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2016-2017 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Science

Requirements for a Major in Allied Health Sciences

The allied health sciences degree requires a minimum of 120 credits and includes general education requirements, Bachelor of Science degree cognate courses, AHS core courses, and required courses for the completion of an emphasis. Once students declare the allied health sciences major, typically during their sophomore year, they will be assigned a major academic advisor who will assist in selecting the AHS emphasis that best meets their career goals. An approved internship/practicum/clinical experience may be required in a specific emphasis or will be strongly recommended for students not planning to attend graduate school. A minor may be required as a part of the emphasis the student elects or is secondarily admitted into (see table below). If the student is in an emphasis that does not require a minor, the student may, under advisement, declare a minor if he or she has sufficient elective credit available or chooses to earn credits beyond the number required for graduation.

Emphasis within AHS Major Minor Required Secondary Admission Required Capstone Course

General Allied Health Science Emphasis

 YES NO
Prehealth Professional Emphasis in Physical Therapy NO NO
Prehealth Professional Emphasis in Physician Assistant Studies NO NO
Prespeech Language Pathology Emphasis NO YES
Prehealth Professional Emphasis in Pre-Dosimetry NO YES
Health Professional Degree Completion NO YES
Histotechnology Emphasis NO YES (Winter Semester, Year 4)
American Sign Language Interpreting Emphasis NO YES
Respiratory Care Emphasis NO YES

B.S. in Allied Health Sciences Major Core Courses (22 credits)

Individual emphases will require a Capstone course

B.S. Degree Cognate Requirements:

Emphasis in the AHS Program

In order to graduate with a B.S. in allied health sciences, each student is required to select or apply to an emphasis in the AHS program. Each emphasis is designed to be either preparatory to apply to a graduate level professional health care program or to prepare students for career entry upon bachelors' degree completion.

Emphasis in General Allied Health Sciences ' Minor Required, Secondary Admission not Required

The general emphasis is for students who are undecided as to their career/education/employment goals. A minor, selected and approved by the student's academic advisor, is required for this emphasis.

Emphasis Courses

Minor

 18 - or greater cr (a minor is required for this emphasis, 21 cr used in calculation)
Electives 12 - 15 cr (based on an 21 credit minor and if MTH 110 taken or not - includes 6 cr AHS 490 elective Internship, 15 cr used in calculation)
Emphasis Total 70 cr
AHS Core 22 cr
General Education (unduplicated) 28 cr
Total 120 cr (121 cr if MTH 110 is taken)

Suggested Curriculum Sequence: (assumes a 21 cr Minor)

Fall Year One

Winter Year One
3 cr 4 cr
4 cr 4 cr
(or 4 cr elective) 4 cr General Education Arts 3 cr
General Education Social/Behavioral 3 cr General Education Philosophy 3 cr
Total 14 cr Total 14 cr

Fall Year Two

Winter Year Two
3 cr 3 cr
* 3 cr & * 4 cr
(or) (or)
4 cr Minor Course 3 cr
Minor Course 3 cr Minor Course 3 cr
General Education World Perspective 3 cr General Education U.S. Diversity 3 cr
Total 16 cr Total 16 cr

Fall Year Three

Winter Year Three
4 cr 3 cr
4 cr / 4 cr
(SWS) 3 cr 3 cr
General Education Social/Behavioral 3 cr Issues 3 cr
Total
 14 cr
 Minor Course 3 cr
Total 16 cr

Fall Year Four

Winter Year Four
3 cr 3 cr
Minor Course 3 cr Minor Course 3 cr
General Education History 3 cr Elective (advised) 6 cr
Minor Course 3 cr Elective 3 cr
Elective 3 cr Total

15 cr
Total 15 cr

Total Credits* 120

* BMS 250 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 cr) and BMS 251 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 cr) may be taken in place of BMS 208, 290, and 291. Student is responsible for earning 1 additional credit if BMS 208/290/291 sequence of Anatomy and Physiology is used. The student is responsible for earning 120 credits should a minor less than 21 credits is taken or a 3 credit elective taken in place of MTH 110.


Student must also take one additional SWS course in either a general education, minor, Issues or elective course.

