STUDENT CATALOG
2024-2025
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Rio Grande Valley College
(Main Campus)
5419 N. Cage Boulevard
Pharr, Texas 78577
Ph: (956) 781-6800
Fax: (956) 781-6807
www.rgvcollege.edu
Catalog Volume 23
Date of Publication: August 30, 2023
Effective Date: 2024-2025
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Table of Contents
HISTORY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
APPROVALS/AFFILIATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 8
ACCREDITATION .................................................................................................................................................................... 8
MISSION, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................... 8
Facilities and Equipment ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Ownership ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Staff and Faculty Listing.......................................................................................................................................... 9
Tuition and Fees ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
School Calendar ................................................................................................................................................... 10
School Holidays and Vacations ............................................................................................................................. 10
Hours of Operation .............................................................................................................................................. 10
ADMISSION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES........................................................................................................................ 10
Admission requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Additional requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Admissions Procedure .......................................................................................................................................... 12
Disclosure for State-Specific Educational Requirements for Licensure or Credentialing Policy .............................. 12
Applicants with Disabilities ................................................................................................................................... 12
Clock to Credit Hour Conversion ........................................................................................................................... 13
Credit for Previous Education, Training or Experience Policy ................................................................................ 13
Notice to Veteran Students .................................................................................................................................. 13
Transfer Students ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Transfer Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Articulation Agreement ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Applicants for Single Courses ............................................................................................................................... 14
Statement for Non-Discrimination........................................................................................................................ 14
Equal Opportunities Statement ............................................................................................................................ 14
FINANCIAL AID POLICIES AND PROCEDURES................................................................................................................. 14
Citizenship and Residency Requirements ............................................................................................................. 15
Federal Student Aid Programs .............................................................................................................................. 15
Tuition Payment Arrangements ............................................................................................................................ 16
Enrollment Status ................................................................................................................................................ 16
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY ................................................................................................................................. 16
Cancellation Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Refund Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
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Refund Policy for Students Called to Active Military Service ............................................................................ 17
Refund Policy for Seminars ................................................................................................................................... 17
RETURN OF TITLE IV (R2T4) POLICY ................................................................................................................................. 18
WITHDRAWAL POLICY ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
“Official” Voluntary Withdrawal ........................................................................................................................... 19
Unofficial Withdrawal .......................................................................................................................................... 19
Withdrawal before the 60% Point ........................................................................................................................ 20
Withdrawal after the 60% Point ........................................................................................................................... 20
The Calculation Formula ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Order of Return of Funds ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Earned Aid ........................................................................................................................................................... 21
Post-Withdrawal Disbursements .......................................................................................................................... 21
Institution Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................... 21
Overpayment of Title IV, HEA Funds ..................................................................................................................... 21
Student Responsibilities regarding return of Title IV, HEA funds ........................................................................... 21
Conditions for Termination .................................................................................................................................. 22
RE-ADMISSION POLICY ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Procedure for Re-Admissions ............................................................................................................................... 22
ATTENDANCE POLICY ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Leave of Absence ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Excused Absence .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Make-Up Work..................................................................................................................................................... 23
EXTERNSHIP/CLINICAL POLICIES ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Externship/Clinical Attendance ............................................................................................................................ 24
Timesheets .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Externship Schedules ........................................................................................................................................... 25
Termination/Withdrawal from Externship ............................................................................................................ 25
Professional Liability Insurance ............................................................................................................................ 25
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) POLICY .................................................................................................. 25
Qualitative Requirement ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Quantitative Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 26
Grading System .................................................................................................................................................... 26
Academic Year Definition ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Evaluation Periods ............................................................................................................................................... 27
Non-credit and Remedial Courses ........................................................................................................................ 28
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Warning/Development Status/Appeal/Probation ................................................................................................. 28
Financial Aid Probation Status .............................................................................................................................. 28
Requirements for the Academic Improvement Plan ............................................................................................. 29
Appeal Process ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
Returning Student from a Leave of Absence or a Withdrawal ............................................................................... 29
Re-establishment of Satisfactory Academic Progress ............................................................................................ 29
Reinstatement of Financial Aid ............................................................................................................................. 29
Reinstatement before 180 days............................................................................................................................ 30
Financial Appeal Granted ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Disclosure of Education Records........................................................................................................................... 30
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND ACT (FERPA) POLICY ............................................................................................. 30
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 32
CONDUCT POLICIES ............................................................................................................................................................. 32
Student Conduct Policy ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Zero Tolerance Policy for Gun Violence and Hand-Gun Gestures .......................................................................... 33
Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................................... 34
Plagiarism ............................................................................................................................................................ 34
Food and Drinks ................................................................................................................................................... 35
Cell Phone and Electronic Items ........................................................................................................................... 35
Unauthorized Recordings Policy ........................................................................................................................... 35
Copyright Infringement Policy .............................................................................................................................. 35
Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for violation of Federal Copyright Laws .................................................. 35
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AND ALCOHOL POLICY ........................................................................................................ 35
CAMPUS CRIME AND ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT ....................................................................................................... 37
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY ......................................................................................................................................... 39
Policy against Discrimination ................................................................................................................................ 39
Policy against Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination ..................................................................................... 39
Policy on Sexual Harassment ................................................................................................................................ 39
BULLYING AND STALKING POLICY .................................................................................................................................. 40
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................ 41
GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................................... 42
Placement Assistance ........................................................................................................................................... 42
Requirements for Graduation............................................................................................................................... 42
Student Parking.................................................................................................................................................... 42
Transcript Request ............................................................................................................................................... 42
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Name Change....................................................................................................................................................... 42
Academic Advising ............................................................................................................................................... 42
Tutoring Services.................................................................................................................................................. 42
Textbooks, Equipment and Supplies ..................................................................................................................... 43
Inclement Weather Days ...................................................................................................................................... 43
Immunization Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 43
Student Records ................................................................................................................................................... 43
Incarcerated Applicants........................................................................................................................................ 43
English As-A-Second Language ............................................................................................................................. 43
Grievance Policy ....................................................................................................................................................................... 43
PROGRAM OUTLINES ........................................................................................................................................................... 45
SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 56
TRUE AND CORRECT STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 68
INSERTS.................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
HOLIDAY CALENDAR .......................................................................................................................................................... 70
TUITION AND FEES ............................................................................................................................................................... 71
START DATE SCHEDULES ................................................................................................................................................... 73
EXCUSED ABSENCE POLICY ............................................................................................................................................... 75
DISCLOSURE FOR STATE LICENSURE/CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................. 78
CORPORATE OFFICERS/STAFF/FACULTY LISTING ......................................................................................................... 79
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WELCOME FROM THE COLLEGE PRESIDENT
Dear Student,
Welcome to Rio Grande Valley College and thank you for selecting us to assist you in obtaining your desired
educational training. You are now entering into a field experience that will hopefully provide you with the opportunity
for a successful future in the nursing and allied health field profession.
At Rio Grande Valley College, our prime objective is to offer training that prepares students to acquire the knowledge
and skills necessary to further assist you in becoming a successful professional in your desired field of work.
Our prime vocational objective is to train and produce graduates sufficiently knowledgeable to seek and find
employment in the health industry. The student should be able to function effectively in one of the many specialty areas
such as: Vocational Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding Specialist,
Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician, Emergency Medical Technology-Basic, NCCER-Core and the
Nursing-Associate of Applied Science Program.
The training at Rio Grande Valley College encompasses the spectrum of training in nursing and allied health. Our
instructors create a learning environment designed to maximize the student’s preparation and opportunity for success
in one of today’s most exciting career fields---the medical health industry.
Rio Grande Valley College is committed to the personal, intellectual and professional growth of its students, faculty
and staff. As the premiere college, our goal is to inspire and empower a diverse population with a lifelong passion for
learning, the knowledge to succeed and to serve the community. The degree of your success will depend on the effort
you are willing to apply during the entire course of your training.
It is a pleasure to have you join us at Rio Grande Valley College.
Sincerely,
Dr. Annabelle P. Rodriguez,
CEO/College President
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HISTORY
Rio Grande Valley College (RGV College), formerly RGV Careers an Institute for Higher Learning, was established in June 2008
with the purpose of providing a unique education to the Rio Grande Valley community in the health care environment, now Rio
Grande Valley College. The medical field is vastly growing in the Rio Grande Valley, therefore creating more opportunities for
individuals to establish themselves in a health care profession. Rio Grande Valley College provides affordable training that will
enable a person to enter the work force and contribute to the community.
APPROVALS/AFFILIATIONS
Rio Grande Valley College is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Colleges 101 East
15
th
Street, Austin, Texas 78778-0001.
The Texas Board of Nursing 333 Guadalupe Suite 3-460, Austin TX 78701-3944 and the Texas Workforce Commission Career
Schools and Colleges jointly approve and regulate Vocational Nursing and the Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Programs.
Rio Grande Valley College is authorized to grant associate degrees, grant credits toward degrees and to use certain protected
academic terms from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) 1200 E. Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78752.
Authority for this exemption is based on the institution’s accreditation with ABHES.
Rio Grande Valley College is eligible to train eligible veterans for GI Bill®, Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, and 1607. Veterans or
their family who may be eligible for benefits should contact the local Veterans Administration office or call 1-888-442-4551.
Students receiving V.A. benefits must adhere to the V.A. satisfactory progress standards. For more information, please visit the
schools V.A Certifying official. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education
benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is an authorizing agency for the Emergency Medical Technology-Basic Program.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS), Regulatory Services Division, Nurse Aide Training (NATCEP)
approves the Nurse Aide Program.
RGV College is an approved testing site for the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), National Healthcareer
Association (NHA) and Prometric Testing.
ACCREDITATION
Rio Grande Valley College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) located
at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 730, North Bethesda MD 20852, Tel. (703)917-9503 Fax (703)917-4109.
The Pharmacy Technician Program is jointly accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 4500 East West
Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda MD 20814 866.279.0681 and ABHES.
