ADMISSIONS

The minimum requirements for admission to JCC are graduation from an accredited secondary school, possession of a high school equivalency diploma, or home-school documentation. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the ACT Assessment Test are not required for admission.

JCC has endorsed the concept of Full Opportunity of the State University of New York and accepts the philosophical implications of that decision. This means the college has agreed to accept all applicants who are legal residents of the sponsoring area, who are 18 years of age or older, and are high school graduates.

The college reserves the right to make exceptions to its admissions policies and to impose other criteria on students seeking admission who do not meet the requirements above. This policy does not, however, guarantee admission of students to specific programs within JCC's curriculum. It does imply a commitment to meet the special needs of the students who may require developmental courses, tutorial services, and additional counseling services. It also challenges the college to expand its career programs, institute new approaches to the teaching-learning process, and provide students with the flexibility of changing courses and programs without penalty.

Applying to JCC

Matriculated (Degree Seeking) Students

Matriculation is the formal process by which students declare their intent to enroll in a college certificate or degree program. The process is complete once the student submits an application, with supporting documentation (official transcripts, GED/TASC, placement test scores, etc.), and has been accepted to JCC in a certificate or degree program. Federal and state financial aid is not available to nonmatriculated students.

Application Process

Application for admission may be initiated at any time prior to the start of each semester, but admission cannot be guaranteed for applicants who begin the process after August 1 (for the fall semester). High school seniors, especially those concerned about admission to specific programs, should apply shortly after the beginning of their senior year. In some programs, such as nursing and occupational therapy assistant, students should consider early application deadlines, and limited enrollment. Visit www.sunyjcc.edu for supplemental applications and deadlines for the nursing and occupational therapy assistant programs.

New, First-Time Students

Students who have not attended another college and who are entering JCC for the first time should follow these steps:

Apply online at www.sunyjcc.edu/apply.
Request high school guidance office to forward an official copy of the student's transcript to the admissions office.
Home-schooled students must complete the necessary documentation indicating completion of secondary level education as defined by state (see below for additional information).
Students possessing a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, such as a GED/TASC certificate, must submit appropriate documentation.
Students should visit JCC to acquaint themselves further with JCC’s programs and facilities. Personal interviews are optional, unless requested by the admissions office.
Following notification of acceptance, students are informed of advisement and registration procedures that entering freshmen must complete prior to the start of classes.

Readmitted Students
A student who attended JCC previously and is returning after an absence must reapply. To apply, visit www.sunyjcc.edu/ apply. Students who have attended another college since their last enrollment at JCC must request an official transcript be sent to the JCC admissions office.

Second Degree Candidates

A student pursuing a second degree at JCC must reapply for admission. Students must also meet with an advisor in the Success Center on either campus to update their program of study. Each additional associate’s degree will require 30 additional hours, 15 of which must be earned from JCC. Apply online at www.sunyjcc.edu/apply.

Students Transferring to JCC

A candidate for admission who has completed previous coursework is required to follow the transfer application procedure:

Complete the online application at www.sunyjcc.edu/apply and submit high school transcript, a copy of GED/TASC, or other documentation indicating successful completion of high school.
Students seeking transfer credit from other institutions must request official college transcripts from all previous colleges attended and have them sent to the JCC admissions office.

Transfer of Alternative College Level Credit

Students who have attended other colleges or who have earned college credit through the Independent Study Programs of the State University of New York, the College Proficiency Examinations of the State Education Department, the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board, College Level Examination Program, International Baccalaureate (IB) credits, or after military experience (ACE) are eligible to apply for advanced standing and credit.

A student may transfer credit hours to JCC from another accredited postsecondary institution for courses for which the student has earned the equivalent of a C grade or higher. Grades C- and below and grades that do not indicate a C or higher (i.e. credit/fail, pass/fail, satisfactory) was earned are not accepted as transfer credits. Students may also earn transfer credit from JCC recongized organizations as noted on the website. Credit hours and grades for transfer credit are not included in the calculation of the student’s JCC grade point average.

Transferring Credits

Official records should be directed to the JCC admissions office.

JCC considers expected learning outcomes and standards when evaluating incoming transcripts for JCC credit course equivalency. A student may transfer up to 30 semester hours of credit to JCC from another institution or other external sources. If transfer credits are applied toward additional degrees, the credits must be a part of the maximum of 30 allowable transfer credits.