Prehealth Professional Physical Therapy Emphasis - Minor not Required, Secondary Admission not Required

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals with health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limit their ability to move and perform normal daily activities. Employment projections are far greater than normal growth (30 percent growth between 2008 and 2018) based on changes in health care laws and the aging American population. The American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) accrediting body, The Commission on Accreditation of Physical therapy Education (CAPTE), only accredits graduate programs; however, a baccalaureate degree and the necessary undergraduate preparation is highly recommended for admission into a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The courses in this emphasis were developed in cooperation with GVSU's graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) program. This emphasis also provides a curriculum that generally aligns with entrance recommendations for graduate physical therapy programs across the country. Students need to consult the prerequisites of D.P.T. programs outside of GVSU for specific requirements. Students will be advised that the GVSU D.P.T. program requires a minimum GPA of 3.20 and that GVSU, as do most D.P.T. programs in other institutions, admit students with an overall and science GPA far in excess of 3.2. Students are strongly encouraged to meet periodically with their academic advisor to determine their eligibility for continuing the pre-health professional PT emphasis.

The student should be advised that progression through the Prehealth professional physical therapy emphasis does not represent the only route of preparation for application to this graduate program. Other majors are also suitable, so long as the student closely follows the prerequisite science curriculum set forth by the GVSU DPT graduate program.

The Prehealth Professional Physical Therapy Emphasis Curriculum

Suggested Curriculum Sequence:

Fall Year One

Winter Year One
3 cr 4 cr
4 cr (General Education Soc/Beh) 3 cr
(or 4 cr elective) 4 cr 4 cr
General Education Arts 3 cr General Education Philosophy 3 cr
Total 14 cr Total 14 cr

Fall Year Two

Winter Year Two
3 cr & 4 cr
3 cr (or) (4 cr)
(or) (4 cr)

MTH 123 Trigonometry (prerequisite for PHY 220)

 3 cr
4 cr , , or (PT required - fulfills Gen Ed Soc/Beh) 3 cr
3 cr General Education History 3 cr
Elective 3 cr General Education U.S. Diversity 3 cr
Total 16 (17) cr Total 16 cr

Fall Year Three

Winter Year Three
3 cr / 4 cr
5 cr 3 cr
4 cr 5 cr
3 cr 3 cr
(recommended) 1 cr Total 15 cr
Total 16 cr

Fall Year Four

Winter Year Four
3 cr General Education World Perspectives 3 cr

AHS 301 Introduction to Health Care Research

 3 cr 3 cr
Issues 3 cr Elective 9 cr
Electives (SWS) 5 cr Total

15 cr
Total 14 cr

Total Credits 120

Prehealth Professional Physician Assistant Studies Emphasis - Minor not Required, Secondary Admission not Required

Physician assistants (PAs) are health care professionals who practice under the supervision of physicians. PAs are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative health care services as well as treating minor injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the PA profession will grow much faster than average between 2008 and 2018. Physician assistant programs provide this graduate-level education. The prehealth professional emphasis in physician assistant studies provides those courses necessary to enhance a student's science background needed for applicant consideration. The courses in this emphasis were developed in cooperation with GVSU's graduate physician assistant studies (PAS) program. This emphasis also provides a curriculum that generally aligns with entrance recommendations for graduate physician assistant programs across the country. Students need to consult the course entry requirements of PAS programs outside of GVSU for specific requirements. Students will be advised that while most PAS graduate programs require an overall and science GPA of 3.0 for application, a GPA far in excess of 3.0 is usually needed for admission. Students are strongly encouraged to periodically meet with their academic advisors to determine their eligibility for continuing the pre-PAS emphasis.


The student should be advised that progression through the prehealth professional physician assistant studies emphasis does not represent the only route of preparation for application to this graduate program. Other majors are also suitable, so long as the student closely follows the prerequisite science curriculum set forth by the GVSU PAS graduate program.

Prehealth Professional Physician Assistant Studies Emphasis Courses

Electives 25 credits (a minor can be elected with advisement, if desired)
Total in Emphasis 73 credits (calculated using BMS 208/290/291 sequence)
AHS Core 22 credits
General Education Unduplicated 25 credits
Degree Total 120 (121) credits

Suggested Curriculum Sequence:

Fall Year One

Winter Year One
3 cr 4 cr
4 cr 3 cr
(or 4 cr elective) 4 cr 4 cr
General Education U.S. Diversity 3 cr General Education Art 3 cr
Total 14 cr Total 14 cr

