
EXPLORE HEALTH PROFESSIONS
As our name reflects, the academic pathways within our purview provide students with a wide range of possibilities, appealing to diverse interests. Among our offerings are dental hygiene, nursing, radiologic technology and a varied selection of health sciences. There also are options such as health coach, exercise science and personal training, which attract health and sport enthusiasts, plus sport management, which incorporates the study of business principles and sociology as it pertains to the sport industry.
Whichever of our pathways you might choose, a dedicated team of faculty and staff will provide top-level guidance and learning opportunities.
Consider These Health Profession Pathways
Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene’s scope of clinical procedures encompasses the relationship between oral health care and total body health.
Health Sciences
Health Sciences involve the use of technology to diagnose, treat, heal and record a wide variety of diseases and medical conditions.
Kinesiology & Health
Kinesiology and Health is the study of healthy living and movement patterns related to fitness and physical activities.
Nursing
Nursing is focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, or maintain optimal health and quality of life.
Sport Management
Sport Management examines the economic, social and legal influences on the management of sports organizations.
Academic Initiatives
Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene students participate in Seal Georgia Day, an event held twice a year on the Dunwoody Campus. During Seal Georgia Day, students from DeKalb County schools receive sealants for their teeth (free of charge) from Dental Hygiene students at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College.
Dental Hygiene
Community outreach is a strong component of the Dental Hygiene pathway at Perimeter College. Each year, more than 60 students provide education, screening and assistance to hundreds of people at locations across metro Atlanta and North Georgia, from Hampton to Monroe to Buford and beyond. Student services include oral hygiene education, oral cancer screenings, serving as assistants to providers, dental charting and more.
Dental Hygiene
Perimeter College’s Dental Hygiene students participate in service-learning projects in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Decatur, Lithonia and Smyrna and beyond. They serve hundreds of attendees each year, providing education, oral and blood pressure screenings and a list of low-cost dental resources. Ages of attendees have ranged from 6 months to 98 years.
Kinesiology and Health
The OKHC provides materials, webinars and activities that contribute toward preparing students for careers in Kinesiology and Health or related fields. The club hosts monthly webinars with guest speakers from different areas of our discipline. The webinars are designed to assist students in their preparation and organization for careers related to Kinesiology and Health; promote and support the Perimeter College Kinesiology and Health program; provide students with academic, leadership and networking opportunities, and endorse and encourage participation in Georgia State University and Perimeter College events. Club advisers are: Nancy Storey, Kelly Shobe, Nicole Lynch and Elaine Bryan.
FAQs
Dental Hygiene
How Can I Find Out More About The Dental Hygiene Program?
What Can You Tell Me About The Dental Hygiene Pathway?
Here’s general information:
- The Dental Hygiene pathway accepts 32 students once each year.
- The program starts in the fall semester.
- Competition for entering the program is intense. The program received 116 applications for Fall 2016.
- For the students accepted for the Fall 2016 class, the average science GPA was 3.76, and the overall GPA was 3.63.
- Enrollment begins in mid-October and ends in early January for the following fall admission. An application will be posted on the Dental Hygiene pathway page during the enrollment period.
- The professional part of the program is offered only during the day. General education courses are offered by the college in all three semesters and are offered days, evenings and online.
- Because of the volume of applications, the Dental Hygiene department does not give individual tours of the facilities.
- The application for the Dental Hygiene program, and a shadowing form used when students observe professional dental hygienists are available on the Dental Hygiene pathway page during the enrollment period.
- There are 37 credits of general education coursework that must be completed to graduate from the Perimeter College Dental Hygiene pathway, in addition to the 40 credits of professional courses.
- The professional part of the pathway requires five semesters.
- Additional semesters are required to complete the general education coursework.
- There are 77 credits total to be completed to earn an associate degree following the dental hygiene pathway.
- All general education courses do not have to be completed before applying to the program.
- Letters of recommendations are not part of the application process and will not be considered.
What Are The Requirements To Apply To The Dental Hygiene Program?
To apply to the dental hygiene pathway, a student must:
- Be currently enrolled at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College.
- Have completed CHEM1151 (Survey of Chemistry).
