the written essay
Admission decisions are made by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and submitted to the program Director. Students not selected for admission will be placed in their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available, students will be selected for admission from this waiting list until all the spaces available in the class have been filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to the BSN Program for the following spring semester.
Progression Policies
A grade of C or better is required in each nursing course. Students enrolled in a clinical nursing course must complete both the theoretical and clinical portions of the course successfully in order to pass the course. Students are evaluated in the clinical portion of such courses on a pass/fail basis. If a student fails the clinical component of any nursing course, the entire course must be repeated upon its next offering on a space-available basis in order to remain in the program. Exceptions for extenuating circumstances may be considered by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee. Students may not transfer credit from another institution to substitute as credit for a clinical nursing course failed at Columbus State University.
A student who has failed or withdrawn from a clinical or non-clinical nursing course will be allowed to repeat it only once. A second failure of or withdrawal from the course or failure of or withdrawal from a second nursing course will result in exclusion from the BSN program.
Special requirements for progression are:
- completion of Regents’ Test
- completion of prerequisites
- completion of required calculation proficiency levels for each nursing course
- completion of required achievement examinations
- annual evidence of either a current TB screening
- annual evidence of current basic CPR certification
- annual evidence of professional liability insurance
Advanced Placement for Registered Nurses
RN students must be fully admitted to the University in order to apply to the RN-BSN Program.
The registered nursing (RN) student is admitted to prerequisite courses and counseled individually by a nursing faculty advisor regarding the courses and advanced placement options. Support and encouragement are provided to promote attainment of the student's academic goals. Based on previous experience and current practice, and after successful completion of NURS 3278, RN students receive credit for NURS 2275, NURS 3175, NURS 3176, NURS 3272, NURS 3273, NURS 4271 (33 semester credit hours). NURS 3278 is offered as the first nursing course in the three-semester RN-BSN track.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the program, students must have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required prerequisite course grades only
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
- submitted a completed application, references, essay and evidence of current licensure in Georgia
- documented practice or testing
- graduated from an NLN accredited program
Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Selection criteria
If there are more qualified applicants than the number of spaces allotted for the program, applicant decisions will be based on:
- a score derived from a combination of grades received in prerequisite courses
- the number of prerequisite courses completed
- the written essay
Admission decisions are made by the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and submitted to the Program Director. Students not selected for admission will be placed in their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available, students will be selected for admission from this waiting list until all of the spaces available in the class have been filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to the BSN program for the following spring semester.
Readmission Policy
Students who have withdrawn from the nursing program one time due to academic difficulty or failure will be considered for readmission if:
- written request for readmission is submitted to the Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee one semester before the requested return semester
- the student has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on courses required for the degree
- resources are available to support such additional enrollment
A student who has failed or withdrawn from a clinical or non-clinical nursing course will be allowed to repeat it only once. A second failure of or withdrawal from the course or failure of or withdrawal from a second nursing course will result in exclusion from the BSN program.
Graduation Requirements
Degree progress grade point average 2.0 or higher, and satisfactory completion of all university requirements are required. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements within seven years of their first admission to the nursing program are subject to having all credits reevaluated on the basis of the prevailing graduation requirements for the BSN degree.
Course Requirements
Areas A-E and Wellness Courses - Required Hours: 45
Area F - Courses Related to Major - Required Hours: 18
- BIOL 2221 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 2222 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIOL 2225 Microbiology for the Health Sciences
- MATH 1227 Introductory Statistics
- NURS 2275 Introduction to Professional Nursing
Area G - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 57
- NURS 3175 Pharmacology in Nursing
- NURS 3176 Basic and Therapeutic Nutrition
- NURS 3275 Foundations of Nursing Practice
- NURS 3276 Introduction to Health Assessment and Wellness
- NURS 3277 Advanced Nursing Practice
- NURS 3279 Applied Pathophysiology
- NURS 4175 Nursing Research
- NURS 4275 Parent-Infant Nursing
- NURS 4276 Family and Community Nursing
- NURS 4277 Application of Professionalism in Nursing
- NURS 4795 Advanced Nursing Seminar
Area H - General Electives - Required Hours: 3
Total hours Required 123
AS in Nursing
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is designed to prepare individuals for careers as registered nurses. Nursing education is a process by which knowledge assimilated from the theoretical components is applied to varied clinical settings. An integrated curriculum approach allows nursing courses to be team-taught, facilitates the use of a variety of teaching methods, and emphasizes the scientific principles upon which nursing decisions and actions are based.