Fall Year Two

Winter Year Two
3 cr & 4 cr
3 cr (or) (4 cr)
(or) (4 cr) 3 cr
4 cr Elective 2 cr
Elective 3 cr General Education Social/Behavioral 3 cr
General Education World Perspective 3 cr General Education Philosophy 3 cr
Total 16 (17) cr Total 15 cr

Fall Year Three

Winter Year Three
3 cr / 4 cr
4 cr 3 cr
4 cr 3 cr
3 cr Elective 3 cr
Elective 1 cr General Education History 3 cr
Total 15 cr Total 16 cr

Fall Year Four

Winter Year Four
3 cr 3 cr
(SWS) 3 cr Issues 3 cr
3 cr 3 cr
Electives 3 cr Electives 6 cr
Total 15 cr Total 15 cr

Total Credits 120 (121 if BMS 250/251 taken)

Students are responsible for one additional SWS course, which can be from electives or general education courses.

Prespeech Language Pathology Emphasis - Minor not Required, Secondary Admission Required

This undergraduate emphasis prepares students for admission into graduate program in speech-language pathology. Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat disorders related to speech and language as well as cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency. Audiologists identify hearing and balance disorders, provide rehabilitative services, assess amplification devices and instruct patients in their care, and consult with industry and the government regarding noise and hearing conservation. Speech and hearing scientists conduct research seeking to improve our understanding of speech, language, and hearing so as to improve the quality of services provided to those with communication impairments.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of entry-level programs are employed in all levels of education, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, extended care and clinical facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12,000 additional speech-language pathologists will be needed to fill the demand between 2006 and 2016 - an 11% increase in job openings. The Department of Labor also projects that employment of audiologists is expected to grow 25 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than average for all occupations.

Admission into the speech language pathology emphasis:

Students typically apply for admission into the emphasis the second semester of the sophomore year. Prerequisites include 3.0 GPA; application form; official transcript(s) from all non-GVSU colleges/universities attended.

Required courses for the speech language pathology emphasis:

The AHS/BS degree with a SLP emphasis provides those courses necessary to enhance a student's science background needed for applicant consideration. The GVSU Department of Allied Health Sciences (AHS) developed this set of courses in cooperation with the graduate SLP program; it meets the preferred educational requirements for admittance to GVSU's graduate SLP program and many other similar graduate programs of study at other institutions. These courses have been designed to ensure that students acquire knowledge and skills in areas that are prerequisite for graduate-level study in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Emphasis Total 56 cr
AHS core Total 22 cr
Electives 9 cr
General Education (Unduplicated) 33 cr
Total in Degree 120 cr

Suggested Curriculum Sequence:

Fall Year One

Winter Year One
4 cr General Education Arts 3 cr
4 cr 3 cr
3 cr 4 cr
(or 4 cr Gen Ed elective) 4 cr 3 cr
Total 15 cr 3 cr
Total 16 cr

Fall Year Two

Winter Year Two
4 cr 4 cr
Elective 3 cr 3 cr
or 3 cr General Education Philosophy 3 cr
General Education History 3 cr Gen Ed (US Diversity) 3 cr
General Education World Perspective 3 cr Elective 3 cr
Total 16 cr Total 16 cr

Fall Year Three

Winter Year Three
(SWS) 3 cr General Education Social/Behavioral 3 cr

SLP 302 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism (3 credits)

 3 cr

SLP 303 - Language Development (3 credits)

 3 cr

SLP 304 - Phonetics (3 credits)

 3 cr 3 cr
3 cr

SLP 309 - Basic Audiology (3 credits)

 3 cr
3 cr Issues Course 3 cr
Total 15 cr Total 15 cr

Fall Year Four

Winter Year Four
3 cr 3 cr

SLP 307 - Language Disorders (3 credits)

 3 cr 3 cr

SLP 401 - Neurological Foundations of Communication Disorders (3 credits)

 3 cr 3 cr

SLP 402 - Voice and Fluency (3 credits)

 3 cr 3 cr
Electives 3 cr Total 12 cr
Total 15 cr

Total Credits 120

Prehealth Professional Dosimetry Studies Emphasis - Minor not Required, Secondary Admission Required

Dosimetry is a specialization within the field of radiology. Dosimetrists calculate the dosage used in radiation treatments under the guidance of an oncologist and medical physicist. The profession requires both licensure and certification. The field of dosimetry is projected to grow much faster than average with a growth of 27 percent between 2008 and 2018. The AHS Prehealth professional dosimetry emphasis was developed in conjunction with the Department of Diagnostic and Treatment Sciences within the College of Health Professions. The predosimetry curriculum aligns with prerequisites required for admission to the graduate dosimetry program.