Effective November 8, 2022, Rio Grande Valley College has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission
on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085;
phone: 703-706- 3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call [956-781-
6800 x122 or email physicaltherapy@rgvcollege.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy
Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for
Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Rio Grande Valley College is approved by the US Department of Education and is eligible to participate in Federal Student Aid
Programs.
MISSION, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVES
“Rio Grande Valley College is committed to the personal, intellectual, and professional growth of its students, faculty and staff. As
the premiere college, our goal is to inspire and empower a diverse population with a lifelong passion for learning, the knowledge
to succeed and to serve the community.”
Rio Grande Valley College makes the learning experience platinum and provides the steppingstones to lead the students in the right
direction.
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Rio Grande Valley College is an institution that provides a successful environment for its employees and its students. By maintaining
strong growth as a provider of high quality professional medical educational programs and services to our students, we strive to
consistently be perceived as a professional, trustworthy, and a leader in vocational medical careers education. Rio Grande Valley
College will offer the innovative vocational education clients need to reach their desired vocational medical careers and personal
financial goals.
RGV College realizes that the Rio Grande Valley, although predominately Hispanic, is, however, diverse and will not discriminate
against other races, creeds, sexual orientation, disability or gender. All who attend are encouraged to strive for a higher education
to achieve their optimal potential as a person. Instructional methods are created to enhance each student’s thinking abilities. When
applicable, all programs will implement active student participation, group discussions, homework, laboratory work, simulations,
demonstrations, interview training strategies, guest speakers and lectures. The instructors will emphasis: work ethics,
accountability, professionalism and self- development.
Rio Grande Valley College is supportive of its students and promotes positive self-esteem, self- image and provides services to
students in guiding them to be successful academically, vocationally and personally.
To provide the finest education possible, Rio Grande Valley College has hired experienced faculty and staff. They are passionate,
dedicated, and eager to work together to assist students meet their career goals.
Rio Grande Valley College not only assists students in reaching their educational goals but prepares them for other aspects of life.
Faculty and staff will prepare them to successfully participate in society by equipping them with knowledge necessary to succeed
in a competitive job market, and by encouraging them to become involved in professional organizations that will promote their
learning and professional skills. Rio Grande Valley College also provides assistance to eligible graduates in obtaining employment
during the duration of the program. Advisory sessions, classes and workshops will be provided to teach and guide them through
the process of securing and maintaining employment.
Facilities and Equipment
Rio Grande Valley College is located at 5419 N. Cage Boulevard, Pharr, Texas 78577. The complex where the institute resides is
owned by APRL Investment, LLC. The location of the school is a prime location off expressway 281 north that can be easily
accessed from expressway 83 which runs east and west through the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Edinburg, Texas. Being in this
particular complex makes Rio Grande Valley College in close proximity of the medical district in the southern part of the McAllen
area, which holds most of the doctor’s offices (general and specialists), three hospitals, two surgery centers, and Driscoll Children’s
Center. The Institute is also near a variety of venues that will be essential to the faculty and students. Supply stores, grocery stores,
gas stations, shopping complexes and banks are minutes away. Also, several restaurants are in proximity for students and staff to
get breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The square footage of the school is approximately 42,000 square feet. The 42,000 square foot building includes:
• The library, which is the heart of the school, measures approximately 2000 sq. ft. and includes three study rooms equipped
with smart TVs for student use that is about 135 sq. ft. each.
• A 1,716 sq. ft. student lounge is also centrally located for student use and is fully equipped with refrigerators, microwaves,
and beverage/snack dispensing machines.
• Over 10,000 sq. ft. of classrooms, which are fully equipped with smart TVs and tables that have electrical outlets and USB
ports. This includes an auditorium-style classroom measuring over 2000 sq. ft. and will sit approximately 70 students.
• A 678 sq. ft. computer lab is available to all students and is fully equipped with approximately 40 personal computers.
• The administrative offices are approximately 5,223 sq. ft. and are located on the north and west side of the building.
• The simulation lab measures 1,716 sq. ft. and is fully equipped with equipment comparable to the hospital setting,
pharmacies, and physician’s office.
• Wi-Fi (access points) & LAN assess ability is available throughout the facility.
•
Ownership
Rio Grande Valley College is owned by Annabelle P. Rodriguez and Roel Landa.
Staff and Faculty Listing
A listing of Rio Grande Valley College Staff and Faculty is included as an addendum to the School Catalog.
Tuition and Fees
A Schedule of tuitions, books, supplies, and fees for all programs is available as an addendum to this School Catalog.
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School Calendar
RGV College program start date calendar is included as an addendum to this catalog. The scheduled program starts are subject to
change at the school’s discretion.
School Holidays and Vacations
A copy of scheduled vacations and holidays is included as a supplement to the school catalog.
Hours of Operation
Campus doors open at 7:30 am Monday through Friday. Closing times for Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays is 9:30 pm and
Wednesday and Friday 5:30 pm. Administrative office hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Saturday schedule is 7:30
am to 5:00 pm, administrative hours are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
ADMISSION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Admission requirements
The Admissions Policy is used to define the enrollment requirements for individuals who wish to enroll at RGV College as a regular
student.
Any individual wanting to enroll at RGV College must meet the following criteria:
1) Be at least 17 years of age, under age 18 requires parental permission. Age will be verified with individual’s ID, if no ID is
available then a Birth Certificate will be required;
2) Have a High School Diploma or High School Transcript showing a graduation date; or
3) Possess a recognized equivalent of a High School Diploma such as a home-schooled certificate by the state where the student
resided during their home schooling or a General Education Diploma (GED). Texas law exempts home school students from
compulsory age requirements; or
4) Individuals who completed High School outside the United States are responsible for providing the school with an English
translation of the High School transcript and certification that is equivalent to a High School Diploma.
5) Students must complete the required admissions documents, sign the Enrollment Agreement (must be signed by a parent, if
under the age 18), and submit the necessary fees.
Rio Grande Valley College refers to all programs as Allied-Health Programs with the exception of the Vocational Nursing and
Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Programs.
Pharmacy Technician additional admission requirements are:
➢ The prospective student must apply with Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) for an Initial Technician Trainee
Application by submitting the appropriate application and fee online, approximate cost will be $55.00, which is paid by
the student;
➢ Upon completing the online application, the prospective student must obtain and complete the fingerprinting process
with the approved vendor (IdentoGo), approximate cost will be less than $37.00 and must be paid by the student;
➢ Please allow a minimum of three * (3) weeks for the application to be reviewed and processed. Once approved, a
registration number is issued with an Active status as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee.
*Any applicant that has any criminal history or prior disciplinary action may have a longer processing time as the application will have to be
reviewed by the TSBP Enforcement Staff. This review may take up to several months to be completed.
Nurse Aide program additional admission requirements:
➢ Be at least 17 years of age, under age 18 requires parental permissions. Age will be verified with individual’s ID, if no ID
is available then a Birth Certificate will be required.; and
➢ Present proof of minimum of 8
th
grade education and
➢ Cannot be listed as unemployable on the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR); and
➢ Have not been convicted of a criminal offense as listed in Texas Health and Safety Code 250.006.
Emergency Medical Technology Program-Basic (Program not approved or regulated by TWC/CSC) are also required to:
➢ Be at least 18 years of age. Age will be verified with individual’s ID, if no ID is available then a Birth Certificate will be
required.; and
➢ Present proof of secondary education (High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma)
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➢ Have not been convicted of a criminal offense as listed on code of criminal procedure, Article 42, 12, §3g(a)(l)(A)-(H)(i)-
(vii)
➢ Complete the fingerprinting process with the approved vendor (IdentoGo), approximate cost will be less than $37.00 and
must be paid by the student.
Vocational Nursing program will be considered for acceptance into the program on the basis of the following:
➢ Pre-entrance test score of 54.0% for the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (Scores below 54.0% will be evaluated on
a case-by-case basis) to be paid by prospective student,
➢ Essay,
➢ An Interview.
Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Program are as follow:
➢ Submit a Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Program Application for Admissions to the Admissions Department by
the application deadline, fee of $35.00 to be paid by the student,
➢ Have a High School Diploma or High School Transcript showing a graduation date; or possess a recognized equivalent of
a High School Diploma such as a home-schooled certificate by the state where the student resided during their home
schooling or a General Education Diploma (GED). Texas law exempts home school students from compulsory age
requirements; or
➢ Individuals who completed High School outside the United States are responsible for providing the school with an
English translation of the High School transcript and certification that is equivalent to a High School Diploma.
➢ Active Unencumbered Texas Vocational Nurse License
➢ Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. No academic
course with a grade below “C” will be accepted for transfer credit. Academic courses include general courses such as
composition and written communication, social, behavioral, and biological sciences, humanities, and visual arts. All
science general education courses must have been completed within five years of application deadline,
➢ Sit for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Version V and earn an overall score of 60% (Scores below 60% will
be evaluated on a case-by-case basis) to be paid by prospective student,
➢ Sit for a PN Comprehensive Examination and earn an overall score of 80% (scores below 80% will be evaluated on a case-
by-case basis). Cost of the exam is $80.00 and must be paid by the prospective student,
➢ An Interview with the committee to determine acceptance or denial into the program.
Physical Therapist Assistant – Associate of Applied Science Degree Program are as follow:
➢ Attend a mandatory information session meeting,
➢ Submit a Physical Therapist Assistant Program Application for Admissions to the Admissions Department by the
application deadline,
➢ Have a High School Diploma or High School Transcript showing a graduation date; or possess a recognized equivalent of
a High School Diploma such as a home-schooled certificate by the state where the student resided during their home
schooling or a General Education Diploma (GED). Texas law exempts home school students from compulsory age
requirements; or
➢ Individuals who completed High School outside the United States are responsible for providing the school with an
English translation of the High School transcript and certification that is equivalent to a High School Diploma.
➢ Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. No academic
course with a grade below “C” will be accepted for transfer credit. Academic courses include general courses such as
composition and written communication, social, behavioral and biological sciences, humanities and visual arts. All science
general education courses must have been completed within five years of application deadline,
➢ Sit for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Version V and earn an overall score of 60% (Reading 70%, Math
65%, Science 50% and English 60%)
➢ An Interview with the committee to determine acceptance or denial into the program,
➢ Must meet criminal background check, drug screening, CPR, medical and liability insurance, immunizations and PPD
requirements.
