Academic Departments and Support

The educational programs at Motlow are planned and implemented by the nine academic departments in conjunction with the Academic Affairs Office.  These departments are Business and Technology, Mechatronics, Education, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Nursing and Allied Health, Natural Science, and Social Sciences.  They are complemented by Library Services and a full array of academic support services.

Each semester, numerous credit courses are offered during the day, at night, on the weekends, online, or in accelerated format to meet the needs of students. These courses, which are described in other sections of this catalog, are available to full-time and part-time students at several locations. These flexible schedules make it possible to complete a degree through a variety of options.

The Honors Program provides a path to excellence for academically talented students who want to derive maximum benefit from their educational experience. The Honors curriculum helps students achieve their goals through interaction with other equally qualified students and highly motivated, qualified faculty. Any eligible student may take any honors course without committing to the Honors Program as a whole.

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS

Motlow College is divided into nine academic departments and offers a variety of courses and programs for students who want to seek employment at the conclusion of one or two years of study as well as for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution. Each department supports the general education core of the college with English, mathematics, natural science and social sciences courses and readies the under-prepared students through the learning-support program when necessary. Certificates of Credit may be completed in the areas of customer service, mechatronics, early childhood education and EMT.

The instructional areas included within the individual departments are:

Business and Technology Department

The Business and Technology Department provides students with an opportunity to pursue several different two-year programs of study that are designed to prepare individuals to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution to acquire an undergraduate baccalaureate degree. Students are provided the option of pursuing a two-year Associate of Applied Science in one of four Business concentrations. Students are also provided the option of pursuing a two-year Associate of Science or Associate of Arts in several different business, computer science, information systems, and engineering transfer programs.

As part of the overall College, all of the Department’s two-year programs of study are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; plus, all of the Department’s two-year business and business-related programs of study are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. Detailed information on the different majors and programs of study can be found at the Business and Technology Department online homepage. 

Mechatronics

The Mechatronics Department maintains several different programs, all focusing on preparing students for exciting careers in industry.

The Department offers a basic certification in Mechatronics and also an A.A.S. in Mechatronics Technology.

1. Mechatronics Certificate of Credit   

The basic certification in Mechatronics prepares the student to enter the workforce as an entry-level technician. The student is trained in basic skills needed in mechatronics and is given an understanding of troubleshooting and maintenance on complex systems. The student is prepared to enter the workforce as an entry-level systems operator/technician.

The student is also given an opportunity to sit for an international certification from Siemens Technical Academy. Siemens is a world leader in complex mechatronic integration equipment, and by obtaining this certificate, the student is obtaining a world-class certification.

2. Mechatronics Technology A.A.S.  

The A.A.S. in Mechatronic Technology is a two-year program that builds on the basic certification courses. In addition to advanced mechatronic skills, the student is trained in process design and manufacturing design. At the completion of the program, the student has first-hand skills in mechatronic process design. The student is prepared to enter the workforce as a maintenance/engineering technician.

The student is also given an opportunity to sit for an international Level 2 certification from Siemens Technical Academy. In addition, the student can articulate to MTSU in the Mechatronic Engineering program.

Education Department

The Education Department at Motlow State Community College offers coursework for students seeking any of the following:

Elementary Education (K-5) (A.S.T.) TTP  

Early Childhood Education (Pre K-3) (A.S.T.) TTP  

Special Education (A.S.T.) TTP  

Secondary Education - Mathematics (A.S.T.) TTP  

Secondary Education - English (A.S.T.) TTP  

Secondary Education - Social Studies (A.S.T.) TTP  

Family and Consumer Science (A.S.) TTP  

Early Childhood Education Major A.A.S.   

Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate (24 hours)  

Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate (12 hours)  

The Associate of Science in Teaching (A.S.T) degrees are offered for students who plan to transfer to a four year university and seek teacher licensure. The A.S.T. degree enables students to move directly into their junior year at most universities ready to apply for the teacher education program there. The A.S.T. degree does carry some additional requirements for graduation, including: obtaining a 2.75 GPA; completion of 3 disposition statements from instructors and a teacher in the field; a 21 on the ACT or successful completion of the PRAXIS CORE exam.

The Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Family and Consumer Studies is a Tennessee Transfer Pathway program for transfer into a university program.

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Early Childhood Education is offered for students who hope to work in a child care program or apply as an educational assistant in a public school pre K-3 program. While some courses within the degree program will transfer into a university program of study, the degree itself is not a transfer degree. The A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education at Motlow College is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Motlow College also offers two certificate programs in Early Childhood Education. The 12 credit (4 courses) Basic Certificate in Early Childhood Education includes courses required to meet the education component for students seeking the nationally recognized CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.  The 24 credit (8 courses) Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education includes just 4 courses in addition to the Basic Certificate. The Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education functions as a technical certificate on the State Report Card for child care programs. Students who earn a certificate may be recognized at graduation.

Students taking education courses and some early childhood education courses are required to complete classroom observations in public schools. A background check is required prior to beginning classroom observations.

For detailed information pertaining to the Education Department, please visit the Education webpage.  

Humanities Department

The Humanities Department provides instruction in the areas of Art, College Readiness, Mass Communications, Music, Speech, and Theatre. The commitment of the Department is threefold:

• Prepare students for successful transfer to four-year institutions
• Prepare enrichment and exposure through cultural experiences
• Promote the arts for students and the community

The Humanities Department supports the General Education core curriculum by providing the Fundamentals of Communication  course, in which all students who plan to transfer must enroll. The Humanities requirement of the core curriculum is also met by enrollment in any of the following:  Introduction to Art , Introduction to Music , Introduction to Theatre , Art History Survey I , or Art History Survey II .

The Department offers a basic foundation in communication and the arts in speaking, singing, playing instruments, painting, drawing, and acting. Students may enter one of three programs of study which prepare them for transfer to a four-year institution.

The Art (Studio) (A.A.) TTP  at Motlow prepares the student for transition into art programs at TBR and other four-year universities.

The Mass Communications (A.A.) TTP  and Mass Communications (A.S.) TTP  provide a core of transferable courses to enable the student to enter a four-year program in any area of Mass Communication studies.

The Speech and Theatre (A.S.)  prepares the student to enter a four-year program of study in speech communication or theatre.

Theatre involves students in performances in contemporary and classical drama and musicals and also provides experience in children’s drama. The curriculum in Speech and Theatre includes the following:

• SPCH 2010 Oral Interpretation   
• SPCH 2020 Voice and Diction  
• THEA 1030 Introduction to Theatre  
• THEA 1040 Theatre Production  
• THEA 2020 Children’s Drama  

 Although there is no area of emphasis in Music, students may participate in music performances and concerts and may enroll in a variety of courses, including the following:

• MUS 1030 Introduction to Music  
• MUSP 1021 Choir  
• MUSP 1141 Band Ensemble  

Students who plan to transfer in any area of study in the Humanities Department should seek an advisor in the desired area of emphasis for careful advisement.

Languages Department

Collegiate-level English courses at Motlow are designed to meet the needs of students who wish to enter careers immediately as well as students who are pursuing more broad-based liberal arts or technical curricula which lead to transfer into four-year degree programs. The freshman composition sequence (ENGL 1010   and ENGL 1020 ) is required of all degree-seeking students. The freshman composition courses and sophomore literature courses have been carefully sequenced to build on particular skills, hence the carefully structured prerequisite requirements. Students may also follow the Honors sequence of English offerings. (Please see the Honors English explanation below.) Other elective offerings in English include Creative Writing, Literature of the South, Children’s Literature, and Topics in English.    

PROGRESSION STANDARD FOR COMPLETING THE ENGLISH REQUIREMENT

A first-time college student who is registering as a full-time student (12 or more semester hours) must register for the appropriate English course (basic, developmental, or collegiate) within the full-time load during the first semester of attendance and remain in an English course each semester until the appropriate English requirement is completed.

