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Application Deadlines and Admission Dates for Allied Health Programs

*Students applying before this deadline will be considered for the class. Specific admissions requirements for each Allied Health and Nursing program are listed on their corresponding pages.

Allied Health Programs Admission and Retention Procedures

Minimum Terms of Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration for admission to an Allied Health program, the applicant must, except as may be provided for by a specific program, meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Be granted degree admission status at Southwest.
2. Submit an application for admission and all required credentials by the published deadline.
3. Complete all prerequisite courses specified for the program to which one is applying prior to the beginning of the term for which admission is being sought.
4. Have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.0 on any attempted college-level courses.
5. Complete all prerequisite testing required for the program to which one is applying.
6. Provide evidence of physical and/or emotional ability to carry out the essential requirements of the program and evidence of freedom from communicable diseases and from drug and alcohol addiction.

Procedures and Criteria of Admission

1. Admission to Allied Health programs is granted based on criteria established by each specific program.
2. Students must complete and file an Application for Special Admission to each program for which they wish to be considered.
3. Application deadlines listed are enforced. Applications received after these dates will be considered only if space is available in the class.
4. A specific program may have established certain minimum prerequisite requirements that the student must meet in order to be considered for admission.
5. The Southwest Office of Admissions and Records receives and processes each Special Application for Admission.
6. The Southwest Office of Admissions and Records calculates the earned Admission Index of each eligible applicant and ranks all applicants accordingly.
7. The Admission Index is derived by multiplying the earned score on each of the applicable variables by the assigned weight, and then summing the results. The particular variables applicable to each program are listed under each program heading in the following section.
8. The Admissions Committee of each program reviews and certifies the eligibility of all applicants.
9. The Admissions Committee of each program shall consider the highest-ranking students up to the maximum number admissible as admitted to the next official class. All other students shall remain as alternates until the published last date to enroll for the term in which the class is scheduled to begin.
10. The Southwest Office of Admissions and Records shall notify in writing each applicant of his or her admission status.
11. Each admitted applicant must formally accept admission in writing by the specified date.
12. If an admitted applicant declines admission or fails to notify the program of acceptance by the designated date, the student’s position in the class will become vacant and offered to the highest ranking alternate.

Eligible applicants who fail to gain admission to a given class may reapply for admission to the next official class. Those who do so will be evaluated and ranked in accordance with the above procedures and without consideration to previous evaluation and ranking. Rank in one admissions process does not establish the right to the same or similar rank in another admissions process.

Appeal of Admission Index and Ranking

If an applicant does not agree with the Admissions Committee’s calculation of his/her admission index or assigned rank, the applicant may request a review by the department head and, subsequently, by the division dean. Such appeals must be made in writing within 15 working days of the date on which the notice of the appellant’s admission status was mailed.

Dismissal Policy

A student dismissed from an Allied Health program for academic reasons may be considered for readmission under the specific program’s readmission policy on a space available basis. Any student receiving a second academic dismissal may not be considered for readmission into the program for two years. Violation of classroom procedures, clinical procedures or personal misconduct will result in disciplinary action and can result in immediate dismissal from the program and the College. Disciplinary actions can result from, but are not limited to, such examples as conduct dangerous to others, disorderly conduct, misuse of or damage to property, misuse of documents or identification cards, or violations of state or federal laws. Procedures for disciplinary action and/or dismissal from Allied Health Sciences programs, and related appeal procedures, are listed in the Student Handbook under the section entitled Student Conduct and Disciplinary Policies. Handbooks are available in the Counseling and Advising Center.

Readmission to Allied Health Program

A student who has incurred academic dismissal from an Allied Health program may be eligible to be considered for readmission. Such students are evaluated and ranked in accordance with the procedure set forth by each specific program and readmission granted on a space available basis. To be eligible for consideration, the student must:

1. Have been separated from the program at least one (1) full academic year, exclusive of summer term.
2. Comply with the procedures for regular admission described previously.
3. Submit an essay demonstrating that the conditions that led to the academic dismissal no longer exist and that he/she is prepared to and capable of making satisfactory progress in the program.

