Advising for Health Technologies
Programs
Durham Technical Community College
Fall 2012
Contents
Health Technologies Admissions Summary ... 3
Health Tech Programs Overview ... 5
Program Start Times and Length ... 6
Health Technologies Advisor Triage ... 7
Health Technologies Department Advising Notes ... 8
Additional Instructions for Accurate Advising for ADN Students ...11
Health Technologies Department Programs Codes ...14
Health Technologies Department ...20
Health Technologies Admissions Summary
Note: For Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing admissions procedures, go to the program websites at http://www.durhamtech.edu/programs/index.htm. HS Transcript* College Transcript (if applicable) Placement Tests (before meeting with advisor) §§ Complete Developmental Courses Complete BIO092 and CHM094 OR CHM130/130 A** English Language Requirement Form (and COMPASS ESL/Versant or TOEFL if required)*** Computer Competency/ CIS110 or comparable course (or credit by exam) § Other ACA122 within first semester of program
CTR AAS Yes Yes Yes Yes‡ Yes Yes Yes No Yes
CTR L1 Yes Yes Yes, IF no
college Eng and Math
Yes (if required) ‡ No Yes Yes 1 year CR exp‡‡ OR BS in science OR minimum of
AAS in nursing
No
CTR L2 Yes Yes Yes, IF no
college Eng and Math
Yes (if required) No Yes Yes 2 years CR exp‡‡ No
CTR DM Yes Yes Yes, IF no
college Eng and Math
Yes (if required) No Yes Yes 1 year CR exp‡‡
OR BS in science OR BS computer science OR completion L1 certificate No
DLT AAS Yes Yes Yes, IF no
college Eng and Math‡‡‡
Yes (if required) No Yes No No Yes
DLT cert Yes Yes Yes, IF no
college Eng and Math‡‡‡
Yes (if required) No Yes No No No
HIT AAS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
MA dipl Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes
MA cert Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes
OPH AAS Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes
OPH cert Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No No
OTA AAS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
PHM dipl Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes
PHM cert Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No No
RCP AAS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Notes:
For Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing admissions procedures, go to the program websites at http://www.durhamtech.edu/programs/index.htm. Health Information Technology information is available at http://www.durhamtech.edu/programs/healthinformation.htm and admissions procedures are being developed.
*High School transcript is not required if the student has a college degree and provides the transcript for that degree.
**If the student has completed BIO168 and 169, the science prerequisite is considered met.
***All students are currently required to complete English Language Requirement form at this time.
‡ The CTR AAS and Level I certificate also require the student to take MAT080 as a pre-req for statistics. This is not required for admissions.
‡‡ Clinical research experience is demonstrated by a letter from the student’s employer and a current resume.
‡‡‡ Students may begin the dental course sequence, if they place into RED 090, ENG 090, and MAT 070 or higher on the college placement tests.
§ This refers to computer competency requirement for admissions only! Other programs require computer competency to be demonstrated either during the program or as a graduation requirement as follows:
• Degree requires CIS 110 (MA, OPH) • Degree requires CIS113 (DLT)
• Demonstration of computer competency is a graduation requirement (A.D.N., OTA, PHM)
§§ Placement test scores for the COMPASS, ASSET, ACCUPLACER, SAT, and ACT are good for five years from the date taken regardless of where they were taken.If test scores are older than five years, students must retest using COMPASS unless continuously enrolled in classes (see definition below for “continuous enrollment”).
NOTE: If students need to take developmental math courses, they can now be directed to the new, computer based, self-paced developmental math modules. Course sections using this model are designated with an “E”.
All new students are now required to complete a ConnectSession. Information about ConnectSessions is available at http://www.durhamtech.edu/admissions/connectsession.htm. Students will be exempt from the Connect Session if they meet the following (same waiver as for ACA):
• Those who produce evidence of holding a college-level diploma or higher from a regionally accredited institution; or • Those who receive at least 12 hours college-level transfer credit for academic work completed in the past ten years; or • Those who have completed at least 12 hours of college-level academic work at Durham Tech in the past ten years
Program Information Sessions for programs other than nursing are optional but recommended. The schedule for program information sessions is available online. Nursing information sessions are mandatory!
