General Admissions Requirements for Career and Technical Education Programs

Career and Technical Education Programs provide integrated pathways to high-skill/high-wage earning careers that are family sustainable and strengthen the area's economic health. The region's major employers are actively vested and engaged with our faculty and programs and Seminole State graduates reflect their expertise and commitment.

Seminole State's vision is to be the region's most influential educational institution for career and professional studies education, with employees seeking our graduates before all others.

Limited-Access Programs Placement Eligibility

All candidates for admission to the College are accepted for enrollment as announced in this procedure. However, some programs are regularly identified by Seminole State as limited-access programs.

1. Limited-access programs have specific enrollment eligibility limitation requirements that are imposed because of:
   1. Physical facility limitations;
   2. Faculty and clinical or internship resources;
   3. State licensure rules and regulations established and implemented by outside agencies, boards and entities; or
   4. Related criteria established and implemented pursuant to laws, rules and regulations over which the College has no discretionary authority.
2. Limited-access program students shall be selected for admission to these programs based on:
   1. Equal Access/Equal Opportunity standards;
   2. Past student performance;
   3. Academic performance and continuing academic potential.
3. Students seeking placement in such programs receive specific eligibility requirements for admission from the department. The final selection decision for placement in each limited-access program is determined by a department committee. The department provides notification of placement to each limited-access program candidate.
4. Admission decisions related to limited-access programs cannot be appealed except for specific cause.
5. Students who are not selected for admission to a specific limited-access program are encouraged to continue their studies in other programs and courses at the College. Advising services are provided by career program advisors who work with students in each program area. These career program advisors can assist unsuccessful candidates with strengthening their application and/or the selection of alternative educational programs and courses. All students who apply to limited-access programs should contact the appropriate career program advisor early for guidance.

Please Note: Seminole State College does not require health immunizations for admission to Healthcare Programs. However, Healthcare Program students will be required to obtain immunizations prior to participating in clinical experiences and maintain specific immunizations during the specific program. Please contact the department for more information.

Apprenticeship Programs

Florida Automatic Sprinkler Training (FAST) program

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Be at least 18 years of age;
3. Be physically capable of performing the work of the respective trade;
4. Be able to read and write English;
5. Be employed by a sponsoring company;
6. Schedule an appointment with respective Apprenticeship Coordinator to enroll in program.

Building Controls Installation Apprenticeship program

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College
2. Be at least 18 years of age
3. Be physically capable of performing the work of the respective trade
4. Be able to read and write English
5. Be employed by a sponsoring company
6. Schedule an appointment with respective Apprenticeship Coordinator to enroll in program.

Automotive Programs

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Automotive Engineering Technology (Ford, GM, General Domestic and Imports)

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Provide official transcripts showing receipt of a standard high school diploma or its equivalent;
3. Non-exempt students must complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT);
4. Be at least 18 years of age prior to first work assignment;
5. Possess a valid Florida driver's license;
6. Provide a current 3-year Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) report (Students driving for less than 3 years ARE eligible to apply);
7. Apply to the automotive program by submitting a separate online automotive application and uploading necessary documents;
8. EAP students must be 1500 level or higher prior to beginning the program;
9. Be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Healthcare Programs

Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree in Nursing (RN) 

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. If non-exempt, complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) or SAT;
3. Visit the Nursing Website for program application details;
4. Submit the following documentation:
   • Nursing Application: This form must be submitted and is valid for the current admission class. Students who are not admitted must submit a new Nursing Application for the next admission class. The Nursing Application is part of the application packet and is located on the Nursing Website.
   • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) grade report. See the Nursing Website for required scores.
   • A GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for general education and support courses is required. See the Nursing Website for a list of prerequisites.
   • Transcripts from other colleges must be submitted to the College Records Office.

     If there are more applicants meeting the criteria than available seats, the Seminole State Nursing Admissions Committee will use a selection process. More information about the selection process is available on the Nursing Website.

