Division of Health Sciences and Professional Education

Department of Allied Health

Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Advanced Technology

Department of Dental and Imaging Technology

Department of Human Sciences and Education

Department of Nurse Education

The primary function of the Division of Health Sciences and Professional Education is to provide programs of study leading to an Associate in Arts degree and/or transferability to a university and to provide college-level occupational programs to meet the needs of students who wish to qualify for immediate employment upon graduation.

Students who do plan to pursue the baccalaureate should consult an advisor concerning degree requirements of the university to which transfer is intended.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to those students completing only the major requirements of an occupational curriculum.

An Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded to those students completing all courses listed in the degree curriculum of an occupational curriculum.

Various 2+2 degree plans exist with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and other institutions.

Enhanced Skills Certificates are available to those students completing all courses in the degree curriculum of the designated Associate Degrees and the course requirements of an Enhanced Skills Option.

Since entrance requirements for these programs may vary, prospective students should check specific entrance requirements in the departmental sections. For further information not found in this catalog, students should contact advisors in the department or counselors in the Student Enrollment Center.

Developmental courses may be required when educational background and/or test scores indicate a weakness in the basic skill subjects of English, mathematics or reading.

Departments in the Health Sciences

Health sciences programs are organized into three Health Sciences Departments. Specific degree plan information is available by department. These programs are also responsible for closely related health sciences transfer degrees. The departments and their respective programs include:

Department of Allied Health

Health Information Technology Program

Medical Laboratory Technology Program

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Pharmacy Technology Program

Physical Therapist Assistant

Pre-Medical Technology (Transfer Plan)

Respiratory Therapy

Surgical Technology

Department of Dental and Imaging Technology

Dental Assisting

Dental Hygiene 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Echocardiography

Radiologic Technology

Department of Nurse Education

Nurse Education (Transfer Plan)

Registered Nurse Education

Registered Nurse Education LVN-RN Transition

Vocational Nurse Education

The certification programs in health sciences are designed:

  • to provide educational opportunities to students who desire employment in health or health-related facilities upon attainment of a certificate;
  • to provide students the opportunity to build upon their earned certificate and complete an Associate in Applied Science degree.

The Associate in Applied Science degree programs in the health sciences are designed

  • to provide educational opportunities to high school or General Education Development (GED) graduates who desire to enter health programs leading to the associate degree;
  • to provide the first two years of education leading to the bachelor’s degree in health fields.

If students intend to continue education at another institution, they should carefully relate these programs to those at the college to which they plan to transfer. Prospective students should consult with program advisor for specific information.

Accreditation and Approval

Programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as listed earlier in this catalog, and all are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Community College and Technical Institutes Division. Specific programs are approved by the professional accrediting agency of each area; advisory committees and boards assist each department in curricula and standards.

Liability

In accordance with clinical affiliation policies, all health sciences students are required to purchase professional liability insurance in order to continue their program of study. Students are responsible for their own health and accident insurance.

Grades and Reports

Health sciences program grades are recorded as “A” (100-90); “B” (89-83); “C” (82-75); “D” (74-70); “F” (below 70) failing; and “P” (all RNSG clinical courses). A final grade of “D” or “F” in any course in the student’s major in the health sciences programs will automatically remove a student from eligibility to continue in that program until the unsatisfactory grades are removed. Removal can be done only by readmission to the program.

A minimum grade of “C” is required for all health sciences students in all courses to remain in good standing in all health sciences programs.

A student may be recommended for dismissal for failing grades, cheating, inappropriate behavior or attitude, or unsatisfactory clinical performance in any and all health sciences programs. An evaluation of unsatisfactory (unsafe) clinical performance will supersede any classroom grade and will, therefore, mean failure for the semester.

