MWCC College Catalog 2008-2009 — Admissions

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Selective Admissions

The college has some selective admission programs, outlined on the following pages. Selection for these programs is very competitive and a student’s past and potential educational achievement is measured against all other students applying. Students meeting all of the minimum requirements for admission are not guaranteed acceptance to the selective program of their intent. Students are encouraged to enter the college as a General Studies track student to complete the courses needed for consideration.

Admission to MWCC’s selective programs requires additional application components and must be evaluated for acceptance by the admission committee for that program. Space is limited, the process is competitive, and not all applicants will be granted admission. Additional consideration is given to current MWCC students. In addition to all prerequisites required for consideration, the admission committee reviews any additional academic coursework completed as well as the applicant’s work experience.
Program applications displaying all deadlines and program requirements are available in the admissions office or on our website: www.mwcc.edu.

Applicants must submit all official documentation and demonstrate minimum requirements for consideration by the posted deadline to be considered for acceptance. Coursework in progress at time of deadline will not be used to meet minimum requirements. The admissions office must receive all items no later than 5:00 p.m. on the posted deadline date. Completed applications received after the deadlines may be reviewed on a rolling basis if seats remain available. The college may return completed applications received after the posted deadline without review. All applicants will be notified of the admission decision by mail approximately 45 days following the application deadline. Proof of immunization will be required if an applicant is accepted and must be received prior to class registration. Applicants should refer to the program application form for a list of these requirements. Students previously convicted of a felony may not be eligible for professional licensure or placement in clinical settings. See page 39 for MWCC’s CORI (Criminal Offender Records Information) policy.

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Selective Program Requirements Chart 2008-2009

Program	H.S. Diploma or GED	Placement Testing	Additional Requirements	Priority Deadlines
LPN Bridge Program to Nursing	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math and science competency PN license	March 1 for Gardner campus program that begins in May.
Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS)	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math and science competency	March 1.
Complementary Health Care/Massage (CHD)	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math competency	March 1.
Dental Hygiene Degree (DHY)	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math and science competency	February 1.
Nursing (NU/NUE)	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math and science competency	February 1.
Massage Therapy (MTC)	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math and biology competency	March 1.
Practical Nursing (PN)	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math, reading and science competency	May 1 for the Devens Campus program that begins in September. August 1 for the Gardner Campus program that begins in January.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)	Yes	Yes	Demonstrated English, math and science competency	Next class to be accepted for September 2010 with a deadline of March 1, 2010.

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Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) (selective, full-time, day only)

Application Deadline/Notes for CLS

Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified approximately 45 days after the deadline for application. The CLS program is a selective program that requires a separate application to be admitted to the clinical component, which is the second year of the CLS program. Interested students should meet with the program director/department chair during the first semester of the curriculum to find out more about the selection criteria. The CLS program integrates general education with career preparation in a “1+1” design. The second year is a whole calendar year, beginning in the late summer and is considered the CLS component consisting of clinical courses at Heywood Hospital. These CLS courses cover the theory and practice of laboratory science. Enrollment in the clinical year is not guaranteed and will be limited to space available in the hospital laboratory.

Requirements for Consideration to CLS

English Proficiency:

Students must have completed ENG101 or have fulfilled the following two requirements: completed the Writerplacer Essay and scored 7 or greater (or have completed ENG100) and completed the Reading Comprehension CPT and scored 69 or greater (or have completed RDG100). Also, applicants must have completed the Sentence Skills CPT and scored 68 or greater.

Math Competency:

Score 54 on the Algebra CPT test (MAT121 placement) or have completed a math course equal to MAT121 or 126 or higher with a C+ or greater.

Science Requirement:

Completion of (BIO203, BIO204, BIO205, CHE203, CLS101, CLS102, and CLS103) (completed within the last five years) with a grade of C+ or higher. Applicants currently working in a health care field can petition to lengthen the time to ten years.

Applicants must submit the following to the admissions office:

1. A completed college application accompanied by the $10 nonrefundable application fee.
2. Official high school/home school/GED and college transcripts. Those students educated outside of the U.S. must provide official evaluations documenting high school equivalency.
3. Official transcripts of all college-level courses completed. Transfer credits for education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated for equivalency.
4. The CLS program application packet (includes two letters of recommendation and a writing sample).

