Procedure 5.1.1.3 - Health Science Programs


I. Health Science Programs Admissions

All inquiries for admission into Health Science programs should be directed to the Admissions Office. Admission to a Health Science Program is a competitive process. Interested students are advised to attend an information session at least two semesters prior to their planned enrollment.

Students applying for admission into the Emergency Medical Science, Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy or Surgical Technology programs1 must:

A. Meet all general admissions requirements as outlined in College policy and procedures.

B. Complete any developmental course work with a “C” or higher before making application to a health science program.

C. Have cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher in related and general education course work for the health science program of interest.

D. Adhere to the submission timelines specified in the Health Science admissions procedure. Provisional approval may be offered to applicants based on fulfillment of all admission requirements and criteria by the specified deadline. Final approval for admission will be made by the appropriate Health Science Program Director.

II. Essential Functions Needed for Completing Health Science Programs

The following guidelines are utilized in admitting qualified students. The activities identified below are examples of physical and emotional activities which a student in the Health Science Program must be able to perform for the successful completion of the program. If an applicant believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards without accommodation or modification, the applicant should consult Counseling and Career Services.

A. Critical thinking: Health Science students shall possess critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.

Example: Students must be able to identify cause and effect relationships in clinical situations, develop or participate in development of nursing care plans.

B. Ethical behavior: Health Science students will provide services with respect for human dignity and uniqueness of the client unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attribute, or the nature of health problems.

Example: Students will care for clients assigned regardless of race, religion, or diagnosis.

C. Legal behavior: Health Science students will provide care within the scope of practice as stated in the NC NURSING PRACTICE ACT or guidelines for respiratory therapy, radiography and surgical technology.

Example: Students in the nursing program will learn to assess the patient’s physical and mental health.

D. Interpersonal skills: Health Science students shall possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups, etc. from a variety of psycho-social cultural backgrounds.

Example: Students shall establish rapport with clients and health care team members.

E. Communication skills: Health Science students shall possess communication abilities sufficient for verbal and nonverbal interaction with others.

Example: Students shall be able to explain treatment procedures to clients/family, document client responses, and report to other responses to nursing care.

F. Mobility: Health Science students shall possess physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces, stand and walk for extensive periods of time.

Example: Students will be able to move around in client’s room, move from room to room, move in small work areas, and administer CPR.

G. Motor skills: Health Science students shall possess gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.

Example: Students shall be able to calibrate equipment, position clients, administer injections, insert catheters.

H. Hearing skills: Health Science students shall possess auditory ability sufficient to monitor health needs and collect data.

Example: Students shall be able to hear alarms, listen to heart and breath sounds, and hear a cry for help.

I. Visual skills: Health Science students shall possess visual ability sufficient for observation and data collection.

Example: Students shall be able to observe color of skin and read scale on a syringe. J. Tactile skills: Health Science students shall possess tactile ability sufficient for data collection.

Example: Students shall be able to detect pulsation and feel skin temperature.

K. Weight-bearing: Health Science students shall possess the ability to lift and manipulate/move 40-50 pounds.

Example: Students shall be able to move equipment, position patients.

III. Health Science Readmission

All inquiries for readmission to Health Science programs should be directed to the appropriate Dean2. Applicants applying for Health Science program readmission must meet all general admissions requirements as outlined in the College’s policies and procedures. Upon receipt of required documentation, all inquiries for readmission will be reviewed and determined by the Dean. Applicants must meet current admission requirements. All requests for readmission must adhere to the timelines specified in the Health Science admissions procedures.

Applicants seeking readmission within twelve (12) months of exiting a program must request readmission ninety (90) before the start of the semester for planned enrollment. Positions must be available in the class at the time of request for readmission, which will not require the hiring of additional instructional or clinical personnel.

Upon notification, applicants have the option to appeal their readmission denial within five (5) business days. The applicant must submit the appeal in writing to the Vice President for Student Services3. The Vice President will make a decision within five (5) business days and provide a decision in writing to the student. The decision of the Vice President is final.

Adopted: September 9, 2019

1  Remove or include other applicable programs

2  Or applicable Administrator.

3  Or applicable Administrator.