Additional requirements
Students in the Pharmacy Technician, Emergency Medical Technology Program-Basic, Vocational Nursing and Nursing - Associate
of Applied Science Programs will be required to undergo criminal background checks which include fingerprinting. This process
must be completed in order to be eligible for placement into an externship site, clinical or fieldwork rotation or take a professional
licensing, certification, or registration exams. Students are responsible for inquiring with the appropriate agencies about current
requirements prior to enrolling in the program of their choice. Students who have prior felony convictions or serious misdemeanors
may not be able to complete the clinical or fieldwork portion of the program, which is a requirement for graduation from the
program.
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Additionally, students who have prior felony convictions or serious misdemeanors may be denied the opportunity to take
professional licensing, certification, or registration exams, or may be denied a license or certification to practice in some states even
if the exam is taken and successfully completed.
Admissions Procedure
Prior to admission, a representative in the admissions department will meet with prospective student for an interview. The interview
will elaborate on course description, the career opportunities, and physical demands of the job, the school and State Board
requirements. An explanation on attendance and academic requirements will be given to the prospective student and how those
requirements can affect the student’s satisfactory performance requirements. The prospective student will be informed that
attendance hours may be withheld for non-payment of tuition. The admissions representative will give the prospective student a
tour of the school facilities. Any questions from the prospective student will be answered truthfully, promptly and in sufficient
detail to eliminate confusion. Additional admissions procedures for the Vocational Nursing Program and the Nursing - Associate
of Applied Science Program are outlined in the Student Handbooks.
If the prospective student is a returning student, they must meet the following additional criteria:
• Tuition charges will be prorated for the remainder of instruction hours needed to complete the course as offered by the school.
• Remaining tuition charges for the course along with enrollment fees will be charged accordingly.
• All previous tuition balance must be tenured before being allowed to re-enroll and/or complete the remainder of required hours.
Disclosure for State-Specific Educational Requirements for Licensure or Credentialing Policy
Students enrolled at Rio Grande Valley College must complete all program requirements in Texas, which is where the institution is
“physically located” and has state approval. Furthermore, programs requiring state licensure or credentialing to be employed in
their field of study are only valid in Texas. Due to this requirement, RGV College will require to present a copy of government
issued identification to confirm their current physical location (address) during the enrollment process. Students will be required
to notify the Registrar’s Office via email of any changes in “physical location (address)” within 30 days.
Applicants with Disabilities
Rio Grande Valley College welcomes applicants with mental or physical disabilities to apply for enrollment. The facility is
equipped with ramps from parking lot, wide hallways, easy classroom access, and restroom facilities to accommodate disabled
students. Disabled applicants are subject to the same entrance requirements as all applicants. RGV College is committed to making
its educational and employment opportunities accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. By providing full access to qualified students with
disabilities, the College demonstrates its belief that the community will benefit from the skills and talents of these individuals. It is
the College’s objective to provide equal opportunity to all students regardless of race, color religion, sex, age, national origin,
veteran status.
Rio Grande Valley College complies with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
stating that qualified students with disabilities who meet the technical and academic standards of the College may be entitled to
reasonable accommodations. To be protected under these laws, one must have a disability defined as any physical or mental
impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such impairment,
or a person who is perceived by others as having such impairment. The ADA defines a “major life activity” to include, but not
limited to the following: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, sitting,
reaching, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, writing, communicating, interacting and
working with others (2017).
These laws do not require that students with disability be given “special” advantage that places them in a better position towards
success than their classmates. Reasonable accommodations are made to put students with a disability in the same starting position
as their nondisabled classmates.
RGV College is committed to providing access to all its programs, services and activities throughout their enrollment status
whenever possible and will make reasonable accommodations to either remove physical barriers or enhance access in other way to
enable qualified students to participate.
For students to benefit from the protections offered by Section 504 and the ADA, it is the student’s obligation to self-identify that
he/she has a disability and needs accommodation. Any student requesting accommodation is required to provide appropriate
documentation at student expense to establish the existence of the disability and the need for accommodation. Students must submit
the following documentation for accommodation considerations at RGV College:
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1) ADA Fact Sheet
2) Accommodations Request Form
3) Signed documentation identifying qualified disability from an authorized physician or accredited educational institution.
The above-named documents must be provided to the College, 10 days before accommodation can begin.
Clock to Credit Hour Conversion
The certificate programs listed below are offered in clock-hours and do not lead to an associate degree; therefore, according to
federal regulations, Rio Grande Valley College must complete a clock to credit hour conversion when awarding federal student
aid (which includes Federal Pell Grants, FSEOG, Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Work Study).
Programs of Study:
➢ Medical Assistant
➢ Pharmacy Technician
➢ Patient Care Technician
➢ Vocational Nursing
The clock-to-credit hours conversion formula used to determine the number of semester credits hours in each class of the
programs listed above are defined as:
One semester credit = 15 lecture clock hours
One semester credit = 30 lab clock hours
One semester credit = 45 externship/clinical clock hours
This determination is made by dividing the total number of clock hours in a course by 30, if lecture hours.
Example: If you are enrolled in 30 clock hours (lecture), we would divide 30 into 15 giving you a 2.0 Semester Credits.
(30/15=2.0).
Credit for Previous Education, Training or Experience Policy
Enrollment is available for students wishing to enroll with Rio Grande Valley College after they have withdrawn or graduated from
other schools in and out of state. Rio Grande Valley College does not recruit students already attending or admitted to other schools
offering similar programs of study. Rio Grande Valley College will review any and all previous education, training and/or
experience as part of the school’s policy regarding the granting of credits for previous education. Approval of transfer of credits
will be at the discretion of the College President. Credit is limited to no more than 50% of the total program and certain classes
may not be eligible for credit.
Note: All hours attempted will count toward Title IV, HEA funding 150% quantitative requirements not just the hours that were
accepted as transfer hours.
Rio Grande Valley College does not grant or accept advanced placement or credit for experiential learning.
Notice to Veteran Students
Veteran students must provide official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions and/or college prior to being
enrolled.
Transfer Students
All transfer hours are counted as both attempted and completed hours for the purpose of determining when the allowable maximum
time frame has been exhausted.
Transfer Policy
Rio Grande Valley College is licensed by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges and the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board to confer associate degree and certificates and is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health
Education Schools, an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. However, the fact that the school is
licensed and accredited is not necessarily an indication that credits earned at school will be accepted by another school, college or
university. In the U.S. higher education system, transferability of credit is determined by the receiving institution taking into account
such factors as course content, grades, accreditation and licensing.
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It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify transfer credits have been fully reviewed and transferred to RGV College prior to the
program’s application deadlines. If a student has courses, they are transferring from another school, the official transcripts must be
evaluated by the Director of Admissions, prior to the program’s application deadline (priority and final application deadlines apply).
It may take several weeks for transcripts to be evaluated.
Additionally, programs offered by RGV College may be similar to but not identical to programs offered at another school. This is
due to differences imposed by state law, use of different instructional models, and local employer needs. Therefore, if a student
considers transferring to another school, not all of the credits you earn at RGV College may be transferable into that school’s
program.
If you are considering transferring to another school not affiliated with RGV College, you will be responsible for determining
whether the school will accept your credits. We encourage you to make this determination as early as possible. RGV College does
not imply, promise, or guarantee transferability of its credits to any other institution.
Articulation Agreement
Rio Grande Valley College has a collaborative agreement with South Texas College which provides general education courses for
our students to meet the requirements to graduate with an A.A.S. degree. South Texas College is accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Baccalaureate and associate degrees. The
collaborative agreement between South Texas College and Rio Grande Valley College is made available for public view on the
home page of the online school website, the PTA Program website, the online school catalog.
Applicants for Single Courses
Single courses are available for applicants who are not entering into a program of study. Interested applicants must complete the
following procedures:
• Meet with an Admissions Representative for an informational interview, which includes a campus tour.
• Complete an Enrollment Agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age).
Students enrolled in single courses are not eligible to receive Title IV funds. Transferability of credit for these courses is
determined by the College President. RGV College cannot guarantee that credits earned will transfer.
Statement for Non-Discrimination
RGV College provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender
expression, national origin, age, or disability to all academic and employment applicants. RGV College conforms to all applicable
federal and state laws, rules, guidelines and regulations and provides equal employment and employee relations. In addition,
discrimination in employment based on familial status or membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law is
prohibited.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Rio Grande Valley College admits students of any race, color, sex, and national or ethnic origin. Rio Grande Valley College does
not discriminate in any way with respect to: employment of faculty and staff, student rights or privileges, admission policies,
awarding of scholarships or other financial assistance, educational policies, use of the school’s facilities, or any other regular or
extracurricular activity.
FINANCIAL AID POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Prior to enrolling at Rio Grande Valley College, all students are encouraged to explore the availability of financial aid assistance.
Financial aid assistance is available to prospective students wishing to enroll in eligible programs. Rio Grande Valley College is
an accredited institution and is eligible to offer various types of financial assistance. Financial assistance is a combination of federal
grants and loans which are an investment towards your education and are there to assist students in paying for their educational
expenses.
Rio Grande Valley College will assist students in developing financial plans to pay for their education through a combination of
student/family contributions, financial aid, if eligible and payment plans. Eligibility for financial assistance is determined by a one-
to-one interview with the Financial Aid Office Staff.
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During the interview, prospective students are directed to the financial aid computer lab to complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA) through the www.fafsa.ed.gov website. Additional documentation related the verification of eligibility may
be required by the financial aid office. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to provide the required documentation to
the financial aid office in a timely manner, failure to do so may affect eligibility.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of section 668 of Title 34-Education, to be eligible to receive Title IV, HEA program
assistance, and a student must:
• Be a citizen or national of the United States or
• Provide evidence from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she- is a permanent resident of the United
States or
• Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident.
• Be a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau is eligible to
receive funds under Federal Pell Grant programs.