Special Program Requirements CLS

Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:

1. Health examination conducted within the past two years by a licensed health care provider.
2. Proof of current immunizations (DPT, MMR, Mantoux, Varicella, Hepatitis B series with follow-up TITRE and TB screening) must be provided to the health office. Contact the health office at (978) 630-9136, for more information.
3. Liability Insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance policy, which will be billed through student fees.
4. All students in selective majors must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance or provide accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
5. Completion of CORI/SORI form.
6. Drug testing may be mandatory at some MWCC clinical instruction sites.

CORI/SORI Policy for the CLS Degree
(see the CLS application packet for more information)

All applicants must furnish satisfactory proof of “good moral character” (M.G.L. Chapter 112, Sections 74 and 74A). Students will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check. It must be understood that a conviction in a court of law may prevent them from being placed in a clinical laboratory. This will prevent successful completion of the CLS program.

Complementary Health Care and Massage Therapy Programs (CHD, CHC, and MTC)

The Complementary Health Care Degree (CHD) has two components: the Complementary Health Care Certificate (CHC) and the Massage Therapy Certificate (MTC).

Students are welcome to begin the CHD program by completing the CHD program application and general college application. At the conclusion of all coursework, they will have earned both certificates and a degree.

A limited number of students may be accepted on a “conditional” basis if the required coursework described below is in progress at the time of application.

Application Deadline for CHD, CHC, and MTC

March 1 (fall entrance only). Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of the admissions decision by mail approximately 45 days after the deadline. Candidate files, completed after deadlines, will be reviewed on a monthly basis if seats remain available.

Requirements for Consideration for MTC

Applicants must be 18 years of age prior to the start of classes.

English Proficiency:

Students must have completed ENG101 or have fulfilled the following two requirements: completed the Writerplacer Essay and scored 7 or greater (or have completed ENG100) and completed the Reading Comprehension CPT and scored 69 or greater (or have completed RDG100). Also, applicants must have completed the Sentence Skills CPT and scored 68 or greater.

Math Competency:

Applicants must score 83 or greater on the Algebra CPT or score 31 or greater on the College Math CPT or have completed a math course equal to MAT121/124/126 or higher with a C+ or greater.

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Biology Requirement:

Students must have completed, or complete concurrently, BIO115 Human Biology or BIO203 Anatomy and Physiology I with a grade of C+ or higher within the last five years. High school courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must submit the following to the admissions office:

1. A completed college application accompanied by the nonrefundable $10 application fee.
2. Official high school/home school/GED and college transcripts. Those students educated outside of the U.S. must provide official evaluations documenting high school equivalency.
3. Official transcripts of all college-level courses completed. Transfer credits for education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated officially for equivalency.
4. The CHD/CHC/MTC application packet.
5. Documentation demonstrating that all minimum requirements for consideration have been met.

Special Program Requirements for CHD, CHC, and MTC

Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:

1. Health examination conducted within the past two years by a licensed health care provider.
2. Proof of current immunizations (DPT, MMR, Mantoux, Varicella, Hepatitis B series with follow-up TITRE and TB screening) must be provided to the health office. Contact the health services office, (978) 630-9136, for more information.
3. Liability insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance policy, which will be billed through student fees.
4. CPR Certification (Professional Rescuer, Health Provider) is required. A certificate of completion must be presented to the health sciences department prior to entering PTA, CHD, and MTC courses.
5. All students in selective majors must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance or provide accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
6. Completion of CORI/SORI form.
7. Drug testing may be mandatory at some MWCC clinical instruction sites.
8. Upon matriculation into Massage Therapy program, students will be assessed a fee of $450 (included in the first massage course (MTC101) to cover the cost of a massage table.

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CORI/SORI Policy for CHC, CHD, and MTC (see the CHD/MTC application packet for more information)

Compliance with licensure laws in the state of Massachusetts requires all CHC/CHD/MTC applicants to furnish satisfactory proof of “good moral character” (M.G.L. Chapter 112, Sections 74 and 74A). Students will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check. It must be understood that a conviction in a court of law may prevent them from being placed in a clinical agency. This then will not allow successful completion of the CHC/CHD/MTC programs. In addition, it will delay and may prohibit their eligibility to take the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB).

Dental Hygiene Degree Program (DHY)

Application Deadline for DHY

February 1 (fall entrance only). Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of the admissions decision by mail approximately 45 days after the deadline. Candidate files completed after deadlines may be reviewed on a monthly basis if seats remain available. The college may return completed applications received after the posted deadline without review.

