What our students need to know!

ADMISSION POLICY

 Admission

Before admission, all prospective students are required to undergo academic advisement. In this process, the admission staff assists students in developing meaningful educational plans that are compatible with their life goals. Afterwards, students are oriented in the admission requirements and procedures.

Admission requirements and procedures to TVC vary depending on the chosen nursing program. It is the responsibility of the students to prepare and submit requirements and follow admission procedures.

 

Nursing Assistant Requirements

·         Must be at least 16 years old, if 16, with parental consent.

·         Current CPR card (BLS Health Care Provider).

·       Physical exam and TB test done within the last 6 months. Chest X-ray is needed if tested positive for TB. Chest X-ray report is valid for 2 years.

·         Livescan fingerprinting.

·    TABE (Test on Adult Basic Education) online for prospective students who do not have a high school diploma or GED. ***

*** A prospective student who does not have a standard high school diploma or a GED and wishes to enroll in a health care program must meet “Ability to Benefit” literacy levels. Students are assessed using a federally approved Ability to Benefit (ATB) test. By passing the ATB test, students will become eligible for admission to the CNA program.

Home Health Aide Requirements

·         Must be at least 16 years old. If 16, with parental consent.

·         Current CPR card (BLS Health Care Provider).

·         Have clearance from the Department of Justice.

·         Proof of Nurse Assistant State Certification.

·       Physical exam and TB test done within the last 6 months. Chest X-ray is needed if tested positive for TB. Chest X-ray report is valid for 2 years.

·         Livescan fingerprinting.

 Vocational Nursing Requirements

·         Must be at least 17 years of age.

·         Proof of completion of Nursing Assistant Training Program.

·         Fill out an application for admission.

·         Must pass the TVC-VN Nurse Entrance Exam - Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) which measures Math, Reading and English & Language Usage.

·      High school transcript, or certificate of high school equivalency, or GED, or certificate of accreditation of courses if a foreign graduate.  

·         Letter of application to the School Director and essay regarding Nursing as a Profession

·         Must pass interview with the admission committee.

·         Pass drug screening.

·         Pass Criminal Background Check.

·         Negative PPD Test or Chest X-ray report.

·         Complete physical examination report.  

·         Fire Safety Card Required for Pediatric Rotation.

Upon completion and presentation of the above requirements the prospective VN student will be notified in writing of his/her acceptance to the program. A mandatory orientation and information session is scheduled by the school. The students career path, required attitudes, skills, and abilities for success in the program and their chosen career. Also, additional workshops on academic survival, basic math and basic computer learning are also given before the start of the program.

In the event that there are more students than the allowed space, the priority of admission will be based on the ranking of the students in the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) results. The first 35 students with the highest TEAS scores will be accepted to the program. The remaining applicants will be placed on waiting list.

Language Proficiency Information

It is the philosophy of Trinity Vocational Center to provide accessible and high quality education to all students including those who have English as a Second Language (ESL). However, a certain level of English Language Proficiency is necessary for academic success in the nursing programs offered at TVC in which instruction is conducted only in English.

TVC requires all prospective students to submit a copy of High School Diploma, High School Transcript, Certificate of High School Equivalency, or GED.

A High School Diploma, Transcript, or GED is not required for the Nursing Assistant (NA) Program or the Home Health Aide (HHA) Program. However, a prospective student who does not have a standard high school diploma or GED must meet Ability to Benefit (ATB) literacy levels. TVC utilizes the Test of Adult Basic Education and accepts the National Reporting System Level of 4 which is equivalent to a High Intermediate Basic Education for Reading and Language. By passing the ATB test, the student will become eligible for admission to the NA and HHA programs.

All prospective students for the Vocational Nursing Program are required to submit a copy of their High School Transcript, Certificate of High School Equivalency, or GED. Also, one of the criteria for admission is the TVC-VN Nurse Entrance Exam – Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) which measures Reading and English & Language Usage. Cut scores accepted for Reading and English & Language Usage is 47.6% and 40.0% respectively. By submitting their HS Transcript or GED and by passing the VN Nurse Entrance Exam, the student will become eligible for admission to the VN Program.

To further assist ESL students, school forms such as enrollment agreements written in Spanish is available and an interpreter will be made available upon their request.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

Trinity Vocational Center is a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school.  The approval was received on May 11, 2011 by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to issue M-1 visa.