Malpractice Insurance Requirement

All students admitted to an Allied Health program are required to purchase and maintain malpractice insurance while enrolled in the program.

Associate of Applied Science Degree Curricula

Students are required to complete both general education and career-specific courses to qualify for the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Each A.A.S. degree program requires approximately 15 credit hours related to the arts and sciences. Additionally, each degree program requires the completion of designated courses and clinical or practical experiences. See General Education section of this catalog. Please refer to each program’s listing for information related to general education and prerequisite course requirements. Some programs require specific courses from the general education groupings:

General Education Courses for A.A., A.S. Degrees
General Education Courses for A.A.S. Degrees
A.A./A.S. and A.A.S. Degree Requirements for Graduation

Career-Related Course Requirements

Specific career-related course requirements are described for each degree program under the department that sponsors the program. Please refer to those pages for more detailed information.

Background Checks

Affiliates that provide clinical rotation sites may require students to have a criminal background check. Students will be responsible for the costs of such checks and making any arrangements for the background check.

Medical Laboratory Assistant Technical Certificate

Michelle Hill • (901) 333-5409

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the clinical laboratory.   Students are taught  in all aspects of the clinical laboratory including; waived/point-of-care testing, specimen processing and handling, data entry, laboratory safety, result retreival, quality control, instrument maintenance, laboratory billing, basic microbiology and transfusion support service.   Graduates of the program can work in medical centers, outpatient laboratories, research facilites and physician office labs.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, the applicant must:

• Have been granted either degree or non-degree admission at the College.
• Have completed MLAB 1301  and MLAB 1302  with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above.
• Have submitted the following materials to the Admissions Office by the established deadline: July 1 (Fall 1 term); Sept. 15 (Fall 2 term); November 1 (Spring 1 term); February 15 (Spring 2 term); April 15 (summer term-if applicable).
• Application for Special Admission Programs
• Official transcript(s) of all college work attempted and/or completed at college(s) and university(ies) other than Southwest (mailed by the releasing institution)

Selection Criteria

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Admissions Committee ranks applicants according to the following criteria:

• College-level GPA x 2
• Required prerequisite course GPA. Prerequisite courses must be current (completed within a year of clinicals) x2
• Written essay x1

Retention Policy

• Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to continue in the program.
• Students must meet the technical standards for the Medical Laboratory/Medical Laboratory Assistant and Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician Programs.
• Students must remain in the prescribed MLA full-time course sequence once admitted to the MLA program.
• Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the Medical Lab Assistant Clinical Assignment I course, the student must submit the Medical Statement showing freedom from communicable disease and fitness to perform duties related to clinical assignment. The adequacy of the Medical Statement shall be determined by the clinical affiliate. Additionally, the student shall satisfy the immunization requirements of each clinical affiliate.
• Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the MLA Clinical Assignment course, the student shall produce a urine drug screen performed by the designated TBR provider that is negative for all tested substances.
• Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the MLA Clinical Assignment course, the student shall produce a criminal background check performed by the designated TBR provider, the results of which are found to be acceptable to each clinical affiliate. Fingerprinting of the student may be required by a clinical affiliate for their review and approval. The costs of all reports and testing shall be paid by the student.
• Graduation- Must complete all coursework with a C or better in didactic courses and “P” in clinical assignments.  Must pass a comprehensive final exam with a 75% or better.

Massage Therapy Technical Certificate

Sheila Bouie • (901) 333-5532

The Massage Therapy program prepares graduates to practice in a wide variety of settings, including resorts, health clubs, physical therapy offices, sports injury clinics, and even in private homes/offices. Massage therapists may operate a private business or work under the supervision of other health care providers. The program prepares graduates for both full-time and part-time work in this career field.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for Admission to Massage Therapy Program must:

1. Complete the Southwest Tennessee Community College admissions process to become an admitted student.
2. Complete and submit an electronic Special Admissions application by the published application deadline.
3. Complete a required program admission examination or other evidence of reading proficiency. 
4. Schedule and attend a scored pre-admissions interview.