New college students should take ACA 122 in their first semester of enrollment (second semester at the latest). The following students are waived from the ACA 122 requirement but may still need to fulfill the one-credit hour on their plans of study:
• Those who produce evidence of holding a college-level diploma or higher from a regionally accredited institution; or • Those who receive at least 12 hours college-level transfer credit for academic work completed in the past ten years; or • Those who have completed at least 12 hours of college-level academic work at Durham Tech in the past ten years; or
Health Tech Programs Overview
DTCC offers programs in Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing Diploma. In addition to our nursing programs, DTCC offers several allied health programs.
Program Description
Clinical Trials Research Associate
The Clinical Trials Research Associate curriculum prepares individuals to assist investigators and clinical researchers in the initiation, administration, coordination, and management of clinical research studies for the development of new drugs, clinical products, and treatment regimens.
Dental Lab Technology The Dental Laboratory Technology program teaches the techniques and skills that enable graduates to fabricate artificial dental restorations, as prescribed by a licensed practicing dentist, and to function effectively in the dental laboratory.
Medical Assisting The Medical Assisting program prepares students to become multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures.
Occupational Therapy
Assistant OT is a rehabilitation profession that focuses on doing and action. OT professionals work with people to improve their ability to participate in work, leisure, and self-care activities. The curriculum prepares graduates to work under the guidance and supervision of a registered occupational therapist (OTR/L). Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) help registered therapists in all aspects of occupational therapy from screening and assessment to treatment and documentation.
Opticianry The Opticianry program is a two-year program of study which teaches the student to become an optician. Opticians receive lens prescriptions from eye doctors, determine the size and style of eyeglasses desired by the customer, make lenses and cut them to fit into an eyeglass frame, and adjust finished glasses to fit the customer.
Pharmacy Technology The Pharmacy Technology program prepares the student to become a pharmacy technician. These allied health professionals are employed in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. Supervised by a registered pharmacist, they perform a variety of technical duties related to preparing and dispensing drugs in accordance with standard procedures and laws. Pharmacy technicians are trained to interpret physicians’ medication orders, fill orders to be checked by pharmacists, and deliver the orders
Respiratory Therapy The respiratory therapy practitioner is an allied health specialist who treats, manages, controls, and cares for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities related to breathing and associated organs. Because their training enables them to perform specific testing techniques used in monitoring, evaluating, and treating their patients, respiratory therapy practitioners are frequently required to exercise considerable independent clinical judgment in the respiratory therapy of patients under the direct or indirect supervision of a physician.
Program Start Times and Length
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
AAS: Day program- 5 semesters- Fall start
LPN to ADN Transition: Evening program- 4 semesters- Fall start, every other year (next entry Fall 2012)
Clinical Trials Research Associate (CTR)
AAS:
Evening program- 7 semesters- Fall start Day program- 7 semesters- Spring start Certificate Level I and Level II:
Evening program- 4 semesters- Fall start Day program- 4 semesters- Spring start Data Management Certificate:
Day/Online program- 4 semesters- Summer start
Dental Laboratory Technology (DLT)
Diploma:
Day program- 5 semesters- Fall start Certificates:
Day program- 2-3 semesters- Fall start
Health Information Technology (HIT)
AAS:
Day/Online program- 6 semesters- Fall start
Medical Assisting (MED)
Diploma: Day program- 4 semesters- Fall start
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
AAS: Day program- 6 semesters- Summer start
Opticianry (OPH)
AAS:
Day/Online program- Fall start Certificate:
Online program- 3 semesters- Fall start
Pharmacy Technology (PHM)
Diploma: Day program- 3 semesters- Spring and Summer start
Practical Nursing (PN)
Diploma: Day program- 3 semesters- Fall start
Respiratory Therapy (RCP)
AAS: Day program- 5 semesters- Fall start
Surgical Technology (SUR)
Health Technologies Advisor Triage
*Additional resources for advising are available at http://www.durhamtech.edu/faculty/advising/index.htm. Information about financial aid can be found at http://www.durhamtech.edu/html/prospective/financialaid.htm.
1. In which program is the student interested? 2. Has the student applied to the program of interest?
3. Has the student taken the placement tests if required (reminder- placement tests are good for 5 years)?
4. Has the student sent in high school and College transcripts (reminder- HS not needed if student has college degree, unless needed to meet pre-req’s for BIO 168/169 sequence)?