Students must be enrolled as regular students in an eligible program in order to participate in title IV. Upon receipt of all the
required documents and in good order, the prospective student is eligible to enroll in the school. When all admissions criteria and
requirements are met, the prospective student is given the date of the next class and an appropriate dress code for the first day of
class.
Federal Student Aid Programs
Rio Grande Valley College is approved for the following federal grant and loan programs:
Federal Pell Grant – Grants are awarded on the basis of financial aid need and do not have to be repaid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - is a grant awarded to undergraduate students with
exceptional financial need and do not have to be repaid. Students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution EFC are awarded
FSEOG before students with higher EFCs.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan – Loans from this program are awarded to students with financial need. This loan is subsidized
because the federal government pays the interest while the student is in school and during the grace period (the first six months
after leaving school or dropping to less than half time enrollment status).
Federal Unsubsidized Loan – The unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need and is available to all eligible students,
regardless of income. This loan is unsubsidized because the student is responsible for paying all interest due. There is no federal
interest subsidy for the loan. Interest accrues immediately upon disbursement. Borrowers may elect to pay accrued interest on a
monthly or quarterly basis or have it added back to the principal balance in a process called capitalization.
Federal Parent Plus Loans- A parent may borrow up to the annual cost of education minus any estimated financial aid received
by the student. The application approval process includes a standard credit analysis for all parent borrowers. The repayment period
for the parent borrowers begins on the day the loan is fully disbursed. The first payment of principal and interest is due within 60
days after the final loan disbursement is made.
Federal Work-Study – Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn
money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course
of study. Work-study is available to full-time and part-time students, check with your school’s financial aid office to find out more
information.
In order to determine eligibility for Title IV Funds, students must:
• Comply with our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy included in the school catalog.
• Not be in default on any loans made under any Title IV, HEA Loan program.
• Must not have obtained loan amounts that exceed annual or aggregate loan limits under any Title IV, HEA Loan program.
• Not liable for any grant overpayment.
• Be enrolled at least halftime to receive assistance from the Direct Loan Program. (The Pell Grant program does not require
half time enrollment, but the student’ enrollment status does affect the amount of Pell a student may receive.)
• For Title IV purposes, students who have successfully completed 225 clock hours that are applicable to a degree or certificate
offered by our school. These credits and hours are not Title IV eligible and the remaining program hours must be prorated if
the program is a certificate program offered in hours and may also affect a credit hour program with a proration. Although, all
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16
prior education will be reviewed upon enrollment for each individual student. Credit may be granted at the discretion of the
College President.
• Must provide a copy of a photo ID and Social Security which becomes part of your academic file kept in the Registrar’s Office.
• Must make financial arrangements with Financial Aid Office in regard to FAFSA application, scholarships and/or cash payment
plan prior to enrolling.
Tuition Payment Arrangements
In addition to financial aid assistance, students may be required to sign an Institutional Promissory Note. The terms of the
institutional promissory note become due on the 5th or 20
th
of each month depending on the first day of class. Failure to make on-
time monthly payments may result in the following sanctions:
1) Late fee of $35.00 will be assessed (within five (5) business days of due date);
2) Denial to attend the externship/preceptorship which are required for the successful completion of the program;
3) Termination from the program.
Please notify the Business Office before your monthly payment due date if you are unable to make payments to avoid a late fee.
Postponement of a monthly payment is at the discretion of the Business Office and will only be granted under special circumstances.
Rio Grande Valley College accepts payment by the following methods: Check, Cashier’s Check, non-international Money Orders,
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Cards.
Enrollment Status
All students enrolled in our programs are considered full-time status.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be made to any student who cancels the enrollment contract within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day
excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed. A full refund will also be made to any
student who cancels enrollment within the student’s first three scheduled class days, except that the school may retain not more
than $100 in any administrative fees charged, as well as items of extra expense that are necessary for the portion of the program
attended and stated separately on the enrollment agreement.
Refund Policy
1. Refund computations will be based on scheduled course time of class attendance through the last date of attendance. Leaves
of absence, suspensions and school holidays will not be counted as part of the scheduled class attendance.
2. The effective date of termination for refund purposes will be the earliest of the following:
(a) The last day of attendance, if the student is terminated by the school;
(b) The date of receipt of written notice from the student; or
(c) Ten school days following the last date of attende.
3. If tuition and fees are collected in advance of entrance, and if after expiration of the 72 hour cancellation privilege the student
does not enter school, not more than $100 in nonrefundable administrative fees shall be retained by the school for the entire
residence program or synchronous distance education course.
4. If a student enters a residence or synchronous distance education program and withdraws or is otherwise terminated after the
cancellation period, the school or college may retain not more than $100 in any administrative fees charged for the entire
program. The minimum refund of the remaining tuition and fees portion of the course or program for which the student has
been charged after the effective date of termination bears to the total number of hours in the portion of the course or program
for which the student has been charged, except that a student may not collect a refund if the student has completed 75 percent
or more of the total number of hours in the portion of the program for which the student has been charged on the effective
date of termination.
1
5. Refunds for items of extra expense to the student, such as books, tools, or other supplies are to be handled separately from
refund of tuition and other academic fees. The student will not be required to purchase instructional supplies, books and
1
More simply, the refund is based on the precise number of course time hours the student has paid for, but not yet used, at the
point of termination, up to the 75% completion mark, after which no refund is due. Form PS-1040R provides the precise
calculation.
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tools until such time as these materials are required. Once these materials are purchased, no refund will be made. For full
refunds, the school can withhold costs for these types of items from the refund as long as they were necessary for the portion
of the program attended and separately stated in the enrollment agreement. Any such items not required for the portion of
the program attended must be included in the refund.
6. A student who withdraws for a reason unrelated to the student’s academic status after the 75 percent completion mark and
requests a grade at the time of withdrawal shall be given a grade of “incomplete” and permitted to re-enroll in the course or
program during the 12-month period following the date the student withdrew without payment of additional tuition for that
portion of the course or program.
7. A full refund of all tuition and fees is due and refundable in each of the following cases:
(a) An enrollee is not accepted by the school;
(b) If the course of instruction is discontinued by the school and this prevents the student from completing the course; or
(c) If the student's enrollment was procured as a result of any misrepresentation in advertising, promotional materials of
the school, or representations by the owner or representatives of the school.
A full or partial refund may also be due in other circumstances of program deficiencies or violations of requirements for
career schools and colleges.
Refund Policy for Students Called to Active Military Service
A student of the school or college who withdraws from the school or college as a result of the student being called to active
duty in a military service of the United States or the Texas National Guard may elect one of the following options for each
program in which the student is enrolled:
(a) if tuition and fees are collected in advance of the withdrawal, a pro rata refund of any tuition, fees, or other charges
paid by the student for the program and a cancellation of any unpaid tuition, fees, or other charges owed by the student
for the portion of the program the student does not complete following withdrawal;
(b) a grade of incomplete with the designation "withdrawn-military" for the courses in the program, other than courses
for which the student has previously received a grade on the student's transcript, and the right to re-enroll in the
program, or a substantially equivalent program if that program is no longer available, not later than the first anniversary
of the date the student is discharged from active military duty without payment of additional tuition, fees, or other
charges for the program other than any previously unpaid balance of the original tuition, fees, and charges for books
for the program; or
(c) the assignment of an appropriate final grade or credit for the courses in the program, but only if the instructor or
instructors of the program determine that the student has:
(1) satisfactorily completed at least 90 percent of the required coursework for the program; and
(2) demonstrated sufficient mastery of the program material to receive credit for completing the program.
9. The payment of refunds will be totally completed such that the refund instrument has been negotiated or credited into the
proper account(s), within 60 days after the effective date of termination.
Under Texas Education Code, Section 132.061 (11) (f) a student who is obligated a full refund of tuition and fees, the school shall
record a grade of “incomplete” during the portion of a course or program for which the student is not eligible to collect a refund if
a student requests a grade at the time of withdrawal for an appropriate reason unrelated to the students’ academic status. A
student who receives a grade of incomplete may re-enroll in the course or program during the 12-month period following the date
the student withdraws and complete those incomplete subjects without payment of additional tuition for that portion of the course
or program. (Title 40, Texas Administrative Code, Section 807.171-175).
Refund Policy for Seminars
1. Refund computations will be based on the period of enrollment computed on basis of course time (clock hours).
2. The effective date of termination for refund purposes will be the earliest of the following: (a) the last date of attendance; or (b)
the date of receipt of written notice from the student.
3. If tuition and fees are collected in advance of entrance, and the student does not enter school, not more than $100 shall be
retained by the school.
4. If the student fails to enter the seminar, withdraws, or is discontinued at any time before completion of the seminar, the
student will be refunded the pro rata portion of tuition, fees, and other charges that the number of class hours remaining in the
seminar after the effective date of termination bears to the total number of class hours in the seminar.
5. A full refund of all tuition and fees is due in each of the following cases: (a) an enrollee is not accepted by the school; (b) if
the seminar of instruction is discontinued by the school and thus prevents the student from completing the seminar; or (c) if
the student's enrollment was procured as a result of any misrepresentation in advertising, promotional materials of the school,
or misrepresentations by the owner or representatives of the school.
6. Refund Policy for Students Called to Active Military Service.
A student of the school or college who withdraws from the school or college as a result of the student being called to active
duty in a military service of the United States or the Texas National Guard may elect one of the following options for each
program in which the student is enrolled:
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(a) if tuition and fees are collected in advance of the withdrawal, a pro rata refund of any tuition, fees, or other charges paid
by the student for the program and a cancellation of any unpaid tuition, fees, or other charges owed by the student for
the portion of the program the student does not complete following withdrawal.
(b) a grade of incomplete with the designation "withdrawn-military" for the courses in the program, other than courses for
which the student has previously received a grade on the student's transcript, and the right to re-enroll in the program, or
a substantially equivalent program if that program is no longer available, not later than the first anniversary of the date
the student is discharged from active military duty without payment of additional tuition, fees, or other charges for the
program other than any previously unpaid balance of the original tuition, fees, and charges for books for the program;
or
(c) the assignment of an appropriate final grade or credit for the courses in the program, but only if the instructor or
instructors of the program determine that the student has:
(1) satisfactorily completed at least 90 percent of the required coursework for the program; and
(2) demonstrated sufficient mastery of the program material to receive credit for completing the program.
