Page 16 - MGATODAY-Spring2018_lr

By Sheron Smith
MGA Creates a Trendsetter Bachelor’s
Degree in Respiratory Therapy
THE RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROGRAM
AT MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY IS
TAKING AN INNOVATIVE LEAP FORWARD.
Beginning fall 2018, Middle Georgia State
(MGA) will offer respiratory therapy as a
bachelor’s degree only. Students currently in
the two-year program, which began in 1994, will
be able to finish. But MGA is ending the
associate’s degree as the University prepares to
offer the four-year program.
Why the change?
“This is where the profession is going,” said
Teri Miller, chair of the respiratory therapy
department. “In fact, the Commission on Accredi-
tation for Respiratory Therapy will not accredit
any more new two-year programs. We are taking
a necessary step, one that will prepare our respira-
tory therapy majors for leadership roles after they
start their careers.”
16 MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
MGA has four full-time respiratory therapy faculty
and several part-time instructors. The full-time faculty,
shown here in one of the University’s clinical labs are,
L-R, Jasmine Brown, Beth Brown, Teri Miller, and
Dr. Charles Matson. JESSICA WHITLEY
The new degree will be just the fourth
traditional baccalaureate respiratory therapy
program in Georgia and the only one in the
central and southwest part of the state. It will
appeal to students who want the traditional
university experience of beginning their studies
as freshmen and pursuing their intended degrees
over the course of four years.
MGA will base the degree on the Macon
Campus. Miller noted that the University will,
for now, continue offering a “bridge” program
that allows associate’s degree graduates who are
already working to complete bachelor’s degrees.
Miller said an advisory board made up of
healthcare leaders in the region recommended
moving toward a traditional four-year degree.
The desire of most university-bound high school
students to earn bachelor’s degrees was another
influence.