Undergraduate programs in the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions are described in detail in this chapter. See subsections for specific program information as well as policies and procedures.
5010 General Information
The Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions is committed to the preparation of professionals in the areas of Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Nutrition, Respiratory Therapy, Health Informatics, and Health Sciences. The programs are designed to meet the health and human service needs of the citizens of Georgia. Involvement in research and practice in the urban community is encouraged. The programs are responsive to the needs of students entering both first and second careers. Courses are delivered through a variety of modes including classroom and laboratory instruction, web-based instruction, and distance technology.
5010.10 Office of the Dean
816 Urban Life
404-413-1100
lewis.gsu.edu
Huanbiao Mo, Dean
Lynda Goodfellow, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Sujay Galen, Interim Associate Dean for Research
5010.30 Accreditation
The baccalaureate program in the School of Nursing is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredits the baccalaureate program in the Department of Respiratory Therapy in collaboration with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Education. The Nutrition program in the Department of Nutrition is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association.
5010.40 Degree Programs
The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in dental hygiene, nursing, nutrition science, nutrition and wellness, and respiratory therapy. The College also has Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degrees in health informatics and health sciences.
5010.70 Admission to Professional Programs
Acceptance to Georgia State University into one of the majors in the College of Nursing and Health Professions allows a student to take prerequisite course work leading to the professional program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into the professional programs in dental hygiene, nursing, nutrition, respiratory therapy and health informatics. There is no second application for the health science program.
The professional program in nursing begins in the fall and spring semesters only. The professional programs in dental hygiene, nutrition and respiratory therapy begin annually in the fall semester only. The B.I.S. in health informatics will have new cohorts in the Fall and Spring. Admission into these programs is highly competitive, and students are encouraged to inquire about admission criteria, policies, and deadlines as soon as possible. Admission information and requirements for each program are included in the section on the major.
It is highly recommended that a student wishing to enter the programs in nursing, nutrition science and respiratory therapy take one year of biology and one year of chemistry in high school.
Applicants for admission to the professional programs must be able to demonstrate prior to admission an ability to meet certain technical standards of performance which are necessary to carry out their activities as health professionals. They must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form. Applicants for admission must demonstrate the functional use of their senses that will allow them to elicit appropriate information, as well as to perceive nonverbal communications from patients or clients whom they are serving. Additionally, each of these applicants should be able physically to provide reasonable care and emergency treatment when necessary.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student at any time in order to preserve and maintain the program’s standards of scholarship and conduct.
International applicants to the College of Nursing and Health Professions whose native language is not English, regardless of language of instruction, may be required to submit acceptable results from an English proficiency examination.
Each department may require other, more specific, technical abilities in its consideration of candidates for admission to its program.
Students who are not admitted to one program in the College of Nursing and Health Professions may meet the requirements and be considered for admission to another program in the college.
5020 Academic Regulations
5020.10 Credit for Transfer Work
The specific credit for work done at other institutions that may apply toward a degree from the College of Nursing and Health Professions is determined by the Undergraduate Admissions Office, the University Advisement Center, the College of Nursing and Health Professions Office of Academic Assistance, and, if appropriate, department the student is applying for. Allowance of transfer credit by the Office of Admissions does not mean necessarily that all such credit will be accepted toward a degree from the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
5020.20 Credit for Transient Work
Students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions who wish to take course work at another college or university must have prior written approval from the University Advisement Center or the Office of Academic Assistance if they wish to apply that credit to a degree program. The student must be in good academic standing at Georgia State University. A student may not take more than four courses as a transient student. Courses that have been failed at Georgia State may not be retaken at another institution. Please consult section 1300 of this catalog for additional regulations pertaining to transient status.
5020.30 Clinical, Field Experience or Internship
As part of the degree completion requirements for the clinical programs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the student will be placed in a clinical setting which requires the student to care for and/or be exposed to individuals and patients of all ages and with a variety of diagnoses and symptoms, some of which are communicable and infectious. However, unless otherwise required by law, the College of Nursing and Health Professions does not grant special consideration or waiver of any degree completion requirements, including placement in a clinical setting.
Some students will be placed with a clinical affiliate that gives care to vulnerable populations or deals with sensitive information. As a result, the agency or affiliate may request a criminal background check and/or drug screen as a prerequisite for placement. If students use illegal drugs, have a criminal record before they declare their major, or acquire a criminal record after declaring their major, they might be prohibited from participating in the clinical program.
5020.40 Graduation
Coursework with a grade of D can satisfy no more than 12 semester hours of degree requirements. A minimum grade of C is required in all major courses. Certain programs may require a grade of C or higher in other courses as well. A 2.00 grade point average is required for graduation.