PLACEMENT IN ENGLISH COURSES

Students who are under 21 years of age and have ACT English sub-scores of 17 or below will be placed in a learning support writing course according to the Placement Chart located in the Learning Support Assessment and Placement Procedures section of this Catalog. Students may challenge their placements by taking the writing portion of the ACCUPLACER test, the scores of which override ACT placement. New students who are 21 years of age or older must take the writing portion of the ACCUPLACER test unless they have valid ACT English sub-scores whereby they will be placed according to guidelines that apply to students under 21 years of age.

ADVANCED STANDING CREDIT IN ENGLISH

Students under 21 years of age with an ACT sub-score in English/Writing of 27 to 30 or an SAT sub-score in Writing of 610 to 680 will be given 3 hours of advanced standing credit for ENGL 1010 .   Students under 21 years of age with an ACT sub-score in English/Writing of 31 or an SAT sub-score in Writing of 690 or higher will be given 6 hours of advanced standing credit for ENGL 1010  and ENGL 1020 .  The maximum amount of advanced credit allowed from all advanced credit sources, which includes advanced standing credit in English, is 30 credit hours required for graduation.

Any student possessing the above score who elects to enroll in composition rather than receive advanced standing credit is encouraged to enroll in ENGL 1010 English Composition I  – Honors and ENGL 1020 English Composition II  – Honors.

Mathematics Department

Courses in mathematics are provided to help students think critically and precisely while strengthening their quantitative reasoning abilities both in and out of the classroom.

PLACEMENT IN MATHEMATICS COURSES

Students deficient in algebra are required to take the math portion of the ACCUPLACER test unless they have either a valid ACT composite score of 26 or greater, a valid ACT Mathematics sub-score of 19 or greater, or a valid passing ACCUPLACER Mathematics sub-score. Successful performance on the ACCUPLACER examination meets the requirements for removal of the deficiency in this subject area. If ACCUPLACER assessment indicates deficiency based on existing cutoff scores, the student will be required to enroll in a Learning Support mathematics course(s). Successful completion of required Learning Support mathematics course(s) meets the requirements for removal of the deficiency in this subject area.

ASSESSMENT AND PLACEMENT IN MATHEMATICS COURSES

Beginning in 1985, all Tennessee Board of Regents colleges, universities, and technology centers implemented the Developmental Studies Program, now referred to as Learning Support, as a condition for enrollment. The purposes of the program are to identify students who are under prepared for college-level studies, provide instruction to address deficiencies, and prepare students for entry into the college-level curriculum.

Listed below are applicant categories subject to assessment/placement provisions in mathematics:

1. Students who are under 21 years of age whose ACT mathematics sub-scores are 19 or greater are eligible to enroll in college-level mathematics courses without assessment/placement providing they have met high school criteria under the 1989 admission requirements. See above for information on removing high school deficiencies in mathematics.
2. Students who are under 21 years of age whose ACT mathematics sub-scores are 18 or below are placed into Learning-Support-level math courses according to the Placement Chart located in the Learning Support Assessment and Placement Procedures section of this Catalog.
3. All new students who are 21 years of age or older on the first day of classes of their admitting term and who seek regular admission must take the math portion of the ACCUPLACER unless they present valid ACT sub-scores in mathematics. They will then be placed according to the Learning Support Assessment and Placement Procedures section of the Catalog.
4. Returning/readmit, transient, and transfer students who have not previously taken the ACCUPLACER test in mathematics or who have not previously earned credits in mathematics must also take the mathematics portion of the ACCUPLACER test unless exempt by ACT scores or a valid passing ACCUPLACER Mathematics score. Students who have previously taken the AAPP test must retake the math portion if the previous test scores are three or more years old and if the students have not completed their requirements at the admitting institution or any other TBR institution. Students who have not met applicable 1989 admission requirements must follow the 1989 admission requirements as outlined above.

All students who earned high school equivalency diplomas through GED or HiSet testing must take the mathematics portion of the ACCUPLACER test.

Assessment results indicate whether students are eligible to enroll in college-level mathematics courses or must enroll in learning support courses. Students may not register for learning support courses without being assessed. College-level mathematics courses are denoted with MATH discipline code and have course numbers greater than 1000.

PROGRESSION STANDARD FOR COMPLETING THE DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT

All mathematics courses (both Learning Support and collegiate) carry the prerequisite condition that a student be exempt from or have successfully completed Learning Support Reading and Learning Support Writing. Providing course eligibility standards are met, a first-time college student requiring Learning Support mathematics who is registering as a full-time student (12 or more semester hours) must register for the appropriate learning support course(s) within the full-time load during the first semester of attendance and remain in a mathematics course each semester until the appropriate learning support mathematics requirement is completed.

DOCUMENTED ELIGIBILITY FOR COLLEGIATE MATHEMATICS

“Documented eligibility for collegiate mathematics” is a prerequisite for every college-level mathematics course and for selected courses in other disciplines for which mathematics skills are necessary. This eligibility is based upon the provisions of the Learning Support program as described above. The documentation for entry into collegiate mathematics will be in the form of one of the following:

1. Appropriate ACT sub-scores which permit enrollment into collegiate-level mathematics
2. Sufficiently high scores on ACCUPLACER mathematics examinations to place at the collegiate level in mathematics
3. Successful completion of learning support courses required as a result of ACCUPLACER test performance

SELECTION OF COLLEGIATE MATHEMATICS COURSES TO MEET GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Mathematics courses identified in each major and area of emphasis are recommended by the mathematics faculty, but other courses may be appropriate to meet the general education requirement. Students choosing mathematics courses to meet the general education requirement in the University Parallel major should select courses appropriate for the baccalaureate-granting institution and the major which they intend to pursue after graduating from Motlow College. If there is doubt about the proper choice of courses, see a member of the mathematics faculty.

Courses in the mathematics discipline are developed to encourage students to understand the methods of assimilating information using mathematical, quantitative, and information-processing skills, to promote development of skills which may contribute to career opportunity and success, and to provide the basis and foundation upon which a major in a mathematics-related field may be built.

Natural Science Department

The Natural Science Department offers a group of courses designed to provide students a broad knowledge in areas such as health/disease, the human body, nature, the environment, and the chemical/physical workings of the world. In addition, they provide preparation for careers in fields such as nursing, education, research, industry, and various pre-professional healthcare areas.

Nursing and Allied Health

NURSING

The Nursing Program is designed to prepare individuals to be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for the Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).  The four-semester curriculum provides learning opportunities which emphasize the application of the nursing core competencies which are: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration, and managing care of a diverse client population. Clinical activities are provided in campus classrooms, area hospitals, extended-care facilities, and other health and community agencies. While the majority of the clinical experiences are located within the College’s eleven-county service area, additional travel is sometimes required. Students completing this program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Articulation with a baccalaureate program of study is supported.

GENERAL ADMISSION TO THE NURSING PROGRAM

Application Procedure

• Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College. (Students will declare Health Sciences as their major until accepted into the Nursing Program.)
• Submit all prior collegiate and high school transcripts to the Admissions and Records Department by the Nursing Program application deadline. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that official transcripts have been received by the Admissions Department from all previously attended institutions. Incomplete or inaccurate transcripts will affect the student’s ability to be admitted or retained within the program.
• Submit a nursing program application.
• The nursing program application is available beginning November 1st through MyMotlow on the college’s website. Submission of applications to Motlow’s nursing program ends at 4:30 p.m. (CST) on the last business day of January.

To access the nursing program application:

1. Log in to MyMotlow.
2. Click Student.
3. Click Applications for Nursing, Scholarships, Access and Diversity Grant.
4. Click Nursing Application, and complete the application.

Upon submission of an application, a confirmation email will be sent. Please print and retain this confirmation email. Nursing program applications received after the application deadline will not be considered.

All students applying to the nursing program:

• Take the HESI entrance exam. The HESI entrance exam for Motlow includes these components: math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, and anatomy and physiology. The entrance exam will be administered in the Testing Center on designated dates at all campuses during the spring semester.
• Email a scanned copy of HESI A2 entrance exam’s summary report to the Nursing Program (email: nursingeducation@mscc.edu) during the application timeline of November to January if a HESI A2 entrance exam from a previous year or a HESI A2 entrancce exam taken at another institution is used. The HESI A2 entrance exam must have been taken with the past five years and contain the components required by Motlow. A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of the HESI entrance exam.
• Receive notification of the student’s acceptance and/or denial to the Nursing Program by electronic mail via the student’s Motlow email account.

