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HEALTH OCCUPATIONS PROGRAMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

The following is provided to acquaint the potential student with the admissions process and specific program information.

Admission requirements for adult programs are:

Be eighteen (18) years old or older by completion of program;
Have high school diploma or GED;
Completed COMPASS testing;
Complete Career Ability Placement Survey (CAPS);
Completed program application;
Completed Medical History and Physical examination with current immunizations by established deadline;
Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is based on a point system;
Upon acceptance into a Health Program, you will be required to undergo an OSBI Criminal History and Sex Offender Search and Drug Screen;
Applicant Interview.

Preferred scores for the COMPASS exam are:

COMPASS TEST	PRACTICAL NURSING	SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY
Total Reading Score	85 Scale Score = 12.2 grade level	85 Scale Score = 12.2 grade level
Total Math Score	38 Scale Score = 9.5 grade level	36 Scale Score = 9.0 grade level
Total Writing Score	47 Scale Score = 10.0 grade level	47 Scale Score = 10.0 grade level

The steps of the admission process are:

Step One

Take COMPASS exam and CAPS assessment, fill out application form.

Step Two

Your place on the waiting list will be determined on a point – based system. Points will be given for educational as well as life experiences. The preference point sheet will be given to you the day you come for testing. This will direct you as to what to turn in to HOE for consideration of points. A one time $25 NON REFUNDABLE application fee is required for the practical nursing program.

Step Three

If you score below the preferred in math, reading or both, remediation and retesting is encouraged. At this time you may schedule and attend review in area(s) needed, then retest in area(s) of low score. Test scores are good for 18 months.

If your application to ST or PN is to be considered for admission, the candidate must meet with the financial aid officer, if this is not done by the time the class is chosen you will be removed from the applicant pool. Students are required to complete a Medical History with current immunizations and Physical exam prior to final acceptance into the program. This information will be mailed with notification of acceptance into a class.

The Practical Nursing and Surgical Technology Programs include a supply fee. The supply fee includes books, curriculum, uniforms, student organization fees, liability insurance fees, graduation fees (where applicable), and other miscellaneous expenses.

General Considerations and Information

Attendance requirements for the programs are reflective of industry standards. There are no excused absences. Both programs are divided into three levels, with the major clinical emphasis occurring during the second and third levels. An effort is made to utilize health care facilities that will offer the student the best learning experience. Many of these facilities are located over 45 miles away. We do not guarantee you will attend clinicals at the health care facility closest to your home.

Considering the attendance requirements and location of clinical facilities, it is important to plan for the following:

Students must have dependable transportation and be prepared to meet the expenses of commuting. Although car-pooling is sometimes feasible, each student is responsible for his/her transportation, in case the car pool plan is not always available.
It is also important for students who are parents of young children to have reliable child care support services, available during early hours (5:00 – 6:00 a.m.) as well as late (up to 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.). It is also advisable to have a back-up plan for childcare, should the student have a sick child that day care will not accept.
It is strongly recommended that students, who must continue working while attending a health program, limit their work hours to 20 hours per week or less. Success in the program depends largely on the amount of time the student has to study, prepare for class and complete assigned projects.
After completion of the program, Wes Watkins Technology Center does not guarantee its students that they will find employment in the immediate community. It may be necessary for graduates to relocate or be prepared to commute to find employment in their area of work.
Fee for the state board exam for nursing (NCLEX) is not included in the program fees, since students may choose to not take the exam after completion of the program.

Individuals who have previous work or educational experience in health related areas might be eligible for advanced placement or credit. Arrangements for advanced standing should be conducted prior to the start of the program.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR WWTC

Must prove evidence of good health, by submitting a completed WWTC Medical History Form, which has been completed by a physician, listing any restrictions.
Must submit evidence of current immunizations. The immunizations required are: Two (2) Measles/Mumps/ Rubella (MMR), Tetanus, two Tuberculosis Skin Tests, Two (2) Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccinations and/or official documentation of evidence of having had the disease signed by a healthcare facility. NOTE: The Measles, Mumps Rubella (MMR) and Varicella Vaccinations must be separated by 28 days.
HEPATITIS B – It is also recommended that students obtain the Hepatitis B vaccinations. Health care workers are at a high risk for contracting the disease. A waiver (release of responsibility) form MUST be signed for students not taking the Hepatitis B vaccine.
If accommodations are required to allow the student successful completion of any health program due to a disability, please notify the Health Occupations Coordinator at time of enrollment.
Drug Screen and OSBI background and Sex Offender Check (Cost: OSBI - $20.00, Drug Screen - $40.00-$60.00) at cost of student. Clinical placement may be affected by the results of the OSBI and Sex Offender Check.

INDUSTRY STANDARDS

You can expect the following requirements to be employed as a health care worker.
These are NOT requirements for attending school.

Must be able to bend, walk, stand; lift, carry, push, and handle equipment, supplies, or patients weighing at least 125 pounds or more.
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
Must have visual acuity of at least 20/30 out of one eye with correction, if applicable.
Must have hearing capacity of 0 – 25 dB, with correction, if applicable.
Must be able to tolerate environmental temperatures in the 60 degree Fahrenheit range.

Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing Program is a flexible open entry program designed to be completed from 12 – 24 months of study. The program provides an opportunity for students to learn the skills that are needed to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The program requires active participation of the student in an organized, goal-directed program of study geared towards adult learners. The nursing curriculum provides learning experiences in meeting the physical, psychological, and social needs of the patient. The faculty at WWTC’s nursing program assists the students in obtaining the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as vital members of the health care team.

The program is approximately 50% classroom study and 50% laboratory practice/clinical participation. Students rotate through the larger area health care facilities performing procedures and working with professionals. Clinical experience may be on various shift hours. Field trips to metropolitan hospitals are also part of the students’ learning experience. Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which entitles the student to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Special Considerations – Practical Nursing

Although Wes Watkins Technology Center does not discriminate against persons convicted of a felony for admission into the program, it is important for students to be aware that if a prior felony conviction exists, he/she may not be eligible to take state boards after completion of the program. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor(s) and Health Programs Coordinator of prior arrest history upon entry into the program. This will give adequate time for the faculty to aid the student in providing the necessary information to the board of nursing. The faculty is responsible for the student’s recommendation/eligibility to take the state board exam. The state licensure application requires answering questions regarding felonies and convictions. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing will complete a background check on each student recommended to take state boards with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

GUIDELINES FOR NCLEX CANDIDATES WITH HISTORY OF ARREST/CONVICTIONS/PRIOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION Oklahoma Board of Nursing (12/04)

Wes Watkins Technology Center is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Licensed Practical Nurses. Applicants for Oklahoma Licensure must meet all state and federal requirements to hold an Oklahoma license to practice nursing. In addition to completing a state – approved nursing education program, requirements include submission of an application for licensure with a criminal history records search and successfully passing the licensure examination. Applicants for practical nurse licensure must also hold a high school diploma or a graduate equivalency degree (G.E.D.) [59.O.S. 567.6]. Effective November 1, 2003, a candidate for a license to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse shall submit to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing “certified written evidence that the applicant has never been convicted in this state, the United States or another state of any felony, unless five (5) years have elapsed since the date of the criminal conviction or the termination of any probation or other requirements imposed on the applicant by the sentencing court, whichever shall last occur, or a presidential or gubernatorial pardon for the criminal offense has been received” [59 O.S. 567.5]. Therefore, applicants for licensure in Oklahoma with one or more felony convictions cannot apply for licensure for at least five years after completion of all sentencing terms, including probation and suspended sentences, unless a presidential or gubernatorial pardon is received.

Surgical Technology

The Surgical Technology Program is a ten month program or academic year, which consists of approximately 1200 hours of instruction; with 50% classroom study and 50% laboratory practice/clinical participation. The program provides an opportunity for students to learn the skills that are needed to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Surgical technologists are integral members of the surgical team who work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel. They prepare the operating room with sterile supplies, such as drapes, sutures, sponges, electrosurgical devices, suction tubing, and surgical instruments, during the surgery; the CST’s primary responsibility is to pass instruments and other needed items to facilitate the surgical procedure. The surgical technologist may also assist the surgeon on the procedure by holding retractors, cutting sutures, and keeping the operative area visible and dry. Surgical Technology students participate in clinical experience in at least two of the larger area hospitals and also take field trips to metropolitan health care facilities, which broaden the overall educational experience. Clinical sites are not assigned to ensure closest travel for each student. Extensive travel may be required. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the National Certifying Exam for Surgical Technologists. Certification is recognized nationally, whereas licensure (LPN) is controlled by individual states.

Special Considerations – Surgical Technology

Many areas of employment are available for the Surgical Technologist. As mentioned above, it may be necessary to relocate or commute to find employment in this occupational area, since the hospitals in the immediate Wes Watkins TC community does limited amounts of surgical procedures.

Another area to be aware of is emergency call. Many facilities require their surgical department employees to take emergency call to cover the evening, night, and weekend hours. This involves carrying a pager and being within a designated time for quick response back to the hospital, in the event that an emergency surgery needs to be performed during non-staffed hours. If a graduate is employed by a facility that does not provide coverage for non-staffed hours, or who may perform only elective or voluntary procedures, this is not an area of concern.

Summary

This information is provided to introduce the prospective student to the health programs and provide information in areas that may cause problems in the future, if adequate planning and preparation has not been implemented. It is impossible to anticipate every problem or concern, since every student is unique. If there are questions that have not been addressed, please contact the school. The following personnel are available to provide additional information.

School phone number In-District 888-884-3834 toll free / Out-of-District 405-452-5500

Carmen Hunt Financial Aid Extension 257

Jodie Dunn Counselor Extension 249

Dee Farris Technology Skills Center Extension 244

Linda Sanford Director of Health Programs Extension 277

Sally Collins Health Programs Secretary Extension 292

Wes Watkins TC District 25 is in compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and other federal laws and regulations, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, age, disability, or veteran status. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Inquiries concerning application of this policy may be referred to WWTC, Director of Programs, 7892 Hwy. 9, Wetumka, OK 74883, (405) 452-5500. For special accommodations, contact the ADA Coordinator, 48 hours prior to beginning of class