7. Refunds will be totally consummated within 60 days after the effective date of termination.
RETURN OF TITLE IV (R2T4) POLICY
When a student applies for financial aid, a statement is signed that the funds will be used for educational purposes only. Therefore,
if a student withdraws before completing the program, a portion of the funds received may have to be returned. The school will
calculate the amount of tuition to be returned to the Title IV, HEA Federal fund programs according to the policies listed below.
This policy applies to students who withdraw officially, unofficially or fail to return from a leave of absence or are dismissed
from enrollment at the school. It is separate and distinct from the school refund policy. (Refer to the institutional refund policy)
The calculated amount of the Return of Title IV, HEA (R2T4) funds that are required to be returned for the students affected by
this policy, are determined according to the following definitions and procedures as prescribed by regulations.
The amount of Title IV, HEA aid earned is based on the amount of time a student spent in academic attendance, and the total aid
received; it has no relationship to student’s incurred institutional charges. Because these requirements deal only with Title IV, HEA
funds, the order of return of unearned funds do not include funds from sources other than the Title IV, HEA programs.
Title IV, HEA funds are awarded to the student under the assumption that he/she will attend school for the entire period for which
the aid is awarded. When a student withdraws, he/she may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV, HEA funds that
were originally scheduled to be received. Therefore, the amount of Federal funds earned must be determined. If the amount
disbursed is greater than the amount earned, unearned funds must be returned.
Payment Period
The Payment Period for clock hour programs is one-half of the academic year or program length (whichever is less). The academic
year for clock hours is defined as 900 clock hours and 26 weeks in length, therefore, one half of the academic year is 450 clock
hours and 13 weeks in length.
The Payment Period for credit hour programs is one half of the academic year or program length (whichever is less). The academic
year in credit hours is defined as 24 semester credits and 30 weeks in length, therefore, one half of the academic year is 12 semester
credits and 15 weeks in length.
Date of Determination
The Date of Determination used by Rio Grande Valley College is:
▪ Date student provided official notification of intent to withdraw.
▪ The day after the 10 consecutive days following the last day of attendance for Allied-Health programs.
▪ The day after the 3
rd
consecutive day following the last day of attendance for the Vocational Nursing program.
▪ The day after the 2
nd
absence following the last day of attendance for degree granting programs.
▪ The date of the notification received from the program director for students who failed to meet their course academic
requirements.
▪ The date the student failed to return from an approved leave of absence.
▪ The date the student was withdrawn from the program due to a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
The Withdrawal Date for schools required to take attendance is the Last Date of Attendance (LDA).
The institution has 45 days from the date that the institution determines that the student withdrew to return all unearned funds for
which it is responsible. The school is required to notify the student if they owe a repayment via written notice.
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The school must advise the student or parent that they have 14 calendar days from the date that the school sent the notification to
accept a post withdraw disbursement. If a response is not received from the student or parent within the allowed time frame or the
student declines the funds, the school will return any earned funds that the school is holding to the Title IV, HEA programs.
Post-withdraw disbursements will occur within 180 days of the date that the student withdrew.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
“Official” Voluntary Withdrawal
A student is considered to be “Officially” withdrawn on the date the student notifies the Program Director and/or designated School
Official in writing of their intent to withdraw. The date of determination for return and refund purposes will be the earliest of the
following for official withdrawals:
1. Date student provided official notification of intent to withdraw, in writing, or
2. The date the student began with withdrawal from the school’s records.
A student will be permitted to rescind his notification in writing and continue the program, if so chosen. However, if the student
subsequently drops, the student’s withdrawal date is the original date of notification of intent to withdraw.
Upon receipt of the withdrawal information the school will complete the following:
1. Determine the student’s last date of attendance as of the last recorded date of academic attendance on the school’s attendance
records, and
2. Perform two calculations:
a. The student’s ledger card and attendance records are reviewed to determine the calculation of Return of Title IV, HEA
funds for which the school is responsible. Returns made to the Federal Funds Account are calculated using the
Department’s Return of Title IV, HEA Funds Worksheets, scheduled attendance and are based upon the payment period.
b. Calculate the school’s refund requirement (see school refund calculation).
3. The student’s grade record will be updated to reflect his/her final grade.
4. The school will return the amount for any unearned portion of the Title IV, HEA funds for which the school is responsible
within 45 days of the date the official notice was provided.
5. If applicable, the school will provide the student with a letter explaining the Title IV, HEA requirements. To include,
a. The amount of Title IV, HEA assistance the student has earned. This amount is based upon the length of time the student
was enrolled in the program based on scheduled attendance and the amount of funds the student received.
b. Any returns that will be made for the Federal program on the student’s behalf as a result of exiting the program. If a
student’s scheduled attendance is more than 60% of the payment period, he/she is considered to have earned 100% of the
Federal funds received for the payment period. In this case, no funds need to be returned to the Federal funds.
c. Advise the student of the amount of unearned Federal funds and tuition and fees that the student must return, if applicable.
6. Supply the student with ledger card record noting outstanding balance due to the school and the available methods of payment.
A copy of the completed worksheet, check, letter and final ledger card will be kept in the student’s file.
In the event a student decides to rescind his or her official notification to withdraw, the student must provide a signed and dated
written statement indicating he/she is continuing his or her program of study and intends to complete the payment period. Title IV,
HEA assistance will continue as originally planned. If the student subsequently fails to attend or ceases attendance without
completing the payment period, the student’s withdrawal date is the original date of notification of intent to withdraw.
Unofficial Withdrawal
Any student that does not provided official notification of his or her intent to withdraw is:
▪ The day after the 10 consecutive days following the last day of attendance for Allied-Health programs.
▪ The day after the 3
rd
consecutive day following the last day of attendance for the Vocational Nursing program.
▪ The day after the 2
nd
absence following the last day of attendance for degree granting programs.
▪ Fails to return from an approved leave of absence.
▪ Fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
▪ Fails to comply with the school’s conduct policy.
▪ Does not meet financial obligations to the school, or
▪ Violates conditions mentioned in the school contractual agreement.
The same procedures will take place as noted above on page 2 of the “Official Withdrawal”.
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Withdrawal before the 60% Point
The institution must perform a R2T4 to determine the amount of earned aid through the 60% point in each payment period. The
institution will use the Department of Education prorate schedule to determine the amount of the R2T4 funds the student has earned
at the time of withdrawal.
Withdrawal after the 60% Point
After the 60% point in the payment period, a student has earned 100% of the Title IV, HEA funds he or she was scheduled to receive
during this period. The institution must still perform a R2T4 to determine the amount of aid that the student has earned.
The school measures progress in clock hours and credit hours by payment period for the period of calculation.
The Calculation Formula
Determine the amount of Title IV, HEA aid that was disbursed plus Title IV, HEA aid that could have been disbursed. Calculate
the percentage of Title IV, HEA aid earned:
a) Clock Hours: Divide the number of clock hours scheduled to be completed (from the first day of class until the last date in of
attendance) in the payment period as of the last date of attendance in the payment period by the total clock hours in the payment
period.
HOURS SCHEDULED TO COMPLETE
TOTAL HOURS IN PERIOD - % EARNED
(Rounded to one significant digit to the right of the decimal point, ex .4493 = 44.9%)
or
b) Credit Hours: Divide the number of days attended in the semester by the number of days in the semester equals the percent of the
semester completed.
# OF DAYS ATTENDED
# OF DAYS IN A SEMSTER = % EARNED IN THE SEMESTER
(Rounded to one significant digit to the right of the decimal point, ex .4493 = 44.9%)
c) If this percentage is greater than 60%, the student earns 100%.
d) If this percentage is less than or equal to 60%, proceed with calculation.
Percentage earned from (multiplied by) Total aid disbursed or could have been disbursed = AMOUNT STUDENT
EARNED.
Subtract the Title IV aid earned from the total disbursed = AMOUNT TO BE RETURNED.
100% minus percent earned = UNEARNED PERCENT
Unearned percent (multiplied by) total institutional charges for the period = AMOUNT DUE FROM THE SCHOOL.
If the percent of Title IV aid disbursed is greater than the percent unearned (multiplies by) institutional charges for the
period, the amount disbursed will be used in place of the percent unearned.
If the percent unearned (multiplied by) institutional charges for the period are less than the amount due from the school,
the student must return or repay on-half of the remaining unearned Federal Pell Grant.
Student is not required to return the overpayment if this amount is equal to or less than 50% of the total grant assistance
that was disbursed and/or could have been disbursed. The student is also not required to return an overpayment if the
amount is $50.00 or less.
The Scholl will issue a grant overpayment notice to student within 30 days from the date the school’s determination that
student withdrew, giving student 45 days of either:
1. Repay the overpayment in full to NAME OF SCHOOL OR
2. Sign a repayment agreement with the U.S. Department of education.
Order of Return of Funds
The school is authorized to return any excess funds after applying them to current outstanding Cost of Attendance (COA) charges.
A copy of the Institutional R2T4 work sheets performed on your behalf is available through the office upon student request.
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In accordance with Federal regulations, when Title IV, HEA financial aid is involved, the calculated amount on the R2T4 “Funds”
is allocated in the following order:
Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans (other than PLUS loans)
Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
Direct PLUS Loans
Federal Pell Grants for which a Return is required (PELL)
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant for which a Return is required.
Other Title IV assistance
State Tuition Assistance Grants (if applicable)
Private and institutional aid
The student
Earned Aid
Title IV, HEA aid is earned in a prorated manner on a per diem basis (clock hours) up to the 60% point in the semester, Title IV,
HEA aid is viewed as 100% earned after that point in time. A copy of the worksheet used for this calculation can be requested from
the financial aid office.
