The primary function of the Division of Health Sciences and Professional Education is to provide programs of study leading to an Associate in Arts degree and/or transferability to a university and to provide college-level occupational programs to meet the needs of students who wish to qualify for immediate employment upon graduation.
Students who do plan to pursue the baccalaureate should consult an advisor concerning degree requirements of the university to which transfer is intended.
A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to those students completing only the major requirements of an occupational curriculum.
An Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded to those students completing all courses listed in the degree curriculum of an occupational curriculum.
Various 2+2 degree plans exist with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and other institutions.
Enhanced Skills Certificates are available to those students completing all courses in the degree curriculum of the designated Associate Degrees and the course requirements of an Enhanced Skills Option.
Since entrance requirements for these programs may vary, prospective students should check specific entrance requirements in the departmental sections. For further information not found in this catalog, students should contact advisors in the department or counselors in the Student Enrollment Center.
Health sciences programs are organized into three Health Sciences Departments. Specific degree plan information is available by department. These programs are also responsible for closely related health sciences transfer degrees. The departments and their respective programs include:
The Associate in Applied Science degree programs in the health sciences are designed
If students intend to continue education at another institution, they should carefully relate these programs to those at the college to which they plan to transfer. Prospective students should consult with program advisor for specific information.
Programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as listed earlier in this catalog, and all are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Community College and Technical Institutes Division. Specific programs are approved by the professional accrediting agency of each area; advisory committees and boards assist each department in curricula and standards.
In accordance with clinical affiliation policies, all health sciences students are required to purchase professional liability insurance in order to continue their program of study. Students are responsible for their own health and accident insurance.
Health sciences program grades are recorded as “A” (100-90); “B” (89-83); “C” (82-75); “D” (74-70); “F” (below 70) failing; and “P” (all RNSG clinical courses). A final grade of “D” or “F” in any course in the student’s major in the health sciences programs will automatically remove a student from eligibility to continue in that program until the unsatisfactory grades are removed. Removal can be done only by readmission to the program.
A minimum grade of “C” is required for all health sciences students in all courses to remain in good standing in all health sciences programs.
A student may be recommended for dismissal for failing grades, cheating, inappropriate behavior or attitude, or unsatisfactory clinical performance in any and all health sciences programs. An evaluation of unsatisfactory (unsafe) clinical performance will supersede any classroom grade and will, therefore, mean failure for the semester.
Department of Allied Health
Certificates of Achievement:
Coding Specialist, Level II
Pharmacy Technician, Level II
Surgical Technology, Level II
Associate in Arts Degree:
Pre-Medical Technology (advisement only)
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
Health Information Technology
Medical Laboratory Technology
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Physical Therapist Assistant
Respiratory Therapy
Surgical Technology
Enhanced Skills Certificate:
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Department of Computer Science, Engineering and advanced Technology
Marketable Skills Achievement Awards:
Computer Programming - Basic
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - IT Technician
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Level I
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Level II
Network Technician - Basic
Security Technician - Basic
Certificates of Achievement:
Computer Programming, Level II
Digital Media Essentials
Digital Media Advanced
Basic Engineering Technology
Advanced Engineering Technology
Essentials Engineering Technology
Geographical Information Systems Analyst, Level II
Information Technology Career Foundation Core, Level II
Information Technology Essentials: Computer Programming
Information Technology Essentials: Digital Media/Web Developer
Information Technology Essentials: Geographic Information Systems
Information Technology Essentials: Network Support
Instrumentation Electronics
Interactive Game Technology and Simulation, Level II
Networking Technology - Cisco
Associate in Science Degrees:
Computer Information Systems (Suggested Transfer Plan)
Computer Programming (Suggested Transfer Plan)
Electrical Engineering 2+2
( with Texas A&M University-Kingsville)
Geographical Information Systems (Suggested Transfer Plan)
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (Suggested Transfer Plan)
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
Computer Information Systems:
Computer Programming Emphasis (Suggested Occupational Plan)
Digital Media for Web Design and eLearning Emphasis( Suggested Occupational Plan)
Geographic Information Systems Emphasis (Suggested Occupational Plan)
Network Administration and Information Security Emphasis
Engineering Technology
The Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Advanced Technology (CSE/AT) offers the student a variety of options to obtain specialized training and education to meet the needs of today’s Information Technology Specialist or Computer Science major. The curriculum for each uses extensive “hands on” experience, with contemporary computer workstations, adherence to latest information technology processes, industry standard programming languages, operating systems and software applications. Students will be introduced to a variety of computer platforms, including minicomputer, personal computers, client-server, networked computers, and relevant peripheral equipment technologies.
Marketable Skills Achievement Award
The marketable skills award adds to the student’s marketability or makes the student eligible for immediate employment various fields of computer or information related technologies. These awards are also designed as a stepping stone towards earning certificates or an associate in applied science degree in GIS.