The Associate of Science in Nursing program is dedicated to the preparation of competent beginning practitioners. The ASN graduate uses the nursing process to give skilled nursing care to those with common and/or recurring health problems.
Career Opportunities
There are unlimited career opportunities for nurses. After graduating and passing the National Registered Nurse licensing examination, graduates of the ASN program are employed in hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as a variety of other health care service organizations.
Admission Requirements
One nursing class is admitted each fall semester. Each class is selected at the end of spring semester, and each applicant is informed by letter whether or not admission has been granted. Students may, however, enter the university in any semester and take required non-nursing courses as they can be appropriately scheduled. Because spaces in clinical nursing courses are limited by the number of faculty, fiscal and physical resources available to the nursing program, and availability of appropriate clinical facilities in the community, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the minimum requirements for admission.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the program, students must:
- have been admitted to Columbus State University
- have completed chemistry and math requirements
- have earned grades of C or better in required science courses completed
- have taken the required science courses within seven years
- have attained a grade point average of 2.0 for required non-nursing courses completed
- complete an information form at the time of the interview with the program director, which will serve as an application for admission to the program
All students admitted to the clinical nursing courses are required to complete a health history form, submit evidence of a current physical examination, including documentation of immunization, current CPR certification and professional liability insurance.
Selection Criteria
In the event that the number of students meeting the minimum requirements for consideration for admission to the program exceeds the maximum number of spaces available in the program, applicants will be accepted in rank order based on:
- the grade point average earned in required non-nursing courses completed
- the number of required science courses completed
- the number of required core courses completed
- grades received in required non-nursing courses
- LPN, EMT, Medic Status
- previous denial for lack of space
- course work taken at CSU
Students not selected for admission will be placed on a waiting list in rank order. As spaces become available, students will be selected for admission from this waiting list. After the maximum number has been accepted, students not selected may re-apply for admission to the ASN program for the following fall semester or elect another major.
Progression and Graduation Requirements
A grade of C or better in each nursing course is required. All nursing courses (except 1206 and 2205) have a theoretical and clinical portion. Both portions must be completed successfully for a student to pass the course. Students may repeat a clinical nursing course only one time, dependent upon space available in the course (see readmission below). Students may not transfer credit from another institution to substitute as credit for a clinical nursing course failed at Columbus State University.
Progression through the ASN program requires:
- grades of C or better in all science courses
- completion of required National League for Nursing achievements tests
- annual evidence of current negative Tuberculin screening or a negative chest X-ray
- evidence of hepatitis B vaccination series or waiver
- annual evidence of current basic CPR certification and student nurse professional liability insurance
Criteria for Readmission
Once admitted to the program, any student who drops or fails a nursing course must apply, in writing, for readmission to the program. To be considered for readmission:
- the student must apply for readmission in writing at least one semester prior to the time the dropped or failed course is next offered again
- the student must be eligible to enroll at Columbus State University
- the student must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher for all required courses completed at the time of application for readmission
- the student must have completed all English and science courses with a grade of C or better at the time of application for readmission
- the student must have successfully passed the Regents' Test at the time of application
for readmission
space must be available in the required course which is to be repeated
A student who fails a clinical nursing course a second time, fails two first-year clinical nursing courses, or fails two second-year clinical nursing courses is not eligible for readmission to the program.