Post-Withdrawal Disbursements
If you did not receive all the funds that you have earned, you may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. The school may use a
portion or all of your post-withdrawal disbursement for tuition and fees (as contracted with the school). For all other school charges,
the school needs your permission to use the post-withdrawal disbursement. If you do not give permission, you will be offered the
funds. However, it may be in your best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce your debt at the school.
The post-withdrawal disbursement must be applied to outstanding institutional charges before being paid directly to the student.
Institution Responsibilities
The school’s responsibilities regarding Title IV, HEA funds follow:
Providing students information with information in this policy.
Identifying students who are affected by this policy and completing the return of Title IV funds calculation for those
students.
Returning any Title IV, HEA funds due to the correct Title IV programs.
The institution is not always required to return all the excess funds; there are situations once the R2T4 calculations have been
completed in which the student must return the unearned aid.
Overpayment of Title IV, HEA Funds
Any amount of unearned grant funds that a student must return is called an overpayment. The amount of grant overpayment that
you must repay is half of the grant funds you received. You must plan with the School or Department of Education to return the
amount of unearned grant funds.
Student Responsibilities regarding return of Title IV, HEA funds
Returning to Title IV, HEA programs any funds that were disbursed to the student in which the student was determined to
be ineligible for via the R2T4 calculation.
Any notification of withdrawal should be in writing and addressed to the appropriate institutional official.
A Student may rescind his or her notification of intent to withdraw. Submissions of intent to rescind a withdraw notice
must be filed in writing.
Either this notification, to withdraw or rescind to withdraw must be made to the official records/registration personnel at
your school.
Refund vs. Return of Title IV
The requirements for Title IV, HEA program funds when you withdraw are separate from any refund policy that the school may
have to return to you due to a cash credit balance. Therefore, you may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional
charges. The school may also charge you for any Title IV, HEA program funds that they were required to return on your behalf.
If you do not already know what the school refund policy is, you may ask your Schools Financial Aid Office for a copy.
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Return of Title IV questions?
If you have questions regarding Title IV, HEA program funds after visiting with your financial aid director, you may call the Federal
Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FEDAID (800-433-3243). TTY users may call 800-730-8913. Information is also
available on student aid on the web www.studentaid.ed.gov
*This policy is subject to change at any time, and without prior notice.
Conditions for Termination
Students who fail to maintain at least 70% for Allied-Health Program and 78% for Vocational Nursing Program grade average by
the end of the third quarter of the course will be terminated in all programs. Under Title 40, Texas Administrative Code, Section
807.171-175, students terminated for unsatisfactory progress cannot be readmitted until a minimum of one grading period (a
complete 4-week, 80-hour class course) has passed. Students who violate the attendance policy will be terminated. These students
may not reenter before the start of the next grading period. To be readmitted after sitting out one complete grading period, the
student may with the College President/Director of Nursing and/or Program Director and reapply through a new enrollment contract.
Violation of the institutions Nursing Student Conduct Policy; Texas Administrative Code, Texas Board of Nursing & Nurse Practice
Act, this violation is applicable to students enrolled in our Vocational Nursing Program and the Nursing - Associate of Applied
Science Program.
RE-ADMISSION POLICY
Students seeking re-admission at RGV College shall meet all admission and re- admission requirements. The same procedure will
apply for potential transfer students. Acceptance shall be considered on a space-available basis. Please allow for ample time for
processing of requests.
Requests for re-admission may be automatically denied due to withdrawal or termination related to unsafe practice, dishonesty,
and/or unethical behavior. Re-admission requests may also be denied due to withdrawal or termination from a program twice,
regardless of the reason.
Procedure for Re-Admissions
1) The applicant must submit a formal letter of intent for re-admission to the Program Director via email. The letter of intent must
include a detailed reason for withdrawal and why they should be considered for re-admission.
2) The initial review process may take a minimum of 10 business days up to six (6) months. The review consists of an
overview of the students’ academic standing, attendance review, any disciplinary action forms, criminal background
checks and financial standing. Please allow for ample time for this process.
3) If the initial review outcome is satisfactory, the student will be contacted by the Director of Admission to coordinate a
formal interview before the Re-Admission Committee.
4) The Interview outcome will be communicated by the Director Admissions.
5) Upon acceptance the following will apply:
a) Determination of re-start date.
b) Restart assigned course(s) in their entirety.
c) No prior earned grades in the assigned course(s) will apply.
d) Attendance begins from zero hours, unless otherwise determined by the Re-Admission Committee.
Nursing students seeking re-admission MUST follow the re-admission requirements found in the Vocational Nursing
Program and Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Student Handbooks.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
All students are held responsible for regular and punctual attendance. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class or clinical
instruction. This attendance policy includes class attendance and clinical/externship. It is essential that students are not absent or
tardy during the entire course. Students who are going to be absent are expected to call the school prior to the beginning of their
scheduled shift. This is required of students in order to receive his/her certificate of completion and be eligible to take the
certification exams. The make-up work, however, will not remove an absence on the student attendance sheet. A copy of the
attendance sheet will be placed in each student’s file.
Late arrivals will be permitted into class and will be considered a tardy. Continued tardiness may result in disciplinary action up to
and including termination from the program. Roll call will be taken by the instructor daily during the morning and afternoon
sessions, where applicable. Attendance is recorded by the Registrar’s office daily. Attendance will also be recorded at the clinical
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site. All records will be filed for safekeeping at the end of each course. The following symbols will be used to record the status of
the student attendance for the day: P=Present; T=Tardy; G=Left Early and A=Absent.
➢ Vocational Nursing students may not be absent more than 40 clock hours for the entire length of the program. Five (5)
tardies will count as one full day absence (seven (7) hours for the day schedule and five (5) hours for Evening/Weekend).
➢ Allied Health students must be present for 90% of the entire length of the program.
➢ Students enrolled in the Nurse Aide Program may not be absent more than one (1) day for the entire length of the program.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will be notified if students using veteran’s education benefits fail to attend five (5) consecutive
class days or miss 20% of their total program within 30 days of attendance violation.
Leave of Absence
From time-to-time circumstances might compel students at RGV College to interrupt their studies. These breaks in enrollments are
formally recognized as Leave of Absence (LOA). A Leave of Absence is a temporary interruption from school and must be
associated with extreme circumstances beyond the student’s control. No more than two (2) Leaves of Absence may be granted in a
12-month calendar period and must not exceed 180 calendar days. Leave of Absences must be documented, signed and approved
by the College President on or before beginning such leave and will part of the student’s permanent file. A student who fails to
return from an approved LOA on or before the scheduled return date will be terminated from the program, making the last date of
attendance the effective date of termination for refund purposes.
Clock hours and days taken on the leave of absence will not be included in the student’s cumulative attendance percentage
calculation. Leave of Absences taken will extend the students’ scheduled completion date. Courses in progress while on LOA will
be required to be repeated or partially completed to be considered completed courses.
Tuition payment must continue to be made during a Leave of Absence period.
Students enrolled in seminars are not eligible to take a Leave of Absence.
Excused Absence
Rio Grande Valley College expects students to attend and participate in all classes. Missed coursework has the potential to disrupt
individual and team learning, invalidate assessment of learning outcomes, create unfair advantages, and divert faculty and student
resources away from teaching and learning. However, occasionally an absence from coursework will be unavoidable and
circumstances beyond our control may happen, therefore an excused absence may be considered with the expectation that the
absence meets the excused absence criteria, proper and timely documentation is provided to the Program Director (VN and A.D.N.
Director of Nurses and/or Asst. DON; Assistant Allied-Health Director and/or College President). Refer to page 76 of the School
Catalog for a detailed explanation of the Excused Absence Policy which outlines the excused absence criteria and procedures.
Make-Up Work
RGV College recognizes that there are a variety of legitimate circumstances under which students will miss coursework and that
accommodations for makeup work will be made. Make up work will only be granted with the approval of the College President
and/or Program Director. The following rules apply to the make-up work in accordance with Texas Workforce Commission
§807.244:
a) No more than 5% of the total course time hours for a course may be made up;
b) Make-up work shall:
1) Be supervised by an instructor approved for the course being made up;
2) Require the student to demonstrate substantially the same level of knowledge or competence expected of a student
who attended the scheduled class session;
3) Be completed within one week of the end of the grading period during which the absence occurred;
4) Be documented by the school as being completed, recording the date, time, duration of the make-up session and the
name of the supervising instructor; and
5) Be signed and dated by the student to acknowledge the make-up session.
EXTERNSHIP/CLINICAL POLICIES
The Externship / clinical experiences are an integral part of every program which enables students to work with patients/clients to
apply the competencies and practices learned in the classroom. Students participating in externship and clinical experiences work
under the supervision of a qualified professional as determined by the institution. Students are evaluated by supervisory personnel
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and evaluations are placed in the students’ permanent records. Externship/clinical guidelines and requirements for each program
may be obtained from the Careers Services Coordinator for Allied-Health Programs and the Education Department for the Nursing
programs.
The following applies to all students who are required to complete externship or clinical experiences:
1. Students are expected to meet all externship/clinical site requirements.
2. Site assignments are determined by the institution. Students may be terminated from the program if they refuse the clinical
or externship site assignment.
3. Externship and clinical sites are selected to meet the objectives of the program. Students are required to travel to the clinical
site. In many cases, this may require travel that is a greater distance than the student’s commute to the campus.
4. Site locations within a specified distance from the campus or from a student’s home cannot be guaranteed.
5. The institution reserves the right to re-assign site assignments and locations as needed to ensure that program requirements
are met.
6. Students must arrange and pay for their own transportation to and from their assigned clinical or externship experience,
including any parking charges at the externship/clinical site.
7. Students should expect the hours and days to vary depending on the host site. Shifts on externship or clinical experience
can range up to 12 hours, occurring any hour of the day, afternoon, or evening and any day of the week.
8. If students are going to be absent from their clinical or externship site, they are required to notify their designated supervisor
and the Careers Services Coordinator and/or Clinical Coordinator.
9. Students must make up all absences that occur during clinical or externship experiences to ensure that the required hours
are completed prior to the end of the scheduled period.