Summary of Requirements: Secondary Admissions Criteria for the Predosimetry Emphasis

The prehealth professional dosimetry emphasis is a secondary competitive admission emphasis within the AHS major. The admissions process will take place at the end of the sophomore year, and require an application by the student. The minimum criteria for application will be

  1. A minimum overall GPA of 3.00
  2. A completed application form
  3. Completion of 45 semester hours, including current enrollment verified by transcripts

This emphasis is limited to an enrollment of 18 students per year due to limitations of laboratory space.

Prehealth Professional Dosimetry Emphasis

Emphasis Total 54 cr (calculated with BMS 250/251
Electives 13 cr (if MTH 110 - 4 cr not taken or 14cr)
AHS Core Courses 22 cr
General Education 31 cr
Total 120 cr

Suggested Curriculum Sequence:

Fall Year One

Winter Year One
4 cr (or) 4 cr
General Education Art 3 cr 3 cr
(or elective) 4 (3) cr General Education Social/Behavioral (advised) 3 cr
4 cr

MTH 122 College Algebra

 3 cr
Total 15 (14) cr General Education History 3 cr
Total 16 cr

Fall Year Two

Winter Year Two
5 cr 5 cr
3 cr 3 cr
(or) 4 cr General Education World Perspective 3 cr
3 cr General Education Social/Behavioral 3 cr
Total 15 cr Total 14 cr

Fall Year Three

Winter Year Three
3 cr 3 cr
2 cr 4 cr
3 cr 3 cr
5 cr Issues 3 cr
General Education U.S. Diversity 3 cr Elective 3 cr
Total 16 cr Total 16 cr

Fall Year Four

Winter Year Four
4 cr General Education (SWS) 3 cr
1 cr (SWS) 3 cr
3 cr General Education Philosophy 3 cr
3 cr Electives 5 cr
or 2 cr Total 14 cr
Elective 2 cr
Total 15 cr

Total Credits 120

Health Professional Degree Completion Emphasis - Minor Not Required, Secondary Admission Required

Health professionals whose disciplines have an entry education preparation at the Associate's or Associate's of Applied Science degree level constitute an important population of health care workers today. These professions include medical assisting, occupational therapy assistant, surgical technology, dental hygiene, and dozens more. The Health Professional Degree Completion emphasis is designed to complement that associates degree professional education with a path to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Allied Health Sciences (AHS), using both the students' professional education and the essential components of upper division baccalaureate education to maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Not only is there career enhancement for the health care professional with a bachelor's of science, but also earning a baccalaureate provides the prerequisite knowledge for the expansion of skills to graduate programs.

A transfer student wishing to enter the AHS Health Professional Degree Completion Emphasis must meet three criteria prior to starting the program,

Possess an earned Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science from a school accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Associate's of Science or Associate's of Applied Science must be in a health profession program requiring external accreditation by the professional body regulating that particular profession.

The health profession offers national voluntary credentialing or requires state licensing and the student either possesses or is eligible for earning that credential or license.

Up to 80 associates or associates of applied science credits can apply toward earning the AHS bachelor's degree. Transferability of credit will be done on an individual basis through transcript evaluation. If the associate or associate of applied science degree being used in this transfer is less than 80 credits, the additional credits needed to meet 120 credits for the bachelor's degree must be completed at GVSU. The student must earn 40 credits at GVSU with a total of 120 required for the bachelor's degree. Admission to GVSU requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for admission consideration. Pre-college preparation courses that transfer as less than 100 level in GVSU's course numbering system cannot be applied to the possible 80 transfer credits.

There is no admission deadline for this emphasis. Enrollment will occur on a continuing basis over the academic year at the start of the next semester. The procedure for application requires the following:

Application for admission and acceptance to GVSU with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Demonstrate transcript and professional documentation fulfilling the three criteria above.

Complete the AHS Health Professional Degree completion application form found at the Allied Health Sciences web site www.gvsu.edu/ahs.

All students will need to fulfill the AHS Core Course requirements, unless suitable transfer credit is arranged.

All students in the AHS Health Professional Degree Completion Emphasis are required to complete the following core courses:

BIO 120 - General Biology I (4 credits) STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits) AHS 301 - Introduction to Health Care Research (3 credits) AHS 321 - Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Health Care (3 credits) AHS 340 - Health Care Management (3 credits)

A Capstone course is also a part of this Health Professional Degree Completion Emphasis.