Selection Criteria for Students with College Credits or Degree

To be considered for admission to the Nursing Program, the student must:

• Submit official high school transcripts or GED equivalent and official transcripts of all previous college work to the Department of Admissions and Records by the application deadline. Students who have earned a college degree from an accredited college/university are not required to submit a high school transcript.
• Satisfy any required Learning Support competencies prior to the application deadline to the Nursing Program as determined by the requirements specified in the Admission Requirements of the MSCC catalog.
• Have a 2.75 college grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Grade point average is calculated using only the required courses for the Nursing Program completed at the end of the fall semester prior to admission to the Nursing Program.
• Have a cumulative HESI A2 entrance exam score of 80% or higher.

*If required science courses are completed prior to admission to the Nursing Program, the courses must have been completed within five years of entering the Nursing Program, and a grade of “C” or greater must have been earned.  If it has been over five years or a grade is less than a “C,” the course will need to be retaken.  If the required math course is taken prior to admission to the Nursing Program, a grade of “C” or greater must have been earned, or the course will need to be retaken.

If changes to the selection criteria occur, they are implemented for all program applicants, regardless of the catalog year the person began at the College.

Calculation of Points for Students with College Credits or Degree

HESI entrance exam – maximum points possible are 300 for a score of 100%.  A percentage of points will be awarded for entrance exams less than 100%. For example, an entrance exam score of 85% will equate to 255 points (300 x 0.85 = 255).

Grade Point Average (GPA) – maximum points possible are 300 for a GPA of 4.0 calculated using the courses required by the Nursing Program.  The GPA at the end of the fall semester prior to admission is used in the calculation.  A percentage of points will be awarded for GPAs less than 4.0.  For example, a GPA of 3.0 will equate to 225 points (3.0 / 4.0 = 0.75 x 300 = 225).

Quality Points – Quality points will be added to the student’s point totals if the course has been completed by the end of the fall semester prior to admission to the Nursing Program.

BIOL 2010  with a grade of A or B: +25 points (must meet currency requirement)

ENGL 1010  with a grade of A or B: +25 points (Students who have advanced placement or advanced standing will also be awarded 25 points.)

MATH 1530  with a grade of A or B: +25 points

**If students take a required general education course more than three times within five years of application, they will lose 25 points per course from their totals points.**

Selection of Students to the Nursing Program

Selection for admission to the Nursing Program is based upon a point system with the most points possible being 675.  Students are ranked on a selection list in numerical order with the students with the most points selected to fill the class.

Students admitted to the Nursing Program are required to attend a Nursing Program Orientation Session held in May to mid-June with the date, time, and location included in the admission email.

After the class is selected, the selection list converts to an alternate list and, if needed, candidates are selected from the alternate list in numerical sequence.  Candidates who are not selected will need to resubmit a Nursing Program application to be considered for admission in the next year.

LPN TO RN NURSING PROGRAM ADMISSION

Application Procedure

• Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
• Submit all prior collegiate and high school transcripts to the Admissions and Records Department by the Nursing Program application deadline. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that official transcripts have been received by the Admissions Department from all previously attended institutions. Incomplete or inaccurate transcripts will affect the student’s ability to be admitted or retained within the program.
• Submit a Nursing Program application.
• The Nursing Program application is available beginning November 1st through MyMotlow on the College’s website. Submission of applications to Motlow’s Nursing Program ends at 4:30 p.m. (CST) on the last business day of January.

To access the Nursing Program application:

1. Log in to MyMotlow.
2. Click Student.
3. Click Applications for Nursing, Scholarships, Access and Diversity Grant.
4. Click Nursing Application, and complete the application.

Upon submission of an application, a confirmation email will be sent. Please print and retain this confirmation email. Nursing Program applications received after the application deadline will not be considered.

Students applying to the program:

• Be a graduate of an accredited practical nurse program.
• Email a scanned copy of LPN licensure during the application timeline of November to January to the nursing program (email: nursingeducation@mscc.edu).  A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of the LPN license.
• Take the HESI Nursing Fundamentals exam. The HESI Nursing Fundamentals exam for Motlow will be administered by the Testing Center on designated dates at all campuses during the spring semester.
• Email a scanned copy of the Fundamental HESI exam summary report to the Nursing Program (nursingeducation@mscc.edu) during the application timeline from November through January if a HESI Fundamental exam from a previous year or a HESI Fundamental exam taken at another institution is to be used. The HESI Fundamental exam must have been taken within the past two years. A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of the HESI Fundamental exam.
• Receive notification of the student’s acceptance and/or denial to the Nursing Program by electronic mail via the student’s Motlow email account.

Selection Criteria

LPNs desiring to apply to the Nursing Program must:

• Have a 2.75 college grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Grade point average is calculated using only the required courses for the Nursing Program completed at the end of fall semester prior to admission to the Nursing Program.
• Satisfy any required learning support competencies prior to the application deadline to the Nursing Program as determined by the requirements specified in the Admission Requirements of the MSCC catalog.
• Complete BIOL 2010  and BIOL 2020  with a grade of “C” or better prior to beginning the LPN-RN Transition Course and within the past five years.
• Complete ENGL 1010 , MATH 1530 , and PSYC 1030  prior to beginning the LPN-to-RN Transition Course.
• Have a HESI Fundamentals exam score of 850 or higher. The conversion score will be used to award points.

If changes to the selection criteria occur, they are implemented for all program applicants regardless of the catalog year the person began at the college.

Calculation of Points for Program Acceptance

HESI Nursing Fundamentals exam – maximum points possible are 300 for a conversion score of 100%.  A percentage of points will be awarded for Fundamental exam less than 100%. For example, a conversion fundamental exam score of 85% will equate to 255 points (300 x 0.85 = 255).

Grade Point Average (GPA) – maximum points possible are 300 for a GPA of 4.0 calculated using the courses required by the Nursing Program. The GPA at the end of the fall semester prior to admission is used in the calculation.  A percentage of points will be awarded for GPAs less than 4.0.  For example, a GPA of 3.0 will equate to 225 points (3.0 / 4.0 = 0.75 x 300 = 225).

Quality Points - Quality Points will be added to the student’s points if the course has been completed by the end of the fall semester prior to admission to the Nursing Program.

BIOL 2010  was a grade of A or B: +25 points (must meet currency requirement)

ENGL 1010  with a grade of A or B: +25 points (Students who have advanced placement or advanced standing will also be awarded 25 points.)

MATH 1530  with a grade of A or B: +25 points

**If students take a required general education course more than three times within five years of application, they will lose 25 points per course from their totals points.**

Selection of LPN Students to the Nursing Program

Selection for admission to the Nursing Program is based upon a point system with the most points possible being 675. Students are ranked on a selection list in numerical order with the students with the most points selected to fill the class.

LPN students admitted to the Nursing Program are required to attend a Nursing Program Orientation Session held in May with the date, time, and location included in the admission email.

After the class is selected, the selection list converts to an alternate list, and if needed, candidates are selected from the alternate list in numerical sequence. Candidates who are not selected will need to resubmit a Nursing Program application to be considered for admission in the next year.

Upon completion of the summer LPN-to-RN Transition Course, the student will receive seven credit hours for NRSG 1700  plus an additional 10 semester credit hours for NRSG 1710 , NRSG 1720  and NRSG 1340 .

GENERAL NURSING PROGRAM INFORMATION

Clinical Agency Requirements

Upon acceptance to the Nursing Program, students are required to complete and submit all the clinical requirements, which include a criminal background and a drug screen, by a designated date before the beginning of the fall semester. A list of the requirements is given to the students at Nursing Program Orientation Session.

Nursing Education Program Costs

In addition to the fees of the College, students admitted to the Nursing Program may anticipate the following nursing costs:

All fees listed above represent approximate costs and are subject to change without prior notice.

