ADMISSIONS POLICIES

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

To enhance the success of its graduates and to insure that only qualified applicants are accepted, the following factors are carefully considered prior to acceptance:

1. Results of Aptitude Testing:

The test is designed to measure one's scholastic level and is approved by the U.S. Department of Education. It is used as the required entrance exam and given to those candidates who express a desire to enroll in any of the programs being offered. Candidates for admission must meet or exceed the recommended minimum score levels for admissions consideration. The institution complies with the procedures outlined by the test publisher. Re-tests are allowed as prescribed by law. Students will be given the Wonderlic or CPAT entrance exam. The minimum passing scores for the CPAT and Wonderlic are as follows (except ability-to-benefit candidates):

Ability-to-Benefit students (those without a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent) must achieve the minimum passing score on the Wonderlic or CPAT as established by the United States Department of Education.

2. Prior Educational Background:

Students must be at least 18 years of age, or possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent for admissions consideration. Candidates who do not possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent shall also be considered for admission, provided that they take and pass an independently administered “ability-to-benefit” examination. Individuals admitted as ability-to-benefit students will receive GED testing locations and will be encouraged to obtain this certificate before graduating from InterCoast Colleges. Students who attend the Pharmacy Technician and Alcohol and Drug Counseling Programs must show proof of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent before receiving a completion certificate from InterCoast Colleges.

3. Placement Potential:

During the admissions interview, each applicant is evaluated to determine his/her potential for graduate employment in his/her chosen field. Factors considered are job history, background, attitude, professional appearance and communication skills.

4. Interest and Motivation:

Of prime importance is the student's desire to succeed. Evidence of a willingness to make sacrifices is necessary to successfully complete their career program. A proper attitude is essential if the student is to gain the maximum from this learning experience in order to prepare for a new career.

5. Availability of Time:

Of equal importance to the student's success is the availability of time to attend classes, and any additional time to complete classroom projects or homework as assigned. Each student is expected to spend approximately one additional hour for each session attended. The more time spent on preparation, the better the opportunity for achieving success.

6. Additional Entrance Requirements for the Addiction Professional Education Program:

To be accepted into this program, the applicant must provide validation of paid experience as an AODA counselor for a minimum of 4000 hours. This documentation must include identification of the counseling and/or case management roles and duties, periods of employment as a counselor, and be signed by the past/present employer. If the applicant is currently employed as a counselor in the field of Alcohol and Drug Treatment, he/she must obtain permission from the employer to enter into a clinical supervision agreement with InterCoast Colleges. This is necessary to provide proper clinical supervision, assign learning objectives and evaluate performances. Applicants who are not employed must agree to placement in a clinical site concurrent with classroom attendance. All program applicants must provide three letters of recommendation for acceptance consideration.

INTERCOAST COLLEGES DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF SEX, AGE, PHYSICAL HANDICAP, RACE, NATURAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, CREED OR RELIGION IN ITS ADMISSION TO OR TREATMENT IN ITS PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING ADVERTISING, TRAINING, PLACEMENT, AND EMPLOYMENT. This policy applies to hiring of all positions and admission of all students into all programs. Students with special needs such as physical or mental handicaps or learning disabilities are considered for admission provided they meet the entrance requirements. The Director is responsible for accepting students and determining whether applicants, including those with special needs, can benefit from the training.

HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION

All applicants are required to have a personal interview with an admissions representative, successfully complete the entrance examination, and a complete facility tour before acceptance into the training program. The interview usually lasts approximately one hour. During that time, the admission representative will discuss the various aspects of training, programs offered, tuition, financing, and entrance requirements. If qualified, applicants may fill out application forms and complete the enrollment agreement or they may return to enroll at a later date. Applicants are encouraged to observe classes if they desire. Applications require the written approval of the Director.

ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT SCHEDULE AND CONTACT

The Admissions Offices are open from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Fridays; and from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday by advance appointment only. The campus admission representatives can be contacted by calling the admissions department at 1-877-CAREERS. Personal interviews for admission may be arranged by appointment during any of the normal admission hours.