AHS 495 - Issues in Health Professions (Capstone) (3 credits)

A minor is not required in the AHS Health Professional Degree Completion Emphasis.

Students in the AHS Health Professional Degree Completion Emphasis must also complete all general education foundation categories, upper division general education 'Issues' requirements by taking the coursework at GVSU.

The AHS bachelor's degree requires that 40 of the 120 credits be taken at GVSU. During the GVSU application process students will submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Upon acceptance to GVSU the admissions offer will provide a formal evaluation of credits for transfer. The academic advisor and student will use this information to build an academic plan outlining courses required for completion of the Allied Health Sciences emphasis and general education components of the degree. The remaining credits applied toward the Bachelor's of Science degree in Allied Health Sciences (up to 80 total) will come from the professional coursework successfully completed in the respective associate or associate of applied science health profession. Since each student's transcript will be different, depending on the school attended and the health profession pursued, the planning of what courses are required to earn the baccalaureate degree will be individually determined.

The AHS department recognizes that many students earning a bachelor's degree through this emphasis are concurrently working in their respective health profession. Every effort will be made to advise students to enroll in online/hybrid and evening course sections to lessen commuting and/or daytime presence.

The 'course of studies' below is intended only as an example. It is formatted as a full-time student schedule. A part-time schedule would be different. Each individual student's plan of progress will vary as to the exact courses being taken each semester.

Suggested Curriculum Sequence:

Semester One - GVSU Semester Two - GVSU
General Education 3 cr General Education 3 cr
General Education 3 cr Genearl Education - Issues (advise non-AHS SWS*) 3 cr
4 cr 3 cr
3 cr 3 cr

3 cr

Total 13 cr Total 15 cr

Semester Three - GVSU

General Education 3 cr
(SWS*) 3 cr
General Education 3 cr
Elective (advise Gen. Ed. Non-AHS Issues course) 3 cr
Total 12 cr

Total from Semesters One, Two, and Three 40 cr

Transferred from Community College 80 cr (potential)

Total for AHS Bachelor's Degree 120 credits

The student is responsible to remain in close contact with either the College of Health Professions Student Services Office advisers or AHS faculty advisers when fulfilling the requirements of this emphasis. Students can refer to www.gvsu.edu/gened for an outline of the required general education courses. Students are responsible for fulfilling all General Education Foundation, Issues, SWS, and AHS major course requirements, as outlined above, needed for the bachelor's degree in AHS.

*SWS stands for 'Supplemental Writing Skills.' GVSU requires that two classes designated SWS be completed with a grade of at least 'C' for graduation. The two SWS classes cannot have the same course prefix, i.e. AHS.

Histotechnology Emphasis - Minor not Required, Secondary Admission Required

Histology is a laboratory science concerned with the demonstration of cellular morphology, chemical composition, and function of normal and abnormal tissue. The histotechnologist cuts tissues removed through surgical procedures, mounts the tissue sections on glass slides, and stains them with special dyes to make the cell details visible under the microscope. With the information learned from the section of tissue biopsy, the pathologist and the patient's physician can make appropriate diagnoses and determine the best course of treatment for the patient.

The histotechnologist emphasis requires students to complete a minimum of 96 credits at GVSU and 24 credits of clinical practicum (AHS 490) at an affiliated hospital that has a nationally accredited histotechnology program, e.g., William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI.

National certification in histotechnology requires the completion of a baccalaureate degree and completion of clinical training in a nationally accredited program. The accredited program at William Beaumont Hospital is a 10-month 40 hour per week educational experience. Students will spend their senior year at the hospital (known as the 3+1 model). This 3+1 educational model is used by a number of universities for their laboratory-based programs; e.g., medical laboratory science, histotechnology, cytotechnology, cytogenetics technology. The 24 credits of AHS 490 will serve as the student's Capstone course in the major.

To become a certified histotechnologist (HTL), students must complete a baccalaureate degree that includes a clinical practicum in a NAACLS-accredited histotechnology program (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences; 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720; Rosemont, IL 60018-5119.) Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree requirements and the clinical requirements, students are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam for Histotechnology (HTL).