Students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit at JCC to be eligible for an associate degree, and 15 semester hours of credit to be eligible for a certificate from JCC.

Appeal Process for Transfer Evaluations

Students who wish to appeal the results of a transfer evaluation may do so by contacting the JCC registrar in writing to briefly explain the issue under appeal and request a meeting to discuss it. The registrar may request the student to provide additional information (such as a course syllabus). At the meeting, the registrar, or other evaluator, will review the criteria used to evaluate the credits brought to JCC.

If the appeal is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction with the registrar, he may request that the appeal be forwarded to the academic department that oversees the course(s) under review. A program director or dean will review the credit evaluation and appeal and may request that the student provide additional information for consideration before rendering a decision.

If the appeal is not approved with the decision of the director or dean, the student may request that it be forwarded to the vice president of academic affairs who will review the appeal and supporting information. The vice president may request additional information. The vice president’s decision regarding the appeal is final for students transferring credits to JCC from non-SUNY institutions.

Students transferring credits to JCC from a SUNY institution who do not agree with the vice president of academic affairs’ decision may appeal to the SUNY provost by following instructions at https://www. sunyjcc.edu/admissions/transfer.

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate each step of the appeal process and to provide any additional information requested pertaining to the course(s) in question.

Non-Matriculated Students Registering For Courses for Personal Enrichment

A non-matriculated student is one who is taking courses to satisfy personal needs and interests without applying for candidacy for a degree or certificate. Non-matriculated students are not eligible to receive financial aid. JCC reserves the right to require placement testing for anyone wishing to register for classes. JCC will deny registration privileges to any student who does not comply with this procedure. To register for courses, visit www.sunyjcc.edu/register.

Earning a High School Equivalency Diploma (GED/TASC)

Students who do not possess a high school or equivalency diploma may satisfy the equivalency requirements by successful completion of 24 college level credits at JCC. Credit hours earned in this program will be applied concurrently toward the degree requirements. Visit www.sunyjcc.edu/admissions/first-time or contact the Admissions Office for additional information.

Students with an IEP Diploma

The State Education Department has ruled that unlike the high school diploma or the high school equivalency diploma, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) diploma “is not an indicator of successful completion of high school study,” thus community colleges are under no legal obligation to accept IEP students under the terms of the state’s Full Opportunity policy. Any student with an IEP diploma, or those who do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent, may attend JCC part-time with no financial aid or may pursue a GED/TASC.

Home-Schooled Students

JCC welcomes home-schooled students. Home-schooled students may enroll in the PEP program prior to graduation. Students who have been home-schooled may apply for admission to JCC if they have reached compulsory age (the school year during which they turned 16 has ended). Documentation of a valid and in-effect individualized home instruction plan (IHIP) pursuant to section 100.10 of the regulations of the Commissioner of Education must be submitted. Home-schooled students unable to obtain this documentation must receive a high school equivalency diploma (GED/TASC) prior to receiving their degree from JCC. In all cases, home-schooled students must complete JCC’s placement testing. Contact the admissions office for additional information.

Admission of Correspondence School Students

According to the State Education Department, when a student has completed a high school program through correspondence study, the correspondence school must be recognized, authorized, or approved by the state educational entity where the correspondence school is located, and the student must be a resident of that state. New York state residents may not use a high school program of correspondence study to meet the requirements for a secondary education in New York state.

Early Admissions

JCC’s Early Admissions Program is designed for qualified high school students who have completed 11th grade to begin taking college level courses full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) prior to graduating from high school and, with permission from his/her high school and parent or guardian, to have JCC courses fulfill graduation requirements. Normally students should rank in the top half of their class.

In some cases, students and their guidance counselor must meet to discuss plans for early admission and determine if college courses could be used to fulfill high school graduation requirements.

A statement from the high school principal or counselor indicating that a high school diploma will be issued upon satisfactory completion of specified college courses is required.
The student is responsible for requesting that an official transcript be sent to the high school guidance counselor upon the completion of courses. Transcripts are available at www.sunyjcc.edu/transcripts.
A statement from the student’s parent or guardian granting permission to enroll for full-time study at JCC must be submitted.

Pre-College Enrollment Program
JCC’s Pre-College Enrollment Program (PEP) provides high school students the opportunity to enroll part-time in courses (up to 11 credit hours), at any JCC campus, extension center, or online prior to graduation and the summer immediately following graduation in June.