Retention Policy

Students’ grades will be evaluated at the end of each semester by the Program Director.  A student must maintain the following standards, or he/she will be dismissed from the program:

1. A grade of “C” or better in each course.
2. A student must be able to complete courses with the class in which he/she was admitted.  A student who cannot graduate with the class in which he/she was admitted will be dropped from that class and must re-apply to a subsequent class.

The policy of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions applies to all students regardless of the program in which they are enrolled.  In cases where alcohol or drug violations occur, disciplinary action, as well as the decision whether to test for alcohol or drugs, will be processed through the Dean of Allied Health Sciences and the office of the Dean of Students.

Completion Requirements

Students must pass all necessary coursework with a minimum grade of C, must have satisfactorily met all financial obligations to the institution, and must submit an Intent to Graduate Form in a timely fashion.

Graduation Requirements

Upon satisfactorily completing the Massage Therapy Program, students will be awarded a Certificate. Program graduates do have the option to complete additional general education and Allied Health Science courses to earn an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Allied Health Sciences from Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Students must successfully complete the curriculum components of the Massage Therapy program at their institution before being eligible to take the certification exam: Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx).

Medical Laboratory Technician
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Michelle Hill • (901) 333-5409

The Medical Laboratory Technician is an essential member of the health care team, providing laboratory tests used in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disease, and the maintenance of health.

This program is designed to give students both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a variety of laboratory procedures. Students in the program spend the final six months of the second year rotating through clinical laboratories of area hospitals. During this period, the program calendar will differ from the academic calendar. Students accepted into the program must remain in sequence and complete all courses on schedule.

This Medical Laboratory Technician program is licensed by the State of Tennessee Department of Health Medical Laboratory Board-Facilities Health Related Boards and is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018, (773) 714-8880. Program graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations and make application for Tennessee licensure as medical laboratory technicians. Historically, the MLT graduates of this program pass the examination at a rate of greater than 70%.

The Medical Lab Technician clinical sites: Methodist University Hospital, American Esoteric Hospital, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Baptist Women’s Hospital, Methodist Health Care System, and Lifeblood.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission to the program, the applicant must have:

1. Degree admission status at Southwest
2. Have completed all required learning support courses.
3. Completed the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C”. All science courses listed below must include a laboratory component that is not “virtual” or online:
   1. ENGL 1010  
   2. BIOL 1010 , BIOL 1110 , or BIOL 2010  
   3. MLAB 1301  
   4. CHEM 1010  or CHEM 1110 , and
   5. BIOL 1230  
   6. MATH 1010  or higher
4. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
5. Have submitted the following materials to the Admissions Office by the established deadline: July 1 (fall semester admission); or November 1 (spring semester admission):
   1. Application for Special Admission Programs
   2. Official transcript(s) of all college work attempted and/or completed at college(s) or university(ies) other than Southwest (mailed directly from releasing institution)

Selection Criteria

The MLT Admissions Committee ranks applicants according to the following criteria:

1. College-level GPA X 2 (40%)
2. Required prerequisite course GPA X 2 (40%)
3. Personal interview X 1 (20%)

Retention Policy

In order to retain a position in the program, the student must:

1. Meet the Technical Standards for the Medical Laboratory Technician Program.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
3. Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all MLAB courses required for the degree. If a student makes a “D”  grade in a single MLAB course, the student will be dismissed from the program and may apply for readmission. The student must request readmission by submitting the Application for Special Admission Programs. Only one readmission to the Medical Laboratory Technician program is permitted. If the student earns two “D” grades in MLAB courses, whether different courses or the same course, the student is dismissed with no possibility of readmission. If the student earns an “F” grade in one MLT course, the student is dismissed with no possibility of readmission.
4. Remain in the prescribed MLAB full-time course sequence once admitted to the MLT program.
5. Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the MLAB Clinical Assignment course, the student must submit the Medical Statement showing freedom from communicable disease and fitness to perform duties related to clinical assignment. The adequacy of the Medical Statement shall be determined by the clinical affiliate. Additionally, the student shall satisfy the immunization requirements of each clinical affiliate.
6. Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the MLAB Clinical Assignment course, the student shall submit a urine drug screen performed by the TBR provider that is negative for all tested substances.
7. Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the MLAB Clinical Assignment, the student shall produce a criminal background check performed by the TBR provider, the results of which are found to be acceptable to each clinical affiliate. Fingerprinting of the student may be required by a clinical affiliate for their review and approval. The costs of all reports and testing shall be paid by the student.