5. Has the student met the Biology/Chemistry requirement (if required; refer to HT Admissions Summary)?
6. Has the student received a program admissions checklist? If not, please provide and briefly review. 7. Has the student completed an English Language Requirement Form? If not, please refer the student
to the website for instructions. 8. Check the following:
• Correct program code (SPRO in Datatel; View Student Profile in “My Advisees”) • Review test scores if required (TSUM in Datatel; View Student Test Summary in “My
Advisees”)
• Review transfer credit (STAC in Datatel; View Student Transcript in “My Advisees”) **IMPORTANT NOTE: please check both the test scores and the transcript to ensure that the student has taken any required developmental courses. Transfer credit of ENG111 will give the student non-course credit for developmental courses; however, HT programs require that students take the placement test and any required developmental courses regardless of ENG111 transfer. 9. Has the student completed a ConnectSession? Or is the student exempt (see criteria)? If not, refer the
student to the ConnectSession sign up.
10.Has the students signed up for Connectmail and Webadvisor accounts?
*Reminder: Most HT programs require that placement tests and any developmental courses be completed prior to admission. Please remember to verify both the test scores AND completion of any required developmental studies courses.
*Refer to the HT Admissions Summary and the program admissions checklist for specific information regarding admission into a HT program.
Health Technologies Department Advising Notes Placement Testing
Placement test scores for the COMPASS, ASSET, ACCUPLACER, SAT, and ACT are good for
five years from the date taken regardless of where they were taken. If test scores are older than five years, students must retest using COMPASS unless continuously enrolled in classes (see definition below for “continuous enrollment”).
It is the student’s responsibility to request that other colleges send official copies of their placement test scores to Durham Technical Community College’s placement office.
The ACCUPLACER is not administered at Durham Technical Community College. If a student has scores that meet the standards they will begin with college level classes. If a student places below the ACCUPLACER cut off scores they will have to take the COMPASS placement test to
determine course placement.
Durham Technical Community College will accept COMPASS, ASSET, ACCUPLACER, SAT and ACT scores for college placement. A student with COMPASS and/or ASSET scores that do not indicate placement into college level courses (i.e. ENG111, MAT 80 or higher) will be required to begin with the developmental courses indicated by the scores on these tests. A student with ACCUPLACER, SAT and ACT scores that do not do not indicate placement into college level courses (i.e. ENG111, MAT 80 or higher) will be required to take the COMPASS for placement into appropriate levels of courses. Students that have ACCUPLACER, SAT, or ACT scores that place them into MAT070 should begin with that course. Remember, placement test scores are good for five years.
Developmental courses
Durham Tech accepts developmental courses taken at another NC community college as pre-requisites for HT if:
1. The student achieved a passing grades of B or better (C or better in MAT 070)
2. The courses are less than five years old. Courses completed greater than five years ago are not eligible to be used to satisfy program pre-requisites.
Students who completed developmental courses at other NC community colleges more than five
years ago should take the placement test to demonstrate proficiency and place out of the courses. If their scores indicate that they need to complete developmental coursework, they will need to take those developmental courses again to meet entry requirements for HT programs. The test and the courses may be taken at any NC community college, but it is the student’s responsibility to request that scores or transcripts be sent to the admissions office when completed.
Developmental courses taken at Durham Tech may be used to meet Health Technologies program pre-requisites if they are less than five years old. Grades from more than five years ago may be used if the student has been continuously enrolled at DTCC in the interim (see definition of “continuous enrollment” below). If course grades are older than five years, and the student has not been
Science Pre-Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Some programs require pre-admission sciences as part of their admission criteria. Specifically, the following programs have science pre-admissions requirements: ADN, CTRA, LPN, OTA, RCP, and SUR. The pre-admission science requirement requires that the student complete one biology and one chemistry course at the high school level within the past 10 years or have college credit for a biology and chemistry course (no time limit). The college credit must be for BIO092 (or equivalent such as BIO111) and CHM094 (or equivalent, such as CHM 151) OR CHM130/130A. BIO163
may be used to satisfy the biology pre-admission requirement, however, the student must still take a chemistry course (with a lab) to meet the full requirement.
NOTE: Students who have taken or have transfer credit for BIO168 (with a grade of C or better) meet both the Biology and Chemistry requirement.
As of October 2007, there is no time limit on awarding transfer credit for BIO 168 and BIO 169 for HT programs. In order for transfer credit to be granted, the student must have earned a C or better in the course. Because this information is fundamental to much of the curriculum content in the health programs, advisors should recommend that students repeat these courses if the student does not have good recall of the information, even though this is not required.