5. Be aware of physical limitations. Bedside nursing can be physically demanding. Student nurses provide care that includes activities such as turning, lifting and transferring patients. Hospital protocol requires all healthcare workers to be physically stable in order to provide care. Hospitals have the ability to deny the use of their facilities to students when the safety of care provided to patients could be compromised. Any student absent due to medical reasons must have a medical release prior to returning to a clinical experience.
6. Complete and pass a mandatory background check prior to starting classes. More information regarding this process is available online at Healthcare Background Check.
   For students with a positive background:
   • We use community healthcare facilities to meet the clinical component of each nursing course. We have an agreement with those clinical partners that indicates that the applicants must be free of offenses that could potentially disqualify them from working in a healthcare environment.
   • The clinical facilities require any student with a positive background (arrested in Florida or any other state) to be cleared by the hospitals. The process to be cleared by the hospital is a long process and needs to be initiated prior to submitting a nursing application. The approval for clinical attendance at the different facilities is at the discretion of the clinical agencies.
   • Students must contact the Nursing Department, via email at nursingclearance@seminolestate.edu to initiate the background clearance process. Once the hospitals have approved the clearance, the student will receive a signed clinical clearance form.  This signed Clinical Clearance Form must be submitted with the application packet. 
   • Applications submitted by students without a completed and signed pre-cleared background check form attached will not be processed. Information regarding this procedure can be found online.

Nursing-Concurrent A.S.-B.S.N. Option with the University of Central Florida

This program is a partnership between Seminole State College and the University of Central Florida. It integrates concurrent enrollment in associate and baccalaureate nursing programs simultaneously.

Candidates must:

1. Be admitted into Seminole State College's Generic Associate Degree in Nursing Program;
2. Be admitted to UCF and the UCF Nursing Concurrent Program;
3. Meet all Seminole State and UCF Nursing prerequisites;
4. Possess a minimum overall GPA as stated on the Seminole State Nursing Website.
5. Complete and pass a mandatory background check prior to starting classes. More information regarding this process is available online.
   For students with a positive background:
   • We use community healthcare facilities to meet the clinical component of each nursing course. We have an agreement with those clinical partners that indicates that the applicants must be free of offenses that could potentially disqualify them from working in a healthcare environment.
   • The clinical facilities require any student with a positive background (arrested in Florida or any other state) to be cleared by the hospitals. The process to be cleared by the hospital is a long process and needs to be initiated prior to submitting a nursing application. The approval for clinical attendance at the different facilities is at the discretion of the clinical agencies.
   • Students must contact the Nursing Department, via email at to initiate the background clearance process. Once the hospitals have approved the clearance, the student will receive a signed clinical clearance form.  This signed Clinical Clearance Form must be submitted with the application packet. 
   • Applications submitted by students without a completed and signed pre-cleared background check form attached will not be processed. Information regarding this procedure can be found online.
     
     

If there are more applicants meeting the criteria than available seats, the Seminole State Nursing Admissions Committee will use a selection process. More information about the selection process is available on the Nursing Website.

Nursing, RN-to-BSN

Students may begin the RN-to-BSN program three times each year in August (Term I), in January (Term II), or in May (Term III). Interested persons must first be admitted to Seminole State before registering for RN-to-BSN coursework. The dates for application may vary.

The nursing program has specific requirements for admission. Candidates must:

• Graduate from a regionally-accredited Associate in Science Degree Nursing or Diploma in Nursing program and be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEXRN) or hold an active RN license;
• Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
• Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher;
• Attain a grade of "C" or higher in all General Education course requirements;

All nursing courses are taught in a distance format and there is an experiential learning component. Students must have access to a computer with internet capabilities while enrolled in the program. An active unencumbered RN license is required prior to the Capstone course at the end of the program.

Associate in Science (A.S.) Physical Therapist Assistant

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. If non-exempt, complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT);
3. Complete a minimum of 20 hours of observation, volunteer service or work experience in two or more Physical Therapy Departments (observation hours in excess of 100 hours will not be considered);
4. Meet with assigned advisor to discuss General Education courses required for the PTA program. General education courses taken at an accredited college or university may be applied to your Seminole State transcript. The Registrar's Office evaluates coursework to determine the transferability and equivalency of the coursework students previously completed. The Registrar's Office will apply the equivalency of the course at Seminole State College to the student's academic record. The use of the course to meet a degree's requirements is determined by the program's curriculum. It is the student's responsibility to request the submission of official transcripts to Seminole State as soon as possible from other colleges and universities.
5. Submit the completed PTA application packet available on the PTA Website.