RETENTION STANDARDS

Students must meet the following academic criteria for retention in the Nursing Program; failure to meet these criteria will hinder progression in the program:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Make a grade of “C” or better in all biology, math, and nursing courses.
• Achieve satisfactory performance in both theory and clinical (campus nursing lab and clinical field experience).
• Complete the co-requisite courses for NRSG 1710 , NRSG 1720  and NRSG 1340 , NRSG 2730  and NRSG 1330 , NRSG 2740 , NRSG 1320 , and NRSG 2240 .

Students must meet performance criteria for retention in the Nursing Program. The following criterions are based upon the Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression from the Southern Regional Education Board Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing. These performance criteria will be utilized in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and American Disabilities Act of 1990:

• Critical-thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment
• Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
• Communicative abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
• Physical abilities sufficient to lift 50 pounds, move from room to room, and maneuver in small spaces
• Gross or fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care
• Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs
• Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care
• Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment
• Emotional stability sufficient to demonstrate good judgment in decision making, maintain safety and security of clients, and behave appropriately with clients, staff, and supervisors

READMISSION STANDARDS

Students who withdraw or fail from NRSG 1710  or NRSG 1700  and desire to re-enter must submit a new application and be reselected for admission into the Nursing Program.

Students enrolled in NURS 2420 who fail or withdraw and are readmitted will enroll in NRSG 2740  plus a Topics course as determined by faculty.  The student will also enroll in NRSG 2240 .  The student will not be required to take NRSG 1320 . 

Students enrolled in NRSG 1720  and NRSG 1340 , NRSG 2730  and NRSG 1330 , and NRSG 2740 , NRSG 1320 , and NRSG 2240  must complete the co-requisite courses to progress in the program.  Students may be eligible for readmission and re-enter the course(s) in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal or failure. 

To be considered for readmission, a student must:

• Complete an exit interview form by the end of the semester in which the failure or withdrawal occurred. If the student exited the program at the completion of a semester, the exit interview and form must be completed no later than six weeks following the end of the semester.
• Submit a written request to the Director of Nursing three months prior to the term of desired readmission. Included in the request should be an explanation of factors that contributed to the unsuccessful initial attempt and actions taken to enhance chances for success if the opportunity for readmission were to be granted.
• Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher for all college-level courses at time of readmission.
• Observe the two-year currency on last nursing course completed at the time of readmission and a five-year currency on required sciences completed. Students must have completed all of the required general education courses listed in the program of study for the semester(s) prior to admission.

Students will be notified of their readmission status by letter from the Department of Nursing in a timely manner. Students not readmitted may apply again by resubmitting a request to enter the program following the aforementioned entry requirements/criteria.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students who wish to transfer to the Motlow Nursing Program from other collegiate-level nursing programs must:

• Submit a letter to the Director of Nursing requesting entry into the MSCC Nursing Program.
• Meet the transfer and admissions requirements of the College.
• Meet the same standards as MSCC students seeking readmission into the Nursing Program with the exception of the exit interview.
• Submit a letter from the Nursing Dean/Director of the school from which they are transferring giving information relative to the student’s readmission status in that particular program.

Once these requirements have been met, transfer students are placed on a list along with the students requesting readmission in the order that their letters requesting entry are received.

Transfer students selected for admission are conditionally admitted pending satisfactory demonstration of designated nursing skills. The student will be provided with the critical elements required for the successful performance of the skills, and the student will be provided a scheduled practice time prior to the skill demonstrations. A nursing faculty will evaluate the skill demonstration. If a transfer student cannot demonstrate the skills successfully in two attempts with a remediation session between the first and second attempts, the transfer student will be prohibited from transferring into the Nursing Program.

SELECTION OF READMISSION AND TRANSFER STUDENTS

Students will be selected for readmission and transfer as classroom and clinical space allows. Students may not receive their preferred campus. Students will be notified of their readmission/transfer status in a timely manner by electronic mail via the students’ Motlow email accounts.

The Order of Readmission Selection:

1. Motlow students who withdrew with documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances must be clearly stated on the exit interview form in the student’s folder.
2. Transfer students who meet the College’s admission and Nursing Program criteria in the order that the letters requesting transfer were received.
3. Motlow students who failed their last nursing course or withdrew from the program because of low grades or disciplinary actions. The grade average in the nursing course at the time the student exited the program will be used to rank the group of students on the readmission list.
4. Transfer students with a history of academic failure, clinical failure, or misconduct in the program from which they are transferring.

LIMITATIONS ON READMISSION

Students who do not meet the clinical or campus nursing lab outcomes as defined by the course syllabus and withdraw from the Nursing course by the drop deadline, thereby receiving a “W” for the course, may be readmitted only once. A student with a second withdrawal due to unsatisfactory performance in clinical or campus nursing lab will not be readmitted.

Grades less than “C” in a nursing course must be retaken before a student can progress to a subsequent semester. Students who have received a grade of “D” or “F” in a required nursing course are considered to have failed the course. Failure of two required nursing courses during the same semester is considered one attempt, and the student is eligible to apply for transfer/readmission. A student who has received two grades of “D” or “F” in required nursing courses taken in separate semesters will not be eligible for transfer/readmission.

COMPETENCY EXAMINATIONS

Students are required to take competency exams during each semester of the Nursing Program. These nationally norm-referenced exams provide information on the student’s knowledge acquisition and provide the experience of taking an exam similar to the format of the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

LICENSING EXAMINATION

During the last semester of the program, students apply to take the National Council Licensing Exam – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Graduates of the Motlow Nursing Program may complete the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse. Students selected to the program who have criminal records may upon graduation be ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse as determined by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Allied Health

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES EDUCATION

Motlow State Community College offers an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate for those students desiring a career as an EMT. The purpose of the program is to support the student’s development and growth in the process of becoming a trained Emergency Medical Professional. These courses will provide learning experiences that enable the student to acquire knowledge needed to meet the healthcare needs of the communities in which they will work. They will be prepared to provide emergency care to the sick and injured.

The purpose of the EMS Education is to prepare an EMS professional who demonstrates the competencies necessary to assume the role of emergency personnel as defined by the Tennessee Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services and to provide competent, qualified candidates eligible for licensure to meet the needs of the college’s eleven-county service area.

Classes are completed in an intense setting utilizing lecture, lab, and clinical training. Class size is limited and is filled on a first-to-qualify basis (EMT/AEMT). The Paramedic Program is filled in a selection process with limited class size.

Motlow State Community College offers four tracks of educational training in emergency medical services:

1. Emergency Medical Technician – Students take 16 credit hours which include fundamentals, skills, and clinical/field experience. Upon successful conclusion of the course, students may take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an EMT.
2. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician – Students take 16 credit hours, which include fundamentals, skills, and clinical/field experience. Upon successful completion of the course, students may take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an AEMT.
3. Paramedic - Students take 43 credit hours, which include fundamentals, skills, and clinical/field experience. The paramedic training is completed in three semesters. Upon successful completion of the training, the student is eligible to take the National Registry Exam to obtain national certification as an EMT-Paramedic.
4. A.A.S. in Paramedic - Students can take an additional 17 hours of General Education courses to complete the A.A.S. in Paramedic. These courses will allow the student to further their education in obtaining a college degree.

EMT Certificate Program

The EMT is an allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide basic emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. The EMT function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. EMT perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The EMT is a link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for EMT

EMT Requirements

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Submit application for EMT training between May 1st and August 1st.
3. Schedule a meeting with the EMS Program Director.
4. Be admitted to the College.
5. Submit proof of medical malpractice insurance and health insurance, as required.
6. Complete a physical exam, along with all required vaccinations and/or titers.
7. Meet other admission requirements as stipulated in the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Health, Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

If changes to the application procedure or selection criteria occur, they are implemented for all program applicants regardless of the catalog year the person began at the college.

Students enrolled in the EMT training who plan to continue the next semester for the AEMT training should submit an application to the EMS Director only between October 1st and December 1st.
Students will be notified of admission by August 15th for EMT training and December 15th for AEMT training.