Time limits for biology and chemistry prerequisites for BIO 168 are currently:
• No time limit for college level biology or chemistry courses passed with a C
• Ten (10) year time limit for high school biology or chemistry courses passed with a C
Please note that the pre-requisites for BIO168 are:
• BIO92 (or equivalent) and CHM 094 (or equivalent) OR CHM130/130A • BIO163 can be used to meet the biology prerequisite requirement.
Continuous Enrollment
*Continuously enrolled is defined as not missing three or more consecutive semesters of enrollment in classes. After being out of classes three consecutive semesters, students must reapply to the college and students would need to retest if scores are older than five years.
If the student was previously enrolled in a HT program but withdrew and was out for 3 or more consecutive semesters, the student:
1. Must complete a new application
2. Will be required to meet admissions criteria again to be re-admitted (i.e. nursing) 3. Will be required to repeat placement testsif scores are older than five years
4. May be required to repeat development courses (see the developmental course timelines above)
Rules for Deferred/Waitlisted HT Students
Students who meet the requirements for placement testing and developmental course completion but then defer or are placed on a waitlist for a program will maintain their “accepted” status for a period of one year. Therefore, should a deferred/waitlisted student fall outside of the admissions requirements (such as the placement testing time limit, for example) the following admissions year, the student will be deemed “qualified” for that admissions year. However, should the
deferred/waitlisted student elect to defer again, the student will then be required to re-meet all admissions requirements (including meeting time limit requirements for placement testing) the following entry year.
Financial Aid
Information about financial aid, including a list of eligible programs, is available at
http://www.durhamtech.edu/html/prospective/financialaid.htm. You may also review the document “Critical Advising Skills: Helping Students with Financial Aid Concerns” at
Additional Instructions for Accurate Advising for ADN Students (Developed by the Advising Center)
PLACEMENT TESTING
1. EVERY ADN applicant must take a placement test in English, reading and math.
Acceptable tests are COMPASS, ASSET, ACCUPLACER, SAT and ACT. [Durham Tech offers the COMPASS test.]
Previously-taken tests are acceptable if they are less than 5 years old. Tests older than 5 years are acceptable if the student has been in continuous enrollment at Durham Tech (not out for 3 consecutive semesters since the test was taken).
2. Based on the results of the placement test, ADN applicants must complete all required developmental English, reading and math courses.
Developmental courses must be completed with a “B” or better grade (a “C” grade is acceptable for MAT 070 only). Previously-taken developmental courses may be used to satisfy this requirement if the courses are less than 5 years old. Courses that are older than 5 years are acceptable if the student has been in continuous enrollment at Durham Tech (not out for 3 consecutive semesters since the developmental course was taken).
IMPORTANT: College-level English and math cannot be used in place of any required developmental English, reading and math. [Ex: If a student places into ENG 090 based on the placement test but has already taken a college-level
composition course, the student will still be required to take ENG 090 even though she may receive transfer credit for ENG 111 on the plan of study.] Required
developmental courses are NEVER waived because a student has higher-level college courses.
SCIENCE PREREQUISITES
1. Every ADN applicant must satisfy biology and chemistry prerequisites (with a grade of “C” or better) prior to starting the Anatomy & Physiology sequence on the plan of study.
CHM 130/130A offered at Durham Tech is a one-semester combined biology and chemistry course that will satisfy science prerequisites. Separate college-level general biology and chemistry courses will also fulfill the prerequisites. NOTE: BIO 163 (a one-semester anatomy and physiology course) will satisfy only the biology. There is NO TIME LIMIT for previously-taken college-level biology
and chemistry prerequisites.
High school biology and chemistry courses that are less than 10 years old, with a grade of “C” or better (numerical score of 77 or better), will satisfy the science prerequisites.
Pre-college (below 100 level) biology and chemistry courses, less than 10 years old with a grade of “C” or better, can be used to satisfy the prerequisites. NOTE:
Durham Tech no longer offers BIO 092 and CHM 094.
TRANSFER CREDIT
Official college transcripts will be evaluated in the Student Records department; transfer credit will be determined and awarded by the transcript evaluation specialists. High school transcripts less than 10 years old will be evaluated for biology and chemistry prerequisites. Transfer credit evaluations should be available on WebAdvisor within 4-6 weeks after the transcript is received. Students are encouraged to check WebAdvisor to confirm the accuracy of their transfer credit. Questions about transfer credit should be directed to the transcript evaluators in the Student Records department.