Any deviations from catalog requirements are unauthorized except by approval of the department, or by written petition filed through the Office of Academic Assistance and properly approved by the appropriate committee.
Please note that licensing boards or agencies for program-related occupations may deny, suspend or revoke a license if an applicant has a criminal history or licensee is convicted, pleads guilty or nolo contendre to a felony or other crime. Students should consult the licensing board corresponding to their intended occupations for more details. Successful completion of a program of study in the College of Nursing and Health Professions does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.
5030 Degree Requirements
The undergraduate programs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions are designed to comply with the University System of Georgia core curriculum requirements. The program requirements for Undergraduate Core Curriculum Areas A through E are listed in the “Core Curriculum Requirements ” chapter of this catalog. Recommendations of specific courses in the core curriculum for nursing, nutrition science and respiratory therapy students are listed below as well as in each program section. Area F requirements for the major and other course requirements are found in the sections of this chapter which describe the specific major.
5030.10 Core Curriculum Recommendation
Area B: Institutional Options:
It is suggested that nursing majors take PHIL 1010 as one of the two required courses, as critical thinking skills are an essential piece of the nursing profession.
Area C: Humanities and Fine Arts:
It is suggested that nursing majors take SPAN 1002 as one of the two required courses.
Area D: Science, Mathematics and Technology:
It is strongly recommended that respiratory therapy, nursing, and dental hygiene majors take CHEM 1151K and CHEM 1152K and the health science concentration students take BIOL 1103K and BIOL 1104K . For students with nutrition science concentration ,BIOL 2107K and BIOL 2108K is required. Nutrition Wellness concetration students are required to take CHEM 1151K and CHEM 1152K Students in the Health Informatics concentration can select one two-course science sequence listed in Area D: Natural and Computational Sciences of the undergraduate catalog.
Area E: Social Sciences:
It is strongly recommended that nursing majors take PSYC 1101 as the social science foundations selection as it is a prerequisite to PSYC 3140 .
5030.20 Program Admissions
The undergraduate programs in the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions because of their professional nature, have more stringent admission requirements than those of Georgia State University. There is no second application for the B.I.S. in Health Sciences.
Early Action Admission for the Pre-Health Meta Majors
Early Action allows Pre-Health Meta-Majors students to apply one year in advance to one of the Lewis College’s undergraduate majors. For consideration, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.60. Early Action admissions applies to these undergraduate majors if certain progression conditions and higher academic requirements are met:
- Health Informatics
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Respiratory Therapy
Early Action
Students who enter Georgia State University - Atlanta Campus, as first-time freshman should follow the program curricular pathway for their intended major listed in the course catalog. All undergraduate programs in the Lewis College follow the same curricular pathway for the first 30 hours.
To be considered for early action admission, an application must be submitted in the summer semester after 30 hours of coursework is completed. Early action students must complete the appropriate professional program application for their intended major and adhere to all application requirements and deadlines. The early action period applies to both fall and spring admissions for nursing and health informatics. Nutrition and respiratory therapy only have fall admissions cycles.
If an applicant does not meet the early action admission requirements, the application will be considered during the regular admissions review or after 45 hours of coursework is completed.
Students who are not accepted through early action or regular admissions will be transitioned to the BIS in Health Sciences major. The courses taken before the transition will be used to satisfy requirements in the Health Sciences major.
Timeline for Georgia State University - Atlanta Campus first-time freshman early action decision:
- Submit an Early Action Application (at least 30 hours and meeting early action criteria) by June 1st
- Review of application and admissions decisions are finalized no later than July 1st
- If accepted, continue completing all remaining prerequisites courses with a B or higher for Nursing, and a C or higher for Health informatics, Nutrition and, Respiratory Therapy. Failure to maintain these quality metrics will result in early action being rescinded and admission will be re-evaluated during the regular admission process.
- Beginning Fall semester of junior year, matriculate into the accepted program
- Applications from students not offered early action admission will be reviewed for regular admissions with a decision by March 15th
For the Spring Cohort (Health Informatics and Nursing):
- Submit an Early Action Application (at least 30 hours of completed coursework and meeting early action criteria) by December 1st
- Review of application and admissions decisions are finalized no later than January 15th
- If accepted, continue completing all remaining prerequisites courses with a B or higher for Nursing, and a C or higher for Health informatics. Failure to maintain these quality metrics will result in early action being rescinded and admission will be re-evaluated during the regular admission process.
- Beginning Spring semester, matriculate into the accepted program
- Applications from students not offered early action admission will be reviewed for regular admissions with a decision by August 15th.
Dental Hygiene
Admission to the B.S. in Dental Hygiene is only open to students who hold the A.S. in Dental Hygiene and hold a current dental hygiene.
The other requirements are as follows:
- Successful completion of all remaining core general education requirements.