PEP is open to all high school students 15 years or older by the start of the class who meet all course requirements and prerequisites. PEP students are responsible for tuition and fees. Since they cannot matriculate, federal and state financial aid is unavailable to them. The PEP Grant, however, is available to provide for one-half the cost of tuition up to $500 per semester. Students are eligible for this grant by registering as a PEP student. Students entering JCC’s PEP program must register for at least one course at their home high school or be currently home-schooled.

Since some high schools give dual credit for certain courses, credit earned at JCC may also be applied toward high school graduation at the discretion of the school district. Credit earned at JCC in courses taken by PEP students may be applied toward an associate degree from JCC or may be transferred to another institution.

As members of JCC’s Faculty Student Association, PEP students can participate in both the academic and extracurricular life of the college. They have library privileges, can attend special college events, and are welcome to join various clubs and interest groups.

For course selection, students should confer with their high school counselor and a JCC Success Navigator or advisor to determine which classes fit into their daily or weekly schedules. Registration forms and deadlines can be found at www.sunyjcc.edu/PEP.

Enrolled students have secure access to their individual student records at banner.sunyjcc.edu. Students can view six-week and final grades, advisement transcripts, registration, and access their JCC email account. No paper bills are sent to the student. Bills can be viewed and paid online at banner.sunyjcc.edu.

Special Circumstances

Individuals seeking admission who do not fit one of the above categories should contact the admissions director for assistance.

Admission Policy for Students Previously Dismissed From a College for Disciplinary Reasons

JCC will consider an application for admission from these students but it reserves the right to admit or deny any application. After applying, students must submit a detailed summary of the violations, a personal statement, and a letter of recommendation; however, certain situations may require additional information. The application deadline is 35 days prior to the start of the semester.

College Placement Testing

Math and English placement at JCC is based on high school GPA and additional success indicators. This helps determine the courses in which the student is best prepared to begin.

Students without a GPA through the junior year of high school will need to take a computer-based reading and math placement test. If you need the math and/or English test, or want to challenge your placement in English and/or math, you may schedule a placement test at any of our sites.

If you have a disability and require accommodated testing, contact the Coordinator of Accessibility Services.
To register for a placement test and/or to see a list of exemptions, go to www.sunyjcc.edu/placementtesting

Application/Admission Policy: International Students

Any applicant who is not a U.S. citizen, or documented permanent resident (non-immigrant) of the United States and wishes to study at JCC must do so through an F-1 (student) visa and is considered an international student throughout his or her academic stay. International students wishing to complete an entire degree online should contact the JCC admissions office.

Contact JCC’s global learning coordinator or visit www.sunyjcc. edu to learn about the international student application process.
Submit academic documents showing high school graduation and any college study beyond high school. Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language or the language of education must have documents translated into English before submitting them to the admissions office.
Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language or the language of education must submit the results of an English language assessment. Acceptable assessments include Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS, TOEIC, Duolingo, and Cambridge.
Scores from JCC’s college placement test can be accepted from English speaking countries in lieu of the English language assessment. The placement test can be sent to students residing outside of the U.S. on a selective basis.
Submit documented evidence of adequate financing to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room, board, and other living expenses for a full academic year. Note that federal and New York state financial aid is not available to international students.
Applicants for January admission (spring semester) must complete admission procedures by November 1. Applicants for August admission (fall semester) must complete admission procedures by June 1. Applicants should take special note of the length of time required to process admissions applications and credentials. Final evaluation will take place when all admissions credentials have been submitted. If admitted to a degree program, the applicant will be issued an I-20.

Nursing Program

Accreditation

JCC’s associate degree nursing program has been awarded accreditation for achievement of quality and excellence in nursing education by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd., NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, phone: 404.975.5000; fax: 404.975.5020; e-mail: info@ acenursing.org; or www.acenursing.org. The nursing program at Jamestown Community College is licensed with the New York State Education Department, Division of Professional Education (SED), 89 Washington Avenue, 2nd floor, West Wing, Albany, NY 12234, (518) 486-2967. OPPROGS@nysed.gov.

Admission Requirements
The nursing program is designed for full- or part-time study and may be completed in a minimum of two academic years of full-time study. The four-semester sequence of nursing courses, which begins each fall semester, must be completed sequentially. Students who desire part-time study may complete the general degree requirements before seeking admission to the program.