IMPORTANT: Students who bring official transcripts when they meet with an advisor can discuss possible transfer credit; however, academic advisors do NOT award credit, so these discussions are unofficial. Official transfer credit can only be determined by the transcript evaluation specialists.
TIME LIMITS: There are NO TIME LIMITS for previously-taken college-level courses listed on the ADN plan of study. College-level English, psychology, humanities, anatomy
& physiology and pathophysiology courses do NOT expire. Transfer credit will be awarded based on the content of the courses, not when they were taken. ADN applicants will not be required to retake courses that are older than 5 years. NOTE: Although retaking courses is not required, some ADN applicants do elect to retake old science courses so they will be successful when they enter the program; this is a decision, not a requirement.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY: Students who complete only the first semester of a 2-semester anatomy & physiology sequence at another college will receive transfer credit if the course is BIO 168. Students who complete only the first semester of a different sequence of courses (Ex. BIO 165) will not receive transfer credit for that one course. However, they WILL receive transfer credit if they complete the 2-semester sequence (ex. BIO 165 and BIO 166).
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
Option 1: Take the COMPASS ESL Listening Test AND the Versant Speaking Test.
Option 2: Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), iBT version. Note: Scores for the above tests are valid for up to 3 years.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
ADN applicants must pass the TEAS V (Test of Essential Academic Skills) prior to submitting their application by the February 1 deadline. The TEAS V test may be taken twice in a 12-month period. TEAS V scores are good for three years.
Students selected for the fall class are required to have CPR certification and be a Certified
Health Technologies Department Programs Codes Program
Name Program Code/s (Developmental Code/s)
ADN
A45100 (A10300AP) Associate Degree Nursing
A45100N (A10300NP) LPN to RN Track
CTR
A45190 (A10300CP) Clinical Trials Research Associate
C45190I (A10300CI) Level Certificate
C45190II ( A10300CII) Level II Certificate
C45190MC (A10300CDM) Date Management Certificate
DLT
A45280 Dental Laboratory Technology
C45280B Crown & Bridge Technique Cert.
C45280C Dental Ceramic Technique Cert.
C45280P Cast Partial Denture Certificate
C45280T Complete Denture Technique Cert.
HIT
A45360 Health Information Technology
MA
D45400 (A10300MD) Medical Assisting Diploma
C45400A Introductory Medical Asst. Cert.
C45400C Office-Centered Certificate
OPT
A45560 (A10300OP) Opticianry
C45520 Optical Apprentice Certificate
OTA
A45500 (A10300TP) Occupational Therapy Assistant
PHM
D45580 (A10300PD) Pharmacy Technology
PNE
D45660 (A10300LD) Practical Nursing
RCT
A45720 (A10300RP) Respiratory Therapy
SURG
D45740 (A10300SD) Surgical Technology
Durham Technical Community College
English Language Requirement
Information for Students Enrolling in Health Technologies Programs
September 2011 version (Wording revision January 2012)(For reference only: Refer students to the information on the website at
http://www.durhamtech.edu/html/prospective/programsofstudy/healthtechenglishreq.htm)
All health care workers (native and non-native U.S. English speakers alike) are expected to use clear communication skills in the workplace. Students whose native language is not English are expected to demonstrate "near native" English language abilities. To confirm this ability, if you are not a U.S. citizen or you have attended school in another country, you will need to take the
COMPASS ESL and Versant Speaking Tests or submit TOEFL iBT scores, as part of the admissions process.
All students should submit to the Admissions Office an English Language Requirement Form to verify how they meet the English language requirement.
Students meeting the following criteria must comply with this new requirement:
1. Students who applied to a Health Technologies program on or after February 14, 2011 2. Students who applied to a Health Technologies program before February 14, 2011, but have
not yet met the previous TOEFL Requirement
The testing options to meet the English Language requirement are listed below. Students who are required to test must choose one option.
Option 1:
Take the COMPASS ESL Listening Test AND the Versant Speaking Test. Required scores for these tests are as follows:
• Students must earn at least a score of 91 on the COMPASS ESL Listening Test, AND
• Students must earn a score of at least 65 on the Versant Speaking Test.