Dates for the information sessions are available on the PTA website or by calling 407.404.6196.

All students enrolled in a Healthcare Professional program with a clinical or practicum component will be required to complete a full background check with drug/alcohol screening. Students are encouraged to review the background check information for healthcare programs prior to beginning their coursework.

Associate in Science (A.S.) Respiratory Care

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. If non-exempt, complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT);
3. Meet with assigned advisor to discuss General Education courses required for the Respiratory program. General education courses taken at an accredited college or university may be applied to your Seminole State transcript. The Registrar's Office evaluates coursework to determine the transferability and equivalency of the coursework students previously completed. The Registrar's Office will apply the equivalency of the course at Seminole State College to the student's academic record. The use of the course to meet a degree's requirements is determined by the program's curriculum. It is the student's responsibility to request the submission of official transcripts to Seminole State as soon as possible from other colleges and universities.
4. Submit completed Respiratory Care Application available on the Respiratory Care Website.

Dates for information sessions are available on the Respiratory Care Website or by calling 407.404.6196.

All students enrolled in a Healthcare Professional program with a clinical or practicum component will be required to complete a full background check with drug/alcohol screening. Students are encouraged to review the background check information for healthcare programs prior to beginning their coursework.

Public Safety Programs

Correctional Officer: Criminal Justice Academy

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Be at least 18 years of age;
3. Be a U.S. citizen;
4. Provide an official transcript(s) indicating successful completion of high school or GED®;
5. Possess a valid Florida driver's license;
6. Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statements or domestic violence;
7. Make an appointment with Testing and Assessment, pay fee, and complete the CJBAT battery unless exempt from the CJBAT battery. If a candidate has a two-year degree or higher or has been honorably discharged from the military, they are exempt from taking and passing the CJBAT battery;
8. Complete the Corrections application process and physical entrance test;
9. Attend the mandatory information session to receive an academy application;
10. Have been honorably discharged from military service (if applicable).

Law Enforcement: Basic Recruit Criminal Justice Academy

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Provide an official transcript(s) indicating successful completion of high school or GED®;
3. Be at least 19 years of age at the time of graduation;
4. Be a U.S. citizen;
5. Possess a valid Florida driver's license;
6. Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statements or domestic violence;
7. Make an appointment with Testing and Assessment, pay fee and complete the CJBAT battery unless exempt from the CJBAT battery. If a candidate has a two-year degree or higher or has been honorably discharged from the military, they are exempt from taking and passing the CJBAT battery; 
8. Attend the mandatory information session to receive an academy application.
9. Complete the Law Enforcement application process and physical entrance test.

Crossover Corrections to Law Enforcement: Criminal Justice Academy

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Provide an official transcript(s) indicating successful completion of high school or GED®;
3. Provide a copy of FDLE Corrections Certificate or transcript indicating completion of Corrections Academy;
4. Be at least 19 years of age;
5. Be a U.S. citizen;
6. Possess a valid Florida driver's license;
7. Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statements or domestic violence;
8. Make an appointment with Testing and Assessment, pay fee and complete the CJBAT battery unless exempt from the CJBAT battery. If a candidate has a two-year degree or higher or has been honorably discharged from the military, they are exempt from taking and passing the CJBAT battery; 
9. Attend the mandatory information session to receive an academy application;
10. Provide a copy of FDLE Corrections Certificate or transcript indicating completion of Corrections Academy.

Crossover Law Enforcement to Corrections:  Criminal Justice Academy

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Attend the mandatory information session to receive an academy application;
3. Provide an official transcript(s) indicating successful completion of high school or GED®;
4. Provide a copy of FDLE Law Enforcement Certificate or transcript indicating completion of Law Enforcement Academy;
5. Be at least 19 years of age;
6. Be a U.S. citizen;
7. Possess a valid Florida driver's license;
8. Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statements or domestic violence;
9. Make an appointment with Testing and Assessment, pay fee and complete the CJBAT battery unless exempt from the CJBAT battery. If a candidate has a two-year degree or higher or has been honorably discharged from the military, they are exempt from taking and passing the CJBAT battery; 
10. Complete the Crossover application process and physical fitness assessment.

Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Certificate Program

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Attend mandatory information session to receive EMT Program application.
3. Submit EMS application (include transcripts indicating successful completion of high school diploma or GED®) to the EMS Program;
4. Submit proof of age (at least 18 years of age);
5. Submit for and successfully pass an FDLE/FBI criminal background check as identified by the State of Florida Department of Health. We use community healthcare facilities to meet the clinical component of each course. Agreements with those clinical partners indicates applicants must be free of offenses that could potentially disqualify them from working in the public safety environment. The clinical facilities require any student with a positive background (arrested in Florida or any other state) to be cleared by the hospitals. The process to be cleared by the hospital is a long process. Once the program receives the background and the student is identified as needing to complete the additional requirements, the student will be contacted. The approval for clinical attendance at the different facilities is at the discretion of the clinical agencies. If not approved, the student will not be able to register for any course. If contacted, the student will need to submit a completed and signed Clinical Clearance Form along with submitting additional documentation as requested;
6. Submit proof of current BLS certification with American Heart Association or American Red Cross;
7. Upon acceptance, attend mandatory program orientation;
8. Complete and successfully pass a drug screen exam;
9. Complete a physical examination with proof of vaccinations and a medical release from physician or nurse practitioner.
   
   The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate/degree track requires a minimum grade of "C" (80%) to be achieved in all courses to meet program and graduation requirements. If not, the student will need to retake all 3 courses.

Firefighting Career Certificate - Minimum Standards

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Complete EMT course;
   • Section 1004.91, Florida Statutes (F.S.), Career-Preparatory Instruction and State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.040 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) requires students who enroll in a career certificate or applied technology diploma program offered for career credit of 492clock hours or more to complete an entry-level examination within the first six weeks after admission into the program.
     The purpose of assessment is to determine whether the student has the basic skills necessary to be successful in the chosen CTE program. Assessment instruments meeting this requirement are annually adopted in Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C. and include: 
     • Any common placement test where a minimum score has been achieved pursuant to Rule 6A-10.0315, F.A.C.; 
     • Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS), GOALS 900 Series; and
     • 2014 GED® Tests: Reasoning through Language Arts and Mathematics Reasoning where a minimum score (145), as required in Rule 6A-.6.0201, F.A.C., has been achieved, on each test.
     • Exceptions and Exemptions from the Basic Skills Examination 
       • Adult students with disabilities may be exempted from meeting the basic skills level required to earn a Career Certificate of Completion and be reported as a completer.
       • Students who are exempt from basic skills exit requirements include those who:
         1. Possess a college degree at the associate in applied science (AAS) level or higher; 
         2. Demonstrate readiness for public postsecondary education pursuant to s. 1008.30, F.S. and applicable rules adopted by the State Board of Education. A student who entered 9th grade in a Florida public school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma or a student who is serving as an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Services shall not be required to take the common placement test and shall not be required to enroll in developmental education instruction in a Florida College System institution. However, a student who is not required to take the common placement test and is not required to enroll in developmental education under this paragraph may opt to be assessed and to enroll in developmental education instruction, and the college shall provide such assessment and instruction upon the student’s request.
         3. Pass a state or national industry certification or licensure examination that is identified in State Board of Education rules and aligned to the CTE program in which the student is enrolled; or 
         4. Is enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with FDOE in accordance with Chapter 446.

     •  If a student has met or exceeded standard scores in one area of one test, another test may be used to meet the additional skill area requirements. It is acceptable to combine test scores from more than one test. 