Acceptance into an accredited histotechnology program for the required clinical education experience (AHS 490) is a competitive process that includes applying to the clinical site at William Beaumont Hospital. Availabilities are limited and the Beaumont program officials will determine those admitted to the clinical phase. A cumulative grade point average and a science/math grade point average of 3.0 are required for admission into the clinical program. Applicants are also required by NAACLS to complete the following courses prior to the start of their clinical experience: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and intermediate algebra. The application process occurs during the sophomore year. Students must work closely with their academic advisor regarding the application process.

Required courses for the AHS B.S. with Histotechnology emphasis:

(BMS 250 /251 Anatomy & Physiology I & II can substitute for BMS 208/290/291)

Electives 5 cr
Emphasis Total (a minor is not required) 70 cr
AHS Core 22 cr
General Education 28 cr
Total 120 cr

Suggested Curriculum Sequence:

Fall Year One

Winter Year One
4 cr 4 cr

MTH 110 Algebra or math equivalent

 4 cr 4 cr
3 cr 4 cr
General Education Art 3 cr 1 cr
Total 14 cr General Education History 3 cr
Total 16 cr

Fall Year Two

Winter Year Two
4 cr 4 cr
3 cr / 4 cr
(or) (4 cr) Elective 1 cr
General Education Social/Behavioral 3 cr & 4 cr
3 cr (or) (4 cr)
3 cr General Education Philosophy 3 cr
Total 16 cr Total 16 cr

Fall Year Three

Winter Year Three
3 cr 3 cr
/ 4 cr 3 cr
(SWS) 3 cr General Education Social/Behavioral SWS 3 cr
3 cr Issues 3 cr
General Education U.S. Diversity 3 cr General Education World Perspectives 3 cr
Total 16 cr Total 15 cr

Spring/Summer Year Three

3 cr

Total 3 cr
Fall Year Four

Winter Year Four
- Beaumont Hospital 12 cr - Beaumont Hospital 12 cr
Total 12 cr Total 12 cr

Total Credits 120

American Sign Language Interpreting Emphasis - Minor not Required, Secondary Admission Required

This emphasis prepares students to serve as interpreters for the deaf and/or hard of hearing. The emphasis is designed to educate students in advanced signing skills and the application of those skills to typical settings that frequently require an interpreter, including health care, social services, business, and the legal systems. Each basic course in health care, social services, business, and the legal systems has a signing-associated seminar where the vocabulary needed to be successful in that area is learned and students have opportunities to discuss effective interpreting, business practice, and best practices for the profession.

Secondary Admission Process

Students will apply for competitive admission into the ASL emphasis the second semester of the sophomore year. Prerequisites include 2.0 GPA overall and a grade no less than a 'C' in any of the pre-emphasis courses below; completion of 45 semester hours (may be in progress); and application form. The ASL emphasis will not accept more students than there are community practicum sites (25 students currently) available, thus admission to the emphasis is competitive.

Required courses for the American sign language interpreting emphasis:

Pre-emphasis Required Coursework:

Emphasis Required Coursework:

Pre-Emphasis Total 12 cr
Emphasis Total 41 cr
Gen. Ed. (unduplicated) 28 cr
AHS Core Courses 22 cr
Electives (if MTH 110 is not required) 16 cr
Total 120 cr

Suggested Curriculum Sequence:

Fall Year One

Winter Year One

BIO 120 General Biology I

 4 cr 3 cr
or math equivalent 4 cr

PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology

 3 cr
3 cr General Education History 3 cr
4 cr General Education Arts 3 cr
Total 15 cr Elective 3 cr
Total 15 cr

Fall Year Two

Winter Year Two
3 cr 3 cr

ASL 203 American Sign Language 3

 3 cr

AHS 110 Introduction to Health Care

 3 cr

ASL 210 Introduction to American Sign Language Interpreting

 3 cr General Education World Perspectives 3 cr
General Education Philosophy & Literature 3 cr Elective 3 cr
General Education - Nonlab Physical Science 3 cr Elective 3 cr
Total 15 cr Total 15 cr

Fall Year Three

Winter Year Three
3 cr

SW 150 Human Needs in Complex Societies

 3 cr

SLP 303 Language Development

 3 cr

LS 201 Introduction to Law

 3 cr

MGT 331 Concepts of Management

 3 cr

ASL 324 Legal Interpreting

 1 cr

ASL 323 Business Interpreting

 1 cr

ASL 325 Social Services Interpreting

 1 cr
1 cr

ASL 326 Educational Interpreting

 1 cr
General Education U.S. Diversity 3 cr

EDS 378 Universal Design for Learning: Elementary

 3 cr
Elective 1 cr Elective 3 cr
Total 15 cr Total 15 cr

Fall Year Four

Winter Year Four

AHS 340 Health Care Management

 3 cr

AHS 321 Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Health Care (SWS)