In addition to application to the college, students must apply for acceptance into the nursing program through the admissions office. Enrollment into the nursing program is highly competitive. Therefore, application by February 1 is of primary importance.

Applications will continue to be reviewed after February 1 on a space available basis.
Criteria for admission are:

High school and college transcripts from all institutions attended must be filed in the admissions office prior to February 1 of the year seeking admission.
A GPA from JCC of at least 2.5 for current or previous college students.
High school students or high school graduates who have no college experience must have earned a 85% or above in high school courses. If a high school student does not meet this requirement he or she may still complete general education courses required for the nursing program and obtain at least a 2.5 GPA. Prior to full-time enrollment at JCC, high school students are encouraged to consider enrollment in college course opportunities, i.e. College Connections.
A passing grade in a high school or college chemistry course. A strong science-based high school curriculum is highly recommended for student success in the nursing program.
Eligibility for placement in ENG 1510 without supports.
Eligibility for placement in MAT 1500: Problem Solving with Mathematics.
Completion of required Nursing Entrance Exam (TEAS Exam).
A record of grades from credit bearing college courses must be established by applicants with a high school equivalency diploma (GED/TASC).
Must be 18 years of age by June 1 of the intended graduation year to be eligible to take the NCLEX exam for licensure as a registered nurse.
Students entering the nursing program will only have two opportunities to successfully complete Anatomy and Physiology I and/or II with a “C” grade or better. Students who have taken Anatomy and Physiology I or II more than twice will not be permitted to enter or continue in the nursing program. A student wishing to be considered for a waiver to the two course limit should obtain letters of support from two faculty members, at least one of which must be from a nursing faculty member.

Admission Rubric
An admission rubric will be applied to applicants based upon eligibility criteria, previous education, and TEAS score. Ten percent of seats are reserved for high school students/graduates who meet program requirements.

CRITERIA	DESCRIPTION	SCORE
PREVIOUS EDUCTION	Licensed Practical Nurse/Lecense Vocational Nurse	1
TEAS SCORE	Developmental	0
	Basic	1
	Proficient	3
	Advancced	6
	Exemplary	9

Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission into the nursing program. A greater score on the admission rubric improves the applicant’s chances of being selected. Violations of the “Academic Integrity” or “Student Conduct” policies in JCC’s Constitution of the Student Body, or any violations of equivalent policies at other postsecondary institutions, shall also be considered as a factor in the admissions decision.

Technical Standards for Nursing
(Cognitive, Physical, and Behavioral Criteria)
JCC provides the following technical standards with examples of learning activities to inform prospective and enrolled students of the skills required in completing their chosen profession’s curriculum and in the provision of health care services. These technical standards reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the nursing program. These standards are not a requirement of admission into the program. Individuals interested in applying for admission to the program should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities, and behavioral characteristics required to successfully complete the program.

Students admitted to the nursing program are expected to be able to complete curriculum requirements, which include physical, cognitive, and behavioral core competencies that are essential to the functions of the entry-level professional nurse. These core competencies are considered to be the minimum and essential skills necessary to protect the public. These abilities are encountered in unique combinations in the provision of safe and effective nursing care and can meet the criteria with or without reasonable accommodations. Students who are unsure if they can meet these criteria because of disability, or know they will need help in meeting them, must contact JCC’s Accessibility Services Office to discuss the use of reasonable accommodations and/or auxiliary aids. The college will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program.

Progression in the program may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the technical standards.

Cognitive:

Recall, collect, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information from a variety of sources.
Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize data.
Problem solve and think critically in order to apply knowledge and skill.
Communicate verbally, and through reading and writing, with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Relay information in oral, written, and electronic form effectively, accurately, reliably, and intelligibly to individuals and groups, using the English language. Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
Process information thoroughly and quickly to prioritize and implement nursing care.
Sequence or cluster data to determine client needs.
Develop and implement a nursing plan of care for clients in acute, long-term, and community settings. Discriminate fine/subtle differences in medical word terminology.
Report verbally and in writing client data to members of the healthcare team.
Read and comprehend medical orders and client information found in the medical record.
Perform math computations for medication dosage calculations both with and without a calculator.
Physical, Motor:

Move efficiently enough to meet the needs of patients in a timely fashion.
Coordinate fine and gross motor movements.
Coordinate hand/eye movements.
Maintain balance from any position.
Negotiate level surfaces, ramps, and stairs.
Function with both hands free for performing psychomotor tasks.
Maneuver in small areas.
Attend to cognitive and psychomotor tasks for up to 7-12 hours.
Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
Transfer patients/clients in and out of bed from stretchers and wheelchairs.
Turn and position patients.
Control a fall by slowly lowering client to the floor.
Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Lift or move (turn, position) clients or objects, pull or push objects, weighing up to 50 pounds.
Reach to shoulder or higher level to place or access equipment such as intravenous fluid bags, bend or squat to access equipment below bed level.
Carry equipment and supplies to the client bedside.
Manipulate small equipment and containers, such as syringes, vials, ampoules, and medication packages to administer medications without extraneous movement, contamination, or destruction.
Accurately place and maintain position of stethoscope for detecting sounds of bodily functions.
Record data with a pen or graphics and other flow sheets.
Operate a computer.
Dispose of needles in sharps container.
Complete assigned periods of clinical practice (7-12 hour shifts, days, evenings, or nights).

Sensory:
Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences, including but not limited to information conveyed through online coursework, lecture, small group activities, demonstrations, and application experiences.
Collect information through observation, listening, touching, and smelling.
Use and interpret information from diagnostic maneuvers.
Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
Detect changes in skin color or condition (pale, ashen, grey, or bluish).
Detect a fire in the client care environment.
Draw up a prescribed quantity of medication into a syringe.
Observe clients in a room from a distance of 20 feet away.
Detect sounds related to bodily functions using a stethoscope.
Detect audible alarms generated by mechanical systems such as those that monitor bodily functions, fire alarms, call bells.
Observe and collect data from recording equipment and measurement devices used in client care.
Communicate with client and members of the healthcare team in person and over the phone in a variety of settings, including isolation and the operating room where health team members are wearing masks and there is background noise.
Detect foul odors of bodily fluids or spoiled foods.
Detect smoke from burning materials.
Detect changes in skin temperature.
Detect unsafe temperature levels in heat-producing devices used in client care.
Detect anatomical abnormalities, such as subcutaneous crepitus, edema, or infiltrated intravenous fluids.
Feel vibrations such as an arterial pulse.

Behavioral:
Demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
Maintain effective, mature, and sensitive relationships with others.
Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with others or the learning environment.
Possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and tolerance.
Establish a therapeutic relationship and communicate in a supportive manner.

Licensure
Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). At the time of submission of an application for licensure and first registration, the applicant is required to report a history of a felony or misdemeanor, or if such charges are pending. State boards of nursing will review the information submitted by the applicant and will determine if the applicant is eligible for licensure. A history of a felony or a misdemeanor may jeopardize the applicant’s eligibility for licensure by state boards of nursing.
Persons intending to practice nursing in New York state should contact the New York State Board of Nursing, 89 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12234-1000 or call 518.474.3817. Those intending to practice nursing in Pennsylvania should contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, PO Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 or call 717.783.7142.

Criminal Background Check and Clearance
All health care agencies in Pennsylvania require criminal background checks on nursing students before beginning a clinical placement. All JCC nursing students will be assigned to clinical experiences in PA during some semester(s). Therefore, nursing students are required, at their own expense, to complete the required child abuse background check and a state or federal background check before beginning clinical placement. Inability to obtain a satisfactory clearance will prevent a student from being assigned to clinical experiences in PA, and as a result, the student will not be able to complete the clinical objectives for the course and will not be allowed to continue in the nursing program. (The college will not move a student from an agency that denies background clearance to another.) A criminal record may also jeopardize a graduate’s ability to obtain registered nurse licensure.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Prior to entrance into NUR 1510, students are required to present evidence of completion of a course in Basic Life Support (BLS) that includes infant, child, and adult CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The acceptable courses are: CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross) or BLS for the Health Care Provider (American Red Cross). Students are strongly encouraged to take BLS during the summer prior to entering the nursing program. By taking BLS during the summer, the student will be compliant with the CPR requirement throughout the two year nursing program. Courses may be available through the nursing program, JCC, and/or in the community.