Malpractice Insurance

Students are required to purchase malpractice insurance when registering for initial Clinical Assignment.

Readmission Policy

Students withdrawing from the program or dismissed for academic reasons may be considered for readmission under current admission policy, based on space availability. The Admission Committee will review the student’s transcript to identify courses to be retaken. Due to the rapid change of technology in the field of laboratory medicine, no more than two years may elapse between completion of any MLT second year didactic course and the beginning of the clinical assignment courses. Students desiring readmission must submit a written request to the MLT Program director 30 days prior to the first day of registration for that term.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition and lab fees, students may have additional costs ranging from $400 to $800 to include uniforms, duty shoes, physical examinations, laboratory tests, immunizations, graduation, certification and licensure fees.

Technical Standards for Medical Laboratory Technician and Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician Programs

Technical standards are the essential nonacademic requirements of the program that a student must be able to master to participate successfully in the MLT or LPT programs and become employable. Applicants for these programs must possess the following list of technical abilities and skills. If you are not sure that you will be able to meet these technical standards, please consult with the Program Coordinator of Medical Laboratory Technology for further information and to discuss individual situations.

Any student with special needs who is requesting reasonable accommodations or assistive technology may do so through the Office of Student Disability Services.

1. Speech: Ability to verbally communicate understandably in English.
2. Hearing: Ability to understand English when spoken in person or via the telephone.
3. Vision: Natural or corrected to 20/20, ability to distinguish red, yellow, and blue colors, distinguish clear from cloudy, and distinguish objects in the range of 1 micron through the microscope.
4. Mobility: Ability to maneuver in the laboratory, around instruments, in confined spaces, and in patient rooms. Movement includes utilizing shoulders, arms, and neck; bending; twisting the body; standing; reaching and grasping overhead, in front of the body, and down.
5. Fine Motor Control: Ability to manipulate small objects with fingertips or control adaptive devices.
6. Coordination: Eye/hand and eye/hand/foot coordination.
7. Reasoning: Ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables, define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic, or schedule form. Ability to deal with problems from standard situations. Ability to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to carry out one- or two-step instructions.
8. Mathematics: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and fractions, calculate time, use metric system for measurements, calculate percentages, solve for one variable, set up and solve ratio and proportion problems, interpret simple statistical data.
9. Reading: Ability to comprehend simple instructions or notations from a log book, ability to comprehend newspapers, manuals, journals, instructions in use and maintenance of equipment, safety rules and procedures and drawings.
10. Writing: Ability to compose English sentences containing subject, verb, and object; complete notations in a log book, complete job applications, prepare business letters, write reports using prescribed format and conforming to rules of punctuation, spelling, grammar, diction and style.
11. Perception: Ability to perceive pertinent detail in objects or in pictorial or graphic material; to make visual comparisons and discrimination’s and see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures, and widths and lengths of line; to comprehend forms in space and understand relationships of plane and solid objects; the ability to visualize objects of two or three dimensions.
12. Clerical: Ability to perceive pertinent detail in verbal or tabular material; to observe differences in copy; to proofread words and numbers; and to avoid perceptual errors in arithmetic computation.
13. Data: Ability to synthesize, coordinate, analyze, compile, compute, copy, and compare data standards for Medical Lab/Phlebotomy Technicians.
14. Personal Traits: Ability to comprehend and follow instruction; perform simple and repetitive tasks; maintain a work pace appropriate to a given work load; relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions; perform complex or varied tasks; make generalizations, evaluations or decisions without immediate supervision; accept and carry out responsibility for directions, control and planning.
15. Environmental: Ability to work indoors, be around moving machinery; factors: fumes, gases, odors, irritating particles, possible exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, blood and body fluids, noise, radiation or electrical energy, vibration; work in confined spaces, use a computer monitor; work alone, with others, or around others.
16. Safety Equipment Required to Wear: Safety glasses, face mask/shield, protective clothing, protective gloves.