The M-1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign students wishing to pursue vocational or non-academic studies, other than language training, to enter into the U.S. The School is approved to offer Vocational Nursing Program Full Time Program equivalent to 1584 hours (51 weeks).

TVC welcomes applications from qualified students from other countries.  The general admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship.  However, immigration regulations, varying educational backgrounds and financial considerations require additional procedures necessary for international students.

TUITION FEE POLICY

Trinity Vocational Center will assist students in developing financial plans to pay their educational cost through a combination of federal student aid (if applicable), student/family contributions, and other financial aid programs.  The Accounting and Financial Aid Department is responsible for assisting students with all their financial aid and tuition financing questions. 

At the student’s option, an institution may accept payment in full for tuition and fees after the student has been accepted and enrolled and the date of the first class session is disclosed on the enrollment agreement.

Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide Training Program

Registration fee is required at the time of registration and is non-refundable. Payment for materials should be paid on the first day of class or upon issuance of materials whichever comes first. No materials will be issued unless paid in full. Student is required to pay 50% of the total tuition fee on or before the first day of class. The remaining should be paid before taking the Final Exam.

Vocational Nursing Training Program

Registration fee is required at the time of registration and is non-refundable. Payment of tuition and fees may be in any of the following ways:

A.     Federal Student Aid

The Federal Student Aid programs at Trinity Vocational Center (TVC) provide assistance to students whose financial resources are insufficient to meet the full cost of their education and who wish to finance part of their educational costs with student grants and loans.  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) is the first step in the financial aid process. 

B.     The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA) Fund

The Military Spouses Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) is a career development and employment assistance program sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD). MyCAA helps military spouses pursue licenses, certificates, certification or Associate’s degree (excluding Associate’s Degrees in General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Interdisciplinary Studies that do not have a concentration). The program will pay tuition and fees up to $4,000 for a program of study.  Spouses must finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course. 

C.     Self-Payment Option (In-House TVC Payment Plan Program)

The In-House Payment Plan Program is a loan program which is administered through Trinity Vocational Center.  There is no finance charge if loan is paid within the term of the program (12 months for Full-Time Program and 18 months for Part-Time Program). Any loan paid beyond the term of the program is subject to a fixed interest rate of 8%.  

All students plus a cosigner with a good credit standing must sign a promissory note for educational costs not covered by the Federal Student Aid and other financial aid.  The cosigner needs to submit copies of his ID/Driver’s License and three (3) most current paystubs. All payments are the full responsibility of the student and are payable as stated in the student’s promissory note agreement.

Students are required to make monthly payments while attending school.  Payment amounts are based upon the program in which the student is enrolled and the amount of financial aid the student may be receiving. If any part of a payment is more than 5 days late, a $25.00 late payment fee is charged to the student. Also, if a payment by check is refused or returned unpaid by the bank, non-sufficient funds (NSF) or a retuned payment fee of up to $35.00 is charged to the student. Such late payment fee and retuned payment fee may be added to the principal balance and may accrue interest at the aforementioned interest rate provided in the promissory note without further notice.

The Accounting Office is responsible for collection efforts which may include written requests, telephone calls, and sometime personal visits. If a third request is made, it should be by certified mail and if payment is not received after one month from the third request, the account is forwarded to the collection agency. Any change in the student’s status and financial situation which may affect a student’s financial aid or ability to make scheduled payments must be discussed with the Financial Aid Office and the Accounting Office.

If a borrower defaulted on their In House Payment Plan, after the loan will negatively impact their credit report and the borrower will receive the following penalties:

·         Remaining loan principal balance is accelerated, making the entire loan amount payable immediately.

·         The loan is sent to a collection agency after acceleration, where the borrower will incur all collection costs.

·         A hold will be placed on the student’s academic transcript from Trinity Vocational Center, Inc.

·         No NCLEX applications will be sent to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

If s student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund, and that, if the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to refund of the money not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.

Federal Student Aid (FSA)

Federal Student Aid Participation

Effective July 2, 2010, Trinity Vocational Center (TVC) was approved to participate in Federal Student Aid Program included under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the programs are commonly known as:

      ·          Federal Pell Grant

      ·          Federal Direct Loans

-          Subsidized Loan

-          Unsubsidized Loan

-          PLUS Loan

Financial Aid Eligibility

To be eligible for federal financial aid, a student must meet these requirements:

• Pass the TVC-VN Nurse Entrance Exam which measures Math, Reading, and English & Language Usage.
• High school diploma/transcript, or certificate of high school equivalency, or GED, or certificate of accreditation of courses if a foreign graduate.  