Clinical Agency Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine, and a physical examination are required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Costs for the EMT

In addition to the fees of the college, students admitted to the EMT courses may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $180
*State EMS examination and application $125
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $140
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $40
Uniform (2 per student) $300
Background checks $75
Testing Account $35
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $15

Performance Criteria

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation (Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.)
4. Proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:
   1. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest X-ray (< 3 months old); chest X-ray needed only if TB Skin Test is positive
   2. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity
   3. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity
   4. Seasonal flu immunization
   5. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer
   6. Tdap
5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card
6. Liability insurance

AEMT Certificate Program

The AEMT is an allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide basic emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. The AEMTs function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. AEMTs perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The AEMT is a link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for AEMT

AEMT Requirements

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Submit application for AEMT training between October 1st and December 1st.
3. Schedule a meeting with the EMS Program Director.
4. Be currently licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee or have successfully completed an EMT education program within 120 days of beginning the Advanced EMT education program and have successfully completed a Tennessee-EMS-Board-approved EMT competency written and practical examination.
5. EMTs who have shown competency in basic knowledge and skills through completion of Board-approved written and practical examination and wish to progress to AEMT training without obtaining an EMT license shall submit evidence of good moral character (two letters of reference). Such evidence shall attest to the EMT’s good moral character and be two recent (within the preceding 12 months) original letters from medical professionals attesting to the applicant’s personal character. Preferably, one letter should be from a current employer, and the second letter should be a character reference. In the situation of unemployment, two character letters may be submitted. Family references will not be accepted.
6. A copy of the CPR healthcare provider level certificate must be submitted that includes one-person, two-person, infant, and child CPR.
7. Submit proof of medical malpractice insurance and health insurance as required.
8. Complete a physical exam, along with all required vaccinations and/or titers.
9. Meet other admission requirements as stipulated in the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Health, Bureau of Health Licensure and Regulation, Office of Emergency Medical Services.

If changes to the application procedure or selection criteria occur, they are implemented for all program applicants regardless of the catalog year the person began at the College.

Students enrolled in the EMT training who plan to continue the next semester for the AEMT training should submit an application to the EMS Director only between October 1st and December 1st.
Students will be notified of admission by August 15th for EMT training and December 15th for AEMT training.

Clinical Agency Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine, and a physical examination are required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Costs for the AEMT Courses

In addition to the fees of the college, students admitted to the EMT and AEMT courses, may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $180
*State EMS examination and application $125
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $140
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $40
Uniform (2 per student) $300
Background checks $75
Testing Account $35
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $15

Performance Criteria

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance.
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen.
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation (Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.)
4. Proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:
   1. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest x-ray (< 3 months old); chest x-ray needed only if TB Skin Test is positive
   2. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity
   3. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity
   4. Seasonal flu immunization
   5. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer
   6. Tdap
5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card
6. Liability insurance

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Medical Laboratory Technology (also known as Clinical or Medical Laboratory Science) is a profession which combines the challenges and rewards of both medicine and science.  Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a wide range of laboratory tests, which help to monitor patient health, provide diagnostic evidence of diseases, and aid in patient prognosis.  Medical laboratory science is a dynamic, specialized profession that continually changes as new medical knowledge is acquired.

The Medical Laboratory Technology Program is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as generalist Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs).  Students learn the theory and principles behind clinical laboratory testing and learn to correlate the results with patients’ conditions. Students also earn general education credits including science, math, humanities and communications which lead to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree.

Admission into the MLT Program

Admission to the program is limited and on a competitive basis.  Screening for fall-semester (August) entry into the program is conducted in May.  Eligible candidates must participate in the screening process and meet the following criteria:

1. Meet all College general requirements for admission as a degree-seeking student and be admitted to the College. (Students will declare Health Sciences as their major until admitted to the MLT program.
    
2. Complete all required Learning Support courses by the end of the fall semester prior to the year in which admission is sought.
    
3. Have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above on a 4.00 scale for academic subjects.
    
4. Complete (or be currently enrolled in) BIOL 2020 Human Anatomy and Physiology II  and MLAB 1301 Intro to Medical Lab Technology and either BIOL 2230 Microbiology  or CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I , and complete these courses with a grade of “C” or better. 
   with a grade of “C” or better in each course.
5. Complete the general education and elective courses by the end of the spring or summer semester in the year admission is sought.
    
6. Essential Functions, as prescribed by professional organizations in the field of laboratory science, represent the non-academic requirements of the program that all students must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable.  Before beginning the MLT Program, all students are expected to have the following abilities upon which the program can build:
   1. Vision:  Read and interpret charts, graphs, and labels; read and interpret instrument panels and printouts; discriminate colors, hue, shading or intensity and clarity; read microscopic material and record results
   2. Speech and Hearing:  Communicate effectively (in English) and sensitively in order to assess non-verbal communication; adequately and accurately transmit information; follow verbal or written communication; have clarity of speech, especially if English is not one’s first language
   3. Motor Functions:  Possess all skills necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures; manipulate tools, instruments and equipment; perform phlebotomy safely and accurately; travel to a clinical site for clinical experience
   4. Behavioral Requirements:  Possess the emotional health required for full utilization of applicant’s intellectual abilities; be able to recognize emergency situations and take appropriate action
   5. Physical Requirements:  Complete fine repetitive hand movements; twist and bend; handle flammable and infectious materials; handle hazardous chemicals and electrical equipment; lift 10 pounds; maintain prolonged sitting or standing positions; maintain concentration with distracting noises and close proximity to fellow workers; tolerate unpleasant odors; work in buildings either above or below ground level; work in an environment without windows; perform keyboarding
   6. Critical Thinking:  Appropriately and accurately perform complex interpretative testing.
   7. Professionalism:  Maintain a professional attitude and appearance as described in the MLT Student Handbook
       
7. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, students are encouraged to register with the office of Disability and Testing Services for possible assistance with accommodations.  It is the student’s responsibility to voluntarily and confidentially provide appropriate documentation regarding the nature and extent of a disability.   Students requesting accommodation are encouraged to contact the office of Disability and Testing Services at the beginning of the semester. Students may contact the director of Disability and Testing Services at (931) 393-1765 or (615) 220-7857.
    
8. Apply to the MLT Program by completing the online MLT Application Form.  Applications must be submitted online no later than the May 1st deadline to be considered for the MLT program beginning in August.
    
9. Complete and submit all application screening documentation and documented review of the MLT Student Handbook by the May 1st deadline.
    
10. Pass a background check and drug screen before official admission into this Program.  The background check must be completed ten business days before the start of the first MLT fall course.  Students will also need to pass a drug screen before being placed at clinical sites.

Completion of all items listed above denotes consideration during the selection and notification process but in no way implies or guarantees admission to the Program.

Selection and Notification

The following are used to determine program eligibility and acceptance:

• submission of program application by the May 1st  deadline
• completion of all general education, prerequisite science (including MLAB 1301 ) and elective courses by the end of the “Year 1” spring (or summer) semester.
• completion of specified prerequisite/core courses with a “C” or better
• minimum GPA of 2.50
• completion of all application screening materials by the May 1st deadline

Applications submitted on time will be reviewed and scored based on eligibility and submitted application screening materials.  Ten to twelve students are accepted each year into the MLT Program.  Students will be notified of acceptance through MSCC e-mail.  Following acceptance into the program, students must respond in writing within 10 days after the receipt date of their acceptance notification.  A student who fails to respond will forfeit his/her place in the class.

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Clinical Affiliate Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, physical examination, health insurance, general and professional liability insurance, TB skin test, current influenza vaccination, evidence of immunity (positive titers) for rubella, varicella-zoster (chicken pox), rubeola, tetanus/diphtheria (booster within the past ten years), and Hepatitis B are required by clinical affiliates for all students admitted to the MLT Program.  For more specific information, students should refer to the MLT Student Handbook.