Requirements for Consideration to DHY

Math Proficiency:

A math course equal to MAT 121/124/126 or higher with a C+ or greater. Students may demonstrate competency by: completing MAT 121/124/126 with a grade of C+ or higher, or obtain a score of 83 or greater on the Algebra CPT test, or score 31 or greater on the College Math CPT test.

Science Requirements:

BIO203 and BIO204 with grades of C+ or higher (completed within five years of application), and PER130 or its equivalent. Applicants currently working in a health care field can petition to lengthen the time to ten years.

English Proficiency:

Students must have completed ENG101 (advised within three years of application) or have fulfilled the following two requirements: completed the Writerplacer Essay and scored 7 or greater (or have completed ENG100) and completed the Reading Comprehension CPT and scored 69 or greater (or have completed RDG100). Also, applicants must have completed the Sentence Skills CPT and scored 68 or greater.

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Students whose native language is not English and those who have not completed grades K-12 in the U.S. must demonstrate English proficiency by having completed ENG101 with a grade of C+ or higher, or have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or score 213 or greater on the computerized version or a score of 550 or greater on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applicants must submit the following to the admissions office:

1. A completed college application accompanied by the $10 nonrefundable application fee (available through admissions or by visiting www.mwcc.edu).
2. Verification of completion of high school or equivalency (see page 18 of the college catalog for acceptable documentation). Current high school students must submit a high school transcript. Education completed outside of the U.S. must be officially translated/evaluated for high school equivalency and these documents must be received from the evaluating firm. Documentation in an official sealed envelope or actual diploma/certificate may be hand-delivered to the admissions office.
3. Official college transcripts (if applicable). Transfer credits for education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated for equivalency. Documents must be received directly from the college or evaluating firm or may be hand delivered in an official sealed envelope. Note: Transfer credits must be completed at an accredited college and official transcripts must be received thirty days prior to deadline for processing. Photocopies will not be reviewed or accepted. Transcripts that have not been processed for transfer credits will not be used in the ranking process.
4. Complete the Dental Hygiene application packet; submit the program application and the work/volunteer form.
5. Documentation demonstrating that all minimum requirements for consideration have been met.
6. Those whose native language is not English and who have not completed grades K-12 or a bachelor's degree in the U.S. must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 on the paper version or 213 on the computer- based test is required.
7. Letters of recommendation are not required.

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Special Program Requirements for DHY

Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:

1. Health examination conducted within two weeks of fall start up date by a licensed health care provider each year student is enrolled.
2. Proof of current immunizations (DPT, MMR, Mantoux, Varicella, Hepatitis B series with follow-up TITRE and TB screening) must be
   provided to the health office. Contact the health office,
   (978) 630-9136 for more information.
3. Liability Insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance
   policy, which will be billed through student fees.
4. All dental hygiene students must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance or provide accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
5. Completion of CORI/SORI form.
6. Current CPR Certification (Professional Rescuer or Health Provider) is required. CPR certification will be offered prior to the start of classes for a $30 fee. This is good for two years. It is strongly suggested all students take these courses. A certificate of completion must be presented to the health sciences department prior to entry into dental hygiene courses.
7. Students will be taking all program specific coursework in Fitchburg at the Burbank Campus. Some clinicals will be provided off campus at sites within the region; all students will be expected to complete clinical rotations on and off site.
8. Drug testing may be mandatory at some MWCC clinical instruction sites.
9. Prior to the start of classes, students will be required to pay approximately $2,000 for uniforms and equipment.

CORI/SORI Policy for DHY (see the DHY application packet for more information)

Compliance with licensure laws in the state of Massachusetts requires all dental hygiene applicants to furnish satisfactory proof of “good moral character” (M.G.L. Chapter 112, Sections 74 and 74A). Dental hygiene students will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check and SORI (Sexual Offender Records Information) consistent with current Commonwealth of Massachusetts law M.G.L.C. §§ 178C-178P. Record storage and usage will be in compliance with (M.G.L.C. 275 § 4). It must be understood that a conviction in a court of law may prevent a person’s eligibility from being placed in a clinical agency. This then will not allow successful completion of the Dental Hygiene program. In addition, it will delay and may prohibit eligibility to take the Dental Hygiene Board Licensing Exam.

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Nursing Programs (NU, NUE, and PN)

MWCC offers three Nursing programs options: the Nursing Degree (day and evening), the LPN Bridge program (for current licensed LPNs), and the Practical Nurse Certificate. The college may return completed applications received after the posted deadline without review. Prior to the start of classes, Nursing students will be required to pay approximately $300 for uniforms and equipment.

