OFFICE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY (see Administrative Information Technology)

PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVING PROGRAM

Eagle Pass

Purpose

          The purpose of the Professional Truck Driving program is to produce a safe, competent driver.  Those who graduate will possess the knowledge and skills to qualify for immediate employment in the trucking industry.  The school is composed of 160 hours delivered over sixteen 10-hour days of instruction in preparation for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License and all endorsements (Passenger, Doubles & Triples, Tanker, and Hazardous Materials).

          The specific objectives of the Professional Truck Driving Program are listed below.  The students will:

          1.   demonstrate the knowledge of tractor-trailer operations.

2.     perform backing and dock operations.

3.     perform day and night driving operations.

4.     prescribe and perform preventive maintenance on tractor-trailer units.

5.     interpret all safety regulations for tractor-trailer units.

6.     describe cargo liability and security regulations.

7.     demonstrate knowledge of driver qualifications and wellness requirements.

8.     demonstrate knowledge of hours of service requirements.

9.     demonstrate knowledge of whistleblower protection rights.

10.     learn general employability skills.

11.   pass the commercial license examination and receive the Class A CDL.

Courses of Study

          Courses of study are offered in the Professional Truck Driver Programs.  They are:

Class Title:                CVOP1001- Commercial Drivers License Driving Skills....................... 32 clock hours

                                                              CVOP1005 - Commercial Drivers License Written Skills..................... 32 clock hours

                                                              CVOP2001 - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations....................... 16 clock hours

                                                              CVOP2005 - Fundamental Driving Skills................................................ 32 clock hours

                                                              CVOP2009 - Semi Tractor-Trailer Operator Driving Skills................... 48 clock hours

                                                                                                                                                                                  160 Total hours

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Professional Truck Driving Program, a prospective student must:

·         complete a Southwest Texas Junior College Continuing Education Registration and Personal Data Form.

·         pass the official Department of Transportation physical exam and drug test from a physician approved by Southwest Texas Junior College.

·         have a valid drivers license.

·         be 21 years of age (ages 18 through 20 are eligible for an Intrastate CDL)

Equipment

Southwest Texas Junior College utilizes Department of Transportation (DOT) approved tractors and trailers for student instructional use.  In order to provide exposure to a variety of experiences, our trailers include vans, flatbed, belly dump, and tanker.  Students also test on passenger buses for their Passenger Endorsement

Tuition, Fees, and Other Costs

Housing is available and arranged through Southwest Texas Junior College at an Eagle Pass hotel.  Students have access to amenities such as telephone, television, pool, and coin-operated washers and dryers.

Financial Assistance

       Different types of financial assistance are available to help students pay admissions charges.  Students should contact the Workforce Training & Development Office at (830) 758-4114 or toll free at (866) 775-8545 for more information.  The Professional Truck Driving program is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and qualifies for Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Motivation, Education and Training (MET), Trade Adjustment Act (TWC) and Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) funding.

TEACHER AIDE PROGRAM

Uvalde Campus
Limited Course Offerings at Other Off-Campus Sites

Purpose

          The Teacher Aide degree program prepares students to enter the education field as a paraprofessional and/or to improve necessary skills for the practicing paraprofessional in the education field.  Positions include instructional aide, special education aide, bilingual aide, and library aide at the elementary, middle, and/or secondary school levels.

Admission Requirements

          Students are admitted to this program through regular college admissions procedures (see Admissions Regulations section).  Adherence to course descriptions is required.

TEACHER AIDE
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE

Program of Study

NOTES:  1    Courses in boldface type denote required general education core of fifteen or more semester hours.

                2    Includes courses from humanities and fine arts.

      3    Capstone course that consolidates the student’s learning experiences.

                *    All students are required to take ORIE 0100; however, ORIE 0100 does not count toward degree requirements.

VOCATIONAL NURSING

Uvalde, Eagle Pass, and Del Rio Campuses

Purpose

        The purpose of the program is to prepare graduate vocational nurses as beginning practitioners who are competent and self-directed to function under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist.  These graduates will be able to assume the role of a licensed vocational nurse, after taking and passing the National Council for Licensed Practical Nurse for the State of Texas Examination (NCLEX - PN).  In doing so, vocational nurses will be prepared to better serve themselves, the community, and society as a whole.

        The Southwest Texas Junior College School of Vocational Nursing consistently strives to promote the highest standards in vocational nurse education and nursing practice.  The school operates under the direction of SWTJC and the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.

Accreditation

        This program is accredited by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.

Class Schedule

        New classes begin in the Fall semester of each year and continue for an academic school year.  The following courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C prior to enrolling in the nursing program:

            BIOL 2401                 Anatomy & Physiology I .................................................................................................4 sem. hrs.

            BIOL 2402                 Anatomy & Physiology II ................................................................................................4 sem. hrs.

            PSYC 2301                General Psychology ...........................................................................................................3 sem. hrs.

            PSYC 2314                Lifespan Growth and Development .................................................................................3 sem. hrs.

            ORIE 0100                 New Student Orientation ................................................................................................. 1 sem. hr.

