Total Credit Hours: 130
1 Previously completed with a C or better.
Respiratory Therapy RRT Online Career-Ladder Program
The Department of Respiratory Therapy has adopted the career-ladder model as the basis for accepting RRTs into the baccalaureate program. Registered respiratory therapists may advance their education while minimizing duplication of knowledge and skills. Other goals of the careerladder program are to educate individuals who will be able to contribute to the growth and development of respiratory care as a profession; educate respiratory care providers in a scientific approach to problem-solving and patient care; provide the interpersonal and communication skills needed to work effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team; and foster respect, critical thinking, and a genuine desire for knowledge. RRTs may receive advanced placement via equivalency credit. (Equivalent credit will be awarded individually based on the candidate’s academic transcript and professional portfolio). Applicants who graduated more than three years before admission will need to validate current practice.
RRT Career-Ladder
Program Admission Criteria
Students who have achieved the associate degree and the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) credential will be eligible to interview for the Georgia Southern Career Ladder program. Military respiratory therapists will receive special consideration. Candidates should have an earned associate degree in respiratory therapy, RRT credentials, completion of all baccalaureate core courses, a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5, and have completed a professional portfolio. Each portfolio should contain verification of RRT credentials, a notarized copy of the associate degree, a resume with complete work history, a current job description, a letter of recommendation from an immediate supervisor, verification of a current valid state license, and documentation of specialty credentials and in-house certifications.
Career Ladder applicants will have official transcripts or transfer credit, course substitutions, or achieve a C or better in all classes required in Core IMPACTS.
All transfer credits must be evaluated by the Undergraduate Office of Admissions and posted on the Georgia Southern transcript upon official acceptance to the University.
Special Requirements
Criminal Background Checks and Drug Testing. Clinical agencies utilized by the Respiratory Therapy program may require criminal background checks and/or drug testing prior to acceptance of the student into clinical facilities. Students who do not pass the criminal background check and/ or drug test may be unable to attend clinical courses and therefore may be unable to complete their program of study. Any fees or cost associated with background checks and/or drug testing are the responsibility of the student.
Legal. The Composite State Board of Medical Examiners of Georgia has the authority to refuse to grant a license to an applicant upon a finding by the board that the applicant has been convicted of any felony, a crime involving moral turpitude, or a crime violating a federal or state law relating to controlled substances or dangerous drugs. Unlicensed students may be employed as long as they work under direct supervision. Students must apply for a temporary permit in order to work following graduation. In order to attain a full license the applicant must be employed under medical direction and have earned a CRT credential. It is a misdemeanor to practice respiratory care or falsely represent oneself as a respiratory care professional unless licensed by the board.
Health and Insurance. Students are required to submit a complete health history form and evidence of health insurance, immunizations, and liability (malpractice) insurance prior to participation in clinical practicum.
Progression Requirements
Students must complete the respiratory therapy program within three consecutive academic years from the date of initial entry. Students who do not complete the program within this time limit must reapply for admission, meet current criteria for admission, and have their previous credits evaluated at the time of their subsequent admission. Students who are readmitted must meet course requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
A grade of C or better is required for each course in the major field of study. A student who earns a grade of less than C must repeat the course the next semester it is offered. Students may repeat a course in the major field of study only once. Students who must repeat more than one course in the major field of study will be dismissed from the program with no option for readmission. Students placed on academic warning who do not raise their grade point average to the minimum criteria for academic good standing the following semester will be suspended from the program. Courses used to raise the grade point average must be approved by the academic advisor. Students suspended from the program are eligible for readmission.
Students must complete readmission applications for Georgia Southern University and the respiratory therapy major. Students will be required to meet admission and curriculum requirements in effect at the time of readmission, and must complete a comprehensive clinical evaluation prior to readmission. Students are responsible for scheduling such evaluations by the mid-term date of the semester prior to readmission. Readmission to the respiratory therapy major is a faculty decision and will be based on space availability and faculty recommendation.
Advisement
Undergraduate Academic Advisement at Georgia Southern is provided to all degree-seeking undergraduate students by professional advisors. Academic Advisors are located on all three Georgia Southern University campuses. Students are required to meet with their assigned Academic Advisor at least once a semester. For more information visit the Academic Advisement catalog page.
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