Health Care Program Application Myth Busters

Myth: Students on the waiting list are chosen first for the Nursing Program. Fact: There are no waiting lists for the Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Imaging, Medical Laboratory Technician and Respiratory Care Technology programs. Each year, the application period begins in October. An applicant who applied in a past year must submit a new application and is evaluated by the same criteria as other applicants. For the Health Services Management, qualified applicants can transfer into the program at any point during the year. For the Clinical Assistant and Ophthalmic Technician Certificate Programs, applications are accepted throughout the year.

Myth: Students must complete all of their science courses (Bio 109, Bio 110, Bio 241) before applying to Nursing or another health care program. Fact: It is a great idea to complete science courses before beginning a health care program. However, you do NOT need to complete them before applying to the program. To apply to a program, you need to meet the application criteria listed on the following slides.

Admission Criteria For all programs: English 101 and FNMT 118 placement or higher Dental Hygiene 4-credit Biology course or 1 year high school Biology (within 10 yrs/C or better) Chemistry 110 or 1 year high school Chemistry (within 10 yrs/C or better) 2.50 grade point average Diagnostic Medical Imaging Health Services Management 2.0 grade point average Medical Laboratory Technician 4-credit Chemistry course or 1 year high school Chemistry (within 10 yrs/C or better) 2.25 grade point average Note-The 10 year expiration date for high school Biology and Chemistry classes is based upon high school graduation date and not the date when the classes were taken.

Admission Criteria For all programs: English 101 and FNMT 118 placement or higher Nursing Biology 106 or 1 year high school Biology (within 10 yrs/C or better) Chemistry 110 or 1 year high school Chemistry (within 10 yrs/C or better) 2.75 grade point average Respiratory Care Technology Biology 109 with C or better in last 5 years Chemistry recommended 3.0 grade point average Clinical Assistant Proficiency Certificate 2.0 grade point average Ophthalmic Technician Proficiency Certificate 2.5 grade point average Note-The 10 year expiration date for high school Biology and Chemistry classes is based upon high school graduation date and not the date when the classes were taken.

Myth: As long as a student meets the eligibility requirements (previous slide),that student will be accepted into the program of choice. Fact: Students who apply to the Health Services Management Program will be accepted into the program if they meet eligibility requirements. All other health care programs are very competitive. Only the top applicants are accepted into each program.

Myth: If a student predicts that he will meet the application criteria in January, he can submit an application in the Fall. Fact: The Admissions Department will not hold applications and review them at a later date. If a student does not meet the application criteria when he submits his application, he will receive a rejection letter.

Myth: Students need to schedule the Kaplan Entrance Exam as soon as possible. Fact: Students cannot self-schedule the entrance exam. That test is scheduled after the application is submitted by the student and if the reviewers determine all criteria for application have been met. It is advantageous to submit the application early in the application period since most Program Directors review applications as they are received.

Myth: Students cannot study for the entrance exams Myth: Students cannot study for the entrance exams. Either you know it or you don’t! Fact: Preparation improves scores on the entrance exams. The exams do not cover basic everyday knowledge. All students should prepare by attending test prep workshops and/or studying as recommended in application group sessions.

Myth: The deadline for the application to the Nursing Program (January 15th for postmark on application) is a recommendation only. If a student has a high GPA, her application will be reviewed after the deadline. Fact: The application deadline for Nursing is carved in stone. Applications will not be reviewed if received after the deadline.

Don’t fall for health care application myths Don’t fall for health care application myths! If you have questions, contact your Health Care Studies Program Director (ldavidson@ccp.edu or 215-751-8534 or W2-19) or visit the Counseling Center and speak with a Health Careers Counselor.