Physical Therapist Assistant
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Jennifer Stevens • (901) 333-5395

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a health-care professional who works under the supervision of a physical therapist. The PTA works with a variety of patients who have been disabled by illness, accident, or congenital handicap. The duties of a PTA include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs that may involve exercise, manual therapy and hydrotherapy; the use of heat, cold, electricity, or sound; and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient’s responses. As clinicians, PTAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and for physical therapists in outpatient independent practice settings.

Following graduation, graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensing examination. A criminal background check is required. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Recommendation: Schedule an advising session with a PTA faculty member to learn more about the program.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission to the PTA program, an applicant must meet the minimum requirements listed below. (Note: Meeting requirements does not assure admission to the PTA program.)

1. Be granted degree admission status at Southwest.
2. Present an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Complete each of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” by the end of the spring term for which the student is seeking summer admission:
   • ENGL 1010 English Composition I  
   • BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy and Physiology I *
   • BIOL 2020 Human Anatomy and Physiology II *
   • PHYS 1210 Physics for Health Sciences   *
   • PSYC 1030 Introduction to Psychology  
   • ALHS 1020 Medical Terminology *

*Applicants must have completed within the previous 5 years, both Anatomy and Physiology I and II. PHYS 2010 Non-Calculus Physics I  may be taken instead of PHYS 1210 Physics for Health Sciences  if the student plans to eventually earn a four-year degree or higher. Transferring Medical Terminology classes from other colleges and universities will be evaluated on an individual basis, based on course descriptions and class outlines.

NOTE: Transferring Medical classes from other colleges and universities will be evaluated on an individual basis, based on course descriptions and class outlines. If you are requesting a Medical Terminology class be transferred into Southwest for the PTA program, contact the PTA program by November prior to applying for Admission to the program.

4. Submit the following materials to the Admissions Office by April 1:
   1. The Special Application for Admission to Allied Health Sciences
   2. Admission essay describing reasons for desiring admission to the PTA program and any related experience
   3. Official transcript(s) of all college work attempted and/or completed at college(s) and university(ies) other than Southwest (mailed from releasing institution). Final transcripts of courses in progress during spring semester must be submitted to the Southwest Admissions Office prior to the May meeting of the PTA Admissions Committee.
   4. Clinical Experience Verification forms documenting work or volunteer experience in two physical therapy clinics for at least eight hours at each clinic (16 hours total). Forms are available in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) faculty office.

Selection Criteria

The PTA Admissions Committee meets at the end of the spring semester and ranks each applicant according to his or her Admissions Index, which is derived from the variables listed below. Each variable is multiplied by the assigned weight, and an index obtained by summing the results:

1. College-level GPA x2
2. Required prerequisite course GPA x2
3. Experience in the field of Physical Therapy x1
4. Admission/readmission essay x1

The first 20 applicants with the highest Admission Indices are selected for admission to the program. Refer to the Admissions and Retention Procedures for Allied Health Sciences and Nursing Programs for more information related to the selection process and calculation of an Admissions Index.

Retention Policy

Students must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all PTA courses. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program. Students dismissed for academic reasons may be considered for readmission the following year under current policy, based on space availability. The Admission Committee will review the student’s transcript to identify substantially revised courses to be retaken. Students desiring readmission must submit a written application to the Admissions Committee 30 days prior to registration for that term.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks are required at the student’s expense. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This could result in your inability to successfully complete the program requirements. A criminal background check may preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment. A separate criminal background check is required, at the student’s expense, to apply for initial licensure in Tennessee; applicants will have their fingerprints scanned.

