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Admission Requirements
The general admission requirement for Certificate and Diploma programs is a high school completion diploma or equivalent. The admission requirement for Advanced Diploma programs is a Nova Scotia Community College Diploma or equivalent credential from another college or university.
In addition to the general admission requirements, individual programs may have other admission criteria. Please check the program descriptions for specific admission requirements.
If you do not have a high school diploma, NSCC recognizes the General Educational Diploma (GED). For more information, contact the Nova Scotia Department of Education at (902) 424-4227.
Mature Applicants
If you do not meet the stated admission requirements, you can apply and may qualify as a mature applicant if you:
- Are at least 21 years old and have been out of school for one year or more
- Provide a letter to explain why you have the equivalent to the stated admission requirements
- Provide a copy of your current résumé showing education and work experience
- Include transcripts of all previous education and training
Programs that have specific admission requirements such as Math, English or Science may require additional testing or studies. Work experience is not accepted as an equivalent for these specific academic course requirements.
Applicants who meet the stated admission requirements for a program are not considered mature applicants.
Advanced Standing
You may have previous formal learning at a postsecondary institution and wish to have this recognized as meeting all or part of the requirement for your first year. To seek advanced standing, applicants should indicate this request on their application and include all relevant post secondary transcripts.
Language Requirements
All College programs are delivered in English. To ensure success, applicants may be required to demonstrate their competency in English.
Canadian Applicants – If your first language is not English, or you completed your high school education in a language other than English, you may be required to pass an English language competency test or otherwise demonstrate your competence in English. If during the course of your program your language skills come into question, you may be asked to complete a competency test or engage in language skill development.
Health & Human Services Applicants
There are Additional Information Requirements for students applying to Health & Human Services programs. Additional information is to be submitted to Admissions.
Criminal convictions and child abuse registry self disclosure question on application
The nature of study and practice of the health and human service programs places NSCC students in a position of trust. Consequently, applicants must complete the screening questions regarding criminal convictions and the child abuse registry on the application form. The responses to these questions may affect the applicant's suitability to work and study in specific fields.
Students who are accepted into these programs who provide false information will impact their ability to successfully meet program requirements. Further, during their course of study students are required to report any criminal conviction or registration on the child abuse registry that could affect the student's suitability to work in this field or which would make them ineligible for registration and/or licensing in the discipline.
During each year of study students will be required to show evidence of a clear criminal record and/or child abuse registry checks. The College has established a procedure for obtaining these requirements; the applicant will receive a notice regarding this procedure once they have been accepted into a program.
All programs with field placements or clinical experiences with children require a clear child abuse registry check in order for the student to be accepted into the placement or clinical experience.
Any applicant who responds "YES" to the question regarding criminal offences will still be considered for the program. However, there will be further inquiry into the applicant's suitability for work in this field and the applicant will be required to provide further information. The final decision on acceptance will rest with the appropriate campus Academic Chair, in consultation with the Dean, School of Health & Human Services.
Individuals whose criminal record check indicates a problem may apply for a pardon to clear the Criminal Record Check. Individuals are encouraged to check Correctional Services, Government of Canada for details in applying for a pardon. This process may take as long as two years.
Disciplinary Action: If you have been a member of another health or human service discipline and have received any disciplinary action (including revocation of your license to practice) you will need to self disclose that information at the time of application as this may impact on your ability to be licensed after completing your new program of study.
Field Placement and Clinical Requirements
Required information is to be submitted to the Campus Registrar by the end of September 2010. Details of the collection of this information will be provided once you have been accepted into your program.
Pre-placement Requirements
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Immunization requirements
Up-to-date immunizations provide both the Health & Human Services worker and clients (in this case students and placement clients) with protection from infectious diseases.
Before commencing the identified programs (refer to preclinical/field placement chart) applicants must ensure current immunizations against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, varicella and rubella. Tuberculin testing may be required prior to clinical/practicum and annually while enrolled in the program. Students working with the elderly and young children are encouraged to have annual flu shots.
It is recommended that all students who are entering programs in the Health & Human Services School be immunized for Hepatitis B. Many programs require you to be immunized for Hepatitis B. Students are required to maintain valid documentation related to meeting immunization and medical certificate (for selected programs), pre-clinical/field placement requirements and be prepared to present these to NSCC and/or employing agencies upon request.
Students who are unable to produce the above documentation will impact their ability to successfully meet program requirements.
CPR and First Aid
A current CPR course (BLSC – two person, adult, infant and child) and standard or emergency first aid are required prior to the beginning of any clinical or field placement. Students must also maintain currency in both CPR and First Aid for graduation. This information is required by the Campus Registrar and must be submitted prior to any placement.
Please note the timing of placements and clinical. In some programs (Practical Nursing, Continuing Care, Human Services – Correctional Services), placements take place in the first semester or early in the second semester. This is a student responsibility and the expense for this training is not included in NSCC tuition.
The campus will arrange for a collection day during the third week of September for students to pass in immunizations and show CPR and First Aid certification.
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