- An unrestricted current dental hygiene license in the United States or eligibility for licensure.
- College grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale.
- Personal Statement, no more than 2 pages, succinctly discussing how the student’s academic background and life experiences will contribute to success in the DH profession beyond the associate’s level.
- A current resume of professional and volunteer experiences
Health Informatics
Admission is by application. All CNHP B.I.S. degree prerequisites must be completed for the Clinical Informatics concentration with a GPA of 3.0 or better. The prerequisites will be listed in the curriculum section of the BIS. Students generally apply at the end of their second year (sophomore) when prerequisite courses are complete and will begin this BIS program in the junior year. A new cohort starts each fall and spring semesters. As demand for this major grows, the need to limit the number of times a student can apply and additional admission criteria will be re-evaluated. The application deadline for Fall is May 7th. The application deadline for Spring is October 1st.
Nursing
The applicant must meet the general admission requirements of Georgia State University-Atlanta Campus and the School of Nursing. Acceptance to the university allows the student applicant to register for prerequisite course work leading to the professional program in nursing but does not guarantee automatic admission into the nursing program. Acceptance into the baccalaureate program requires a separate application and admissions process. Due to the high demand for this major, there is a need to limit the number of times a student can apply. Additional admission criteria will be re-evaluated on a continuous basis and changes will be made as necessary. Qualified applicants are admitted on a space-available basis. The University gives some preference to applicants who begin their baccalaureate college careers at Georgia State University and meet all other criteria. A person may apply to the Nursing Program only twice. If not accepted on the first application, applicants who have earned 30-89 credit hours must meet with an advisor in the University Advisement Center. Applicants who have earned greater than 89 credit hours and are not accepted on the first application must meet with an advisor in the Office of Academic Assistance in the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Application eligibility
Students who enter Georgia State University-Atlanta Campus as a first time freshman must take and pass the first course in each of the sequences of courses listed below and attain a grade of B or higher, before they complete 30 semester hours. Courses may not be repeated in an attempt to achieve a grade of B:
Students who have earned joint enrollment credit prior to being admitted to the Atlanta Campus would be allowed to meet the above requirement using the second course in the sequence. Students wishing to use Advanced Placement (AP) credits must discuss options with an advisor.
Eligibility for the Program:
- Acceptance to Georgia State University-Atlanta Campus
- Successful completion of the prerequisite courses
- Successful completion of the current version of the Test Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- A two-page typed paper discussing the applicant’s position on a current social or health-related issue.
- Two letters of reference. One should be academic (high school or college instructor); one should be professional (employer, volunteer organization, etc.).
- An Application Cover Sheet form.
- Answers to a short list of questions that are included with the Application Cover Sheet form.
Historically students accepted have had a GPA greater than 3.3. The application deadline for GSU Freshman is May 7th for fall semester. The deadline for Non GSU Freshman applicants for fall semester is February 15th. The application deadline for spring semester for GSU Freshman and Non Freshman applicants is October 1st.
If the applicant’s native language is not English, regardless of language of instruction, he or she may be required to submit acceptable results on the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
It is important that applicants are aware of the current level of competition for admission. The program can accommodate only a limited number of students each year.
Early applications are advisable. Application requirements and information about the Test Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Test are available on the Nursing website nursing.gsu.edu/academics/undergraduate/frequently-asked-questions/. The cost of the exam is the applicant’s responsibility.
Upon receipt of an acceptance letter, the student will be required to complete the Program Intake for Nursing School orientation on iCollege and attend an orientation meeting before the first semester of nursing classes begin. The student must complete required forms and health-related requirements prior to the first semester of nursing classes. The accepted student must submit to the School of Nursing a current health record (and must keep this record current). Evidence of in-force liability insurance and current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification by the American Heart Association is required for enrollment in clinical nursing courses. Students may be required to have a criminal background check and a drug screen based on hospital policy. It will be the student’s responsibility to pay for any cost associated with the criminal background check and/or drug screen.
When applying to the Georgia Board of Nursing to take NCLEX upon graduation, students will be required to complete a criminal background check and drug screen according to Georgia law. Students may be required to provide documentation to the Georgia Board of Nursing explaining any such positive findings on the criminal background check. The Georgia Board of Nursing has the exclusive authority to issue a license for the Registered Professional Nurse and could decline to issue a license based on an applicant’s prior criminal record. Further information regarding this requirement can be obtained from the Georgia Board of Nursing or any other state licensing board where practice is contemplated.
RN BS Bridge Program:
The RN-BS is an undergraduate degree option, however it is only open to students who hold a current RN license and have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma program. The RN-BS program only admits once per year in the summer.
Nutrition Science
Admission to the nutrition science program requires completion of prerequisite courses and a submission of a information form to the department. Information forms must be submitted to the CNHP Office of Academic Assistance by May 1.