Technical Standards for Students in Physical Therapist Assistant Program

Physical Therapist Assistant students are required to\ accumulate a variety of information. The students are expected to comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate the information given. The program must ensure that students are capable of practicing the new accumulation of information. The program must also ensure that patients are not placed in jeopardy by students with impaired intellectual, physical or emotional functions.

Students in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Southwest Tennessee Community College must meet the following technical standards. The students also understand that some courses will have additional lab requirements that will be outlined in course syllabi.

Motor Skills

PTA students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other treatment specific procedures. Additionally, PTA students must be able to perform motor movements reasonably required to provide general physical therapy, including the physical strength to stand and ambulate with a walker, cane, or crutches and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. PTA students must also have the physical strength to lift and transfer an adult patient. In addition, in the coursePTAT 2520 , students must be able to: offer heavy manual resistance to classmates during an exercise session; bend, squat and kneel and include a variety of developmental sequence positions, including prone, prone on elbows, quadruped, etc.; engage in a variety of functional activities including rolling from supine<->prone; creeping on hands and knees, lifting oneself into a wheelchair from the floor; rolling out of a wheelchair onto a therapy mat, etc.; lift completely dependent classmates from one place to another using an airlift, NDT, 3 man and 2 man technique; and perform various wheelchair maneuvers including lateral shifts, wheelies and falling backward while sitting in a wheelchair.

Sensory/Observational Skills

PTA students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory experiments as required in the curriculum. Such observation necessitates the functional use of vision, hearing and other sensory modalities. Candidates must have visual perception which includes depth and acuity.

Communication Skills

PTA students must be able to communicate English effectively both orally and in written form with faculty, peers, patients, and other allied health personnel. Students must have the ability to complete reading assignments and search and evaluate the literature. Students must be able to complete written assignments and maintain written records. PTA students must also have the ability to use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching. These skills must be performed in clinical settings, as well as in the classroom and in laboratory environments.

Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism

PTA students must possess the emotional well-being required for use of intellectual abilities, exercise of sound judgment, prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Students must be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in stressful situations in the classroom and clinical setting.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition fees and the purchase of books, students may have additional costs ranging from $400 to $800 to include uniforms, physical examinations, laboratory tests, immunizations, and graduation. After graduating, the cost to take the PTA licensure exam will range from $600 to $700.

Radiologic Technology
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Tracy Freeman Jones • (901) 333-5400

The mission of the Radiologic Technology Program is to prepare competent, certified radiographers to help meet entry-level needs of employers of the health care community in Southwest’s service area. This program offers an opportunity to develop skills necessary to assure comprehension, application, and evaluation of clinical information; competent clinical proficiency; and acceptable professional behavior in their roles as medical radiographers. Upon completing degree requirements, students may sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite, 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-2901, Phone (312) 704-5300.

In support of its mission statement, the program has established the following goals:

1. Students will be qualified, competent, entry-level radiographers.
2. Students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Students will communicate effectively orally and in writing.
4. Students will be provided with a learning environment that promotes professional growth and development.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission into the Radiologic Technology Program, candidates must:

1. Be granted degree admission status at Southwest.
2. Have achieved an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on all college-level courses completed.
3. Have completed the following courses prior to admittance with a “C” or better:
   1. ALHS 1020  Medical Terminology
   2. RADT 1300  Introduction to Medical Imaging
4. Submit a score of 58% or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) administered by the Southwest Testing Center.
5. Submit the Special Application for Admission to Allied Health Sciences programs by February 15.
6. Submit official transcript(s) of all college work attempted and/or completed at colleges other than Southwest prior to March 15 (mailed from releasing institution).
7. Applicants must complete all prerequisite requirements and testing by the end of the fall semester prior to the summer semester for which they are applying.

Selection Criteria

The Radiologic Technology Admissions Committee ranks the applicants using the following criteria:

GPA from RADT 1300 :

GPA for ALHS 1020 :

College GPA:

The institutional GPA will be added to the ranking score. 

Score of 58% or higher on the TEAS. The score will be divided by 100.

The selection committee will grant points to the applicants based upon the above point system. One point extra will be granted for each general education course requirement taken prior to acceptance into the program.

