Health Sciences Division

Return to: Health Sciences Division

Health Sciences Programs

TCL offers a selection of quality programs of study in Health Sciences. In each curriculum, the programs of study include general education and Health Sciences courses. Each Health Sciences course builds on the previous course; therefore, Health Sciences courses must be taken in sequence. Program requirements and expectations are explained in the text below.

Admission to Health Sciences Programs

Health Sciences faculty are a limited resource in South Carolina. Clinical placement is limited by the size of local facilities and by regulations from state licensing agencies and accrediting institutions regarding numbers of students and instructor-student ratios. These restrictions necessitate state licensing agencies and admitting students who have the highest probability of success in order to wisely use our limited resources. Individuals must complete the Associate Degree programs within three years of the start date and Certificate and Diploma programs within two years of the start date.

Admission Policies and Procedures

I. All Applicants Must Meet General College Admission Requirements

II. Health Sciences Program Application Requirements

1. Admission into the college and completion of the application process does not guarantee acceptance into a Health Sciences program. Applicants are required to meet regularly with the Health Science advisor. There are policies and procedures applicable to the Health Sciences Programs in addition to those listed in the catalog. Students applying to a Health Sciences program must complete the following prior to consideration for admission.
   1. Official high school or GED transcripts must be in Student Records with a copy in the student’s folder in the Division of Health Sciences office. Certification of attendance is not acceptable.
   2. Official transcripts from all colleges attended by applicant must be in Student Records with a copy in the student’s folder in the Division of Health Science office. Official transcripts will be evaluated and Transfer of Credits entered by Student Records. It is the student’s responsibility to check Web Advisor for credits transferred in from other colleges and to contact Student Records if credit is not received.
2. Establish readiness for program of study as follows.
   1. ACCUPLACER scores indicating eligibility for ENG 101  and PSY 201 , must be met prior to entry into any Associate Degree Health Sciences program. Applicants to the Massage Therapy Certificate program and the Surgical Technology Diploma Program must have completed MAT 101  and MAT 102 . Students may be required to take the ACCUPLACER math test.
   2. Applicants to Associate Degree programs must be eligible for MAT 120  and BIO 210 .
   3. Biophysical science course credits and mathematics course credits must be earned within seven years of admissions to any Health Sciences program.
3. Applicants must:
   1. Meet with a Health Science Advisor within six months of application deadline date.
   2. Complete the Health Sciences Program Application Checklist (this checklist addresses items listed in sections III) and the Weighted Criteria Score sheets, which are available in the Health Science Division office and at www.TCL.edu/pathways/health-sciences/
   3. Submit receipt of application fee.
   4. Complete the application and submit by the deadline published on the TCL website.
4. Completed application portfolios generally include all official transcripts (i.e. high school or GED and college), documented completion of program checklist, Health Sciences Program application, Entrance Test scores, and weighted Admissions Score sheet. There may be other specific requirements applicable to each program.

III. Acceptance Into Individual Health Sciences Programs

1. Nursing Program Acceptance Requirements
   In addition to the requirements listed in Section II, all applicants must meet the following criteria for Diploma in Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN option) and (LPN-RN option):

   1. Score a 1300 or higher on the Achieve3000 (contact the Tutoring Center for scheduling).  

   2. Students must score a 63 or higher (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V or ATI TEAS.  The TEAS Test may be taken 3 times within a year.

   3. TCL GPA of 2.5 or higher, GPA of 2.5 or higher from the most recent college attended if no TCL GPA, or a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for students, graduating within 12 months of application date, with no college credit.