·         Provide a valid Social Security Number.

·         Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.

·         For male students, registered with Selective Service or submit a verified exemption from registration.

·         Not be in default on any Title IV federal student loan or owe any Title IV federal student grant overpayments.

·         Enrolled for the minimum number of hours required for the Title IV federal student aid program.

·         Make satisfactory progress in their educational program.

·         Demonstrate financial need.

·         Resolved any drug conviction issue.

Application for Financial Aid

• To apply for financial aid, a student must do the following:
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on www.fafsa.ed.gov for a Federal need or non-need based loan
• Submit his/her federal income tax return for the most recent tax year or submit a non-filing statement, if requested
• Complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at www.StudentLoans.gov

• Since financial aid funding is not guaranteed from one award year to the next, students must re-apply for every academic year.  The academic year is primarily defined by the College and may vary from one student to another.  There are many factors that are taken into account when awarding and disbursing financial aid.  Unless an applicant can establish independent status, he/she must provide parental information on the FAFSA and provide copies of their parents' tax returns, if requested.

 

Independent Status

Students who apply as independent may be required to provide the Financial Aid Department with documentation validating their status.  A student is automatically independent during the 2011-2012 award year if he/she meets one of the following criteria:

• Born before January 1, 1988

• Is married
• Is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
• Have children who receive more than half of their support from the student
• Have dependents (other than his/her children or spouse) who live with him/her and who receive more than half of their support from him/her now and thru  June 30, 2012

• At any time since the age of 13, were both parents deceased, were in foster care or ward of the court
• Is an emancipated minor
• Under legal guardianship
• As of July 1, 2009, determined as homeless *See definition in the FAFSA

An applicant may be requested to provide supporting documentation for proving independence.

Verification

Verification is the process of checking the accuracy of the information a student has provided in order to minimize errors when they apply for financial aid.  Verification is a requirement only for students selected by the U.S. Department of Education; however, the school may also select students for institutional verification.  Documents requested must be provided within 15 days of notification.  No financial aid disbursements can be made until verification is completed.  If verification is not completed within 15 days, the student's financial aid may be canceled and the student will be asked to make arrangements for payment of tuition without consideration of financial assistance.   The student will be notified if the results of verification change the student's scheduled award.

Grants

Grants are funds that do not have to be repaid.  Most grants are awarded on the basis of need.  The grant programs include the Federal Pell Grant.  A wide variety of other privately funded grants are available to students, but these grants need to be researched independently by the student.

Federal Pell Grant

This need-based grant can assist financially eligible students who desire to continue their education beyond high school.  Each student is required, if applying for financial aid, to apply for a Pell Grant.  Eligibility is determined by the student's need, the cost of attendance, and the amount of money appropriated by Congress to fund the program.  A maximum Federal Pell Grant for the 2011-2012 Award Year is $5,550.

Student Loans

Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid.  Since loan terms are not all the same, it is important that each student keep track of the various loans and the specific obligations they have for repayment.

Federal Direct Student Loans – Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)

Stafford Loans are low interest loans made to the student by the U.S. Department of Education.  The loan must be used to pay for educational expenses.  Depending on a student’s eligibility, this loan will either be subsidized or unsubsidized.  If the loan is subsidized, the government will pay a subsidy on the loan by paying the interest on the loan on behalf of the student during the period of time that the student is enrolled plus six months after their last date of attendance.  The interest on an unsubsidized loan can be deferred while the student is enrolled in the school and for a period of six months after you leave school or drop below half-time.

The Federal government will allow independent students in their first year of study to borrow an additional unsubsidized amount of Stafford funds of $6,000.  This amount is beyond the initial amount of $3,500 and can only be in the unsubsidized loan program.  Dependent students in their first year of study can borrow an additional unsubsidized Stafford Funds of $2000.   This amount is beyond the initial amount of $3,500.  Disbursements are made in two equal payments during an academic year.  The first-time borrower’s a disbursement is made after 30 days of the start date, and midpoint of the academic year. 

The minimum repayment amount is $50 per month with 5 to 10 years of repayment.  The actual payment and schedule is determined by the total amount borrowed.