Professional Conduct

Students accepting admission into the Motlow State Community College MLT Program commit themselves to the generally accepted ethics of the healthcare field and of the clinical laboratory science profession.  Students will conduct themselves professionally, following the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Guidelines for Ethical Behavior and the MLT Program policies. Unethical conduct by a student is cause for dismissal from the Motlow State Community College MLT Program.  For more specific information, students should refer to the MLT Student Handbook.

Program Costs

In addition to the fees of the college; students admitted to the MLT program may anticipate the following costs:

National Board Certification exam (only one of the following is required):

All fees listed above represent approximate costs and are subject to change without prior notice.

RETENTION STANDARDS

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology is an accelerated program of study.  It is a nontraditional course of study, so hours of study and length of semesters may not parallel Motlow State Community College semesters, holidays, and/or breaks.  Students are enrolled in the MLT training for a period of twelve months in order to meet requirements of the program and to fulfill requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree.   

Students must meet the following academic and professional criteria for retention in the MLT program; failure to meet these criteria will hinder progression in the program and may result in dismissal from the program:

1. Earn a grade of “C” or better in all MLAB courses. 
2. Earn a grade of “C” or better on each rotation exam and receive a “B” on each clinical evaluation in order to progress to the next rotation or to successfully complete the program.
3. Pass all pre-clinical skills competency assessments.
4. Maintain professional and lawful conduct as outlined in the MLT Student Handbook.
5. Maintain evidence of uninterrupted medical insurance coverage in designated program/institutional offices.

READMISSION TO THE MLT PROGRAM

Students must meet with the Program Director as soon as possible to begin the readmission process.  Students must reapply to the Program Director in writing, show an overall GPA of 2.50, and be approved for readmission by Program faculty.  Request for readmission does not guarantee readmission. With the exception of the MLAB 1301  introduction course, competency in all previously taken MLAB courses must be demonstrated upon readmission to the Program.  Auditing previously taken MLAB courses may be part of the demonstration of competency. Course work must be completed within a maximum of 5 years from the original admission date.

COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT

Competency in medical laboratory basic skills is evaluated at several times throughout the program. 

Pre-clinical Skills Competency Assessments are conducted throughout the didactic/student laboratory curriculum before clinical rotations begin.  These assessments are part of the didactic course grades.  Inability to successfully complete any competency assessment will result in academic dismissal from the program. 

Competencies are also monitored during clinical practicums through observation, checklists, and performance evaluations.  Competencies are evaluated by instructors at clinical sites according to defined criteria.

For more specific information, students should refer to the MLT Student Handbook.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

Certification

Graduates of the Motlow State Community College MLT Program will be eligible to test for certification as clinical laboratory professionals by three national certifying agencies. Graduating from the MSCC MLT Program is NOT contingent upon passing a certification exam.  Graduates must have completed all degree requirements for the A.A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology in order to be eligible to take certification examinations.  Once students have completed these requirements, they may contact the following agencies regarding testing:

American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
906 Olive Street
St. Louis, Missouri 63101-1434
(314) 241-1445
www.aab.org

American Medical Technologists (AMT)
710 Higgins Road
Park Ridge, Tennessee 60068-5765
(847) 823-5169
www.americanmedtech.org

American Society for Clinical Pathology
Board of Certification
P.O. Box 12277
Chicago, Tennessee 60612-0277
(312) 738-1336
www.ascp.org

Licensure

Graduates of the Motlow State Community College MLT Program meeting the criteria of the State of Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board will be eligible to apply for a medical laboratory technician license.  Students may obtain an application by contacting the Medical Laboratory Board:

Medical Laboratory Board
Metro Center Complex
665 Mainstream Drive
2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-3202
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/medlab-board.html

Graduation Requirements

To earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree at Motlow State Community College, students must do the following:

1. Complete curriculum requirements for the MLT Program
2. Complete a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of coursework in residence at Motlow State Community College
3. Earn at least a grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 in all MLAB courses
4. Earn a cumulative GPA of not less than 2.00 (“C” average) for the degree program excluding all hours earned in learning support courses
5. Meet all Learning Support course requirements and have all high school deficiencies removed
6. File an Intent to Graduate form and Cap and a Gown Measurement form with the Office of Admissions and Records no later than the following dates (for anyone who plans to receive a degree in May, August, or December of the current academic year):
   Spring Semester - March 15 
   Summer Semester - July 1
   Fall Semester - November 2 
7. Students who complete requirements by August should plan to participate in graduation the preceding May. Those who will not complete degree requirements until the fall term must wait until the following spring to take part in the graduation ceremony.
8. REQUIRED STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION: All graduating students are required to take the ETS Proficiency Profile test designed to measure general education achievement, and graduates of career programs are required to take competency tests applicable to the chosen major for the purpose of evaluation of the career program, as required by public policy.  Unless otherwise provided for in any individual program, no minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation.  Participation in testing is required for all graduating students.  In order to comply fully with this provision, the student must authorize the release of his or her scores to Motlow College.  Individual student scores will be treated as confidential.
    

PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Paramedic is an emergency medical professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is the link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for Paramedic Certificate

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Possess an academic or equivalent high school diploma or general education (GED).
3. Paramedic courses require that applicants complete any required remedial or learning support coursework as required by the placement test or ACT scores.
4. Submit application for EMT-Paramedic training between December 1st and March 1st.
5. Submit two letters of reference. Preferably, one letter should be from a current employer and the second letter should be a character reference. In the situation of unemployment, two character letters may be submitted. Family references will not be accepted.
6. Be currently licensed as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee. Students must submit a copy of a current AEMT card to the Paramedic Program.
7. A copy of the CPR healthcare provider level certificate must be submitted that includes one-person, two-person, infant, and child CPR.
8. Applicant may be required to take a knowledge test if they have been out of AEMT for more than one calendar year.
9. Interview with the admissions screening committee as prescribed by the TN Department of Health-EMS division.
10. Complete the AEMT Exam.
11. Submit a copy of AEMT license.

Performance Criteria for Paramedic Certificate

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation (Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.)
4. The student must have proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:
   1. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest x-ray (< 3 months old); chest x-ray needed only if TB Skin Test is positive
   2. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity
   3. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity
   4. Seasonal flu immunization
   5. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer
   6. Tdap
5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card
6. Liability insurance

The Paramedic degree program requires that students meet the following academic criteria for retention in the Paramedic Program:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Make a grade of “C” or better in all math, science, and paramedic (EMSP) courses.
• Complete prerequisite courses as outlined in the course descriptions and college catalog. Failure to meet these criteria may hinder progression in the program.
• Costs for the Paramedic courses.

In addition to the fees of the College, students admitted to the Paramedic courses, may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $335
*State EMS licensure and application $175
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $110
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $100
Uniform (2 per student) $350
Testing Account $60
Background checks $75
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $80

*These costs will be required at the end of the course when the student tests with the State of Tennessee.

Clinical Agency Requirements for the Paramedic Certificate

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine, and a physical examination are required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Students must complete the first three semesters of the program as outlined in the program of study. All other courses may be completed at the discretion of the student; however, a student must meet the program requirements as outlined in the catalog of the year admitted.

Selection Criteria for Entering the Paramedic Certificate Program

Entry into the program will be established by a panel. You will proceed through a three-step process.

1. Interview – It is with a panel which includes faculty and surrounding members of the EMS community. You will be graded on the following criteria which are in accordance with EMS rules 1200-12-1-13:

• EMS-related experience
• Level of maturity and motivation
• Level of knowledge
• Ability to communicate
• Poise

2. Complete EMT – Basic exam.

• This is a basic exam that tests basic EMT skills to ensure the student is at a competent level. There is a minimum score to achieve; total scores will only be taken into account in the event of a tie between applicants.

3. Provide copy of EMT license and High school diploma/GED.

If changes to the application procedure or selection criteria occur, they are implemented for all program applicants regardless of the catalog year the person began at the College.