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks, to be paid for by the student, are required of all students participating in the Radiologic Technology Program. Estimated cost is $50. Based on the results of these checks affiliated clinical sites may not allow a students’ presence at their facility. The program does not guarantee placement in the clinical setting; therefore this could result in the student’s inability to successfully complete the requirements of this program. Additionally, a criminal background may preclude certification,  licensure or employment.

Retention Policy

Students must attain a minimum grade of “C” in all RADT courses. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

Readmission Policy

Students withdrawing from the program or dismissed for any reason may be considered for readmission the following year by the program coordinator of Radiologic Technology 30 days prior to the first day of registration for that term.

Transfer Policy

Transfer students from other accredited college-based Radiologic Technology programs will be considered for advanced standing only after evaluation of courses completed at that institution. Space must also be available in the clinical sites.

Program Costs

In addition to tuition and lab fees, students may have additional costs ranging from $400 to $800 to include uniforms, duty shoes, physical examinations, laboratory tests, immunizations, parking at clinical sites, malpractice insurance, graduation, certification and licensure fees, background checks and basic life support certification.

Technical Standards for Radiologic Technology Program

Students must be able to meet the physical and technical requirements necessary for the course of study in radiologic technology.  An applicant who is considered, in the judgment of the program faculty, to be unable to meet the physical or technical standards of the program must show verification of compliance with the standards in order to be considered for admittance and/or continuation in the program.

The Radiologic Technologist must have sufficient strength, motor coordination, visual acuity and manual dexterity to:

• Transport, move, lift and transfer patients from a wheelchair or gurney to an x-ray table
• Move, adjust and manipulate a variety of radiographic equipment, including the movement of mobile radiographic machines throughout the facility
• Differentiate the color spectrum for color coding of patient files, and assess radiographic images
• Lift up to fifty pounds
• Stand and/or walk 6 to 8 hours per day.

The Radiologic Technologist must be emotionally capable of:

• Handling stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations
• Providing physical and emotional support to the patient during radiographic procedures
• Responding to situations requiring first aid and providing emergency care to the patient in the absence of or until the physician arrives
• Communicating effectively with patients/clients and other members of the health care team using all types of communication methods including verbal, nonverbal, and written techniques
• Adaption to changing environments and display flexibility when encountering new or unusual situations.

The Radiologic Technologist must have the mental and intellectual capacity to:

• Read and apply notes, records, textbooks, patient charts and requisitions to perform daily radiologic procedures
• Observe a patient accurately for patient assessment using the skills of listening, seeing, touching, and smelling
• Calculate and select proper technical exposure factors according to the individual need of the patient and the requirements of the procedure’s standards of speed and accuracy
• Review and evaluate the recorded images on the radiographs for the purpose of identifying proper patient positioning, accurate procedural sequencing, proper radiographic exposure and other appropriate and pertinent technical qualities.

Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician
Technical Certificate

Michelle Hill • (901) 333-5409

The Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician program is designed to train individuals to properly collect and handle blood specimens for laboratory testing and to interact with health care personnel, patients, and the general public. Students must apply for admission to second semester courses. This program is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, (773) 714-8880.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission, the applicant must:

1. Have been granted either degree or non-degree admission at the College.
2. Have completed MLAB 1301  and PLBT 1300  with a grade of “C” or higher.
3. Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above.
4. Have submitted the following materials to the Admissions Office by the established deadline: July 1, (Fall Flex semester), September 15 (Fall Flex 2), November 1, (Spring Flex 1), February 15 (Spring Flex 2) or April 15 (Summer Extended):
   1. Application for Special Admission Programs
   2. Official transcript(s) of all college work attempted and/or completed at college(s) and university(ies) other than Southwest (mailed by the releasing institution)

Selection Criteria

The Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician Admissions Committee ranks applicants according to the following criteria:

1. College-level GPA x 2
2. Required prerequisite course GPA. Prerequisite courses must be current (completed within a year of clinicals) x2

