Embarking on a career as a Patient Care Associate is a fulfilling path for those dedicated to making a difference in healthcare. Understanding the admission process is the first step towards joining a Patient Care Associate Program and achieving your professional goals. Our comprehensive guide outlines the necessary steps and requirements to ensure a smooth application process and set you on the course to a rewarding healthcare career.
General Admission Requirements for Aspiring Patient Care Associates
To begin your journey with our Patient Care Associate program, it’s essential to meet certain general admission criteria. We encourage all prospective students to apply early to secure their place in the program and desired start date. A crucial part of the application process is a personal interview with one of our admissions representatives, conducted in person. We welcome and encourage guardians or significant others to participate in this interview, as it provides an opportunity for us to understand your aspirations and assess your suitability for the program.
To complete your enrollment in the Patient Care Associate program, you will need to submit the following documents and fulfill these requirements:
- Application for Admission Form: The first step is to formally apply to our Patient Care Associate program by completing the official application form.
- Enrollment Agreement: You will need to complete and sign an enrollment agreement, outlining the terms and conditions of your program participation.
- For applicants under 18 years of age, the Enrollment Agreement must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Application Fee Payment: A non-refundable application fee is required to process your application.
- Please note that this fee is refundable only if the applicant is denied admission to the program or cancels their application within three business days of the institution’s receipt of the application and fee.
- Student and Programmatic Disclosure Forms: These forms provide important information about the program and your rights and responsibilities as a student.
- Entrance Exam (if applicable): Depending on specific criteria, an entrance exam may be required.
- Please refer to the “Selective Admissions Criteria” section for more details on when an entrance exam might be necessary.
- Request for Official Transcripts: If you are seeking to transfer credits from previous college coursework, you must submit a formal request for your official transcripts.
- Interview Acknowledgment Form/Student Information Record: This form acknowledges your participation in the admissions interview and provides us with essential student information.
Please be aware that the institution retains the right to deny or rescind an applicant’s eligibility to commence classes if all general and selective admissions requirements are not successfully met within the stipulated timeframe.
Program-Specific Admission for the Patient Care Associate Program
While general admission requirements apply to all programs, there might be specific criteria for the Patient Care Associate program to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of this role. Admission to another program within the institution does not automatically guarantee acceptance into the Patient Care Associate program. If you decide to enroll in a different program in the future, you must independently satisfy all the admission requirements for that specific program at the time of application and go through its selection process.
Proof of Graduation: A Prerequisite for Patient Care Associate Program Enrollment
Demonstrating proof of high school graduation or its equivalent is a mandatory step before you can begin your Patient Care Associate program classes. It is your responsibility to provide valid documentation, and in some cases, additional verification may be required to confirm authenticity. Failure to submit this documentation will unfortunately result in enrollment cancellation and forfeiture of any academic credits earned prior to the cancellation.
To successfully enroll in the Patient Care Associate program, prospective students must adhere to the following admission prerequisites:
- Valid Photo Identification: Present a current, valid picture ID for verification purposes.
- Educational Qualification Proof: Provide one of the following as proof of educational attainment:
- High School Diploma
- GED certificate
- Official transcript demonstrating completion of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree as proof of higher education.
- Criminal Background Check: Students enrolling in the Patient Care Associate program, which includes a clinical component, are required to successfully pass a Level 2 Criminal Background Check. This is conducted through a designated third-party to ensure patient safety and program integrity.
- One-on-One Admissions Appointment: A mandatory one-on-one appointment with one of our school’s admissions representatives is necessary to qualify for enrollment. During this session, the representative will offer personalized advisement services to assist you in planning and completing the Patient Care Associate program enrollment process effectively.
- Foreign Education Credentials: If your diplomas and transcripts are from educational institutions in a foreign country, they must be accompanied by official translations and evaluations. For a list of approved translators and evaluators, please visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at www.naces.org. Our institution only accepts translations and evaluations received directly from NACES members, sent directly to our school, and addressed to [School Name], Admissions Department, [School Address].
Selective Admissions Criteria for Patient Care Associate Program
In situations where the number of qualified applicants for the Patient Care Associate program exceeds the available seats, a rubric-based selective admission process will be implemented to ensure fairness and objectivity. This process helps us assess and rank applicants based on several factors, which may include:
- Postsecondary Coursework and Grades: Emphasis may be placed on coursework and grades in relevant subjects like Math and Science, indicating academic preparedness for healthcare studies.
- Entrance Exam Scores: Scores from any required entrance exams will be considered as part of the selection criteria.
- Prior Healthcare Education: Previous graduation from an Allied Health program at another recognized institution may also be taken into account.
Applicants will be ranked according to this rubric, and notifications regarding acceptance or alternate status will be issued accordingly. Applicants placed on the alternate list will be notified of their final status no later than the drop/add period of the program’s start date. Please note that the entrance exam requirement may be waived for applicants who already hold an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Entrance Exam Re-Test Policy for Patient Care Associate Program Applicants
For applicants to the Patient Care Associate program who do not achieve the required score on an entrance exam, we offer a re-test policy to provide opportunities for improvement:
- Second Attempt: A second attempt at the entrance exam is permitted after a 24-hour waiting period from the first attempt.
- Third Attempt: If necessary, a third attempt can be taken after a 48-hour waiting period following the second attempt.
- Fourth Attempt: A fourth and final attempt is allowed after a one-year waiting period from the third attempt.
We encourage all applicants to prepare thoroughly for any required entrance exams to maximize their chances of success in the Patient Care Associate program admission process.
Program Entrance Requirements for Patient Care Associate Program
Students enrolling in the Patient Care Associate program are required to pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) Entrance Test if the program is delivered in a hybrid format or is an onsite (on campus) program of 300 hours or more.
The minimum passing score for the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) is 13. There is a fee of $35 for the exam, which is the student’s responsibility. Students are allowed to retake the exam after a week, with a maximum of three (3) attempts in total.
| PROGRAM | WONDERLIC SCORE | ACCUPLACER SCORE (OVERALL/MATH) | ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Care Associate | 13 | N/A | Criminal Background Check |
| Cardiovascular Sonography | 18 | 125/60 | Criminal Background Check |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 18 | 130/65 | Criminal Background Check |
| Medical Assistant | 13 | N/A | None |
| Medical Billing | 13 | N/A | None |
| Pharmacy Technology | 13 | N/A | Criminal Background Check |
Associate or Advanced Degree Admissions Requirement (Potentially Waived for Patient Care Associate Program)
While some advanced healthcare programs require applicants to hold an associate’s, bachelor’s, or advanced degree, this requirement is typically not mandatory for the Patient Care Associate program. The Patient Care Associate program is designed to provide accessible entry into the healthcare field.
However, if you do possess an associate’s or higher degree from an accredited higher education institution recognized by the United States Federal Department of Education, or its equivalent (as approved by an official evaluation and translation from a NACES member), it can potentially strengthen your application. Official transcripts, if applicable, should be sent directly from the issuing institution to [School Name], Admissions Department, [School Address].
You can still apply and begin your rewarding career path as a Patient Care Associate today!