Certificates of Achievement
Certificates of Achievement allow students to acquire the knowledge and skills to function as a technician at the entry level. Certificates are offered for the following: Computer Programming, Digital Media, Geographical Information Systems Analyst, Information Technology Career Foundation Core, Instrumentation Electronics, Interactive Game Technology and Simulation, Digital Media Essentials, Digital Media Advanced, Networking Technology–Cisco, and Essentials Engineering Technology.
Associate in Science Degree
The Associate in Science (AS) degree in Computer Programming, Computer Information Systems, or Geographical Information Systems is designed for graduates who will transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (CS) or Computer Information Systems (CIS) or Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Computer Science focuses on the development, evaluation, and integration of software systems. Computer Information Systems and Geographical Information Systems focuses on the development and maintenance of specialized information systems. Electrical Engineering/Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are also Associate in Science degree offerings. Students should check specific requirements of the college or university to which they plan to transfer.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to enable a student to acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of information technology occupations. The AAS curriculum is based upon specific work performance indicators, technical knowledge, employability, and skill standards identified by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET). The department offers several specializations to meet the needs of industry: (1) Computer Programming (2) Computer Information Systems and (3) Network and Information Security, and (4) Engineering Technology.Some specializations have multiple options to select from. Students should consult the catalog and speak with a department advisor for details.
The AAS may be accepted into the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science (BAAS) degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), the Bachelor of Arts in Technology (BAT) degree or Bachelor of Science in Information Technology offered by regional and area universities. Students wishing to pursue a specific AAS degree with plans to complete their bachelor’s degree at a university are strongly advised to contact a CSIT advisor and the university to which they plan to transfer.
Department of Dental and Imaging Technology
Certificates of Achievement:
Dental Assisting, Level II
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Echocardiography
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Radiologic Technology
Enhanced Skills Certificates:
Radiologic Technology (including Mammography
Registry Preparation and Computed Tomography)
Department of Human Sciences and Education
Certificates of Achievement:
Child Development/Early Childhood, Level II
Child Development/Early Childhood Administrator, Level II
Cook/Baker, Level II
Cosmetology
Deaf Studies, Level II
Hospitality Management, Level II
Human Services, Level II
Long Term Care Nursing Home Administration
Associate in Arts Degree:
American Sign Language/Deaf Studies
Associate in Arts in Teaching Degrees:
EC-6
4-8; EC-12 Special Education
8-12; EC-12 Other Than Special Education
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
Addiction Studies/Human Services
Baking/Pastry Specialization
Child Development/Early Childhood
Child Development/Early Childhood Education Assistant
Culinary Arts (Chef Training)
Hospitality Management
Generalist Studies in Human Services
Interpreter Preparation
Department of Nurse Education
Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
LVN-RN Transition
Registered Nurse Education
Certificate:
Vocational Nurse Education, Level II
Associate in Arts Degree:
Registered Nurse Education
The Department of Nurse Education (DNE) faculty values lifelong learning by offering multiple-entry points into the program (Multiple Entry/Exit Program, or MEEP). The DNE statement of purpose is to provide an accredited curriculum that facilitates students’ educational and career choices and encourages life-long learning and encourages progression to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing. The DMC DNE faculty is committed to removing barriers to academic progression and making pathways seamless, building on previous knowledge and competencies already achieved. Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet educational requirements to sit for the specified National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN).
Program Tracks
Vocational Nurse Education Certificate
Students can select the Vocational Nurse Education (VN) Certificate Plan that requires the completion of four (4) semesters. A graduate of the program that earns a Vocational Nurse Education Certificate is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. Once the student receives their LVN license and completes the general education course required of the AAS degree plan if eligible can request continuation in the Nursing program to successfully complete the fifth semester (5) of the AAS and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
AAS Registered Nurse Education
The Associate in Applied Science Degree plan requires the student to successfully complete all five (5) semesters of the education plan to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The student who follows the Associate in Applied Science Degree plan can take an LVN exit option. The student must successfully complete the fourth (4) semester with one (1) additional VNSG course to be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
Pathway to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The completion of general education courses and approved nursing electives in the Associate of Arts Degree Plan (Registered Nurse Education) provide access and transfer to Bachelor of Science Nursing Programs. Currently the DNE has articulation agreements with several universities that agree to provide a seamless transfer to their Bachelor of Science Nursing programs (See list of universities on www.delmar.edu/rn. The participating universities will not require student to take anymore lower division general education courses (unless they are part of the 30 hours) if student meets the two items below
- Completion of 54 general education hours of agreed curriculum
- Transcript marked CORE COMPLETE
LVN Transition to Professional Nursing RN
Graduates from other vocational nursing programs who are licensed and complete the pre-requisite courses are eligible to apply for the LVN to RN Transition track. Students who completed the DMC Vocational Nurse Education Certificate degree plan prior to 2009 must apply to the LVN to RN Transition track.