Retention Policy

1. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to continue in the program.
2. Students must meet the technical standards for the Medical Laboratory and Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician Programs.
3. Students must remain in the prescribed LPT full-time course sequence once admitted to the LPT program.
4. Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the Phlebotomy Clinical Assignment course, the student must submit the Medical Statement showing feedom from communicable disease and fitness to perform duties related to clinical assignment. The adequacy of the Medical Statement shall be determined by the clinical affiliate. Additionally, the student shall satisfy the immunization requirements of each clinical affiliate.
5. Within 30 days prior to enrollment in the Phlebotomy Clinical Assignment course, the student shall produce a urine drug screen performed by the designated TBR provider that is negative for all tested substances.
6. Wihtin 30 days prior to enrollment in the Phlebotomy Clinical Assignment course, the student shall produce a criminal background check performed by the designated TBR provider, the results of which are found to be acceptable to each clinical affiliate. Fingerprinting of the student may be required by a clinical affiliate for their review and approval. The costs of all reports and testing shall be paid by the student.
7. Prior to the completiion of Phebotomy Clinical Assignment, the student shall submit documentation of completion of a CPR course or of current CPT training.
8. Prior to completion of the Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician program, the student must receive a “C” or better in PLBT 1350 Phlebotomy Seminar course and “P” in PLBT 1301 and PLBT 1401 in Phlebotomy Clinical Assignments I and II.

Readmission

Students dismissed for academic failure may be considered for readmission the following year under the current policy, based on space availability.

Pharmacy Technology
Technical Certificate

Dr. Osborne Burks • (901) 333-5769

A pharmacy technician works under the supervision of a pharmacist to assist in the performance of activities of the pharmacy department not requiring the professional judgment of the pharmacist. Such duties include but need not be limited to: maintaining patient records, setting up packaging, labeling medication dose, filling and dispensing routine orders for stock supplies of patients-care areas, and maintaining inventories of drug supplies and mixing drugs with parenteral fluids. This program is designed to give students both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a pharmacy setting. Students in the program will rotate in assigned pharmacy settings. During this period, the program calendar will differ from the academic calendar. The Pharmacy Technician program is accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Admissions Requirements

 In addition to general College admissions requirements, admission to the Pharmacy Technology Program requires the following:

1. Submit a Special Admissions Application by July 1 for Fall enrollment or by November 1 for Spring enrollment. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
2. Applicants must take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Applicants are ranked by TABE (high school equivalency) scores. The TABE exam must be administered by the Southwest Tennessee Community College Testing Center. A fee for this exam may be required. You may contact the center at 901-333-4170 to schedule an appointment.
3. Health: Proof of mumps, measles and rubella immunization or immunity; proof of negative TB skin test and negative drug screen; physical examination and physician’s statement of suitability for matriculating in the program and job function. Documentation submitted before clinical rotations: Criminal background checks and drug screens may be required at the student’s expense. Criminal convictions of a drug-related nature will disqualify an applicant for admission to the Pharmacy Technology Program. Additional criminal background checks may be a requirement at some affiliated clinical rotation sites. Based on the results of these checks, an affiliated clinical site may determine to not allow your presence at their facility. This could result in your inability to complete the program requirements. A criminal background check may preclude licensure, certification, and/or employment. Other licensure and/or certification agencies may require that background checks be submitted using one of their designated vendors, which may differ from the vendor recommended by Southwest Tennessee Community College.

 Enrollment will be limited to 20 students in the Fall and 20 students in the Spring. Admission is competitive and preferences will be given to students who meet the minimum requirements listed above.  

Retention Policy

Students in the Pharmacy Technology Program must pass all units of instruction with a minimum grade of “C.” Failure to do so will result in the student being dropped from the program. Since these units of instruction are offered in a lock-step sequence, the student will not have the opportunity to retake the course until the following year. If the student desires to be considered for readmission into the program, the student must make written application to the Admissions Committee 30 days prior to the beginning of the registration period of the semester in which the student wishes to be admitted.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all units of instruction and maintain a cumulative average of “C” or above over the 12-month period. The clinical rotation must be completed with a “B” average or above in each clinical setting.

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