Nursing Degree – day (NU) and evening (NUE)

Applicants must be 18 years of age prior to the start of classes.

Application Deadline for NU and NUE

Application for both the day and evening nursing programs is February 1 (fall entrance only). Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of the admissions decision by mail approximately 45 days after the deadline.

Requirements for Consideration to NU or NUE

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Beginning with the 2009 academic year MWCC has made the TEAS test a requirement for admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing Certificate programs. MWCC has set the following standards on TEAS scores for admission to improve the success of students in completing the program and obtaining licensure and certification.

Program	Composite Score	Math	Science	English	Reading
Nurse Education	n/a	50%	55%	70%	75%
Practical Nursing	60%	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

MWCC strongly recommends that applicants complete program pre-and co-requisite courses especially English Composition I, Math and a four-credit lab science before taking the TEAS Test to enhance their knowledge base.

English Proficiency:

Students must have completed ENG101 or have fulfilled the following two requirements: completed the Writerplacer Essay and scored 7 or greater (or have completed ENG100) and completed the Reading Comprehension CPT and scored 69 or greater (or have completed RDG100). Also, applicants must have completed the Sentence Skills CPT and scored 68 or greater.

Students whose native language is not English and those who have not completed grades K-12 in the U.S. must demonstrate English proficiency by having completed ENG101 with a grade of C+ or higher, or have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US college or university, or score 213 on the computerized version or 550 on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Math Competency:

Demonstrated math competency is a crucial requirement for acceptance to the Nursing program. Students may demonstrate competency by: completing MAT121 or 124 or 126 or higher with a grade of C+ or higher, or obtain a score of 83 or greater on the Algebra CPT test, or score 31 or greater on the College Math CPT test.

Science Requirement:

Completion of a four-credit lab science (BIO115 Human Biology or BIO203 Anatomy and Physiology I are preferred) with a grade of C+ or higher within the last five years. Applicants currently working in a health care field can petition to lengthen the time to ten years. High school courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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LPN Bridge to Associate Degree (NU)

Applicants must be currently licensed practical nurses and must meet all the same requirements as those of the Nursing Degree. In addition, applicants must have completed ENG101, PSY105 and BIO203. Further details are outlined in the program application which is available at www.mwcc.edu or through the admissions office.

Application Deadline for the LPN Bridge Program

March 1 (May entrance). Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of the admissions decision by mail approximately 45 days after the deadline. The college may return completed applications received after the posted deadline without review.

Practical Nursing Certificate (PN)

Applicants must be 18 years of age prior to the start of classes.

Application Deadline for PN

May 1 for the Devens Campus program that begins in September and August 1 for the Gardner Campus program that begins in January. Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of the admissions decision by mail approximately 45 days after the deadline. The college may return completed applications received after the posted deadline without review.

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Requirements for Consideration to PN

English Proficiency:

Students are strongly urged to have completed ENG101, with C+ of better at the time of application. Or, have fulfilled the following two requirements: completed the Writerplacer Essay and scored 7 or greater (or have completed ENG100) and completed the Reading Comprehension CPT and scored 69 or greater (or have completed RDG100). Also, applicants must have completed the Sentence Skills CPT and scored 68 or greater.

Math Competency:

Applicants must score 83 or greater on the Algebra CPT or score 31 or greater on the College Math CPT or have completed a math course equal to MAT121/124/126 or higher with a C+ or greater.

Biology Requirement:

BIO115 is a pre-or co-requisite for NUR101 and must be completed with a C+ or higher within the last five years (BIO 203 and BIO 204 with a C+ or better may be substituted for BIO 115).

Applicants must submit the following to the admissions office:

1. A completed college application accompanied by the $10 nonrefundable application fee.
2. An official transcript from your high school or official copy of GED scores and/or GED certificate (documents must be received directly from high school or testing facility). Education completed outside of the U.S. must be officially translated/evaluated for high school equivalency).
3. Official transcripts of all college-level courses completed. Transfer credits for education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated for equivalency.
4. The Nursing application packet.
5. Documentation demonstrating that all minimum requirements for consideration have been met.
6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if applicable.
7. Bridge applicants must submit proof of their current license and official PN transcript.