General Admission Guidelines
Admission requirements and selection criteria for application to the nursing program can be found at www.delmar.edu/rn.
| Admission Cycles |
| Fall Admission |
Spring Admission |
| Open November 1 and close February 14 |
Open June 1 and close August 31 |
| DNE Tracks included are: |
DNE Tracks included are: |
| Associate of Applied Science (AAS-RN) |
Associate of Applied Science (AAS-RN) |
| Associate of Arts (AA-RN) BSN Pathway |
Associate of Arts (AA-RN) BSN Pathway |
| Certificate Vocational Nurse Education |
Certificate Vocational Nurse Education |
| Associate of Applied Science (LVN to RN Transition) |
|
The following are required prior to applying to the program:
- Completion and minimum required scores on standardized HESI A2 Exam. (Refer to www.delmar.edu/rn for additional guidelines, schedules and fees).
- A grade of “C” or higher is required in all general education courses.
- BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II must be completed within five (5) years of application to nursing program.
- Completion of pre-requisites ENGL 1301, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 and PSYC 2301.
- Students pursuing the AAS- Registered Nurse Education degree plan must take Chemistry 1406N for CEUs (Continuing Education Units) prior to the co-requisite BIOL 2420 Microbiology and Clinical Pathology to comply with program requirements. The Chemistry 1406N CEU course may not meet the criteria for financial aid assistance; please check with the Financial Aid Office. If the student chooses to have the Chemistry 1406N CEU course converted to semester credit hours a petition to record credit form must be completed by student.
- Any or all remaining general education courses in the curriculum may be completed prior to admission to the nursing program.
- Program Grade Point Average (PGPA) of 2.5
- Due to our selective admission criteria the most recent grade and not the highest grade is used in the calculation for the program GPA.
- All applicants must meet general admission requirements of the College and submit a completed online application available at www.nursingCAS.org
The following must accompany the NursingCAS online application submission:
- Document verifying immunizations:
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: Students are required to have completed the Hepatitis B vaccine series prior to the start of nursing school. Please keep in mind that this series may take up to 6 months to complete.
- Tetanus-diphtheria: One dose of a tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td) is required within the last ten years. The booster dose may be in the form of a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis containing vaccine (Tdap).
- Varicella Vaccine: Students are required to have received one dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the student’s first birthday or, if the first dose was administered on or after the student’s thirteenth birthday, two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine are required. If a student has previously had Varicella (chickenpox) disease the student will need to submit Verification of Immunity/History of Illness to the nursing office. The form is available on the nursing website at www.delmar.edu/rn
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccines: If a student has their immunization record and this record reflects two doses of MMR vaccine then the student is in compliance with all of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella requirements. If a student does not have two documented doses of MMR they will need to ensure that they meet the minimum requirement:
- Measles: Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show acceptable evidence of vaccination of two doses of a measles- containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968 (preferably MMR vaccine).
- Mumps: Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show acceptable evidence of vaccination of one dose of a mumps vaccine. Serological lab showing proof of immunity is acceptable.
- Rubella: Students must show acceptable evidence of one dose of rubella vaccine.
Upon conditional acceptance to program student must submit the following:
- Health Screening on a standard departmental physical examination form to provide evidence of good physical and mental health. Failure to reveal prior or present physical or emotional illness will place a student as subject to dismissal. While information will be held in confidence there are certain circumstances that, for the student’s protection as well as others, make health information disclosure a necessity.
- Negative PPD or chest X-ray with the last 12 months. The PPD skin test is a method used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB).
- Negative PPD yearly thereafter while enrolled in the program
- Students with a positive PPD and a negative chest X-ray on admission into the program must complete a TB screening questionnaire annually while enrolled in the program.
- Students whose responses indicate possibility of TB infection must submit documentation of medical evaluation and treatment, if applicable.
- Students with a negative PPD on admission who convert to positive while enrolled in the program must submit documentation of medical evaluation and treatment.
Current CPR course completion card from American Heart Association Health Care Provider or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer. The CPR card expiration date must fall beyond the last day of clinical for the semester.
- Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon satisfactory FBI background check (completed through the Texas Board of Nursing)
- The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) may require an applicant to complete a declaratory order if the background check is not clear orthere are questions surrounding a mental illness or chemical dependency. This process may take up to six months to a year, and students must have a clearance from the TBON before enrolling in nursing courses.
- Prospective applicants who question their eligibility are encouraged to contact the Texas Board of Nursing or program to further discuss their situation at www.bon.state.tx.us or (512) 305-7400.
- A negative drug screen is required for clinical eligibility.
Progression Requirements
Students enrolled in the program must be in good standing:
- Maintain a PGPA of 2.0
- Earn a grade of “C” or better in each nursing and general education course.
- Successfully complete all concurrent nursing courses and general education co-requisites to advance to the next level of degree plans
- Students will be required to take standardized comprehensive competency exams throughout and at the end of the nursing program. Failure to achieve satisfactory scores may affect progression in the program and graduation.
- A student may be readmitted into the nursing program one time only.
The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (www.bon.state.tx.us). The Associate in Applied Science degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accredited information is available through ACEN 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone (404) 975-5000, www.ACEN.org