           BIOL 2401 & 2402 have prerequisite courses of BIOL 1413 (Zoology) or BIOL 1411 (Botany).  It is strongly suggested you take the prerequisites.  Prior approval from the instructor is required in order to omit these prerequisites:

Admissions Requirements to the Vocational Nursing courses

1.   Application for admission.

2.     Official High School transcript or GED certificate

3.     Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended other than SWTJC.

4.     Take the THEA exam and pass all areas.

a)          If THEA exempt due to an alternate test, you must provide documentation of acceptable scores.  This applies to ACT, SAT, TAAS, ASSET, COMPASS, MAPS or ACCUPLACER.

b)          If THEA exempt due to previous education prior to Fall 1989, you must take the Reading and Math portion of the THEA.  If a student does not pass the THEA, they must remediate and make a B or better in Math 0302 and Reading 0302

5.      Evidence of good physical and mental health as reflected by a recent physical exam (within 12 months).  The exam must include the following documentation:

                                TB skin test or Chest X-Ray

                                VDRL

                                Up-to-date immunization record

                                First injection of three in the Hepatitis B vaccination series

                      Must show proof of CPR for Health Care Provider (adult, infant, and child) prior to the first day of class

6.       Three letters of personal reference

7.       The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas requires that the following questions be asked of each applicant for licensure:

                 Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

                 Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor other than a minor traffic violation?

                 Have you been hospitalized with a psychiatric occurrence within the past three (3) years?

                 Have you ever engaged in the intemperate use of drugs within the past three (3) years?

                 Have you ever engaged in the intemperate use of alcohol within the past three (3) years?

A person who has been convicted of a felony that relates to the duties and responsibilities of a Licensed Vocational Nurse may be disqualified from obtaining a licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.  The Board may not license such a person, and may upon conviction of a felony, suspend or revoke the license of a person previously licensed.

Students with felony convictions who apply to take the NCLEX-PN will be initially denied.  The graduate will have the option to appeal the decision.  The decision will be based upon a variety of factors, to include: age at the time of offense; seriousness of the offense; length of time since the offense; and demonstrated rehabilitation.  The process is very long, and the individual may still be denied, and will not have a temporary permit during the appeal.  If the individual is approved to take the exam, a temporary permit will be issued at that time.

Crimes which the Board considers to be directly related to the duties and responsibilities of a Licensed Vocational Nurse shall include, but are not limited to: 

offenses against the person;

offenses against property;

offenses involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit;

offenses related to drug or alcohol;

offenses which include attempting or conspiring to commit any of the above named offenses.

For further information regarding the Board questions, please call (830) 591-7316.

Admission Process

        1.     Individuals who have completed their file by July 1 will be eligible for acceptance into the nursing program.  Acceptance is based on a point system and is reviewed by the Vocational Nursing Admissions Committee.  Students are notified of acceptance in writing.  A list of alternates will be established.

2.        After notification of admission into the nursing program, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

                a)   "Health Status" form completed by a physician, including documentation of:

                      1)       TB results, RPR results

                      2)       current immunization record

                      3)       Hepatitis B vaccination

                b)  Letter of the State Board questions regarding convictions

        3.     Students admitted to the program must enroll in the student liability insurance program or provide proof of personal liability insurance.

        4.     Applicants shall not be admitted after the second day of class.

Re-Admission Process

        1.     Re-enrollment will be limited to two separate admissions.

        2.     To receive credit for previous nursing courses passed, the student must re-enroll within one year of the last admission

        3.     All re-enrollment must comply with the current admission requirements.

VOCATIONAL NURSING

CERTIFICATE

Program of Study

* All students are required to take ORIE 0100; however, ORIE 0100 does not count toward degree requirements.

Tuition and Fees

        Students enrolling in the vocational nursing program pay the regular college tuition and fees.  Del Rio and Eagle Pass students pay the regular Out-of-District fees.  All Nursing students will be expected to pay the following additional fees:

        Prior to 1^st class day:

                Required physical exam, TB test and/or chest x-ray, RPR test, Hepatitis B vaccine series of three injections (approximately $80 per injection), immunizations (if required).

        Fall semester:

                Uniforms and Lab coats (must be ordered through the nursing program)

                      (Two uniforms and two lab coats are recommended)

                                                                      Females.................................................................................. about $130.00

                                                                      Males..................................................................................... about $150.00

                      School patch for each uniform & lab coat (available in bookstore) ......................... about $2.50 each

                      Required textbooks (available in bookstore)................................................................ about $680.00

                      Nursing Equipment (available in bookstore)................................................................ about $55.00

                                  (stethoscope, bandage scissors, hemostat, penlight, sphygmomanometer, gait belt, goggles)

     Other equipment:           white nursing shoes or leather tennis shoes;

                                                                     watch with a second hand.