Department of Allied Health

Certificates of Achievement:

Coding Specialist, Level II

Pharmacy Technician, Level II

Surgical Technology, Level II

Associate in Arts Degree:

Pre-Medical Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:

Health Information Technology

Medical Laboratory Technology

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Pharmacy Technician

Physical Therapist Assistant

Respiratory Therapy 

Surgical Technology


Occupational Skills Award:

Health Information Technology


Department of Computer Science, Engineering and advanced Technology

Occupational Skills Awards:

Computer Information Systems - Foundation

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - IT Technician

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Level I

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Level II

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Drafting

Network Technician - Basic

Security Technician - Basic

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 

Certificates of Achievement:

Computer Programming, Level II

Digital Media Advanced 

Basic Engineering Technology

Advanced Engineering Technology

Essentials Engineering Technology

Geographical Information Systems Analyst, Level II

Information Technology Career Foundation Core, Level II

Information Technology Essentials: Computer Programming

Information Technology Essentials: Digital Media/Web Developer

Information Technology Essentials: Geographic Information Systems

Information Technology Essentials: Network Support

Instrumentation Electronics

Interactive Game Technology and Simulation, Level II

Networking Technology - Cisco

Web Development

Associate in Science Degrees:

Computer Information Systems (Suggested Transfer Plan)

Computer Programming (Suggested Transfer Plan)

Electrical Engineering 2+2

( with Texas A&M University-Kingsville)

Geographical Information Systems (Suggested Transfer Plan)

Industrial Engineering Emphasis (Suggested Transfer Plan)

Mechanical Engineering (Suggested Transfer Plan)

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:

Computer Information Systems:

Computer Programming Emphasis (Suggested Occupational Plan)

Geographic Information Systems Emphasis (Suggested Occupational Plan)

Network Administration and Information Security Emphasis

Web Development Emphasis

Engineering Technology

The Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Advanced Technology (CSE/AT) offers the student a variety of options to obtain specialized training and education to meet the needs of today’s Information Technology Specialist or Computer Science major. The curriculum for each uses extensive “hands on” experience, with contemporary computer workstations, adherence to latest information technology processes, industry standard programming languages, operating systems and software applications. Students will be introduced to a variety of computer platforms, including minicomputer, personal computers, client-server, networked computers, and relevant peripheral equipment technologies.

Occupational Skills Award

The occupational skills award adds to the student’s marketability or makes the student eligible for immediate employment various fields of computer or information related technologies. These awards are also designed as a stepping stone towards earning certificates or an associate in applied science degree in GIS.

Certificates of Achievement

Certificates of Achievement allow students to acquire the knowledge and skills to function as a technician at the entry level. Certificates are offered for the following: Computer Programming, Digital Media, Geographical Information Systems Analyst, Information Technology Career Foundation Core, Instrumentation Electronics, Interactive Game Technology and Simulation, Digital Media Essentials, Digital Media Advanced, Networking Technology–Cisco, and Essentials Engineering Technology.

Associate in Science Degree

The Associate in Science (AS) degree in Computer Programming, Computer Information Systems, or Geographical Information Systems is designed for graduates who will transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (CS) or Computer Information Systems (CIS) or Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Computer Science focuses on the development, evaluation, and integration of software systems. Computer Information Systems and Geographical Information Systems focuses on the development and maintenance of specialized information systems. Electrical Engineering/Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are also Associate in Science degree offerings. Students should check specific requirements of the college or university to which they plan to transfer.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to enable a student to acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of information technology occupations. The AAS curriculum is based upon specific work performance indicators, technical knowledge, employability, and skill standards identified by the National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET). The department offers several specializations to meet the needs of industry: (1) Computer Programming (2) Computer Information Systems and (3) Network and Information Security, and (4) Engineering Technology.Some specializations have multiple options to select from. Students should consult the catalog and speak with a department advisor for details.

The AAS may be accepted into the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Science (BAAS) degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), the Bachelor of Arts in Technology (BAT) degree or Bachelor of Science in Information Technology offered by regional and area universities. Students wishing to pursue a specific AAS degree with plans to complete their bachelor’s degree at a university are strongly advised to contact a CSIT advisor and the university to which they plan to transfer.

Department of Dental and Imaging Technology

Certificates of Achievement:

Dental Assisting, Level II

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:

Dental Assisting

Dental Hygiene 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Echocardiography

Radiologic Technology

Enhanced Skills Certificates:

Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technology (including Mammography

Registry Preparation and Computed Tomography)

Department of Human Sciences and Education

Certificates of Achievement:

Child Development/Early Childhood, Level II

Child Development/Early Childhood Administrator, Level II

Cook/Baker, Level II

Cosmetology 

Deaf Studies, Level II

Hospitality Management, Level II

Human Services, Level II

Advanced Technical Certificate:

Long Term Care Nursing Home Administration

Associate in Arts Degree:

American Sign Language/Deaf Studies

Associate in Arts in Teaching Degrees:

EC-6

4-8; EC-12 Special Education

8-12; EC-12 Other Than Special Education

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:

Addiction Studies/Human Services

Baking/Pastry Specialization

Child Development/Early Childhood

Child Development/Early Childhood Education Assistant

Culinary Arts (Chef Training)

Hospitality Management

Generalist Studies in Human Services

Interpreter Preparation

Department of Nurse Education

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:

LVN-RN Transition 

Registered Nurse Education

Certificate:

Vocational Nurse Education, Level II

Associate in Arts Degree:

Nurse Education

The Department of Nurse Education (DNE) faculty values lifelong learning by offering multiple-entry points into the program (Multiple Entry/Exit Program, or MEEP). The DNE statement of purpose is to provide an accredited curriculum that facilitates students’ educational and career choices and encourages life-long learning and encourages progression to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing. The DMC DNE faculty is committed to removing barriers to academic progression and making pathways seamless, building on previous knowledge and competencies already achieved. Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet educational requirements to sit for the specified National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN).

Program Tracks

Vocational Nurse Education Certificate

Students can select the Vocational Nurse Education (VN) Certificate Plan that requires the completion of four (4) semesters. A graduate of the program that earns a Vocational Nurse Education Certificate is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. Once the student receives their LVN license and completes the general education course required of the AAS degree plan if eligible can request continuation in the Nursing program to successfully complete the fifth semester (5) of the AAS and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

AAS Registered Nurse Education

The Associate in Applied Science Degree plan requires the student to successfully complete all five (5) semesters of the education plan to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The student who follows the Associate in Applied Science Degree plan can take an LVN exit option. The student must successfully complete the fourth (4) semester with two (2) additional VNSG courses to be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.

Pathway to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The completion of general education courses and approved nursing electives in the Associate of Arts Degree Plan (Nurse Education) provide access and transfer to Bachelor of Science Nursing Programs. Currently the DNE has articulation agreements with several universities that agree to provide a seamless transfer to their Bachelor of Science Nursing programs (See list of universities on www.delmar.edu/rn. The participating universities will not require student to take anymore lower division general education courses (unless they are part of the 30 hours) if student meets the two items below:

  • Completion of 54 general education hours of agreed curriculum
  • Transcript marked CORE COMPLETE

LVN Transition to Professional Nursing RN

Graduates from other vocational nursing programs who are licensed and complete the pre-requisite courses are eligible to apply for the LVN to RN Transition track. Students who completed the DMC Vocational Nurse Education Certificate degree plan prior to 2009 must apply to the LVN to RN Transition track.

General Admission Guidelines

Admission requirements and selection criteria for application to the nursing program can be found at www.delmar.edu/rn.

Admission Cycles
Fall Admission Spring Admission
Deadline January 31
Deadline July 31
DNE Tracks included are: DNE Tracks included are:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS-RN) Associate of Applied Science (AAS-RN)
Associate of Arts (AA-NE) BSN Pathway Associate of Arts (AA-NE) BSN Pathway
Certificate Vocational Nurse Education Certificate Vocational Nurse Education
Associate of Applied Science (LVN to RN Transition)

The following are required prior to applying to the program:

  • All applicants must meet general admission requirements of the College and submit a completed online application available at www.nursingCAS.org
  • Completion and minimum required scores on standardized HESI A2 Exam. (Refer to www.delmar.edu/rn for additional guidelines, schedules and fees).
  • BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II must be completed within five (5) years of application to nursing program.
  • A grade of "C" or higher is required in all of the following general education courses. Completion of pre-requisites may be completed prior to admission:

    •   Completion of pre-requisites: 

    •   ENGL 1301 

    •   BIOL 2401 

    •   BIOL 2402

    •   PSYC 2301

    •   Course co-requisites:

    •   SPCH 1311, 1315, or 1321

    •   PHIL 2306

    •   BIOL 2420

may be completed prior to admission.

  • All applicants must meet general admission requirements of the College and submit a completed online application available at www.nursingCAS.org
  • Students pursuing the AAS- Registered Nurse Education degree plan must take Chemistry 1406N for CEUs (Continuing Education Units) prior to the co-requisite BIOL 2420 Microbiology and Clinical Pathology to comply with program requirements. The Chemistry 1406N CEU course may not meet the criteria for financial aid assistance; please check with the Financial Aid Office. If the student chooses to have the Chemistry 1406N CEU course converted to semester credit hours a petition to record credit form must be completed by student.
  • Program Grade Point Average (PGPA) of 2.5
  • Due to our selective admission criteria the most recent grade and not the highest grade is used in the calculation for the program GPA.

