Admission Requirements for Health Technologies Programs
Unless otherwise specified, applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be admitted to Health Technology certificate or two-year degree programs.
1. Admission to Northern Virginia Community College.
2. Be 18 years of age or older, or have program head approval.
3. Have made satisfactory scores on specified placement tests.
4. Completion of one unit of high school-level algebra or equivalent.
5. Completion of at least one unit of high school-level science or equivalent. See "Admission Requirements" under EACH program for particular science course prerequisites.
6. Past academic achievement in the above course requirements must reflect a "C" average or better. Deficiencies may be corrected in the College's developmental program before entering a Health Technologies program.
7. Evidence of good physical and mental health, as substantiated by a completed Pre- admission Health History and Physical for Health Technology form (NVCC 125-7) signed by a licensed physician, must be submitted prior to entering program courses. Applicants must be free of any physical and/or mental condition which might adversely affect their acceptance or performances in the program.
8. A student may elect to take general education courses listed in a program's curriculum prior to seeking acceptance to a Health Technologies program. These courses may be taken at any of the College's campuses and may be transferred to NVCC from other accredited post-secondary institutions. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better is required in all required general education courses taken preceding admission to a Health Technologies program, unless waived by the division chair upon the recommendation of the program head.
9. CPR certification is required prior to entering clinical courses, unless formally waived by the program head.
10. The student seeking admission to a Health Technologies program may need to arrange for an interview with the program head prior to entering the program.
Responsibilities of Health Technologies Students
The following are responsibilities of students in all Health Technologies programs:
1. To prepare students for the high ethical standards of the health professions, the College expects absolute academic integrity both in the classroom and in clinical practice. Therefore, cheating, attempting to cheat, plagiarizing, lying, stealing academic work which includes secured tests or related materials, submitting papers purchased or written by others, or failing to report an occurrence of academic dishonesty or any violation of this honor code may subject the student to the College's disciplinary procedures as defined in the NVCC Student Handbook.
2. Students in Health Technologies programs incur a variety of additional expenses. These include, but are not limited to, the cost of uniforms, accessories, and travel to clinical assignments. Students are also responsible for state licensure and national accreditation application and testing fees.
3. A strict dress code is required in the clinical setting. Students may be dismissed if they fail to comply with this dress code.
4. The College reserves the right to require students to take out and maintain at their own expense liability/malpractice insurance with a carrier authorized to transact such business in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Whether or not insurance appropriate to the program is required, students are encouraged to carry such insurance on their own.
5. Students are required to complete learning experiences at local hospitals and/or other agencies. Students may be required to attend both day and/or evening clinical assignments.
6. Students must provide their own transportation to clinical assignments. Strict attendance is required at clinical sites.
7. Students may utilize the resources of the assigned clinical affiliate for emergency medical treatment for injuries or illness which may occur during the time period when students are assigned to the health care facility. The student is responsible for any expenses incurred for this treatment.
8. Students must comply with all clinical contract protocols including immunization requirements.
9. Students must keep their CPR certifications current each year, when required.
10. While enrolled in clinical courses, students may not replace or take the responsibility of "qualified" staff in affiliated facilities. However, after demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to perform specified procedures under careful supervision. Health Technologies students may be employed in clinical facilities outside regular education hours provided that such work does not interfere with academic responsibilities. The work must be non-compulsory and subject to employee regulations. Any exception to this policy must have the approval of the Health Technologies division chair.
11. Students are expected to demonstrate professional behavior consistent with standards associated with health care practitioners.
Health Technologies Program Continuation Requirements
The following continuation requirements govern students in all Health Technologies programs:
1. All courses in the program major must be completed with a grade of "C" or better before taking the next course in the sequence, unless waived by the division chair upon the recommendation of the program head.
2. All courses in the major must be taken in the sequence prescribed in the Catalog, unless otherwise approved by the program head.
3. Students must pass both the theoretical and the clinical/lab portions in order to pass a course.
4. Program faculty and clinical affiliates reserve the right to recommend, through appropriate channels, withdrawal of any student who neither exhibits safe performance nor adheres to prescribed clinical affiliate policies and procedures.
5. Satisfactory physical and mental health must be maintained for continuance in the program. Applicants must be free of any physical and/or mental condition which might adversely affect their acceptance or performances in the program. The College reserves the right to require medical examinations to verify continuing compliance.
Program Re-Enrollment Requirements Any student who has voluntarily withdrawn or who has been withdrawn due to unsatisfactory academic or clinical performance may apply for re-admission the following academic year. Acceptance will be based upon space availability, successful fulfillment of any contingencies agreed to in writing at the time of withdrawal, and program head approval. An interview and medical examination may be required.