                                    Personal liability  insurance (Bill Beatty Insurance)................................................. $14.50    

                                    ATI’s Nursing Assessment Exams............................................................................. $128.40

        Spring:

                          State Board Examination (National Council of State Boards of Nursing)................ $200.00

                          State Board Licensing fee (Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners).......................... $88.00

                          Licensure picture .................................................................................................. about $10.00

                          Graduation cap & Gown and certificate (SWTJC)....................................................... $26.00

ATI’s Nursing Assessment Exams................................................................................ $96.30           

Withdrawal and Dismissal Policy

        Southwest Texas Junior College School of Vocational Nursing reserves the right to request at any time the withdrawal of any student whose health, conduct, personal qualities or scholastic records indicate that it would be inadvisable for the student to continue in the program.

        A student wishing to withdraw from the nursing program and remain in good standing at Southwest Texas Junior College must participate in an exit interview with nursing faculty.  A student must also comply with the withdrawal procedure as stated in the college catalog under "Changes and Withdrawals” (see Academic Regulations section).

Refund Policy

        See Finance Section

Program Objectives

        The Southwest Texas Junior College School of Vocational Nursing will:

1.     Provide and maintain a quality curriculum, while endeavoring to meet the individual learning needs of each student.

2.     Strive to teach and provide excellence in nursing practice.

3.     Seek to develop a desire to learn, while viewing education as a life-long endeavor.

4.     Provide optimal learning experiences to ensure safe clinical practice in both rural and urban situations.

5.     Continue to reflect the curriculum and the needs of the community.

Attendance Policy

        Students are required to adhere to attendance policies as outlined in the vocational nursing student and clinical handbooks.

Graduation Requirements

        Nursing graduates are eligible to attend the May commencement ceremony.  Nursing students will be eligible for graduation upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements.  Graduates will receive a certificate of completion.   Formal application for graduation should be completed by February 1. 

        Graduates will be eligible to submit application to take the licensure examination administered by the National Council for Licensed Practical Nurses for the State of Texas (NCLEX - PN).  Information for the exam will be provided by the nursing program.

1.     All vocational nursing courses must be completed with an average of  75 or better in order to graduate.

2.        All courses in the Fall semester must be completed with an average of 75 or better in order to progress to the Spring semester.

3.     ORIE 0100 is required for graduation.

Vocational Nursing Advanced Placement Policy

        In order to receive advanced placement credit for certification completed, the applicant must:

                  1.    Provide appropriate documentation to the Technical Education Director.

2.      Apply for admission and complete at least six additional hours of credit at Southwest Texas Junior College.

·         Students who hold a Current Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) credential and satisfactorily complete a Basic Nursing Skills assessment conducted by SWTJC nursing faculty will receive advanced placement credit (grade of “P”) for the following course:

VNSG 1323........................... Basic Nursing Skills       3 hrs.

Total............................................................... 3 hrs.

WELDING TECHNOLOGY

Uvalde Campus

Purpose

        Welding Technology is a one year certificate program for those who desire to gain advanced knowledge and skills in the field of welding.  Skills in Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Cutting and Shielded Metal Arc Welding will be developed along with related learning in areas such as welding math, drafting, layout, blueprint reading and structural and pipe fabrication.  Student completing the certificate will be able to seek entry level employment in pipe and structural welding.

Admissions Requirements

        Students are admitted through regular college admissions procedures (see Admissions Regulations section).  Students will receive a one-year Certificate upon satisfactory completion of the courses of study and upon making formal application for graduation (see Curricula section).

        College Board policy requires all students to take the Accuplacer or THEA examination.  Students pursuing this one-year Certificate do not have to pass the Accuplacer or THEA; however, those not scoring at the MATH 0302 level are encouraged to enroll in the appropriate developmental course.

WELDING TECHNOLOGY

CERTIFICATE

Program of Study

* All students are required to take ORIE 0100; however, ORIE 0100 does not count toward degree requirements.

Tuition and Fees

        Standard tuition and fees are assessed to each student as indicated in Finances section.  Lab and uniform fees are also assessed.  (see Course Descriptions).

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT*
Uvalde Campus

Purpose

        The Wildlife Management program will provide proven principles and skills which will enable students to practice the science of wildlife management.  The program will enable students to acquire the capability to become assistant Wildlife Biologists, Park Managers, Game Refuge Managers, Hunting Preserves Managers, Private Land (Ranch) Hunting Operators, Eco Tourism Managers and Wildlife Photographers.  The Wildlife Management program offers a one-year Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Admission Requirements

        Students are admitted to the Wildlife Management program through regular college admissions procedures (see Admission Regulations section).  Students will receive a one-year Certificate and/or an A.A.S. degree upon satisfactory completion of the courses of study and upon making formal application for graduation (see Curricula section).

        The Wildlife Management program carries two award options, a one-year Certificate and the two-year A.A.S. degree.  College Board policy requires all students to take the Accuplacer or THEA exam.  Students enrolled in the one-year Certificate or A.A.S. degree must meet all Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE

Program of Study

Notes: 1  Courses in boldface type denote required general education core of fifteen or more semester hours.

            *  All students are required to take ORIE 0100; however, ORIE 0100 does not count toward degree requirements.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE

 Program of Study

Notes: 1  Courses in boldface type denote required general education core of fifteen or more semester hours.

            *  All students are required to take ORIE 0100; however, ORIE 0100 does not count toward degree requirements.