10. Students enrolled in a program that requires an externship are expected to immediately begin that portion of their program,
upon successful completion of all classroom requirements.
11. Externship students are encouraged and should be prepared to participate in their externship training on a full-time basis
(30-40 hours per week).
12. Students are expected to abide by the institution’s Conduct Policy at all times while on externship or clinical, as well as
the policies and procedures of the externship/clinical site.
Externship/Clinical Attendance
Attendance for the externship/clinical will be closely monitored by the Career Services Coordinator and/or Clinical Coordinator on
a weekly basis. Students must attend the assigned externship site as scheduled. Failure to attend the required minimum hours may
be grounds for termination from the program.
Students are required to complete all externship/clinical hours; any time missed during the externship period must be made up. A
student will not be allowed to graduate from the program unless they have completed all the required externship hours and complies
with the submission of externship paperwork to the Career Services Coordinator and/or Clinical Coordinator.
Students are expected to begin their externship immediately following their classroom training and must begin within 10 business
days following assignment to an externship site or the student may be terminated form the program. If you are absent 10 consecutive
days from the externship site, you will be terminated. Externship sites will be assigned and coordinated by the Career Services
Coordinator for Allied-Health Programs. RGV College will make every effort to assign sites in a timely manner, there may be
circumstances beyond the institute’s control that may hinder this process, such as student’s unprofessional behavior, attendance,
attitudes causing the students to be dismissed from the site leading to a loss of an externship site.
Refer to Vocational Nursing Student Handbook and Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Student Handbook for additional
guidelines related to the Nursing Programs.
Timesheets
All students on externship/clinical are required to submit weekly attendance timesheets via fax, email or in person to the Career
Services Coordinator. Timesheets must be initialed by the externship site supervisor on a daily basis. Students who fail to submit
weekly attendance by fax or email will be required to bring them in person and meet with the Career Services Coordinator. Refer
to Vocational Nursing Student Handbook for additional guidelines related to the Vocational Nursing Program.
Original timesheets must be submitted at the completion of externship/clinical in order to receive credit for the hours and
be considered eligible for program completion.
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Externship Schedules
Externship schedules will vary depending on the externship/clinical site business hours. A daily schedule will be provided to
students by the Career Services Coordinators and/or Clinical Coordinator.
Termination/Withdrawal from Externship
Students will be terminated from the program if they display unprofessional behavior during their externship/clinical assignments
and the unprofessional behavior leads to the re-assignment of externship site by the current externship supervisor’s request.
Students will be terminated from the program if the institution loses an externship/clinical site due to unprofessional behavior. In
addition, students will not be considered for re-admission.
Professional Liability Insurance
Rio Grande Valley College provides and maintains professional liability coverage for students who are participating in clinical
practicum or externship while enrolled in their respective programs. Students are encouraged to carry their own health insurance
coverage throughout the duration of enrollment in their program. The student is responsible for any illness, accident or injury
incurred, while assigned to the clinical experience at the facility or site.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP) POLICY
Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy applies to all students enrolled in the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools,
Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges and Board of Nursing approved programs whether receiving Federal
Title IV, HEA funds, partial funding assistance, or self-pay.
Rio Grande Valley College requires its students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to be enrolled and be eligible
to participate in the Federal Student Aid Programs. These standards apply to all students, regardless of the source of funding, and
their enrollment status (full-time or part-time). All students must comply with the following standards:
1. All students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of “C” or better for each course.
a. Allied-Health Programs must earn 70% or better.
b. The Nurse Aide Program must earn 78% or better.
c. Vocational Nursing Program must earn a 78% or better; and
d. Nursing– Associate of Applied Science must earn 78% or better.
2. Students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program may not be absent more than 40 clock hours of the program length.
Allied Health students must be present 90% of the program length. For example, a student scheduled to complete a 900-
hour program must be present for a total of 810 hours of the entire program. (900 x 90% = 810)
3. Students must complete the program within 1.5 times the normal length of time required to complete the program as defined
in the enrollment agreement. This time frame will be measured in terms of clock hours attempted. Example: If the program
is 6 months in length, the student must complete all program requirements within 9 months (6 x 1.5=9).
In addition to attendance standards related to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), students are required to adhere to the following
general institutional policy. Students will be dismissed or terminated from the program (unofficial withdrawal) if:
• They are absent more than 10 consecutive days (Allied-Health Programs)
• They are absent three (3) consecutive days (Vocational Nursing)
• For Degree programs, student must not exceed two absences per course per semester and one absence for laboratory or
clinical per course per semester.
This standard shall apply to all students except those on an approved Leave-of-Absence (see LOA policy). Students who expect to
be absent 10 or more days are encouraged to request a Leave-of-Absence.
Qualitative Requirement
The qualitative element used by the institution to evaluate that each student is meeting SAP requirements is determined at the end
of each payment period. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on all coursework in their respective
program.
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Additional guidelines on qualitative requirements for the Vocational Nursing, Nursing – AAS and Physical Therapists - AAS
programs can be found in the Program Student Handbook.
Quantitative Requirements
The second factor used by the institution to determine if students are meeting SAP requirements is that all students must complete
their educational program within 150% of the length of the program. A leave of absence will extend the student’s contract period,
and maximum time frame, by the same number of days in the leave of absence.
All clock hours at the institution and transfer hours must be counted towards the 150% eligibility whether a student received Title
IV federal student aid or not in order to graduate within the maximum time frame.
Students must also meet the attendance requirements as outlined in this catalog.
Example SAP Evaluation:
Program
Evaluation Period
Cumulative GPA (Qualitative)
Attendance (Quantitative)
900 clock hours
Payment Period 1 (451 clock hours)
2.0
Must be present 406 hours (451 x 90%)
780 clock hours
Payment Period 1 (391 clock hours)
2.0
Must be present 352 hours (391x 90%)
Grading System
Nursing - Associate of Applied Science
In order to progress through the Nursing Program, a student must achieve a theory grade of “C” or better in every required course;
satisfactorily complete all labs and clinical hours; and maintain a grade of “C” or better with satisfactory clinical performance.
Students are expected to maintain professional behaviors identified for the Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Program.
Individual course syllabi/guides will identify grading parameters. The following grading scale will be used throughout the nursing
program for all RNSG courses:
Letter Grade
Percentage
GPA
NOTE:
A
100-92
4.00
May round up to move Letter Grade from “C” to
“B”, “B” to “A”. May NOT round up any grade
less than a 78.
B
91-84
3.00
C
83-78
2.00
F
77-Below
0
A final theory and/or clinical grade below 78% will result in a grade of “D” or “F” for the course. Individual course syllabi/guides
will identify additional grading parameters.
Physical Therapist Assistant – Associate of Applied Science
ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAMS
Letter Grade
Percentage
GPA
A
100-90
4.00
B
89-80
3.00
C
79-70
2.00
D
69-60
1.00
F
59
0
VOCATIONAL NURSING AND NURSE AIDE PROGRAM
Letter Grade
Percentage
GPA
NOTE:
A
100-92
4.00
May round up to move Letter Grade from “C” to “B”,
“B” to “A”. May NOT round up any grade less than a
78.
B
91-84
3.00
C
83-78
2.00
F
77-Below
0
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Letter Grade
Percentage
GPA
NOTE:
A
92 – 100
4.00
NOTE: A grade of “C” or better is required to complete
the PTA major.
B
82 - 91
3.00
C
75 - 81
2.00
F
Below 74
0
“W” Withdrawal – A “W-Withdrawal” grade will be given to students who withdraw from a course(s) and will not be counted
towards their qualitative requirement but will be counted towards the quantitative requirement.
“I” Incomplete - An “I-Incomplete” grade will be given at the discretion of the instructor to students who demonstrate that he/she
could not complete the requirements of the course due to circumstances beyond the student’s control and not reasonably foreseeable.
Students will have one (1) week from the end of the course to complete the work required for that course(s). Failure to do so will
result in a grade of “F” which will be averaged into the GPA and counted towards the qualitative and quantitative requirements.
“WM” Withdrawn Military – Students who are members of the U.S. armed forces and withdraw in the middle of a course, called
to active duty, specialized training or as part of a relief effort disaster with little notice. This does NOT pertain to initial active-duty
training (i.e. basic training). Students must provide a copy of their orders to the College President or Director of Nursing along
with a signed note asking to be withdrawn. A “WM” grade will not be counted towards the qualitative and quantitate requirement.
“R” Repeat Courses – Student who earn a “W” & “I” on any course(s) in the will be required to repeat those course(s) prior to
externship. The failing grade and the passing grade for the course being repeated will be recorded on the student’s academic record.
Repeating a course more than once requires approval by the College President and the student will be responsible for the cost of
repeat course(s). The higher grade of the two courses taken will be posted on the student transcript and will be counted toward the
qualitative and quantitative requirements.
“TR” Transfer Credits – Credits completed at another institution nationally accredited and recognized by the US Department of
Education (USDOE).
The students who have failed to meet the Qualitative standards are placed on Financial Aid Warning; if no improvement over the
next payment period, the student will be placed on Academic Suspension, with a loss of Title IV, HEA funds and they may appeal
the decision. Please review the appeal and probation requirements stated in this policy for guidance on the process. The Director
of Financial Aid in coordination with the Registrar’s Office monitors qualitative progress.
Academic Year Definition
Rio Grande Valley College academic year is defined as no less than 600 and no more than 900 clock hours and 26 weeks for Title
IV purposes. The academic year in credit hours is defined as 24 semester credits and 30 weeks in length. For Title IV payments
the student must meet both clock/credit hours and weeks of instruction as well as complying with all standards for Satisfactory
Academic Progress before they can receive federal student aid payments. Programs less than 600 hours, the academic year will be
defined by the duration of the program from the start to end date.
Evaluation Periods
Evaluations are conducted at the end of each payment period to determine if the student has met the minimum SAP requirements.