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Special Program Requirements for NU, NUE, and PN

Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:

1. Health examination conducted within the past two years by a licensed health care provider.
2. Proof of current immunizations (DPT, MMR, Mantoux, Varicella, Hepatitis B series with follow-up TITRE and TB screening) must be provided to the health office. Contact the health services office at (978) 630-9136, for more information.
3. Liability Insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance policy, which will be billed through student fees.
4. CPR Certification (Professional Rescuer, Health Provider) is required. A certificate of completion must be presented to the health sciences department prior to entry into nursing courses.
5. All nursing students must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance or provide accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
6. Completion of CORI/SORI form.
7. Drug Testing may be mandatory at some MWCC Clinical Instruction sites.

CORI/SORI Policy for Nursing Programs (see the Nursing application packet for more information)

Compliance with licensure laws in the state of Massachusetts requires all NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN applicants to furnish satisfactory proof of “good moral character” (M.G.L. Chapter 112, Sections 74 and 74A). Nursing students will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check. It must be understood that a conviction in a court of law may prevent them from being placed in a clinical agency. This then will not allow successful completion of the Nursing program. In addition, it will delay and may prohibit their eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.

Individuals requiring CORI checks must also have Sexual Offender Records Information ( SORI) checks completed as well, consistent with current Commonwealth of Massachusetts law MGLC 178-C-178P. Record storage and usage will be in compliance with college procedures depending on the result of a CORI or SORI check, as person’s eligibility in the nursing programs may be affected.

Applicants for initial Massachusetts nurses licensure must report both felonies and misdemeanors convictions, and disciplinary action to the Board of Registration in Nursing for its evaluation of the applicant’s compliance with the Good Moral Character requirement at GL, c.112, 22.74 and 74A. For details, refer to the Good Moral Character Information Sheet.

Physical Therapy Assistant Degree (PTA)–(day only)

Application Deadline for PTA
Next class to be accepted for September 2010

March 1, 2010 (fall entrance only). Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified approximately 45 days after the deadline for application. Completed applications received after deadlines may be reviewed on a monthly basis if seats remain available.

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Requirements for Consideration to PTA

English Proficiency:

Students must have completed ENG101 or have fulfilled the following two requirements: completed the Writerplacer Essay and scored 7 or greater (or have completed ENG100) and completed the Reading Comprehension CPT and scored 69 or greater (or have completed RDG100). Also, applicants must have completed the Sentence Skills CPT and scored 68 or greater.

Math Competency:

Applicants must score 83 or greater on the Algebra CPT, or score 31 or greater on the College Math CPT, or have completed a math course equal to MAT121/124/126 or higher, with a C+ or better.

Science Requirement:

Completion of a four-credit lab science (BIO115 Human Biology or BIO203 Anatomy and Physiology I are preferred) with a grade of C+ or higher (completed within the last five years). Applicants currently working in a health care field can petition to lengthen the time to ten years. High school courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must submit the following to the admissions office:

1. A completed college application accompanied by the $10 nonrefundable application fee.
2. A certification statement that you have completed high school or received your GED certificate. Those students educated outside of the U.S. must provide official evaluations documenting high school equivalency.
3. Official transcripts of all college-level courses completed. Transfer credits for education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated for equivalency.
4. The PTA application packet.
5. Documentation demonstrating that all minimum requirements for consideration have been met.

Special Program Requirements PTA

Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:

1. Health examination conducted within the past two years by a licensed health care provider.
2. Proof of current immunizations (DPT, MMR, Mantoux, Varicella, Hepatitis B series with follow-up TITRE and TB screening) must be provided to the health office. Contact the health office (978) 630-9136, for more information.
3. Liability Insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance policy, which will be billed through student fees.
4. CPR Certification (Professional Rescuer, Health Provider) is required. A certificate of completion must be presented to the health sciences department prior to entry into PTA courses.
5. All students in selective majors must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance or provide accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
6. Completion of CORI/SORI form.
7. Drug testing may be mandatory at some MWCC clinical instruction sites.

CORI/SORI Policy for the PTA Degree (see the PTA application packet for more information)

Compliance with licensure laws in the state of Massachusetts requires all Physical Therapist Assistant Degree applicants to furnish satisfactory proof of “good moral character” (M.G.L. Chapter 112, Sections 74 and 74A). Students will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check. It must be understood that a conviction in a court of law may prevent them from being placed in a clinical agency. This then will not allow successful completion of the PTA programs. In addition, it will delay and may prohibit their eligibility to take their respective state’s PTA licensure examination.