The COMPASS ESL Listening Test and Versant Speaking Test are given on campus in the Wynn Center on specific published dates. Testing dates for these tests may be found at http://www.durhamtech.edu/html/prospective/programsofstudy/versantschedule.htm
Students pay no fee to take the COMPASS ESL Listening Test. The Versant Speaking Test has a fee of $32.50, to be paid by credit card on the test date in the testing lab. Students may use Visa, Mastercard, or American Express to purchase the Versant test. Durham Tech will accept only Versant Speaking Test scores with test identification numbers purchased in the Wynn Center at the time of testing.
Information on the Versant Speaking Test can be found at www.VersantTest.com. Note: if you wish to purchase a practice test online, you may get a ten percent (10%) discount by using the code VER-10. Practice tests require the use of a landline telephone.
Scores on these tests are valid for up to three years.
-OR-
Option 2: Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), iBT version. Students must earn at least the following minimum scores on the TOEFL iBT:
Reading: 22 Listening: 22 Speaking: 26 Writing: 24
*Please note that the TOEFL iBT is not administered on the Durham Tech campus. Students should make arrangements to take the iBT version of the TOEFL. Practice questions, test information, dates and testing sites can be found at: www.toefl.com. There is a charge to take the TOEFL iBT.
When registering for the test, students should indicate that test results be sent to Durham Technical Community College, ID # DI 5172. Photocopies of TOEFL Score Reports will not be considered valid.
TOEFL iBT test scores are valid for up to three years.
If a student does not achieve the required score on the COMPASS ESL/Versant or TOEFL iBT tests, the student should meet with the Director of English for Academic Purposes to make a plan. She will refer the student to appropriate resources to improve English language proficiency. The student must achieve the minimum score prior to being accepted to a Health Technologies program. Important Note for Students Entering the Associate Degree Nursing (A.D.N.) or Licensed Practical Nursing (L.P.N.) programs: Students applying to enter the nursing program must provide
documentation regarding how they meet the English Language Requirement annually with EACH competitive admissions application. Students must meet the applicable version as defined in this procedure. For information about the competitive admissions process, please visit
Frequently Asked Questions about the English Language Requirement Who must meet the English language requirement?
All students enrolling in a Health Technologies program (Associate Degree Nursing, Clinical Trials Research Associate, Dental Laboratory Technology, Medical Assisting, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Opticianry, Pharmacy Technology, Practical Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology) must meet this requirement. "Enrolling" means being accepted to the program and beginning the sequence of program specific courses as outlined in the plan of study.
All students enrolling in a Health Technologies program must complete an English Language Requirement Form to verify how they meet the English language requirement. Please see the form for complete information.
If you are uncertain about how you must meet the English language requirement, you may contact Ms. Gwen Barclay-Toy at [email protected] for additional information.
When should I take the tests (i.e. the COMPASS ESL and Versant OR the TOEFL iBT)? Most Health Technologies programs require completion of additional COMPASS tests (for reading, writing and mathematics). You should take these tests around the same time as you take the other COMPASS tests. In other words, you should take these tests as soon as possible following submission of your DTCC application. You must achieve the required scores before you can be admitted to the program's core courses.
Why do I have to meet these requirements with my English skills?
All health care workers (native and non-native U.S. English speakers alike) are expected to use clear communication skills. Students whose native language is not U.S. English are expected to demonstrate "near native" U.S. English language abilities.
Is there a way to appeal my testing requirement?
No. We have found that students who meet the required test scores are more successful in the Health Technology programs. Demonstrating U.S. English language proficiency on these standardized tests is the only approved way for non-U.S English speakers to meet the English Language Requirement.
What if I do not earn the required scores on the tests?
Students who do not meet the required scores on the tests must meet with Director of English for Academic Purposes to make a plan. She can be reached at [email protected]. Students may be advised to complete an EFL course. Once students complete this course or other
recommended plan, they will be given the opportunity to re-test. Students may choose to retake the test(s) they initially took OR to exercise the other testing option. In either case, students may
initially test only twice within a twelve month period. Completion of an EFL course will be required before any third testing option is approved.
Where can I find information about the testing dates for these tests?
Information about the TOEFL, including testing dates, may be found at www.toefl.com. Please note that the TOEFL iBT is not administered on the Durham Tech campus.
What additional resources are available to help me improve my English language proficiency? The resources below can assist you in polishing your English language skills:
1. At Durham Technical Community College
o Continuing Education classes:
Accent Reduction and language skills classes TOEFL preparation class
Ed2Go Online, noncredit Grammar for ESL class ($75 cost)
o Curriculum Courses: Consult Web Advisor for current course offerings, which may
include EFL 050 English for Academic Purposes, EFL 062 Listening/Speaking II, EFL 063 Listening/Speaking III, EFL 064 Listening/Speaking IV.