Federal Plus / Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students

Federal PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent students.  Unlike Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, all PLUS loans are subject to credit history verification.  A parent will not be eligible to borrow on behalf of a dependent student if the parent is determined, based on criteria established by federal regulations, to have an adverse credit history.  The annual limit a parent may borrow on behalf of a dependent student may not exceed the student's cost of attendance minus any financial assistance the student has been, or will be, awarded during the period of enrollment.  Repayment begins within 60 days after the final disbursement unless the parent qualifies for, and is granted, a deferment by the lender.  A dependent student, whose parents are unable to borrow under the PLUS program due to adverse credit, may borrow under the Unsubsidized Stafford loan program up to $4,000.

Return to Title IV FUNDS

Title IV funds are earned in proportion to the percentage of the payment period that is completed, with 100% of the funds awarded after 60% of the payment period is completed.  When a student withdraws prior to the completion of the 60% of the payment period, the College must determine if the Title IV funds the student received exceed the amount earned.  This calculation is based on the number of days completed in the payment period as of the student’s last day of attendance. If the amount received by the student exceeds the amount earned, the College must return the excess funds to the Title IV programs in the following distribution order:  1) Direct Unsubsidized Loan, 2) Direct Subsidized Loan, 3) Direct PLUS Loan, 4) Federal Pell Grant, 5) Other Programs, and 6)Student.  This sequence is mandated by the U. S. Department of Education.

STUDENT TUITION RECOVERY FUND (STRF)

The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by students in educational programs who are California residents, or are enrolled in a residency program attending certain schools regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Institutional participation is mandatory.

You must pay the state-imposed assessment for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) if all of the following applies to you:

1.    You are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans, and

2.    Your total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer unless you have a separate agreement to repay the third party.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if either of the following applies:

1.    You are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program, or

2.    Your total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government program or other payer, and you have no separate agreement to repay the third party.

You may be eligible for STRF if you are a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

1.    The school closed before the course of instruction was completed.

2.    The school’s failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or any other purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school.

3.    The school’s failure to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs.

4.    There was a material failure to comply with the Act or the Division within 30-days before the school closed or, if the material failure began earlier than 30-days prior to closure, the period determined by the Bureau.

5.    An inability after diligent efforts to prosecute, prove, and collect on a judgment against the institution for a violation of the Act.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

It is important that enrollees keep a copy of any enrollment agreement, contract, or application to document enrollment, tuition receipts, or canceled checks. They are encouraged to document the total amount of tuition paid and records that will show the percentage of the course which has been completed. Such records would substantiate a claim for reimbursement from the STRF which, to be considered, must be filed within sixty (60) days following school closure.

For further information, contact:

Office of Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

P.O. Box 980818 West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818

Telephone (916) 431-6959, Fax (916) 263-1897

E-mail: bppe@dca.ca.gov

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Attendance Policy

Students must attend all scheduled classes and clinical rotations in order to achieve their program objectives. Frequent tardiness and/or absences are cause for disciplinary action. Students who are chronically tardy and/or absent will be placed on attendance probation and may be dismissed. Students falling below 90% of attendance for each course will be dropped from the program.

The following procedures will apply:

1. 1 occurrence of Tardiness = a verbal warning from the instructor
2. 3 occurrences of Tardiness = 1 unexcused absence plus a written warning
3. 2 or more unexcused absences = a absence contract between student & instructor, and the student will be under attendance probation

§  While under attendance probation, the students may not miss more than 10% of the scheduled class days of each module.

§  Once a student has violated the terms of attendance probation, the student will be immediately dismissed from the program.

§  If the student does not exceed the 10% rule during the course, the student will be removed from the attendance probation.

4. Absences for more than 10% of attendance for each module may result in suspension or dismissal from the (Excused and Unexcused absences) program.
   

Students who are absent from class lectures or clinical due to illness, death in the immediate family, jury duty, military annual training, and other emergency or other uncontrollable circumstances should contact the Instructor/Program Director to arrange for make-up for missed classes and clinical.  Students are expected to make-up for absences. Make-up opportunities are to be determined by the instructor.

Make up assignment may be in any of the following:

·         Case studies     

·         Clinical Make-up

·         Examination    

·         Auto-tutorial laboratory

·         Independent study

  ·         Research reports

  ·         Attendance at seminars or workshops

  ·         CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

  ·         Virtual Study