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Documentation of High School Equivalency

For high school equivalency, the college will accept any of the following:

1. An official high school or GED transcript sent directly from the awarding site.
2. Self-certification of completion of a high school degree, if the certification is provided after the high school graduation date.
3. Original high school diploma or original GED certificate brought to the office (photocopy retained).
4. Letter from school superintendent (on official letterhead and with high school seal) indicating approved education plan and stating date of graduation and/or completion of high school or home school education.
5. For records that are unobtainable or destroyed, applicants may submit a letter from the school superintendent (on official letterhead and with high school seal) indicating date of graduation and/or completion of high school.

Those documents awarded from a country outside of the U.S. must be translated and evaluated to U.S. standards through a credential evaluating agency. Agencies can be found on the web at www.naces.org.

International Applicants

We invite International students to consider making MWCC their choice for undergraduate study in America. International students are required to submit the same credentials as domestic applicants. All documents must be submitted in English. If the credentials must be translated, the original copy (or a certified copy of the original) must be submitted along with the translation. All transcripts must be officially certified and sent directly by the educational institution or certified by the appropriate embassy. Photocopies will not be accepted.

International Application

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The following information is required of all International applicants:

1. A complete college application accompanied by the $10 nonrefundable application fee.
2. An official copy of secondary/high school record, indicating grades earned with certified translations of any non-English records. Applicants must have these documents translated and evaluated to U.S. standards through a credential evaluating agency. Agencies can be found on the web at www.naces.org.
3. Official copies of all college/university coursework, indicating grades earned with official explanation of grading system. Applicants must have these documents translated and evaluated to U.S. standards through a credential evaluating agency.
4. Completed affidavit of support and financial statement with accompanying evidence. Forms are available at the admissions office or at our website at www.mwcc.edu.
5. Transfer applicants only: a completed “I-20 Transfer Request Form” signed by your current college/university and current transcript indicating completed courses and those in progress.

Student Visas:

The issuance of certificates for student visas (INS Form I-20 A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students) will not be given until all of the above items have been received and the applicant has been accepted to the college.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please: complete all items required in a typed format or legible handwriting; make sure the name on your application matches the names on your transcripts; and provide all required documentation prior to the deadline.

Application deadlines for International applicants:

May 15 for the fall (September) semester or September 15 for spring (January) semester.

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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

International applicants are not required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Applicants who do not meet other means of establishing proficiency in English for the Nursing program may consider taking the TOEFL. Nursing applicants are required to score a minimum of 550 on the paper version or 213 on the computer-based test. For more information on TOEFL testing, contact your nearest U.S. consulate about this test or write to the Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A. Test results should be sent directly to the admissions office at MWCC.

Affidavit of Support and Financial Statement

Financial assistance from MWCC is not available to International students. For general information about financial assistance, students may request the booklet “Financial Planning for Study in the United States” from the US Information Agency or bi-national advising center in their home country.

International students pay the same tuition and fees as out-of-state domestic students. Please consult our website, www.mwcc.edu, for current out-of-state/International student rates for the academic year for which you are applying. The expenses listed below do not include travel expenses to and from Massachusetts and are considered reasonable minimum estimates for students. If a student is accompanied by family members, add $3,500 for spouse and $1,000 for each child. This estimate represents the amount you will be asked to prove you have available when you apply for a visa.

Estimated Expenses for an F-1 student for Academic Year 2008-2009 (US Dollars)

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Before the admissions office can issue the Form I­20 for use by applicants in obtaining a visa, it must have proof that applicants have sufficient funds to study for one year with a reasonable expectation that the funding will continue for the full course of study. The information requested on the affidavit of support and financial statement is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and by U.S. consulates to ensure the financial stability of persons admitted to the U.S. as students. You should not plan on supplementing your financial support with employment because there are very strict limitations on the employment of International students in the U.S. The financial statement must be accompanied by supporting evidence, such as originals of: notarized bank statement in the applicant’s name; a scholarship award letter from a foundation, agency, or government; a notarized letter from an individual sponsor indicating the intention to provide support for the specified amount and which is accompanied by a bank statement showing the ability to do so. We recommend that you retain duplicate copies of the financial statement and supporting evidence to facilitate your dealings with the U.S. consulate and/or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service).

SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS fee is required of all foreign nationals who come to the United States for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in institutions such as colleges, universities, and language training programs. The $100 fee is payable one time for each single educational program in which an F-1 or F-3 student participates, extending from the time the student is granted F-1 or F-3 status to the time the student falls out of status, changes status, or departs the U.S. for an extended period of time.