Graduation

To successfully complete the Paramedic Program and establish eligibility for the licensure examination, students must:

•  Meet all course and skill requirements as outlined in the student handbook
•  Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0
•  Discharge all financial obligations to Motlow State Community College
•  Not be under investigation or subject to disciplinary action for violation of Program or College rules, regulations, or policies

Readmission to the Paramedic Certificate

Students who withdraw from the Paramedic Program after successfully completing at least one semester of the program may apply for readmission. If a student withdraws from the program or fails, the student must submit a new application and undergo the selection process for acceptance into the Paramedic Program. Students who withdraw from or fail may be eligible for readmission and may re-enter the course in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal or failure.

Readmission will occur on a space- and resource-available basis.

To be considered for readmission, the student must:

1. Complete an exit interview with the EMS Program Coordinator and sign an Exit Interview Form by the end of the semester in which the failure, termination, or withdrawal occurred. If the student exited the program at the completion of a semester, the interview and form must be completed no later than six weeks following the end of the semester;
2. Submit a written request to the EMS Program Coordinator three months prior to the term of desired admission. Included in the request should be an explanation of factors that contributed to the unsuccessful initial attempt and actions taken to enhance chances for success, if the opportunity for readmission were to be granted;
3. Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher at time of readmission; and
4. Observe a two-year currency on last paramedic (EMSP) course completed.

The EMS Department will review each applicant for eligibility for readmission and prioritize applicants for readmission based on the following criteria:

1. MSCC students who withdrew with documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances should be clearly stated on an Exit Interview Form.
2. MSCC students who failed their last paramedic (EMSP) course or withdrew from the program for any reason, including low grades or disciplinary actions. The grade average in the EMSP course at the time the student exited the program will be used to rank this group of students on the readmission list.

Students will be notified of their readmission status by a letter from the EMS Program Coordinator in a timely manner (the first week of August for fall semester and the first week of December for spring semester). Students not readmitted may apply again by resubmitting a request to enter the program following the aforementioned entry requirements/criteria.

A.A.S. IN PARAMEDIC

The Paramedic is an emergency medical professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system. This individual possesses the complex knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation. Paramedics function as part of a comprehensive EMS response, under medical oversight. Paramedics perform interventions with the basic and advanced equipment typically found on an ambulance. The Paramedic is the link from the scene into the health care system.

Application Procedure for Paramedic

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Motlow State Community College.
2. Possess an academic or equivalent high school diploma or general education (GED).
3. Paramedic courses require that applicants complete any required remedial or learning support coursework as required by the placement test or ACT scores.
4. Submit application for EMT-Paramedic training between December 1st and March 1st.
5. Submit two letters of reference. Preferably, one letter should be from a current employer, and the second letter should be a character reference. In the situation of unemployment, two character letters may be submitted. Family references will not be accepted.
6. Be currently licensed as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician in the State of Tennessee. Students must submit a copy of a current AEMT card to the Paramedic Program.
7. A copy of the CPR healthcare provider level certificate must be submitted that includes one-person, two-person, infant, and child CPR.
8. Applicant may be required to take a knowledge test if the student has been out of AEMT for more than one calendar year.
9. Interview with the admissions screening committee as prescribed by the TN Department of Health-EMS division.
10. Complete the AEMT Exam.
11. Submit a copy of AEMT license.

If changes to the application procedure or selection criteria occur, they are implemented for all program applicants regardless of the catalog year the person began at the College.

Performance Criteria for A.A.S.

In compliance with the State of Tennessee EMS regulation 1200-12-1-13 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, all students admitted into the EMS training must, with reasonable accommodation, be able to:

1. Lift a minimum of 125 pounds.
2. Visually assess patients in the work environment and detect auditory clinical findings and unusual odors.
3. Communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language.
4. Make appropriate judgments in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate emotional stability.
6. Demonstrate psychological health in day-to-day interactions with patients, crew members, and other personnel.

Once enrolled, students are required to submit documentation of the following:

1. Proof of health insurance
2. Background check and 10-panel drug screen
3. Completed physical examination form with required documentation (Ensure that the State of Tennessee form is signed by a licensed medical doctor. Please also ensure the health care provider’s license number is included on the form.)
4. Proof of the following tests/immunizations/titers:
   1. 2-step TB Skin Test and/or chest x-ray (< 3 months old); chest x-ray isneeded only if TB Skin Test is positive
   2. Mumps, Rubella, and Rubeola (IGG) titer and/or 2 MMR immunizations if no immunity
   3. Varicella Zoster (IGG) titer and/or 2 Varicella Zoster immunizations if no immunity
   4. Seasonal flu immunization
   5. Hepatitis B series immunizations and/or titer
   6. Tdap
5. Current AHA BLS/HCP CPR card
6. Liability insurance

The Paramedic degree program requires that students meet the following academic criteria for retention in the Paramedic program:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Make a grade of “C” or better in all math, science, and paramedic (EMSP) courses.
• Complete prerequisite courses as outlined in the course descriptions and college catalog. Failure to meet these criteria may hinder progression in the program.

Costs for the Paramedic Courses

In addition to the fees of the college, students admitted to the Paramedic courses may expect the following costs:

Textbooks $335
*State EMS licensure and application $175
*National Registry/Pearson VUE fee $110
Health Physical $100
Malpractice insurance $100
Uniform (2 per student) $350
Testing Account $60
Background checks $75
L1-Criminal Background Check $42
Drug Screen $25
FISDAP Account $80

*These costs will be required at the end of the course when the student tests with the State of Tennessee.

Clinical Agency Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, proof of vaccinations or immunity, health insurance, malpractice insurance, American Heart Association BLS for HCP certification, TB skin test, flu vaccine, and a physical examination are required by clinical agencies for all students accepted into the EMS courses. For more specific information, students should refer to the EMS Handbook.

Selection Criteria for Entering the Paramedic Program A.A.S.

Entry into the program will be established by a panel. You will proceed through a three-step process

1. Interview – It is with a panel which includes faculty and surrounding members of the EMS community. You will be graded on the following criteria which are in accordance with EMS rules 1200-12-1-13:

• EMS-related experience
• Level of maturity and motivation
• Level of knowledge
• Ability to communicate
• Poise

2. Complete EMT – Basic exam

• This is a basic exam that tests basic EMT skills to ensure the student is at a competent level. There is a minimum score to achieve; Total scores will only be taken into account in the event of a tie between applicants.

3.  Provide copy of EMT license and High school diploma/GED.

Graduation

To successfully complete the Paramedic Program and establish eligibility for the licensure examination, students must:

• Meet all course and skill requirements as outlined in the student handbook
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Discharge all financial obligations to Motlow State Community College
• Not be under investigation or subject to disciplinary action for violation of Program or College rules, regulations, or policies

Readmission to the A.A.S. Degree

Students who withdraw from the paramedic program after successfully completing at least one semester of the program may apply for readmission. If a student withdraws from the program or fails the student must submit a new application and undergo the selection process for acceptance into the paramedic program. Students who withdraw from or fail may be eligible for readmission and may re-enter the course in which they were enrolled at the time of withdrawal or failure.

Readmission will occur on a space- and resource-available basis.

To be considered for readmission, the student must:

1. Complete an exit interview with the EMS Program Coordinator and sign an Exit Interview Form by the end of the semester in which the failure, termination, or withdrawal occurred. If the student exited the program at the completion of a semester, the interview and form must be completed no later than six weeks following the end of the semester;
2. Submit a written request to the EMS Program Coordinator three months prior to the term of desired admission. Included in the request should be an explanation of factors that contributed to the unsuccessful initial attempt and actions taken to enhance chances for success if the opportunity for readmission were to be granted;
3. Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher at time of readmission; and
4. Observe a two-year currency on last paramedic (EMSP) course completed.

The EMS Department will review each applicant for eligibility for readmission and prioritize applicants for readmission based on the following criteria:

1. MSCC students who withdrew with documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances should be clearly stated on an Exit Interview Form.
2. MSCC students who failed their last paramedic (EMSP) course or withdrew from the program for any reason, including low grades or disciplinary actions. The grade average in the EMSP course at the time the student exited the program will be used to rank this group of students on the readmission list.