- Have completed BIOL2110 and BIOL2120 (Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 and corresponding labs).
- Have completed 20 hours of shadowing experience with a dental hygienist.
- Have completed all science courses within the last seven years.
- Submit an application
Where can I find The Dental Hygiene Application?
A: The application will be available online on the Dental Hygiene pathway page during the enrollment period between mid-October and January.
Do I Need To Send Transcripts To Your Department
A: No. You must be a current student at Georgia State University Perimeter College to apply to the Dental Hygiene pathway. Even if you are a college graduate, you must apply to the college as a transfer student in order to have your transcript evaluated. Part of the application process to the college is to submit your transcripts to Admissions. (Once you have been notified by the college of your admittance to the college and the courses accepted for transfer, you can make an appointment with Advising and Counseling at any of the Georgia State University Perimeter College campuses if you have any concerns.)
Are There Information Sessions For Applying To The Dental Hygiene Program
A: Yes.
Georgia State University’s Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program at Perimeter College will be offering its Fall 2017 program information seminars Oct. 4 and Nov. 9 as follows:
Day Date Time Campus Room #
Wednesday 10/4/2017 12 p.m. Dunwoody NC1100
Thursday 11/9/2017 5 p.m. Dunwoody NC1100
Both sessions will provide the same information. Each seminar will present the requirements for admission, the application process and discuss the dental hygiene profession. There is no registration required to attend a seminar.
The schedule also is posted on the Dental Hygiene pathway page.
Where Should I Go To Receive Advisement About The Dental Hygiene Pathway?
A: The Advising and Counseling Department at Perimeter College has trained counselors available for student advisement. Should you decide to enroll at Perimeter College, you will meet with an advisor at your new student orientation, and you can discuss your plans of pursuing the Dental Hygiene pathway at this meeting. Your college advisor will develop a course progression map for you to follow for the general education coursework necessary for applying to the dental hygiene program. At the department level, we do not have trained counselors and do not review transcripts. Only general information about the program is offered at the department office.
If I Am Accepted to The Dental Hygiene Pathway, how many hours/days should I expect to be on campus?
A: Dental Hygiene classes and clinic are scheduled Monday through Thursday and can be as early as 7 a.m. and end as late as 5 p.m. You may have days off and breaks in between classes as the schedule varies from semester to semester. There will be times when the schedule is as consuming as a full-time job, and it is strongly suggested that students in the program not work at jobs while enrolled. Students are encouraged to complete all of their general education requirements prior to starting the program.
If I Am Accepted to The Dental Hygiene Pathway, how many hours/days should I expect to be on campus?
A: Dental Hygiene classes and clinic are scheduled Monday through Thursday and can be as early as 7 a.m. and end as late as 5 p.m. You may have days off and breaks in between classes as the schedule varies from semester to semester. There will be times when the schedule is as consuming as a full-time job, and it is strongly suggested that students in the program not work at jobs while enrolled. Students are encouraged to complete all of their general education requirements prior to starting the program.
Kinesiology and Health
What Is Kinesiology?
A: Kinesiology is the study of movement patterns related to fitness and physical activities.
Do I Need PHED 1100 Choices For Life O Any Physical Education To Graduate?
A: Students no longer need to meet the additional requirement, PE classes, to graduate.
Can I Exempt And Get Credit For KLH 2006 Advanced First Aid And Safety Class because I Already Have The Certification Or Am An EMT
A: No, the Kinesiology and Health discipline has no exemption or testing out for any of its classes.
Nursing
How can I find out more about the Nursing program?
Is there a Waiting list?
No. A waiting list is not kept. Any applicant not admitted, or accepted students who decide not to enter the program, may update their application, in writing, the succeeding semester, but will be considered according to the same criteria.
What nursing degree programs are offered at Georgia State University Perimeter College?
The Associate of Science degree for the Registered Nurse is offered. Georgia State University Perimeter College Department of Nursing has articulation agreements with state schools which offer a progression from Associate degrees to the Bachelor degrees. Other articulation agreements include a progression from Associate to a Masters degree. To receive information about these programs, please contact the schools who offer the higher degree.
How long is the nursing program?