The fee went into effect on September 1, 2004. SEVIS fee payments will be used by the United States Department of Homeland Security to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This program makes it possible for international students and exchange visitors to attend schools in the United States. The fee also funds the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a computer system employed to track international students and exchange visitors during their stays in the United States. For more information, please visit: http://www.cafss.nafsa.org/SEVISFee/SEVIS_Fee_QA_general.htm.

Minimum Age Requirement

In accordance with Massachusetts state law, students without a high school diploma or GED should meet a minimum age requirement of 16 years of age or be a registered high school junior or senior in order to be considered for admission to MWCC as a non-matriculated student. Any applicant under the age of 16 must meet with the admissions director.

Residency

A Massachusetts resident (or resident alien) student is defined as a US citizen who has lived in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for at least six continuous months immediately preceding the beginning date of the academic period for which he/she seeks to enroll. To be eligible for in-state tuition at a Massachusetts Community College, an applicant must:

1. establish residency in Massachusetts for at least six (6) continuous months prior to the beginning of the academic period for which the applicant seeks enrollment (parent or legal guardian residency required if applicant is unemancipated child) AND have an intent to remain in Massachusetts indefinitely; or
2. establish residency in Massachusetts for at least six (6) continuous months prior to the beginning of the academic period for which the applicant seeks enrollment (parent or legal guardian residency required if applicant is unemancipated child) and have an intent to remain in Massachusetts indefinitely; or
3. be a member of the armed forces (or spouse or unemanicipated child) on active duty in Massachusetts.

Persons who are on student visas or other visas who have declared as a condition of their visa that they intend to return to their homeland shall be ineligible for in-state tuition. Other non-citizens who have satisfied the residency requirement may establish an intent to remain in Massachusetts indefinitely, and therefore may be eligible for in-state tuition, by maintaining one of the following immigration statuses: Permanent Resident Aliens; U.S. permanent residents with I-151, I-551, and I-551C forms; student who have an I-94 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service) with one of the following designations stamped on the card: refugee; Cuban-Haitian entrant status pending; or asylum granted; or International students with student visas who are married to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Other non-citizens may also be eligible for in-state tuition (“S” courses). In all cases the college will conduct a case-by-case analysis.

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New England Regional Student Program

MWCC participates in the New England Regional Student Program (NERSP). This program, administered by the New England Board of Higher Education, offers qualified out-of-state residents the benefit of reduced tuition to study at any of the publicly-supported institutions of higher education in New England. Massachusetts’ resident tuition, plus 75 percent, is charged to out-of-state students if a specific program is not offered in the student’s home state. NERSP students pay the same fees as all other students. (See Tuition and Fees)

January Admission

Candidates are admitted to the college for January enrollment on a space-available basis. Some introductory courses may not be offered during the spring semester.

Readmission

Students who have previously attended the college and would like to be considered for readmission, after an absence of one year or more, should contact the Enrollment Center, Leominster Campus, or Devens Campus to reactivate their registration status.

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Dual Enrollment

High school students who intend to complete a portion of their junior or senior year at the college through MWCC’s Dual Enrollment program must:

• Submit a completed college application, including a $10 nonrefundable application fee.
• Apply no later than June 30 for fall classes and October 31 for spring classes (applications received after these deadlines will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
• Be 16 years of age or a current junior or senior and hold a minimum 2.8 GPA (official transcript required).
• Submit a "Dual Enrollment Applicant Form" completed with your guidance counselor. This form is available on our website or by calling the admissions office: (978) 630-9110.
• Assessment Test Score Requirements:
  English Proficiency: Score of 7 or greater on the Writeplacer Essay and 68 on the sentence skills portion of the test
  Reading Proficiency: Score of 69 on the CPT Reading Comprehension assessment. Sentence Skills: 68 or greater on CPT SS assessment required.
  Math Proficiency: Score of 66 on the CPT Arithmetic assessment and 54 on the CPT Algebra assessment.

Students must meet established guidelines of MWCC and their participating high school. Students enrolled in the Dual Enrollment program are not allowed to participate in classes beginning after 6:00 p.m. without permission from the sending high school and the student’s parent or guardian. Students enrolled in this program are non-matriculated students and must pay all college tuition/fees and are ineligible for financial aid while they are enrolled in high school.