The following must accompany the NursingCAS online application submission:

  • Document verifying immunizations:
  1. Hepatitis B Vaccine: Students are required to have completed the Hepatitis B vaccine series prior to the start of nursing school. Please keep in mind that this series may take up to 6 months to complete.
  2. Tetanus-diphtheria: One dose of a tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td) is required within the last ten years. The booster dose may be in the form of a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis containing vaccine (Tdap).
  3. Varicella Vaccine: Students are required to have received one dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the student’s first birthday or, if the first dose was administered on or after the student’s thirteenth birthday, two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine are required. If a student has previously had Varicella (chickenpox) disease the student will need to submit Verification of Immunity/History of Illness to the nursing office. The form is available on the nursing website at www.delmar.edu/rn
  4. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccines: If a student has their immunization record and this record reflects two doses of MMR vaccine then the student is in compliance with all of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella requirements. If a student does not have two documented doses of MMR they will need to ensure that they meet the minimum requirement:
    1. Measles: Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show acceptable evidence of vaccination of two doses of a measles- containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968 (preferably MMR vaccine).
    2. Mumps: Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show acceptable evidence of vaccination of one dose of a mumps vaccine. Serological lab showing proof of immunity is acceptable.
    3. Rubella: Students must show acceptable evidence of one dose of rubella vaccine.

Upon conditional acceptance to program student must submit the following:

  • Health Screening on a standard departmental physical examination form to provide evidence of good physical and mental health. Failure to reveal prior or present physical or emotional illness will place a student as subject to dismissal. While information will be held in confidence there are certain circumstances that, for the student’s protection as well as others, make health information disclosure a necessity.
  • Negative PPD or chest X-ray with the last 12 months.
    • Students with a positive PPD and a negative chest X-ray on admission into the program must complete a TB screening questionnaire annually while enrolled in the program.
    • Students whose responses indicate possibility of TB infection must submit documentation of medical evaluation and treatment, if applicable.
    • Students with a negative PPD on admission who convert to positive while enrolled in the program must submit documentation of medical evaluation and treatment.

•    Other acceptable blood tests for documentation of TB health status include QuantiFERON®–TB Gold In-     Tube test (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT®.TB test (T-Spot)

    • Positive IGRA: A positive test result suggests that TB infection is likely. Additional testing is necessary and includes checking for signs and symptoms suggestive of TB disease, a chest x-ray, and, when indicated, examination of sputum or other clinical samples for the presence of TB.
    • Negative IGRA: A negative test suggests that infection by TB bacteria is not likely. No additional testing is necessary.
  • A Negative PPD, or other acceptable test documenting negative TB health status, is required yearly thereafter by each student while enrolled in the program.
  • Current CPR course completion card from American Heart Association Health Care Provider or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer. The CPR card expiration date must fall beyond the last day of clinical for the semester.
  • Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon satisfactory FBI background check (completed through the Texas Board of Nursing)
    • The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) may require an applicant to complete a declaratory order if the background check is not clear orthere are questions surrounding a mental illness or chemical dependency. This process may take up to six months to a year, and students must have a clearance from the TBON before enrolling in nursing courses.
    • Prospective applicants who question their eligibility are encouraged to contact the Texas Board of Nursing or program to further discuss their situation at www.bon.state.tx.us or (512) 305-7400.
  • Students are required to pass a random drug screen prior to the beginning of clinical rotations. Details on the drug screen will be provided after students are accepted to the nursing program.

Progression Requirements

Students enrolled in the program must be in good standing:

  • Maintain a PGPA of 2.0
  • Successfully complete all concurrent nursing courses and general education course co-requisites: 
    • SPCH 1311, 1315, or 1321
    • PHIL 2306
    • BIOL 2420
to advance to next level of degree plans
  • Students will be required to take standardized comprehensive competency exams throughout the nursing program. Failure to achieve satisfactory scores in the final level of the program will delay graduation.
  • A student may be readmitted into the nursing program one time only.

The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (www.bon.state.tx.us). The Associate in Applied Science degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accredited information is available through ACEN 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone (404) 975-5000, www.acenursing.org/