Four semesters for the Generic Track and 3 semester for the LPN-RN Bridge Track. This does not include the time it takes students to complete the Nursing General Education courses.
What is the difference between the Associate Degree nursing program at GSUPC and a Bachelor of Science degree program at a four year college?
Unlike most Bachelor of Science programs, the Associate degree program at GPC does not require the completion of advance theory courses. The program takes less time to complete yet still prepares students to take the NCLEX examination for registered nurses.
Will I have the same career opportunities with an Associate degree in Nursing, as I would if I completed a Bachelor Science degree?
You can still become a registered nurse, but without the Bachelor of Science degree you will not be able to obtain an administrative position in nursing. You will also need a Masters to teach or specialize.
Will I need to complete 35 hours of General Education courses before I can apply to the Nursing Program?
No, although you are strongly encouraged to complete all requirements prior to starting the Nursing Program. You need to complete at least one of the biology courses and labs listed under the Nursing General Education Courses before applying to the Nursing Program.
The LPN to RN Bridge Track requires all courses to be completed.
Does the TEAS exam expire?
Georgia State University Perimeter College Department of Nursing requires the TEAS to be less than two years old. Other schools may have different requirements.
Can I work full-time during the day and take my nursing courses in the evening?
No. Classes and clinical experiences under the Professional Curriculum occur on varying days and times of the week.
Can I enroll in a course in the summer?
The LPN-RN Bridge Track requires that you begin the program during the summer. No other nursing courses are available in the summer.
Is the Repeat to Re-place policy recognized in the Nursing program?
No. The Admissions and Progression Committee averages all grades listed under the General Education Courses for the BIOL and GEN ED GPAs. The only exception made is for the three biology courses. Those that are older than six years old will not be included in the required GPAs.
Where can I get a current copy of the Student's Handbook?
“Perimeter had a really good reputation, and I wanted to go to the best school. I was so pleased once I got in the program to find the teachers genuinely care about your success as a student and as a person. They really helped me ignite my passion and realize my dream of being a dental hygienist.”
Julie Ferguson
2016 Perimeter College graduate
About Us
Greetings from the Health Professions Department at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College! We are glad you are interested in the exciting options we offer.
The Health Professions Department comprises a diverse array of pathways to an Associate of Science degree, but all share the common underlying goal of helping people to live long and healthy lives.
In Health Professions, a student may pursue one of our career programs, such as Dental Hygiene, Nursing or Radiologic Technology (Rad Tech), or consider pathways in Health Sciences, Respiratory Therapy or Kinesiology and Health (KH). In the KH discipline, students may decide to concentrate on Exercise Science, Health Coaching or Personal Trainer studies. Sport Management, a part of the Kinesiology and Health discipline, incorporates the study of business principles and sociology as they pertain to the sports industry.
The Department of Health Professions serves a highly diverse student body and is dedicated to student success. We provide our students engaging and challenging academic environments with hands-on, real-world experiences. We invite you to explore our offerings on this website and contact us if you have additional questions.
Dr. Bonnie J. Young
Interim Department Chair
Department of Health Professions
Perimeter College
Interim Department Chair
Dr. Bonnie J. Young
Professor of Kinesiology & Health
[email protected]
770-274-5428
Full-time Faculty
Callaghan, Sarah
[email protected]
Dunwoody NF-1203
770-274-5425
Casey, Douglas
[email protected]
Dunwoody N-2462
770-278-1350
Durrenberger, Melody
[email protected]
Clarkston CC-0210
678-891-2607
Little, Donya
[email protected]
Clarkston CG-0161
678-891-3776
Stickney, Natalie
[email protected]
Clarkston CG-0163
678-8913775
Serpico, Anthony
[email protected]
Dunwoody NF-1201
770-274-5468
Young, Bonnie
[email protected]
Dunwoody NF-1202
770-274-5428
Washington, Vickie
[email protected]
Dunwoody NF-1200
678-891-3237
Online Faculty
Bryan, Elaine
[email protected]
Online
Lynch, Nichole
[email protected]
Online
Shobe, Kelly
[email protected]
Online
Storey, Nancy
[email protected]
Online