The Department of Health Sciences at Sussex County Community College strives to provide each student enrolled in the health related programs with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to effectively and efficiently contribute to the health care community in their chosen field of expertise, while always striving to maintain the dignity of their patients, to perform within the scope of their training and to practice within the ethical boundaries of humanity.

The Department works closely with health care professionals in Sussex County and in the surrounding vicinity to develop and offer courses of study that are in demand in the local community thus insuring that employment opportunities are available to students upon completion of their programs. These professionals are instrumental in the design and implementation of programs and many offer their expertise in terms of teaching, program assessment and participation on Advisory Boards to insure that programs remain current in this fast-paced and ever-changing world of medicine. 

The Department of Health Sciences is the health care career training division of the College.  Because of the specific demands placed on health care workers there are specific requirements that students must meet when enrolled in this department.  Policies addressing attendance, repeating classes, dress code, immunization requirements and criminal background checks are a few of the areas that receive special attention.  Additionally, the clinical component of most programs is held off campus and students must be able to transport themselves to those sites.  Admission into the programs and registration for classes takes place directly in the Department of Health Sciences rather than in the Office of the Registrar.  Most programs take less than one year to complete. 

Sussex County Community College Department of Health Sciences offers various career training certificate programs.  Students who successfully complete any one of these non-credit health care courses of study are eligible to continue their education at SCCC in a unique program designed specifically for health care professionals.  The Associate of Health Science degree program offers college credit to health care professionals who have completed formal education and training in a health related field.  This degree provides the general education courses that are necessary to complete an associate degree and recognizes the previous health care training as the concentration component of the degree requirements thus offering graduates the ability to earn an associate degree while working in the profession they enjoy. 

Admission Procedures and Requirements

A. Application process

    n ‑Complete an application form and pay the required fee

    n ‑Provide a copy of a High School Diploma or GED

    n ‑Provide a copy of college transcripts if applicable

B. ‑Pass the College Placement Exam or provide a copy of SAT scores of 500 or above for each component-Math/Reading and 530 for Writing.

    n Take remediation classes if appropriate

C. ‑Provide documentation for proof of funding after meeting with the Financial Aid Department

D. Complete a Criminal Background Check

E.‑Participate in an interview with the Department Director and/or Program Coordinator

F. ‑Provide a recent physician’s report including proof of immunizations

G. Register for classes

H. Attend orientation

Tuition, Fees & Other Costs

The tuition for non-credit Health Sciences educational programs is based on a fee per clock hour.  Programs vary in the fee that they charge and the number of clock hours required for program completion.  In addition to tuition there are administrative fees associated with application and enrollment.  They include an application fee, a clinical lab fee, a technology fee, a computer fee, and a graduation fee. The cost of books is the financial responsibility of the student as are uniforms, professional association dues, the cost of sitting for professional certification exams, the cost of a student health and accident insurance policy, and a student professional liability insurance policy. 

Policies & Procedures: Withdrawal from Classes/Refund of Tuition and Fees

Students who take a leave of absence from the Health Sciences Department must do so either in person or in writing and provide adequate documentation supporting the reason for the leave. Students will be refunded their tuition according to the refund policy stated below and will need to re-register for classes during the next semester or module in which they are offered.

Students who wish to be considered for credit on account due to a medical situation must formally withdraw and present written verification to the Health Sciences Department from a physician or other qualified professional within 15 days of the onset of the illness or condition. The document must include information concerning the nature and duration of the illness and/or emergency.

Students who wish to withdraw from classes and receive a refund must notify the Sussex County Community College Department of Health Sciences by appearing in person, and completing a withdrawal form or they may notify the Department, in writing, stating the course number, title, clock hours, the day of the week that the class meets, and the instructor’s name. The postmark on such written notification shall be used to determine the percentage of tuition refund for which the student may be eligible.

Tuition refunds for the semesters will be based upon the Registrars calendar.

The Sussex County Community College Department of Health Sciences reserves the right to make necessary decisions to modify or rearrange courses or schedules and to do so without obligation. The college may discontinue a class or a program at any time if attendance fails to meet expected levels.