Students will be notified of their readmission status by a letter from the EMS Program Coordinator in a timely manner (the first week of August for fall semester and the first week of December for spring semester). Students not readmitted may apply again by resubmitting a request to enter the program following the aforementioned entry requirements/criteria.

Social Sciences Department

The Social Sciences Department offers college courses comprising the academic disciplines of Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Geography, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work. A wide variety of honors classes are offered as well.  Courses are available in conventional on-ground, fully online, interactive television, ACE, and hybrid formats.  These courses are aligned to meet the Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) Social/Behavioral Sciences requirements and the Tennessee Board of Regents general education goals for social/behavioral sciences, which include:

1. to develop in the student an understanding of self and the world by examining the content and process used by social and behavioral sciences to discover, describe, explain, and predict human behavior and social systems;
2. to enhance knowledge of social and cultural institutions and the values of society and other societies and cultures in the world; and
3. to understand the interdependent nature of the individual, family, and society in shaping human behavior and determining quality of life.

The Social Sciences Department offers the following Tennessee Transfer Pathways (see http://www.tntransferpathway.org/ and http://www.mscc.edu/social_science/univ_path.aspx):

Criminal Justice Administration (A.A.) TTP   - Criminal Justice Administration (A.S.) TTP  

History (A.A.) TTP   - History (A.S.) TTP  

Political Science (A.A.) TTP   - Political Science (A.S.) TTP  

Psychology (A.A.) TTP   - Psychology (A.S.) TTP  

Sociology (A.A.) TTP   - Sociology (A.S.) TTP  

Social Work (A.A.) TTP   - Social Work (A.S.) TTP  

In addition to the Tennessee Transfer Pathways, the Department also offers the following university parallel non-TTP Area of Emphasis:

Pre-Law (A.A.)   - Pre-Law (A.S.)  

Tennessee State University offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration on Motlow’s Moore County campus for Motlow students who have achieved an A.S. degree.  For more information on this 2+2 program, contact Dr. Lucy Craig at 931-393-1567, or lcraig@mscc.edu.

HONORS PROGRAM

The Honors Program provides a path to excellence for academically talented students who want to derive maximum benefit from their educational experience. The Honors curriculum helps students achieve their goals through interaction with other equally qualified students and highly motivated, qualified faculty. Any eligible student may take any honors course without committing to the Honors Program as a whole.

COMPLETING THE HONORS PROGRAM

Honors students should satisfy the requirements for any Tennessee Transfer Pathway or Area of Emphasis, graduate with a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and earn twenty-one hours from honors courses with at least six hours in English, three hours of Interdisciplinary Studies seminar honors courses (HONS 1020 , HONS 1021 , HONS 1022  ,or HONS 1023 ), and at least one hour of community/service learning (HONS 1001  or HONS 2001 ).

HONORS COURSES ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Students seeking admission to honors courses are eligible for Honors courses on the basis of past performance as measured by ACT scores, high school records, previous college-level coursework, and/or college professor recommendations. Students may be admitted to a course as follows:

1. Students under 21 years of age must complete the ACT. A composite score of 23 or above is ideal, and the student must present documented eligibility for collegiate-level courses except mathematics and a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.  Students may request an exception to the minimum ACT score from the Honors Director.
2. Students who are 21 years of age or older must take the English, reading, and mathematics portions of the ACCUPLACER test and score high enough to be exempt from learning support requirements in English and Reading.
3. Students eligible for dual- and/or joint enrollment may enroll in Honors courses.
4. Students who have taken collegiate courses in dual- and/or joint enrollment arrangements and maintained a 3.0 collegiate average or students who have Advanced Standing credit in English, Advanced Placement credit, or CLEP credit may enter the Honors Program but will be required to complete the same number of Honors hours as any other Honors scholar.
5. Students who fail to meet the requirements listed above may still enroll in honors courses upon the recommendation of the Honors Director or the faculty member teaching the Honors course in which the student wishes to enroll.

After admission to honors course(s) and successful completion of said course(s) with a 3.0 or better, students are eligible for continued enrollment in specific sequential honors courses.

Honors courses are generally not offered in the summer session.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT

Academic advising is accomplished through one-on-one interaction between students and their academic advisors. Academic advising is an institutionally initiated support service designed to assist students in meeting their short-term and long-term educational and career goals.

First-year degree-seeking students may obtain academic advisement from their assigned completion coach or a full-time faculty member within the academic department of their program of study.  A listing of completion coaches is included on the advisement webpage.  This listing includes coaches’ office locations and extensions.  Second-year students will be assigned a full-time faculty member within the academic department.

An Advisement Center is located on each campus and is a resource area for all Motlow students. The Centers have coaches available to assist students who might need guidance or assistance with academic goals, major and career choices, and GPS plans.

Completion coaches and academic advisors are responsible for assisting students in interpreting, planning, and completing the requirements for a particular program of study.  Completion coaches are generally available Monday–Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check with your campus location for times and availability.  Faculty advisors maintain regularly scheduled office hours which are prominently posted on their office doors or with their curriculum chairs or academic deans. Students should consult with their assigned coach/advisors:

• prior to registration, if a first-time degree-seeking student.
• at least annually, or more often if necessary, to enhance academic success.
• prior to completion of the Intent to Graduate form.

THE CLAYTON-GLASS LIBRARY

The Clayton-Glass Library is located on Ledford Mill Road between the Ingram and Marcum buildings across from the baseball field. The Library supports the institutional mission by answering information inquiries, providing research tools, and promoting informational literacy to students, faculty, staff, and the community. The library staff brings both experience and knowledge to the support of the College’s instructional programs. Services (circulation, collections, and databases) and staff are available at the campus locations (the Moore County campus, the McMinnville Center, the Fayetteville Center, and the Smyrna Center) or through the Internet. Students can receive materials from any site/center by requesting resources and services from staff via e-mail (email: library@mscc.edu) or at any campus location.

The Library’s Internet-accessible catalog, eBook, and periodical and reference databases provide access to Motlow College’s collection of over 70,000 print volumes, 178,000 eBooks, 22,600 audio-visual materials, and 22,000 full-text newspapers and magazine and journal titles (print, microforms, and e-resources).  Students may access all library databases from the library’s home page either from a Motlow campus location or remotely with any computer connected to the Internet using their Motlow user name and password. Interlibrary loan services are available to all users. Computers with printers are available for student research and other instructional needs. Other equipment for library users includes: copiers, microform equipment, televisions, VCR’s and DVD players, and audio equipment. Comfortable seating and reading space can be found in each library.

Library Hours - Fall and Spring Semesters

Fayetteville Center:
Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Moore County Campus:
Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.  

McMinnville Center:
Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Smyrna Center:
Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Hours for summer terms and interim periods are posted at each of the libraries.

TechTube Tutorials

The following TechTube tutorials were produced in an effort to help students become more familiar with some of the technology in use by Motlow College: D2L Tutorials. Examples include student e-mail and D2L technology which is used for online classes.

The following tutorials were produced through our Motlow YouTube Channel and can be played by clicking the Play arrow on the center of each screen. You may expand the clip to a full screen by clicking the screen expansion button in the bottom-right corner of each screen.

Step-by-step video instruction on common technology-related tasks:

• Getting Started: Student E-mail
• Effectively Managing your Student E-mail Account
• Sending E-mails through the System
• Creating Folders in Outlook for Organizing Student E-mail

Center for Academic Technologies (CAT)

The Center for Academic Technologies provides technology support for Motlow faculty and staff. Services include:

• Equipment for check-out (cameras, laptops, LCD projectors, clickers) in the Digital Media Center (DMC) Room MT242
• Audio/visual recording and editing
• Training and workshops on a variety of desktop and online applications
• Support of faculty use of ITV classrooms and Smart classrooms
• Support for course management system Desire2Learn (D2L)

Writing Center

The Motlow State Community College Writing Center is a free resource available to all Motlow students, faculty, and staff. The Writing Center offers traditional and online appointments with knowledgeable, attentive tutors. They can assist writers with any project at any stage in the writing process. For hours and locations, see the Writing Center webpage.