Program Requirements
Chemistry and college algebra are prerequisites to being admitted. After being accepted into the program, a minimum of four semesters is required for completion of the ASN program. An appropriate balance is maintained between general education and nursing education. The curriculum includes content in biological science, behavioral science, social studies, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-infant nursing, mental health-psychiatric nursing, and nursing of children.
In addition to the general criteria for admission to Columbus State University, applicants for admission to the ASN program must submit satisfactory evidence of good health and have an informational interview with a member of the nursing faculty. Students are accepted to nursing courses only in the fall semester of each academic year. Applicants may, however, enter the university in any semester and take required non-nursing courses as pre-nursing students. Each nursing course is offered during a specific semester and must be taken at that time.
In addition to general university requirements, specific requirements for degree completion include satisfactory completion of the prescribed curriculum in nursing with an overall grade of C including a grade of C or better in each nursing course. A minimum of 72 semester hours is required for degree completion in the ASN program.
Course Requirements
Area 1 - General Education Courses - Required Hours: 26
- BIOL 2225 Microbiology for the Health Sciences
- CHEM 1151 Survey of Chemistry 1
- CHEM 1351 Survey of Chemistry Lab 1
- COMM 1110 Communications
- ENGL 1101 English Composition I
- ENGL 1102 English Composition II
- PEDS **** Physical Education Service course
- PELM 1205 Concepts of Fitness
- PSYC 1101 Introduction to General Psychology
- An Area A approved mathematics course
Area 2 - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 46
- BIOL 2221 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
- BIOL 2222 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
- NURS 1205 Foundations of Nursing
- NURS 1206 Pharmacology
- NURS 1207 Medical-Surgical Nursing
- NURS 2205 Nursing Trends and Issues
- NURS 2206 Psychiatric Nursing
- NURS 2207 Maternal-Infant Nursing
- NURS 2208 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
Total Hours Required 72
BS in Respiratory Therapy
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Respiratory Therapy (RT) at Columbus State University offers an eight-semester curriculum with RT courses beginning in the junior year. Graduates are prepared to sit for all credentialing examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
The mission of the RT program is to provide an innovative professional educational program, excellence in teaching, clinical practice, scholarly inquiry and professional service locally and nationally. The clinical specialization courses are designed to meet the current and future needs of the respiratory care profession.
The program is designed for qualified high school graduates, college students, individuals who have already earned a degree in another field, and respiratory therapist with associate degrees or diplomas who wish to prepare for professional respiratory care practice. In Georgia, baccalaureate education has become the standard for RT at four universities: Columbus State University, Georgia State University, Medical College of Georgia, and Armstrong Coastal State University.
The graduate with a baccalaureate degree in RT synthesizes general and professional education and experience to make critical clinical judgments concerning patient responses to actual or potential health problems in order to give effective and quality patient care. Graduates of the program are prepared to practice in the hospital, home care agency, medical company, and teaching institutions. They may also participate in research, continued study, professional respiratory care organizations, and pursuit of graduate education.
The first four semesters of course work are designed as pre-RT core requirements. The following four semesters comprise the professional RT major.
Facilities
The classroom, laboratory, and faculty offices are located on the first floor of Illges Hall. Facilities for student clinical experience are provided at local and regional hospitals and health care centers. The primary clinical affiliates include East Alabama Medical Center, Medical Center, Phenix Regional Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and West Georgia Medical Center. In the near future, additional clinical facilities will include selected area home care agencies and hospitals outside Columbus.
Expenses
In addition to current applicable university tuition and fees, students are expected to incur expenses in uniforms, equipment, supplies, malpractice insurance premium, exit exams, graduation pinning ceremony, and meals, transportation, and living expenses to clinical sites. Detailed information is available from program director.
Accreditation
The RT program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) located at 1701 W. Euless Blvd., Suite 300, Euless, Texas 76040-6823, phone (817) 283-2835.