Readmission Into Nursing Program Policy
A student seeking readmission may enter the nursing program according to the following criteria:
Each student must apply for readmission to the nursing program through the admissions office at either the Jamestown or Cattaraugus County campus. If you wish to enter the nursing program in the fall semester, you need to apply by February 1, and for the spring semester, by October 1. Applications may continue to be accepted past the deadlines on a space available basis.
Each student must be accepted into the college for the semester being readmitted. (Reapplication must be completed by any readmitted student who was not attending JCC the semester immediately prior to admission.)
Students seeking readmission into the nursing program need to meet the same criteria as students entering the nursing program for the first time.
Any readmitted student who withdrew two years ago or longer will be required to enter NUR 1510.
A minimum grade of “C” is required in each nursing course. A student will be permitted to repeat one nursing core course (NUR 1510, NUR 1520, NUR 2510, and NUR 2520) one time. Should students be unsuccessful in repeating any nursing core course, they would be ineligible to continue in the nursing program. Students who are unsuccessful in more than one nursing core course and have already repeated one core course will not be eligible to repeat a second nursing core course. Withdrawal from a core nursing course after the first 30 calendar days will be considered a failure of the course for reapplication purposes. In case of illness or other extreme circumstances, the faculty may consider a one-time exception. The student wishing to be considered for a waiver to the withdrawal counting as a failure for reapplication purposes should obtain letters of support from two faculty members. The waiver with letters of support from two full-time faculty members should be submitted to the nursing program committee for consideration.
Once the nursing sequence of courses has begun, the student must complete the program in three years. The faculty may consider exceptions to the three-year period. The student wishing to be considered for a waiver to the three-year period should obtain letters of support from two full-time nursing faculty members. The waiver, with letters of support, will be submitted to the nursing program committee for consideration.
A student seeking readmission into the nursing program will be considered on the basis of space available and grade point average.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

The occupational therapy assistant program is designed for fulland part-time study and may be completed in two academic years of full-time study. The four-semester sequence of OTA courses, which begins each fall semester, must be completed sequentially. The fourth semester (OTA 2700 and OTA 2720: Fieldwork II) must be completed within 12 months following successful completion of third semester OTA coursework. Fieldwork II assignments may have special housing and transportation requirements. Students who successfully complete JCC’s occupational therapy assistant program receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. Coursework includes a series of general education courses with an emphasis on the biological and psychological sciences. Professional studies focus on how human occupational development is affected by illness and injury and how function in various life roles can be facilitated.

Occupational therapy provides service to those individuals whose abilities to cope with tasks of living are threatened or impaired by developmental deficits, the aging process, poverty and cultural differences, physical injury or illness, or psychological and social disability. Occupational therapy is provided in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, extended care facilities, sheltered workshops, schools and camps, private homes, and community agencies. Delivery of occupational therapy services involves several levels of personnel, including the occupational therapist, the certified occupational therapy assistant, and aides.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

develop and exhibit professional, desirable workplace behaviors which reflect occupational therapy standards of practice.
apply occupation-based, client-centered interventions that address the varying needs of clients.
demonstrate the ability to research evidence-based practices to positively impact interventions and inform occupational therapy practice.
demonstrate clinical reasoning skills and provide innovative occupational therapy interventions in challenging healthcare environments.
design and implement programming to engage consumers and/ or caregivers in opportunities to improve their quality of life and well-being.
Note: Technical (OTA) and professional (OT) occupational therapy programs are two distinct paths of study leading to complementary, but different, practice roles. Any OTA student contemplating application to an OT program at another institution is subject to that institution’s individual requirements and articulation policies. Transfer options are available at JCC.

Accreditation
JCC’s occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Assn. (AOTA), 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD, 20814. ACOTE can be reached through AOTA at 301.652.AOTA or by accessing www. acoteonline.org.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT certification examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Admission Requirements
New full- and part-time students seeking admission must follow JCC application procedures and apply for acceptance into the OTA program. Steps for admission are:
Students must first apply for general admission to JCC.
Students must then complete the application for admission to the occupational therapy assistant program. The form is available at www.sunyjcc.edu/ota.

In keeping with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, preadmission inquiries about medical or disabling conditions are prohibited.

For potential students to decide whether or not they may be able to participate fully in the program, students must review the Skill Sets Expected of Students in the OTA Program form available at www.sunyjcc.edu/ota. Students should examine these criteria carefully before applying to the program. Reasonable accommodations, including the use of auxiliary aids, will be made for students with documented functional limitations through JCC’s accessibility services office.

