MATH 1101 (Math Modeling) or MATH 1111 (College Algebra).

ENGL 1101/1102, MATH 1101 or MATH 1111, BIOL 1114 (AandP I), BIOL 1124 (AandP II), POLS 1101, HIST 2111 or HIST 2112, Hist 1111 or HIST 1112 or POLS 22301 and PSYC 1101. BIOL 1134 (Microbiology) and CHEM 1151 (Survey of Chemistry) should also be completed before entering the program.

You will need to show proof of health insurance or pay for insurance. During the first semester in Respiratory Therapy, a drug screen, a criminal background check, and a physical will need to be completed.

The application deadline for the Associate of Science degree program in Respiratory Therapy is April 20. All application requirements must be completed at that time. Completed applications received after April 20 will be considered for future cohorts.

All applicants must complete the Respiratory Entrance Exam (REE) as a part of the admissions process. Applications will not be considered complete without a completed REE and therefore not considered for admission to the program. Students may register to take the exam through the Testing Center at either the Macon or Warner Robins Campus: https://www.mga.edu/testing-services/respiratory-entrance-exam.php.

Students are notified of acceptance for Fall semester in June. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to 478.471.2783.

Most graduates work in hospitals. Information regarding salary and opportunity may be found at: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm

Acceptance into the Respiratory Therapy program is competitive. Acceptance is based on a review of all information, including GPA and REE results, available during the application process.

Respiratory Therapy is a part of the School Health Sciences. Faculty offices are located on the 2nd floor of the Jones Building Suite #257 on the Macon Campus.

The first semester of the AS program will require the purchase of not only a number of texts, but you will also be expected to purchase a required equipment package from the campus store, scrubs, lab coat, lab coat patch, appropriate shoes, stethoscope, a watch with second hand and a DataArc package from the campus store for clinical use. You may view the respiratory handbook for details of required attire for laboratory. Students also must complete Precheck, meet physical exam and immunization requirements and demonstrate proof of insurance prior to beginning the respiratory therapy program.

Students will also be expected to pay for a license application, class photographs (used for licensing), MGREAT dues (one-time), and AARC membership dues (unless waived). Other expenses may arise, but students will be notified in advance in order to give ample preparation time.

The associates degree program classes are primarily held Monday- Friday from 0700-1600; however, during some clinical rotations, students will be required to attend clinical on 3-11 shifts and nightshifts and weekends during externship. There are no guaranteed clinical schedules and students should prepare for flexibility during clinical rotations. In the past, there have been a number of students that have maintained fulltime jobs and been successful in their courses. While this can certainly be challenging, if the student has a flexible work schedule and sufficient support systems, success is possible. The BS completion degree program is designed to accommodate the fulltime employee with RT courses scheduled meetings once per month and online content.

The minimum GPA for consideration of acceptance into the AS program is a 2.25 for the AS Program and a 2.50 for the BS Completion Program.

MGREAT stands for “Middle Georgia Respiratory Education Action Team”. This is Middle Georgia State University's Recognized Student Organization (RSO) for Respiratory Therapy students Membership to the club is not required, but is strongly encouraged. MGREAT works to promote not only the field of respiratory therapy, but also good pulmonary health for the community. Students utilize fundraising activities in order to offer community outreach as well as attend state and national respiratory therapy seminars. MGREAT is a great way to serve the community while learning the skills needed to be a well-rounded respiratory care professional!

Classes are held 4-5 days a week during the day. Classes may start at 8:00am, and end around 4 pm. On the days that you have a lab that is part of your RT class, your class day may extend to 4:00-6:00pm. Clinical days are 1-2 days per week, either 7-3, 3-11 or 7am-7pm. One of these days may be on a weekend. All students are required to attend program events on Wednesdays from 12:30-2:00pm for professional development. During externships, students may rotate to nightshift and weekends for completion of that course.

There are 2 exams that you must take to achieve your credentials. The Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) is an exam you take after graduation. It has cut score levels. If the graduate attains the lower cut score, they become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). If the graduate attains the higher cut score, they become eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). Once you successfully complete the CSE, you become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). These credentials are recognized throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

To practice in the state of Georgia you must apply for a license with the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners. To obtain a Georgia license, you must have successfully completed the CRT exam and met all requirements of the licensing board.

This program requires a lot of hard work and dedication to complete. The minimum amount you will need to study is two hours for every hour of lecture and two hours for every hour of lab. If you hit a concept that is particularly difficult for you, it will require additional study time.

After applying to Middle Georgia State University, you have a separate application process to apply to the Respiratory Therapy program. Only individuals that have been accepted to the Respiratory Therapy program may attend Respiratory Therapy classes. You will also begin courses with a cohort of classmates and move through the same courses together. Course schedules are sequenced.

If you are transferring to Middle Georgia State University, you must apply to the University, and have all of your transcripts sent to the University registrar. Then you need to be advised by RT faculty and ensure that you are taking the correct prerequisites to enter respiratory therapy. The faculty will advise you when it is time to apply to the respiratory therapy program..

During the first semester, students are prepared for their clinical experience through laboratory coursework and examination. The first clinical rotation begins in the second semester of the respiratory program (Course RESP 1104). Students will be assigned to clinical instructors in local hospitals and health care facilities during 7-3 or 3-11 shifts.

The students' final clinical rotation will be during their last semester in the respiratory program (Course RESP 2209). This course is generally referred to as “externship” and is a comprehensive clinical rotation

After finishing the program prerequisites and formal acceptance into the program, the respiratory therapy program will take 5 semesters to complete.

Classes for the Respiratory Therapy program begin in Fall semester. Approximately 20 students are accepted for each class. Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each course in order to progress in the program.

Middle Georgia State University currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Completion Program, which allows a Registered Respiratory Therapists who have completed their Associate of Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy to complete their Bachelor of Science degree. Coursework is designed to develop the therapist in the specialty areas of Respiratory Therapy and is designed in the partially online format, allowing working therapists optimal flexibility while completing their degree. Face to face courses generally meet once per month in dates which are determined in advance.