Licensure
Graduates of the RT program are eligible to take all examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (http://www.nbrc.org). These exams lead to the following credentials in respiratory care: CRTT, RRT, CPFT, RPFT, and Perinatal Pediatric Specialist. Upon successful completion of the CRTT exam, graduates are eligible to apply to the Georgia Board of Medical Examiners (404-656-3913) for a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) certificate.
Clinical Agency Agreements
In accordance with University System of Georgia standard clinical agreement contracts, RT students must comply with the following policies prior to enrollment in the first RT course:
- evidence of professional liability insurance
- a current negative tuberculin screening (e.g. PPD) or negative chest x-ray
- current basic CPR certification
- immunizations and current physical examination
Performance Standards
For admission and retention, an applicant to the RT program must have abilities and skills in each of these three learning domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis. An applicant must contact the Office of Disability Services if such accommodations are needed or anticipated. All applicants are expected to perform in a reasonably independent manner. Cognitive — An applicant must be able use didactic, laboratory, and clinical knowledge to identify and solve problems that may arise in a patient care situation. Psychomotor — An applicant must be able to operate medical equipment and supplies so as to provide sound, safe, and efficient patient care. Affective — An applicant must be able to achieve the professional standards as outlined by the clinical facilities and the professional organization. These standards may include appropriate emotional health, interpersonal relationship, attendance, and flexibility to workload and assignments.
Employment
Upon successful completion of the junior year in RT, students are sometimes employed by local hospitals on an as-needed basis. The RT program at Columbus State University waives all responsibility for the actions of RT students who are employed in these positions on their own. Clearly stated job descriptions for these positions are the sole responsibility of the employing agency. When a person is working as an employee, the employing agency assumes total responsibility for the actions of this employee.
Expected Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science degree program in RT prepares professionals with a liberal arts background who are capable of providing quality respiratory care to patients in a variety of health care settings. Each graduate will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills, effective communication, and leadership skills needed to obtain entry-level respiratory care practitioner positions. Specifically, the graduates will:
- compete successfully in a respiratory care profession
- communicate effectively to patients, family members, and other health care providers
- perform pertinent diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in respiratory care
- demonstrate reasoning, critical thinking and leadership skills
- achieve high satisfaction ratings from employers
- participate in pertinent community service activities
Admission Requirements
Students who meet the criteria for admission to Columbus State University and declare RT as their major program are admitted to pre-RT. An informational interview with a member of the RT faculty is the first step in student advisement.
Applicants may enter the university in any semester and take courses in the pre-RT curriculum as they are available and consistent with any of their prerequisites. Satisfactory completion of the pre-RT course requirements will allow students to be considered for admission to the professional component of the RT program.
Advance standing through College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit in pre-RT courses is granted in the behavioral sciences, humanities, social sciences and mathematics according to policies stated in this catalog. Students must verify the current availability of any CLEP credits at the Admission/Registrar's Office. No CLEP credit is allowed in the science courses required by the RT program.
Pre-RT students must formally apply by the end of February for admission to the professional RT program for the summer semester. The RT admissions committee will consider applications at the end of April and notify students of their status by letter as soon as possible thereafter.
Transfer students must have gained full admission status to CSU and they must also formally apply for admission to the professional RT program by the end of February. They will be evaluated individually at the appropriate times, on an space-available basis. One RT class is admitted each summer semester.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission the program, students must have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required pre-RT course grades only
- completed and passed all pre-RT courses
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses
- submitted a completed application and all required documents and attachments
Admission policies are implemented to assure that the size and the academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Selection Criteria
Respiratory therapy applicants who meet the all admission consideration requirements will be ranked from the highest pre-RT grade point average to a grade point average of 2.5 and accepted in that order until available spaces are filled. Students not selected for admission will be placed in their rank order on a waiting list. As spaces become available students will be selected for admission from this waiting list until all the spaces available in the class have been filled. Students who are not selected may reapply for admission to the RT program for the following summer semester.