Assessment & College Placement Test (CPT)

Each student (matriculated and non-matriculated) will visit the Student Success Center (978) 630-9244 to take the College Placement Test (CPT) to determine his or her level of proficiency in reading, writing, and math. The results are used by an academic adviser to place a student in appropriate courses. Information about the placement test along with a schedule of administration times can be obtained by calling (978) 630-9244. Students whose skills in these areas are not college level are placed in either foundation and/or English as a Second Language courses, as appropriate. Assessment testing may be waived for transfer students who have completed previous college-level English and Math courses.

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The reading, mathematics, and writing tests are computerized and may be repeated upon recommendation from an academic advisor. There is a $10 re-test fee. The scores are valid for a period of three years. Students with a documented disability who need an accommodation should contact the counselor for students with disabilities; (978) 630-9120.

Outcomes Assessment is also performed in the Assessment Center upon the completion of required academic courses and prior to degree completion. Additionally, the center offers CLEP testing, challenge tests and other related academic assessments.

Institutional Credit

Developmental courses (course numbers below 101 and certain ESL courses and MAT120) that earn institutional credit do not apply toward graduation.

Enrollment Services

New students and re-admitted students who have completed their assessment test, or for whom testing has been waived, may register for classes in the Enrollment Center. Students will meet with an academic adviser to select courses and plan their schedule.

Academic Advising

All day students are assigned to a member of the faculty or administrative staff to receive academic advice, information about the curriculum, college policies, and support services. Every effort is made to assign an advisor who is familiar with the student’s field of study. Evening students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor by appointment in the Enrollment Center.

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Health Insurance & Immunization Requirements

Each institution of higher education in Massachusetts must require all students enrolled for nine credits or more per semester to participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance Plan, unless the student can provide verification of comparable coverage.

The college’s comprehensive health insurance covers accidents and sickness and both hospital and non-hospital confinement services. There is a pre-existing condition clause, and it is recommended that each student compare the benefits of his/her current coverage before transferring to the college policy. The fee for this insurance is included on the bill for students enrolled in a degree program unless an insurance waiver is provided.

All enrolled students and their immediate families are permitted to subscribe to the college insurance program whether they are enrolled in a degree program or not. This means that students who are enrolled for less than nine credits per semester may also apply if they so choose. Details of this coverage may be obtained from the student accounts office, the health services office, or go to www.universityhealthplans.com.

Mandatory Immunization Requirements for College Students

105 CMR 220.600: M.G.L. c.76, §§ 15C Chapter 76 Section 15B of the General Laws of Massachusetts.

Immunization Forms (PDF)

A. In order to be registered at an institution of higher learning, (1) every full-time undergraduate student including cycle students (registered for 12 credits or more in a semester), and (2) every full-time or part-time undergraduate student in an allied health program who is in contact with patients, and (3) every student on a student visa, including all International students attending or visiting classes as part of a formal academic visitation exchange program, must present a physician’s certificate that such student has received the necessary immunizations.

A school immunization record may be presented in lieu of the certificate.

1. At least one dose of mumps and rubella vaccine(s) given at or after 12 months of age or titer to prove immunity.
2. Two doses of live measles vaccine given at least one month apart beginning at or after 12 months of age or titer to prove immunity.
3. A booster dose of Td within the last ten years.
4. Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine or titer to prove immunity.
5. Meningococcal vaccine is required for all students at a postsecondary school that provide or license housing. (Fitchburg Institute students)

B. The requirements of 105 CMR 220.600 shall not apply where:

1. The student provides written documentation that he or she meets the standards for medical or religious exemption set forth in M.G.L. c.76.

C. Students may be registered on the condition that the required immunizations are obtained within 30 days of registration. Additional MWCC requirements:

1. All allied health students need to comply with additional immunization and health requirements set forth by their individual programs. Please refer to your specific allied health program for special program requirements.
2. All allied health students and every student on a student visa, including all foreign students and Fitchburg State Institute students need to provide proof of an Intradermal Tuberculin Test. (TB)
3. Allied health students who cannot document a history of varicella, (chicken pox) or varicella vaccination should be screened by their physician with a titer to identify immunity status. If not immune, it is recommended that they receive vaccine.
4. All allied health students must comply with immunization and health requirements prior to attending clinical practices.
5. The college requires all full-time students enrolled in a degree program and full and part-time allied health students to have a physical examination by his/her private physician conducted within the last two years

Health records may be obtained from your physician or your high school records. Information concerning immunization may be obtained from the Health Services.