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Health Care FAQ

Choosing a career in the health care profession is a noble pursuit. We know you've worked hard to get into your program of choice. Still, there's a lot to keep up with as you prepare your application materials and you likely have a few questions.

We've completed the following list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate this process. 

What is the difference between the Health Care Certificate and the health care major?

The Health Care Certificate is designed for students interested in exploring career options in health care. Students completing the certificate will gain a skillset allowing them to work in a number of health care related occupations. Students also have the option of transitioning to other health care programs. Some of these programs required a secondary application process.

Which programs in the Health Care division require a secondary application process?

 

The following programs are direct-admit programs and do not require a secondary application:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)**
  • Paramedic Certificate – starting Fall 2019**
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Pharmacy Technology
  • Phlebotomy**

**Please contact Continuing Education for more information about these programs.

Are there space limitations for each program?

Yes, each Health Care program has limited enrollment. Please refer to the program fact sheets for more information about the number of seats in each program, and program entrance (Program Ready) requirements. 

What is the age requirement?

Students must be 18 years of age by the date of the first clinical course.

Is a criminal background check required for acceptance to a Health Care program?

As required by clinical agencies, students in specific programs are required to have a criminal background check. Refer to the Health Care Division Handbook for specific policy details. Students with prior convictions may not be accepted at a clinical facility.

Is drug testing required for acceptance to a Health Care program?

Students are required to submit to a drug test on an unannounced basis. Refer to the Health Care Division Handbook for specific policy details. 

Are there limited attempts in Health Care programs?

Yes. Admission to a Health Care program will be limited to two attempts per the specific program and three total attempts in the Health Care Division combined.  Attempts from previous colleges count in your total number of attempts in the Health Care Division.  An unsuccessful attempt is defined as receiving a D, F, U, or W in a Health Care Division program course.

Is transportation or a driver’s license required?

Reliable transportation is required. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical agencies.

What hours are required in Health Care programs?

Health Care programs may require evening or weekend clinical rotations, in addition to daytime hours. While completing general education coursework, students may take courses in the day, evening, or online, depending on course offerings.

Does the Health Care Division have an attendance policy?

Health Care programs have specific, regulated hours that must be completed by students. Therefore, strict clinical and lab attendance is required. Refer to the Health Care Division Handbook for specific policy details. 

Is there a separate program orientation?

Upon acceptance to a Health Care program, students must attend a mandatory program orientation for their major. Failure to attend may result in losing the spot in the program. 

What are the physical requirements for participation?

Standing/Walking

Standing and walking is required for the majority of time spent in the clinical area (4-8 hours). Standing in one position is required while performing certain aspects of patient care. Walking occurs on vinyl, tile, linoleum, or carpeted floors.

Sitting

Sitting may occur while charting or entering data into a computer. One may also sit while receiving/giving verbal reports at the start/end of one's shift. It is also possible that sitting may occur during breaks and meal periods. Total sitting is less than two hours for each 8-12 hour shift, depending on clinical assignment.

Lifting

Regular lifting of medical supplies, medications, patient supplies, and patient charts, all weighing up to 10 pounds is required. Also lifting CPR equipment and other medical equipment weighing up to 45 pounds is required. One is required to assist in lifting and transferring patients of varying weights and is expected to request assistance when lifting, ambulating, and repositioning patients. One must be able to support at least 75 pounds to reposition, transfer, and ambulate patients safely.

Carrying

Frequent carrying of medical supplies and other items weighing up to 45 pounds is required, along with occasional carrying of certain medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/pulling 70-100 pounds is required when administering patient therapy and care, as well as when pushing equipment such as oxygen tanks and monitors, and when transporting patients in wheelchairs, beds, or gurneys. Pushing is required at 3.5 pounds of pressure when administering CPR. Full manual dexterity of both upper extremities is required.

Climbing

No significant climbing is required; one may be required to climb a step stool.

Bending

Bending is required when administering patient care. One must be able to bend to touch the floor to remove environmental hazards. 

Reaching

Reaching above one's head is required when performing aspects of care such as hanging and adjusting IV bags or reaching various equipment. 

Squatting/Kneeling

Squatting or kneeling is required when operating medical equipment and performing aspects of patient care, such as CPR.

Twisting

Twisting at the waist is required when bathing patients and performing other procedures.

Speaking

Must be able to clearly speak English to communicate, assess, and educate patients and families. One must also be able to communicate verbally with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.

Hearing

One must have normal hearing (aids permitted) in order to perform physical assessments, including listening with a stethoscope for bowel, heart, and lung sounds. One must also be able to hear to detect subtle, yet critical information regarding patient conditions including alarms and to communicate with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.

Visual Acuity

Vision is required within normal limits (glasses or contacts permitted) for monitoring equipment, reading medical data, preparing and administering medications and injections, and performing physical assessments of patients including subtle changes in color.

Depth Perception

Required for fine tasks such as administering injections, sterile catheter insertions (urinary, IV), nasogastric tube insertions, ET Tubes, etc.  

Fine Motor Skills

One must have fine motor skills of all fingers and be able to grasp and control medical equipment and to perform precise procedures such as sterile dressing changes. Ability to grasp objects such as a pen to prepare handwritten reports is also required.

Tactile Sensation

Students must be able to assess patients through palpation with fingers and hands and must be able to distinguish between warm/cold and be able to feel vibrations.

Smell

One must have a normal sense of smell to detect odors indicating unsafe conditions or changing patient status.