 3 cr

ASL 327 ASL to English

 3 cr 6 cr

ASL 420 American Sign Language Linguistics

 3 cr Issues Course 3 cr

ASL 421 Deaf History and Culture

 3 cr Elective 3 cr

ASL 422 Deaf History and Culture Practicum

 3 cr
Total 15 cr Total 15 cr

Total Credits 120

Students must complete two SWS classes.

Allied Health Sciences with Respiratory Care Emphasis - Minor not required, Secondary Admission Required

Respiratory therapists provide direct patient care for those who have trouble breathing across a broad scope of reasons. The patients of respiratory therapists range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs, children and adolescents with asthma, to elderly patients with emphysema. Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and in home-care where they provide emergency care to patients suffering from pulmonary failure, heart attacks, drowning, trauma, or shock.

The allied health sciences (AHS) respiratory care emphasis in respiratory care is conducted in collaboration with Muskegon Community College's (MCC) fully accredited program in respiratory therapy. There are two ways to be admitted to this emphasis.

  1. Up to 18 qualified GVSU students will be admitted to the respiratory care emphasis each year (Fall) after completing GVSU's first year science prerequisite and general education courses. The curriculum sequence is listed below. Admitted students will complete the professional respiratory therapy curriculum at MCC during their second and third year. Following the completion of the MCC professional respiratory therapy curriculum, students return to GVSU to complete their fourth year, simultaneously earning an associate's of science degree from MCC and a bachelor's of science degree from GVSU in allied health sciences - emphasis in respiratory care. The program sequence would include: 1 year GVSU + 2 years MCC + 1 year GVSU.
  2. Graduates of an accredited Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) associate's or associate's of applied science degree respiratory therapy program may apply to the respiratory care emphasis. Up to 80 undergraduate transfer credits can apply to the AHS bachelor's degree. Transferability of credit will be done on an individual basis through transcript evaluation.

Secondary Admission Requirements for Admissions to the GVSU-MCC Respiratory Care Program

1. Completion of the following courses with no course grade less than a 'C' and an overall GPA of 2.50:

2. The following courses must be completed prior to the start of fall - year two with no course grade less than a 'C' and an overall GPA of 2.50 in order to begin the MCC professional respiratory therapy courses:

3. Application process: Students must complete and submit the following materials by February 28 for fall admission of the year of application.

  1. Application for admission to the respiratory care emphasis (available at www.gvsu.edu/ahs)
  2. Demonstrated completion of and enrollment in the courses listed above
  3. Demonstrated fulfillment of minimum grade requirements for courses completed
  4. Submission of 2 letters of professional reference

Students who are accepted into the emphasis must successfully complete the 1st year sciences and general education courses prior to starting the professional respiratory therapy courses in fall - year 2.

Financial aid plans: Students in the GVSU cohort receiving financial aid will need to meet with a designated GVSU financial aid advisor to coordinate aid between GVSU and Muskegon Community College. This is necessary because there are two consecutive semesters where students take courses only at Muskegon Community College.

Students with an earned Associate's or Associate's of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy (Care)

Students who are graduates of an accredited respiratory therapy (care) program and have an associate's of science or associate's of applied science may apply for admission to the AHS respiratory care emphasis. A total of 80 credits in science and general education courses that have an equivalency with GVSU courses in addition to the professional respiratory therapy courses can transfer to GVSU in fulfilling the AHS bachelor's degree requirements. The maximum transferable credits to GVSU is 80 credits; an additional 40 credits must be taken at GVSU to meet the minimum graduation requirement of 120 credits. Transcript evaluation of applicants for transfer credit will be done on an individual basis and subject to the credit transfer policies of GVSU. Students are responsible for consulting with their advisor to ensure all GVSU general education foundation, issues, and supplemental writing skills (SWS) requirements are met.