At other area locations
o Duke University Continuing Studies - www.learnmore.duke.edu o Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh) www.waketech.edu o NC State University (Raleigh) http://oia.ncsu.edu/iep
o CHI-CLE.com - Classes offered in Carrboro
o NC Central University – evening Continuing Education classes
Consult Internet websites such as www.eslgold.com .
Purchase or borrow from a library a TOEFL preparation textbook or pronunciation improvement materials.
Durham Technical Community College English Language Requirement Form September 2011 version (Wording revision January 2012) (For reference only: Refer students to the information on the website at
http://www.durhamtech.edu/html/prospective/programsofstudy/healthtechenglishreq.htm)
All health care workers (native and non-native U.S. English speakers alike) are expected to use clear communication skills in the workplace. Students whose native language is not English are expected to demonstrate "near native" English language abilities. To confirm this ability, all students entering a Health Technologies program are required to meet the English Language Requirement.
All students should submit this Form to the Admissions Office to verify how they meet the English Language Requirement.
Students meeting the following criteria must comply with this new requirement:
3. Students who applied to a Health Technologies program on or after February 14, 2011.
4. Students who applied to a Health Technologies program before February 14, 2011, but have not yet met the previous TOEFL Requirement.
Please check the ONE that applies:
1. _____ I am a citizen of the United States and I have attended school only in the United States 2. ______I am not a citizen of the United States or I have attended school in another country
If you check #2 above, you must meet the English Language Requirement by choosing one of the options described below.
If you are uncertain about how you must meet the English language requirement, you may contact Ms. Gwen
Barclay-Toy at [email protected] for additional information.
Option 1: Take the COMPASS ESL Listening Test AND the Versant Speaking Test. Option 2: Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), iBT version.
*Note: Scores for the above tests are valid for up to 3 years.
I understand that this is an official Durham Technical Community College document and that any falsification on this document may result in disciplinary action according to the Student Code of Conduct.
My signature below indicates that I am responding truthfully.
Student Name (Print): ________________________ Student ID: ___________________ Student Signature: ___________________________ Date: ___________________
This form must be submitted to your Admissions counselor with other required documentation. Refer to the Health Technologies program admissions checklist to determine additional requirements.
Health Technologies Department
Melissa Ockert, Dean and Department Head #8127 Sandra Grady, Secretary #8112
Room 901 Tech Center
Program Program Director Phone # Office # Building
ADN--Associate Degree Nursing Helen Ayres 8094 940-A Tech Center
CTRA—Clinical Trials Research Associate Laurin Mancour 8131 967 Tech Center
DLT--Dental Lab Technology Greg Walton 8136 219 Collins
HIT- Health Information Technology Tricia Urquhart-Jones 8193 969 Tech Center
OPT--Opticianry Michael Szczerbiak 8134 271 Collins
OTA--Occupational Therapy Assistant Sue Cheng 8103 927 Tech Center
MA—Medical Assistant Angela Breault 8098 949B Tech Center
PHM--Pharmacy Technology Sandra Covington 8104 914 Tech Center
PNE--Practical Nursing Education Sherry Wilson 8137 940-D Tech Center
RCT--Respiratory Therapy Technology Audrey Kern 8119 928 Tech Center
Information about Admissions Checklists
The admissions checklists summarize the admissions steps that students should take to be admitted into a Health Technologies program. Students should collect the required information and deliver the packet to the Admissions department. Students who have questions about a HT program may be referred to Admissions, a HT information session, the program website, and/or the applicable Program Director.
Checklists and admissions information are available for the following programs: Associate Degree Nursing
Clinical Trials Research Associate Dental Laboratory Technology Health Information Technology
Medical Assisting Opticianry
Occupational Therapy Assistant Pharmacy Technology
Practical Nursing Respiratory Therapy Surgical Technology
The checklists are available in the “HT Dept Resources” shared folder on Groupwise and/or on the program pages on the DTCC website. If you do not have access to the Groupwise shared folder, contact Sandra Grady at [email protected].
NOTE: Health Tech programs require students to sign the following additional forms for their program of interest:
1. Essential Skills Checklist 2. Clinical Training Form