   4. Applicants with two or more failures (D, F, WF) in required non-Nursing courses (BIO 210 , BIO 211 , BIO 225 , ENG 101 , ENG 102 , MAT 120 , PSY 201 , or PSY 203 ) and 3-credit humanities course within the last 3 years must:

      1. Score at least a 66 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V and ATI TEAS, TEAS test may be taken 3 times within the year prior to application;

      2. Complete all required non-nursing courses in the program of study (BIO 210 , BIO 211 , BIO 225 , ENG 101 , ENG 102 , MAT 120 , PSY 201 , PSY 203 , and 3 hours of an approved humanities course)

      3. Have a TCL GPA of 2.75 or higher. Math and biology courses must have been completed within the last seven (7) years.

   5. Applicants with two or more nursing course failures (D, F, WF) from any nursing program have one opportunity for admission. The applicant must:

                 a. Have waited three (3) years from the last nursing course failure to b eligible to apply.

                 b. Score a 70 or higher (adjusted inidividual total score) on the TEAS V or ATI TEAS.

                 c. Have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

                 d. Score 1350 on the Achieve3000 (contact the Tutoring Center for scheduling).

                 e. Math courses must be completed within the last 7 years.

                  f. Biology courses (BIO 210, 211, 205) must be completed within 2 years from date of application.       

      Once accepted to the Diploma Practical Nursing or the Associate in Nursing programs, beginning the nursing sequence of courses is contingent on:

                  a. Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

                  b. Attending Mandatory Orientation Program.

                  c. Complete applicable health and clinical requirements with associated costs by requested due date.

                  d. Must have reliable internet access and other hardware and software (see Student Handbook).

                  e. Maintain valid Health Insurance.

       Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to further their education to Associate Degree Nursing as a registered nurse will receive experiential credit for nursing courses and be provided a test-out option for other courses. LPN-RN students should talk about these options with their assigned nursing advisor.

      Note:  Requirements for the Nursing program are subject to change without notice in order to meet requirement of the South Carolina LLR Board of Nursing, the South Carolina Technical College System, and ACEN.

2. Radiologic Technology Program Acceptance Requirements
   All applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

   1. Students are not eligible for the Radiologic Technology program if they have two or more failures in radiology courses at TCL or any college attended.  

   2. Students must score at least a 63 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V and:

      1. Minimum TCL GPA of 2.5, GPA of 2.5 from the most recent college attended if no TCL GPA, or

      2. Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for students graduating within 12 months of application date.

   3. Applicants with two or more failures (D, F, WF) in required non-Radiology courses (BIO 210 , BIO 211 , ENG 101 , MAT 110 , MAT 111 , MAT 130 , PSY 201 , or PSY 203 ) within the last five years must:

      1. Score at least a 63 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V;

      2. Complete all required non-radiology courses in the program of study (BIO 210 , BIO 211 , ENG 101 , MAT 110 , MAT 111 , MAT 130 , PSY 201 , and 3 hours of an approved humanities course) with a total TCL GPA ≥ 2.75. Math and biology courses must have been completed within the last five years.

2. Physical Therapist Assistant Program Acceptance Requirements  
   All applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
   1. Score at least a 63 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V and:
      1. Minimum TCL GPA of 2.5, GPA of 2.5 from the most recent college attended if no TCL GPA, or
      2. Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for students graduating within 12 months of application date
         OR
   2. Score at least a 57 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V and complete the following courses: BIO 210 , BIO 211 , PSY 201 , MAT 120 , ENG 101 , ENG 102 , and 3 hours of an approved humanities course with a total GPA ≥ 2.75 at last college attended.
      The TEAS test may only be taken twice within a 12 month period from date of first test. Only the highest score will be considered. Copies of ALL TEAS Test Results must be included (not just those taken within the past 12 months).
               OR
   3. Applicants with two or more failures (D, F, WF) in required non-PTA courses (BIO 210 , BIO 211 , ENG 101 , ENG 102 , MAT 120 , PSY 201 ) within the last five years must:
      1. Score at least a 63 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V
      2. Complete all required non-PTA courses (BIO 210 , BIO 211 , ENG 101 , ENG 102 , MAT 120 , PSY 201 , and 3 hours of an approved humanities course) with a total TCL GPA ≥ 2.75. Math and biology courses must have been completed within the last five years.
         OR
   4. Applicants with two or more failures (D, F, WF) in PTA courses have one opportunity for admission. Applicant must:
      1. Score greater than 70 (adjusted individual total score)on the TEAS V
      2. Complete all non-Physical Therapy Assistant courses in the program of study (BIO 210 , BIO 211 , ENG 101 , ENG 102 , MAT 120 , & PSY 201 ) with a GPA ≥ 2.75. Math courses must be completed within the last five years. Biology courses must be taken within 18 months of the date of application.
      3. Wait a minimum of two academic years from time of second failure to apply.