AHS Core Course Requirements:

All students in the AHS respiratory care emphasis, whether in the GVSU cohort or transferring with an earned associate's or associate's in applied science degree in respiratory therapy (care), are required to complete or transfer the following AHS core courses:

Suggested Curriculum Sequence - GVSU Student Cohort (1 + 2 + 1):

Fall Year One - at GVSU

Winter Year One - at GVSU
4 cr 4 cr
4 cr 4 cr
(or 3 credit Gen. Ed. Foundation) 3-4 cr General Education Foundation Requirement 3 cr

General Education Soc/Beh (1) (recom. PSY 101)

 3 cr General Education Foundation Requirement 3 cr
Total 14-15 cr Total 14 cr

Fall Year Two - at GVSU and MCC

Winter Year Two - at GVSU and MCC
AH 102 Basic Patient Care Skills 3 cr RT 110 Equipment & Procedures I (with lab) 3 cr
4 cr RT 111 Intro to Respiratory Therapy (with lab) (accelerated Jan-Feb) 3 cr
RT 101 Respiratory Therapy Physics 1 cr RT 120 Equipment & Procedures II (with lab) 3 cr
3 cr RT 121 Pharmacology 2 cr
General Education Foundation Requirement 3 cr RT 122 Clinical I (accelerated Mar-May) 2 cr
General Education Foundation Requirement 3 cr
Total 14 cr Total 16 cr

Spring/Summer Year Two - at MCC (May- July)

Fall Year Three - at MCC
RT 130 Equipment & Procedures II (with lab) 3 cr RT 141 Pulmonary Pathophysiology 2 cr
RT 131 Physiology 3 cr RT 144 Adult Mechanical Ventilation 3 cr
RT 132 Clinical II 3 cr RT 152 CLI Clinical III (accelerated Aug-Oct) 5 cr
RT 134 Intro to Mechanical Ventilation 1 cr RT 162 CLI Clinical IV (accelerated Oct-Dec) 7 cr
Total 10 cr Total 17 cr

Winter Year Three - at GVSU and MCC

Spring/Summer Year Three - at GVSU and MCC
(SWS) 3 cr RT 222A Clinical Rotation VI 7 cr

AHS 340 - Health Care Management

 3 cr

AHS 301 - Introduction to Health Care Research

 3 cr
RT 210 Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology 4 cr Total 10 cr
RT 220C Peds/Neonatal Critical Care 4 cr Fall Year Four - at GVSU and MCC
General Education Foundation Requirement 3 cr
Total 17 cr RT 222A Clinical Rotation VI 3 cr*
RT 240 Health Care Environment 1 cr
General Education Issue (not AHS) 3 cr
General Education Foundation Requirement 3 cr

3 cr

Total 13* cr

Total for AHS Bachelor's Degree 122 credits (126 if MTH 110 is needed)

Suggested Curriculum Sequence - Students with an A.S. or A.A.S.:

Students who have an earned Associate's Degree in respiratory therapy or care program can transfer 80 credits in science and general education courses that have an equivalency with GVSU courses in addition to the professional respiratory therapy courses in fulfilling the AHS bachelor's degree requirements. If the transfer of credits is less than 80 then additional GVSU courses must be taken to reach 120 credits and fulfill all GVSU credit categories. Students are responsible for consulting with their advisor to ensure all GVSU general education foundation, issues, and supplemental writing skills (SWS) requirements are met.

Winter Year Three

Fall Year Four
General Education Art 3 cr General Education Foundation 3 cr

General Education Foundation (recommend Soc/Beh, not PSY 101)

 3 cr General Education Issues (advise non AHS SWS) 3 cr

BIO 120 - General Biology I

 4 cr

AHS 301 - Introduction to Health Care Research

 3 cr
3 cr

AHS 321 - Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Health Care

 3 cr
Total 13 cr 3 cr
Total 15cr

Winter Year Four

General Education Foundation 3 cr
General Education Foundation 3 cr

3 cr

Electives (GVSU) 3 cr
Total 12 cr

Total Credits 120

Students are responsible for fulfilling all General Education Foundation, Issues, and SWS course requirements needed for the Bachelor's of Science Degree in AHS. Individual courses needed by students in the Community College Cohort will be based on transcript evaluation and could vary from those noted above.

Minors Recommended for the AHS Major

If the emphasis admitted to or selected allows the election of a minor, the following are popular choices among allied health sciences students: aging and adult life, biology, business, philosophy, psychology, sociology, Spanish, and women, gender, and sexuality studies. Other minors may be applicable to the student's need. Please coordinate this choice with your major advisor. Be sure to contact the minor department and meet with an advisor to create a plan for the minor.

Allied Health Sciences Program Description

Click here for the program description.


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