- Rationale for why Richland Community College has a selective admissions program
- The process to follow for admission to a selective admissions program
- Frequently asked questions about the selective admissions process
Rationale for Selective Admissions to Health Professions Programs
Students who wish to declare a major in some health professions programs must meet minimum criteria in order to apply and admission is competitive. Admission to some health programs is selective due to availability and limitations of practicum sites and limitations in the number of students who can be accommodated in clinical groups. The selective admission procedures also apply to readmission students, advanced placements students, and transfer students. Admission to Richland Community College does not guarantee admission to selective admissions programs. The following programs require specialized admission:
- AAS Nursing – Registered Nursing
- AAS Radiography
- AAS Surgical Technology
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nursing Certificate
Cooperative Education Programs
- AAS Dental Hygiene – cooperative agreement with Lakeland Community College
- AAS Occupational Therapy Assistant – cooperative agreement with Parkland College
- AAS Physical Therapy Assistant – cooperative agreement with Lakeland Community College
- AAS Respiratory Care – cooperative agreement with Parkland College
Selective Admissions Process
Below are the basic steps to follow in applying for admissions to any of the Health Professions programs listed above. (Revised July 2014)
- Complete the General Admissions Process
- Visit the Student Success Center to complete an Admission Information form or complete the Admission Information form on myRichland
- Request and submit high school, GED, and other college transcripts to Student Records.
- Meet with an advisor in the Student Success Center to discuss the selective admission process and program of interest
- Verify receipt of GED, high school and/or other college transcripts (may be accessed through myRichland)
- Determine and complete needed placement testing
- Determine and complete prerequisites and/or general education courses
- Verify any transfer credits are properly applied to transcript (may be accessed through myRichland)
- Go to the Health Professions web page and review all information and admission requirements of your program of interest by clicking on the program’s link located on the left side of the screen.
- Once registered for courses, activate your student account, which includes your NetID and password.
- Access the program’s Pre-Advisement Plan on myRichland
- Log on to myRichland using the NetID and password. Students who have not attended Richland in more than a year should use their student ID number as their login and birthdate as their password (mmddyy format with no dashes or slashes) until they are registered for courses. Students who have never attended Richland should meet with an advisor
- Select the “My Student Info” tab and click the “My Degree Info” link on the left side
- Select the program of interest under “Health Professions Pre-Advisement” heading
- Submit the online application during the designated application period, if eligible. Students not meeting requirements should continue to work with their advisor to determine needed qualifications. See below for the Health Professions Application Period.
- Verify the application status using your student (myRichland) e-mail account or personal email if on file with the college.
- All students receive a letter regarding admission status. Late applications will be accepted during the specified late application period and considered, if space in the program is available.
| Program | Admission Semester | Application Period | Application Deadline | Late Application Period |
| AD Nursing | Spring | Aug. 1 – Sept. 1 | September 1 | Not Available |
| AD Nursing | Fall | Jan. 2 – Feb. 1 | February 1 | Not Available |
| LPN Bridge | Spring | Aug. 1 – Sept. 1 | September 1 | Not Available |
| LPN Bridge | Fall | Jan. 2 – Feb. 1 | February 1 | Not Available |
| Medical Assisting | Fall | May 20 – Jun. 30 | June 30 | Not Available |
| Practical Nursing | Summer | March 1 – April 1 | April 1 | April 2 – May 15 |
| Radiography | Summer | Dec. 15 – Mar. 1 | March 1 | Not Available |
| Surgical Technology | Fall | Jan. 4 – March 1 | March 1 | March 2 – Aug. 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Selective Admissions Process
I thought Richland had an open admissions policy. Why are these programs selective?
Richland does have an open admissions policy. Some Health Profession Programs are selective due to the number of faculty, the accreditation requirements, and in some cases, a limited number of clinical sites, so there may not be openings for all students who apply.
What is the difference between the Cumulative GPA and the Program GPA?
The Cumulative GPA includes the grades and credits you’ve earned in all coursework attempted at Richland. The Program GPA is calculated using only the grades and credits you’ve earned in the coursework applicable to the program-of-interest. Transfer and Richland credits are used in calculating the Program GPA. If a course has been repeated, the most recent grade is used in calculating the Program GPA, in accordance with the college policy. Although some course work can be completed in program, if a student has completed it prior to admission, it is calculated in the Program GPA. Each program has specific requirements regarding a minimum Program GPA for admission, progression, and graduation.
How are applicants evaluated for acceptance?
Applicants’ evaluation varies depending on the program. Specific information regarding basis of ranking is found on the individual Health Professions program pages.
I qualified for the program of my choice, but it was full and I didn’t get in. What do I do now?
Applicants who meet or exceed the admissions requirements and are not admitted because of lack of space are placed on an alternate list for admission until the program begins. If an opening becomes available, students are called based on their placement on the alternate list. The alternate list is ranked by admission score for in-district students and then for out-of-district students. Contact is made via phone, so it is important that the contact information listed in myRichland is up-to-date. Contact may be made up to and including the day the program begins.
Once the program begins, the alternate list does not roll over. Applicants must reapply by the deadline for the next admission cycle.
What do I do if I do not get accepted into the program of my choice?
If you aren’t admitted to the program of your choice, don’t give up on your goal! Make an appointment with your academic advisor to assist you in reviewing academic qualifications and creating a plan to improve your admission score.
I earned a D in a required general education or prerequisite course. Can I apply?
No. A minimum of a C is required for all general education and prerequisite and program courses. If the student is currently repeating the course with the D, see the following question.
I am enrolled in a prerequisite or general education course this semester. Can I apply for admission?
Yes, students who are enrolled in course work during the semester of the application deadline may apply as long as all other admission criteria are met. Students will be evaluated with other applicants and must successfully complete the coursework by the end of the semester and maintain all admission requirements.
Should I take HLTH 110 CPR before I apply?
No, students don’t need CPR to apply. Students do need the Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR card before beginning their programs and must maintain a current card while in clinical courses. The training is through the American Heart Association.