Progression Policies
A grade of C or better is required in each RT course. Exceptions for extenuating circumstances may be considered by the program director and faculty. Students may transfer credit from another institution to substitute as credit for a RT course at CSU only with prior written request from student and written permission from RT faculty.
A student who has failed a clinical or non-clinical RT course will be allowed to repeat it only once. A second failure of the course or failure of a second RT course will result in exclusion from the RT program.
Special requirements for progression in the RT program are:
- completion of required proficiency levels for each RT course
- completion of required achievement examinations
- annual evidence of either a current negative screening (e.g., PPD) or a negative chest x-ray
- annual evidence of current BCLS or ACLS certification
- annual evidence of professional liability insurance
Advanced Placement for Certified (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT)
The certified respiratory therapist (CRT) or registered respiratory therapist (RRT) student is admitted to pre-RT and counseled individually by a RT faculty advisor regarding pre-RT courses and advanced placement options. Support and encouragement are provided to promote attainment of the student's academic goals. Clinical proficiency or proficiency exams may be required to ascertain the competency level of the person seeking advanced placement in the RT program at CSU.
In order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the program, students seeking advanced placement must have:
- been admitted to Columbus State University
- a minimum grade point average of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale and calculated on required pre-RT courses grades only
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses completed
- a grade of C or better in all required science courses taken within seven years of application
- submitted a completed application and all required documents and attachments
- submitted a notarized copy of the CRT or RRT certificate issued by NBRC
Admission and progression policies are implemented to assure that the size and the academic qualifications of the student body are consistent with the instructional resources and objectives of the program. Therefore, it may not be possible to admit all students who meet the requirements for admission consideration.
Readmission Policy
Students who have withdrawn from the RT program due to academic difficulty or failure will be considered for readmission if:
- written request for readmission is submitted to the RT admission committee one semester before the requested return semester
- the student has a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on courses required for the degree
- resources are available to support such additional enrollment
A student who receives a grade of D, WF, or F in any two RT courses or the same RT course twice is not eligible for readmission to the RT program.
Graduation Requirements
Degree progress grade point average 2.0 or higher, and satisfactory completion of all university requirements are required. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements within seven years of their first admission to the RT program are subject to having all credits reevaluated on the basis of the prevailing graduation requirements for the RT program.
Course Requirements
Areas A-E and Wellness Courses - Required Hours: 45
Area F - Courses Related to Major - Required Hours: 18
- BIOL 2221 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 2222 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIOL 2225 Microbiology for Health Sciences
- RESP 2105 Medical Terminology
- Select four semester hours of general electives (1000 or 2000 level)
Area G - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 63
- RESP 2115 Cardiopulmonary Physiology
- RESP 2117 Respiratory Pathophysiology
- RESP 2118 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care
- RESP 2215 Respiratory Care Procedures and Equipment
- RESP 2216 Blood Gases
- RESP 2217 Mechanical Ventilation
- RESP 2218 Cardiopulmonary Assessment
- RESP 2305 Clinical Practicum 1
- RESP 3115 Health Care System and Ethical Issues
- RESP 3116 Gerontology and Rehabilitation
- RESP 3117 Clinical Application of Respiratory Care
- RESP 3119 Neonatal Respiratory Care
- RESP 3225 Intensive Respiratory Care
- RESP 3226 Clinical Simulations
- RESP 3227 Cardiovascular Intensive Care
- RESP 3305 Clinical Practicum 2
- RESP 4305 Clinical Specialization in Intensive Care
- Select two courses from the following four courses:
- RESP 4306 Clinical Specialization in Polysomnography
- RESP 4307 Clinical Specialization in Respiratory Care Education
- RESP 4308 Clinical Specialization in Neonatal Respiratory Care
- RESP 4309 Clinical Specialization in Home Respiratory Care
Total Hours Required 126