Respiratory Therapy
Admission to the Department 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 Department 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 Department of Respiratory Therapy is limited and, therefore, early application is advisable. The application deadline is May 1st proceeding 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 overall grade point average of 2.50 is required. Historically, the science GPA has heavily been considered.
5040 Academic Advisement
The Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions is committed to providing advisement, counseling, and referrals to help students achieve academic success. Students in the College receive advisement from faculty members as well as from professional academic advisors in the Office of Academic Assistance located in the Urban Life Building Room 811. All students with 89 hours or less are advised by the University Advisement Center, advisement.gsu.edu. All students with 90 hours or more are advised by professional advisors located in the College of Nursing and Health Professions Office of Academic Assistance, lewis.gsu.edu/student-resources/academic-assistance/.
5050 Student Complaints, Petitions for Policy Waivers and Variances, and Appeals
The appeals procedure for students in the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions will follow different courses depending on the nature of the student’s appeal. Please refer to University Information Section 1050.80 under Polices and Disclosures in this catalog or visit enrollment.gsu.edu/assistance/ online for details.
5060 Honors and Awards
Georgia State University Outstanding B.I.S in Health Informatics Program Student Award: Georgia State University recognizes one outstanding Health Informatics students who have demonstrated academic achievement, have strong leadership skills, and strong potential as future health IT professional.
Maymi Walker Chandler Memorial Scholarship: This award was established in memory of Maymi Walker Chandler in recognition of her commitment to the professional development of women. The award recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
Kaiser Permanente Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship: These scholarships are funded by Kaiser Permanente, one of America’s leading healthcare organizations, and are given to undergraduate students in recognition of academic achievement.
Kaiser Permanente Endowed Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship was established to benefit graduate students who are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse educator.
Byrdine F. Lewis Clinical Practice Scholarship: This award was established to honor Mrs. Byrdine F. Lewis for whom the Georgia State University College of Nursing and Health Professions was named. The scholarship is awarded to undergraduate nursing students who have a strong academic record and who are committed to clinical practice in a hospital setting.
Merle Kennon Lott Scholarship: This award was established in memory of Merle Lott, who was Director of Nursing for the Dekalb County Health Department and a dedicated public health nurse in Georgia for over 30 years. It recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence and plan to pursue a career in public health nursing.
Nursing Student Leadership Award: The Nursing Student Leadership Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated initiative, motivation, dedication,and a strong commitment to a Georgia State nursing student program or organization. This award is given to a student who demonstrates leadership abilities both within and outside of Georgia State University.
Nursing Student Research Award: This award recognizes students who have made outstanding research contributions, become a role model for other students and exhibited potential of becoming a significant contributor to the nursing professions.
Daniel J. Sansone Memorial Scholarship: this award was created in memory of Daniel Sansone, son of Joseph Sansone, founder and CEO of Pediatric Healthcare, LLC. The award is given to an undergraduate student interested in pediatric nursing or respiratory therapy.
James Ancil Lewis Award: This award was established in memory of James Ancil Lewis and honors his exemplary work in respiratory therapy, from his graduation in 1973 until his death in 1992. The award is given to a junior in the program who exemplifies Mr. Lewis’ characteristics of service to others, particularly in clinical work and direct patient care.
Johnnie W. Prothro Academic Excellence Award: This award is given to an undergraduate student who has achieved a high level of academic excellence in the nutrition program.
Nutrition Scholarship: To provide scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in nutrition. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be eligible.
Pediatria Healthcare Endowed Nursing Scholarship: To provide scholarships to Georgia State University undergraduate and graduate nursing students enrolled in the School of Nursing. Students must have a Georgia State program GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be presently studying or will be studying pediatric nursing at the time of the awarding of the scholarship. Financial need will be taken into consideration.
The units in the College of Nursing and Health Professions may award honors. Criteria for honors are listed below:
- Students must be recommended and approved by departmental faculty committee.
- The residence requirements for graduation from Georgia State University must be fulfilled. No courses exempted or validated by examination are considered as being taken in residence.
- The following grade point average requirements must be met:
- A minimum overall accumulated grade point average of 3.0 in all courses excluding professional program courses. This includes all courses applied toward the degree including courses transferred in.
- An accumulated grade point average of at least 3.5 in all professional program courses.
- Accumulated grade point average will be calculated on courses that apply to the degree including courses transferred in from other schools.
Awards are contingent on final clearance by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Any student receiving aid under any federal financial aid program is limited by the student’s “estimated cost of attendance” as to the total amount of aid that may be received. This applies to aid from all sources, public and private. You will find this information in your aid letter from the financial aid office or online in your financial aid record in PAWS.