2. Surgical Technology Program Acceptance Requirements
   All applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
   1. Applicants are not eligible for the Surgical Technology program if they have two or more failures in Surgical Technology courses at TCL or any college attended.
   2. Score at least a 60 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V and:
      1. Minimum TCL GPA of 2.5, GPA of 2.5 from last college attended if no TCL GPA, or
      2. Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for students graduating within 12 months of application date
         OR
   3. Score at least a 57 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V and complete the following courses: AHS 103 , BIO 112 , PSY 201 , ENG 101 , & CPT 101  or CPT 170  with a combined course GPA ≥ 2.75
      The TEAS test may only be taken twice within a 12 month period from date of first test. Effective January 3, 2012, only the highest score will be considered; however, copies of ALL TEAS Test Results must be included (not just those taken within the past 12 months).
               OR
   4. Applicants with two or more failures (D, F, WF) in required non-SUR courses (AHS 103 , BIO 112 , ENG 101 , PSY 201 , CPT 101 , or CPT 170 ) within the last five years must:
      1. Score at least a 60 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V
      2. Complete the following courses: AHS 103 , BIO 112 , PSY 201 , ENG 101 , & CPT 101  or CPT 170  with a total TCL GPA ≥ 2.75.
          
3. Massage Therapy Program Acceptance Requirements
   All applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
   1. ACCUPLACER scores or previous college transcripts evaluated by health science advisor indicate that prior to application the student is eligible for BIO 112 . See College catalog to make sure you have met the pre-requisites to this course.
   2. Have overall GPA from H.S., TCL &/or all other colleges of ≥ 2.25.
   3. I understand that if accepted to the program:
      1. I must maintain a TCL GPA of at least 2.25 to enter the program.
      2. I must have access to a computer and internet as some MTH courses have an online component.
      3. I must attend a mandatory orientation.
      4. I must be able to attend a clinical rotation at sites with a 60 mile radius of the Beaufort or New River campus.  

2. Medical Assisting Program Acceptance Requirements
   All applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

   1. Students must have successful completion of MAT 101 and MAT 102 and be eligible to take BIO 112 before the first semester and eligible for  ENG 101 before the second semester to gain entry into the program.  

   2. Students must score at least a 60 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V and:

      1. Minimum TCL GPA of 2.5, GPA of 2.5 from the most recent college attended if no TCL GPA, or

      2. Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 for students graduating within 12 months of application date.

   3. Applicants with two or more failures (D, F, WF) in required non-Medical Assisting courses (AHS 102 , BIO 112 , CPT 101  or CPT 170 , & ENG 101 ) within the last five years must:

      1. Score at least a 60 (adjusted individual total score) on the TEAS V;

      2. Complete all non-Medical Assisting courses in the program of study (AHS 102 , BIO 112 ,  CPT 170 , & ENG 101 ), with a total TCL GPA ≥ 2.75. Math courses must have been completed within the last five years.  Biology courses must be completed within 18 months from the date of application.

      3. Wait a minimum of three academic years from time of second failure to apply.

                              OR

       4. Applicants with two or more failures (D, F, WF) in Medical Assisting courses have one opportunity for admission.  Applicants must:

            a. Score greater than 64 adjusted individual total score on the TEAS V.

            b. Complete all required courses (AHS 102 , BIO 112 ,  CPT 170 , & ENG 101 ), with a total TCL GPA ≥ 2.75. Math and biology courses must have been completed within the last five years.