After acceptance into the program, but before enrollment, students need to submit health and physical records, including proof of required immunizations, to JCC’s health center. All physicals must be completed by the occupational health physician provided through JCC. Following review, the applicant will be fully admitted into the OTA program.
Criteria for admission into the OTA program includes:

Students in the top 20% of their high school graduating class within the last 2 years and who meet the minimum requirements will receive automatic acceptance into the program, if application is received by the deadline (February 15).
A grade point average (GPA) for acceptance consideration of at least 2.25 for current or previous college students who have completed at least 15 credits of college.
HS average of 80% (B-) or better or combined GPA/HS average of 2.25 (C+) for those with less than 15 credits of college.
Eligibility for placement in MAT 1500: Problem Solving with Mathematics.
Eligibility for ENG 1510. Students who are required to take an additional ENG 0500 will be considered for admission.

Application Procedures
Applicants must file a SUNY or JCC admissions application, complete the JCC application for admission to the OTA program, and include a copy of their high school transcript and all college transcripts from institutions other than JCC. Deadline: February 15 or until program is full. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission into the OTA program. Admission to the OTA program is selective and limited to assure that the number of students enrolled in the program is commensurate with available instructional and clinical resources.
Preference is given to applicants living in the New York counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany and the Pennsylvania counties of Warren, Potter, McKean, and Forest. Applicants who are not United States citizens will be considered if they have permanent resident status or an F-1 student visa issued by JCC.

OTA Applicants with College Credits
A point system will be applied to those applicants who meet admissions requirements based upon courses completed toward the OTA program and who meet the GPA requirement. To receive points, an applicant must have completed the courses and cannot be currently enrolled in the courses. Unless already on file, supporting documentation for all points, including transcripts, is required at the time of application submission. All points will be reviewed prior to acceptance by the admissions office. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission into the OTA program. A greater number of points improves the applicant’s chances of being selected. The point system can be viewed at www.sunyjcc.edu/ota.

OTA Applicants Without College Credit
Applicants without college credit (first time freshmen) are evaluated for admission using the criteria of rank in their high school class, overall GPA, volunteer function, and previous health care experience.

Readmission to the OTA Program
A student seeking readmission may enter the OTA program according to the following criteria:
Each student must apply for readmission. Admission criteria must be fulfilled.
Any readmitted student who has withdrawn from the program for a period greater than three years will be given credit for OTA 1510 only, providing a grade of “C” or higher was obtained. The student is required to complete all other OTA courses in sequence.
A student will be permitted to repeat each OTA course one time. If any students are unsuccessful in repeating any OTA course, they are ineligible to continue in the OTA program.
A student seeking readmission to the OTA program is considered on a space available basis and GPA of at least 2.5.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Academy

Admission Policy

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Academy is offered through the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department for students interested in becoming a local or county police officer in New York state. Acceptance into the academy is conducted on a competitive selection process which is contingent on the evaluation of a candidate’s prior college credits, cumulative GPA, medical examination, psychological profiling, intensive background investigation (felony convictions will bar admittance; misdemeanor convictions may bar admittance), law enforcement agency appointment/sponsorship, oral board interview, physical agility screening, military records, if applicable, civil service list standing, second language skills, and training zone residency. Note: Some of these components are not required but will give the candidate additional points toward acceptance.

All candidates must meet New York state statutes as required by the Municipal Training Council for state certification of police officers. These standards are outlined in the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy Rules and Procedures Manual. Matriculated students who are enrolled in the Law Enforcement Academy may receive an A.A.S. Individual Studies, a certificate in individual studies, or a certificate in law enforcement technology by completing a sequence of courses listed in the Program Requirements section. Details on the program can be obtained from the admissions director or the academy director on the Jamestown Campus. For more information, visit: www.sunyjcc.edu/sheriffsacademy.

Corrections Academy

Admission Policy
The Corrections Academy is offered through the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department for students interested in becoming a correctional officer at a local or county jail. Acceptance to the academy is contingent on successful completion of medical, psychological, and physical fitness examinations and an oral interview. An intense background investigation is conducted by an appropriate law enforcement agency. Applicants must also complete a pre-service application questionnaire.

Students who successfully complete the Corrections Academy and additional college coursework may receive an A.A.S. Individual Studies, a certificate in individual studies, or a certificate in corrections officer technology as outlined in the Program Requirements section. Previous college work may be applied to this degree program.

Questions about the degree program should be directed to JCC’s criminal justice director. Visit www.sunyjcc.edu/programs/corrections-officer-technology-certificate for further information.