     • A student who was previously tested and referred to developmental education at a Florida College System (FCS) institution college may be reported as meeting basic skills requirements once they successfully complete the required developmental education and will not need to be retested. 
     • A student who has taken the 2014 GED® and attained the minimum achievement scores on both the Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) and Mathematic Reasoning, does not need to be tested. A student who takes the 2014 GED® and does not attain the minimum score on the initial test, but then subsequently attains the minimum score on each test after admission into the CTE program, may be counted as a full completer from the program once the student successfully demonstrates mastery of program content as determined locally. Earning the achievement scores on both the 2014 GED® RLA and Mathematical Reasoning subtests must occur before or within the reporting year that the student completes the CTE program. All requirements for full program completion would need to be earned by the end of the reporting year for the year in which there was enrollment. Once a reporting year has closed, there is no longer an opportunity to update records and indicate the student was a full program completer. School districts and FCS institutions may still update local system records, it just would not be transmitted to the state and the student would not be included in Perkins calculations as a full program completer. 
     • If a student successfully completes his or her coursework, does not meet the basic skills requirements for completion from the program utilizing an approved assessment instrument, takes and passes a related licensure exam identified by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), Division of Career and Adult Education (DCAE), and posted on the website, the student shall be counted as a completer and does not have to be retested on one of the basic skills examinations. This provision includes career dual enrollment students.
3. Attend mandatory Firefighting Information Session held by the Fire Science Department;
4. Submit Firefighting Academy application to the Center for Public Safety;
5. Submit proof of age (at least 18 years of age);
6. Provide an official transcript(s) indicating the successful completion of high school program or GED®;
7. Attend mandatory Firefighting Orientation Session held by Fire Science Department.
8. Meet the Bureau of Fire Standards background, medical, and physical requirements as established by F.A.C.;
9. Complete a non-tobacco use affidavit;
10. *Physical agility exam is required (Scheduling will be completed during information session).

Please note: Priority is given to applicants who are sponsored by a fire agency or recommended by a Fire Chief, have completed a Paramedic program, and earned an A.S. or A.A. degree or higher.

Paramedic Certificate

Candidates must:

1. Apply and be accepted to Seminole State College;
2. Attend a mandatory information session to receive instructions for Paramedic Program application.
3. Submit a completed EMS Paramedic application (include transcripts indicating successful completion of a high school diploma or GED®);
4. Submit proof of age (at least 18 years of age);
5. If non-exempt, complete the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT); and achieve the following scores: Reading -106 or higher, Sentence Skills - 103 or higher, Algebra or exemption -114 or higher; or be exempt from common placement testing.
6. Have earned a 2.0 GPA or higher;
7. Submit and successfully pass an FDLE/FBI criminal background check as identified by the State of Florida Department of Health and drug and alcohol test. We use community healthcare facilities to meet the clinical component of each course. Agreements with those clinical partners indicates applicants must be free of offenses that could potentially disqualify them from working in the public safety environment. The clinical facilities require any student with a positive background (arrested in Florida or any other state) to be cleared by the hospitals. The process to be cleared by the hospital is a long process. Once the program receives the background and the student is identified as needing to complete the additional requirements, the student will be contacted. The approval for clinical attendance at the different facilities is at the discretion of the clinical agencies. If not approved, the student will not be able to register for any course. If contacted, the student will need to submit a completed and signed Clinical Clearance Form along with submitting additional documentation as requested;
8. Have successfully completed EMT, take the NREMT exam, and be a state-certified Florida EMT before the end of the first semester of paramedic;
9. Attend mandatory program orientation; date will be provided at the paramedic information session.

Please note: Applicants who are currently employed by a Seminole County fire department will be allowed the first opportunity to enroll in the Paramedic Program. All other applicants will fill the remaining positions in the class based on their application date and college eligibility.

The Seminole State Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

The primary objective of the Seminole State College paramedic program is to prepare competent entry-level paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exit points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technical and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.

To contact CoAEMSP:

214-703-8445

CoAEMSP Website

The Paramedic Certificate and degree have corequisite requirements. Failure to successfully complete any of the corequisite courses will require the student to re-apply to the program. Upon acceptance and return into the Paramedic Program, the student must retake the course(s) they failed and all of the corresponding corequisite courses. A minimum grade of "C" (80%) must be achieved in all Paramedic courses to meet program and graduation requirements.