IV. For Applicants Who Meet The Admission Requirements, Acceptance Decisions Are Based on The Following:

1. Preference is given to students who are applying to a health science program for the first time.
2. Acceptable Entrance Test scores (see current published requirements at www.tcl.edu) (not applicable for Massage Therapy Program). Applicants may take the Entrance Exam three (3) times in a 12 month period and the highest score will be considered.
3. Residency, with first preference to residents of Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, and Colleton counties, second preference to residents of other South Carolina counties, and finally to applicants from other states. 
4. Applications that meet the criteria for acceptance and are received after the published deadline may be given consideration on a space availability basis.
5. A weighted admission scoring system is used for nursing program admission to select students. Program admission is limited.

V. Re-entry into Health Sciences Programs - See program specific student handbook

1. Re-entry will be considered on space availability.

VI. Students Accepted Into a Health Sciences

1. In order to meet the requirements of various clinical sites, students must complete specific requirements prior to the announced program start date. Failure to submit required information by the deadline will result in withdrawal from the program. Detailed information will be provided during program orientation.
   1. Completion of a Division of Health Sciences health examination form along with required immunizations.
   2. Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers
   3. Approved national background check.
   4. Approved urine drug screen. Presence of illegal substances will result in withdrawal from the program.
2. Applicants must be eligible and able to attend clinical rotations at sites the college utilizes for clinical practice to include weekends and evenings. These sites are located within a 60-mile radius of the Beaufort campus. Any clinical facility utilized by the TCL program has the authority to deny a student the privilege of rotating through their facility. Rejection of a student by a clinical facility will result in elimination of the student from the program.
3. Students are responsible for seeking academic advisement from their Health Sciences advisor.
4. Completion of all required courses in a Health Sciences curriculum is the student’s responsibility. Failure to complete pre/corequisites in the required semester will result in administrative withdrawal from the program. See program specific student handbook for further information about progression and completion.
5. Healthcare providers are a part of a practice discipline, with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. A student must possess a functional level capable of performing the duties required related to the designated healthcare field. Essential eligibility requirements for participation in a designated Health Sciences program are identified in the specific discipline’s Core Performance Standards. Potential students will be provided copies of the Core Performance Standards upon request.
6. Students actively taking courses at other colleges must have official transcripts in their Division of Health Sciences folder within one week of the grade posting each semester. Students are not permitted to register and progress in the program without these transcripts on file in the Division of Health Sciences. (All official transcripts are required prior to pre-registration for the final semester.)
7. Conviction of any crime may make the applicant ineligible to apply for certification/registry/licensure examinations. Criminal conviction or pending criminal charges of any of the following may make the applicant ineligible to apply for certification/ registry/licensure.
   1. Crimes of violence (e.g., murder, manslaughter, criminal sexual assault, crimes involving the use of deadly force, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and assault and battery with intent to kill).
   2. Crimes involving the distribution of illegal drugs.
   3. Crimes that involve Moral Turpitude (excluding fraudulent checks and shoplifting).
   4. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact, as appropriate, the applicable licensing/certification agency for clarification or advisement.
8. Progression Criteria: All courses required within a program must be completed in sequence with a grade of “C” or better. Students may re-enter the Nursing course sequences only once (see Student Hadbook for more detail). If the student exits program, the student must meet all requirements for admission again.

VII. Transfer Candidates

1. Students seeking advanced placement through transfer of courses must
   1. Have acceptable courses, including SMART (military), i.e., course content and credit equality as determined by the Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee.
   2. Individuals must complete associate degree programs within three years of start date and current department programs within two years of start date.
   3. Meet all other program admission requirements, including acceptable scores on the entrance test.
   4. Be considered on a space availability basis.
   5. Have a letter of recommendation from the director of the previous school attended within the last three years.
   6. Complete a minimum of 25% of degree/diploma credits at TCL in order to graduate from TCL.

VIII. Allocation of Credits

The unit of measurement for course credits is the semester hour. Credits are based on classroom, on-campus laboratory, and clinical hours. A semester is 15 weeks of class and one week of examinations.

Return to: Health Sciences Division