Evaluations are based on the cumulative scheduled attendance (present and absent hours) percentage of 90% as of the last day of
the evaluation period. The attendance percentage is determined by dividing the total hours accrued by the total number of hours
scheduled. An evaluation of the cumulative attendance from the beginning of the course will indicate that, given the same
attendance rate, the student will graduate within the maximum time frame allowed.
Examples:
For the 1765 clock hour Vocational Nursing course, a student will be evaluated at the increments in which the
student is scheduled to reach 450, 900, and 1333 clock hours.
For the 780-clock hour Pharmacy Technician course a student will be evaluated at the increments at which the
student is scheduled to reach 390 clock hours.
For the 900-clock hour Medical Assistant course a student will be evaluated at the increments at which the student
is scheduled to reach 450 clock hours.
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For credit hours programs, students are evaluated at 12 semesters credits and 15 weeks.
In the event a student reaches his/her scheduled graduation date and has hours remaining to complete, the student will receive
additional evaluations; either at the time the student is scheduled to reach each additional 375 clock hours, or at the time of actual
completion of the remaining hours, whichever occurs first.
Non-credit and Remedial Courses
Noncredit and remedial courses do not apply to this institution. Therefore, these items have no effect upon the school's satisfactory
progress standards.
Warning/Development Status/Appeal/Probation
Students who fail to meet minimum requirements attendance and academic requirements for the Allied-Health and Vocational
Nursing Programs at the end of a payment period will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students who meet the minimum
attendance and grade requirements are compliant with the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Minimum Attendance and Academic Requirements:
Allied-Health Programs
Be in attendance 90% of the program length
70% cumulative grade average or 2.0 GPA
Vocational Nursing Program
No more than 40 clock hours absent
78% cumulative grade point average or 2.0 GPA
Nurse Aide Program
No more than one day
78% cumulative grade average
Nursing – A.A.S.
• No more than two absences per course per
semester
• No more than one absence for laboratory or
clinical per course per semester
78% cumulative grade average or 2.0 GPA
Physical Therapist Assistant – A.A.S.
Must be in attendance 90% for each course
75% cumulative grade average or 2.0 GPA
The school evaluates Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at the end of each payment period and checks for the following:
➢ Must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA);
➢ Attendance, the student must meet half of the scheduled clock hours of instruction for that program’s payment period to
be eligible for the next payment.
➢ Weeks of instruction, the student must meet half the weeks of instruction for that program’s payment period to be eligible
for the next payment.
If a student falls below a 2.0 GPA, or if the student is not completing the required amount of clock hours to keep pace with the
requirements for graduation within the 150%-time frame, will result in the student being placed on Financial Aid Warning for one
payment period. A student who is put on a Financial Aid Warning can continue to receive Title IV, HEA funding for the next
payment period after they receive the warning status.
If the student is not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of the Financial Aid Warning period, the student will be
placed on Academic development Status, with a loss of Title IV, HEA funding and will be required to meet specific criteria of
an improvement plan to assist them in regaining SAP and Title IV, HEA eligibility. During this period the students will not be
eligible to receive Title IV, HEA funds but he/she may continue on a cash pay basis with an approved payment plan. Arrangements
for payment must be approved within 10 school days of notification of development status.
If a student is making SAP at the end of the Financial Aid Warning, they shall be returned to normal SAP status with no loss of
Title IV eligibility.
Financial Aid Probation Status
If the Financial Aid Probation Status is granted, the student will regain Title IV, HEA eligibility for the next eligible payment period
only. The student must be making SAP at the end of the payment period to regain Title IV, HEA funding for the next payment
period.
When a student is placed on Financial Aid Probation status, he or she will be required to do the following:
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1. Agree to a written academic plan that specifies how the student will regain SAP. The plan may include but is not limited
to mandatory tutoring, scheduled advisement sessions extra course assignments, repeating a course for which the student
received a failing grade and/or repeating a course from which the student withdrew.
2. Sign the academic plan (a copy will be kept in the student’s file).
A student on Financial Aid Probation because of a successful appeal in eligible for Title IV, HEA funds for ONE payment period
only.
Students who regain SAP at the end of the next payment period will have regained full eligibility for Title IV, HEA funding.
The student on financial aid warning, probation or Title IV, HEA funding suspension for a payment period may not receive the
Title IV, HEA funding for the subsequent period unless the student makes SAP.
Requirements for the Academic Improvement Plan
◆ Maintain an attendance percentage that will ensure the student will meet Satisfactory Academic Progress by the next
payment period.
◆ Maintain an 80% grade point average for Vocational Nursing Program and the Nursing-Associate of Applied Science and
75% grade point average for Allied Health Programs. (The higher-grade point is required to raise the standard to help the
student make up for areas that may have been previously lacking).
◆ Attend theory class regularly (student must attend an average of 4 out of the 5 hours required for theory class each week).
◆ Complete all required tests and projects assigned (test and projects must be completed and turned in when requested).
◆ The academic improvement plan will be monitored by the College President and Director of Nursing.
◆ The school will notify the student each month on their academic improvement status during the monthly progress
report/advising session. The status of the student’s report will be written on the progress report form for the student to sign.
◆ Students choosing to remain in school while requesting an appeal will be responsible for charges accrued whether the
appeal is granted.
Appeal Process
A student who loses their financial aid eligibility due to Financial Aid Probation after a Financial Aid Warning has the right to file
an appeal regarding their Satisfactory Academic Progress evaluations. A student, who wishes to appeal Academic Probation Status
and loss of Title IV eligibility, must submit a written request to the College President or Director of Nursing within ten (10) business
days of being notified that they are in a non-satisfactory progress status.
The student must describe any unusual circumstance(s) that the student believes deserve special consideration. The basis on
which a student may file an appeal: death of a relative, an injury, or illness of the student or other special circumstance. The
student must provide supporting documents and describe in writing the unusual circumstance(s) that the student believes deserve
special consideration. The student must provide information as to why they did not make SAP and what has changed that will allow
them to make SAP by the next evaluation point.
Once the College President or Director of Nursing receives the appeal, they will evaluate the appeal and provide a decision within
ten (10) business days. The College President will notify the student in writing of the decision and all decisions are final.
Returning Student from a Leave of Absence or a Withdrawal
All students who have withdrawn or taken a leave of absence and choose to re-enter into a course, will be placed under the same
satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress status prevailing at the time of the prior withdrawal or leave.
Re-establishment of Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students may re-establish satisfactory academic progress by meeting minimum attendance and academic requirements at the next
evaluation point.
Reinstatement of Financial Aid
A prior student requesting to be reinstated as an active student, based on whatever reasons or circumstances, should do so in writing
to the College President or Director of Nursing (DON). Supportive documentation and/or information concerning any mitigating
circumstances should be noted in the request. The requesting prior student shall be notified of the Reinstatement Review within
five (5) days following the decision of the College President or Director of Nursing (DON). Title IV, HEA funds will be reinstated
to qualified students who have received a financial aid probation as a result of a successful appeal or who have re-established
satisfactory academic progress by meeting the minimum cumulative attendance and academic requirements at the end of a payment
period and are able to complete their program within the maximum time frame.
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Reinstatement before 180 days
Students who withdraw prior to completion of the course and wish to re-enroll within six months (180 days) of the original official
withdrawal date will return in the same satisfactory academic progress status as at the time of withdrawal.
Students who have been terminated or withdrew from school may re-enroll (if determined eligible) within 180 days and will not
incur additional charges, however these students will be responsible to pay any remaining balance from the previous enrollment
that cannot be covered with reinstated federal funds.
Students who have been terminated or withdrew from school and re-enroll (if determined eligible), after more than 180 days will
pay a $100 application free and will be charged for contracted hours at the current tuition rate. All re-enrolling student will be
provided the school’s re-enrollment policy and will be evaluated by the College President and/or Director of Nursing for subject
placement. Students applying for re-entry or transfer-in from other schools will be required, as a condition of enrollment, to bring
delinquent prior student loans to a current status.
Financial Appeal Granted
The student will be placed on a Financial Aid Probation for the payment period should he/she prevails on their appeal. The student
will then be eligible for Title IV, HEA funds for that payment period. While on Financial Aid Probation, the student must meet the
institutions Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and complete the requirements of the Academic Improvement Plan, which
was developed by the institution to assist the student in regaining their Title IV eligibility. A student on Financial Aid Probation
because of a successful appeal is eligible for Title IV, HEA funds for ONE payment period only.
Disclosure of Education Records
Students and parents of minor students have the right to inspect, review, and challenge information contained in their educational
records. The parents of tax dependent students are only allowed to access to the proof that their children are attending school for
tax purposes, not the remainder of the student’s records. Once the student reaches the age of 18, they become a legal adult and
must give a written consent for their records to be released, even to their parents. However, a staff member must be present.
Educational records are defined as files, materials, and documents, which contain information directly related to the students and
are securely maintained by the school. The school will maintain students’ files for three (3) years. Students are not entitled to
inspect the financial records of their parents. Before publishing the directory information, the school will give the students and the
guardians of dependent minor students the chance to deny the authority to publish the directory information. Written consent is
required before educational records may be disclosed to third parties with the exception of Accrediting Commissions or
Governmental Agencies as authorized by law.
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND ACT (FERPA) POLICY
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of education records. The
Act grants students the right to:
• Inspect and review their education records
• Request a correction to those education records
• Control the disclosure of certain aspects of their education records
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
What is an Education Record?
As defined by FERPA, an education record is information about a student that is maintained by the institution as part of the
educational process. Education records include files, documents, and materials in any medium such as, emails, computer files,
computer screens, printouts, tapes, disks, film, and microfilm/microfiche. Education records do NOT include private notes of
instructors or staff members (sole possession records), campus police records, medical records, or aggregate (statistical) data that
contains no personally identifiable information about any students.
What is Directory Information?
Under the terms of FERPA, the institution is permitted to disclose “Directory Information” without the student’s consent. RGV
College has established the following as Directory Information:
• The student’s name
• School and home addresses
• RGV College email address
• Telephone number
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• Program of study
• Dates of attendance
• Full- or part-time status classification
• Degrees, honors, and awards received (including Dean’s List) and date granted
• Anticipated graduation date
• Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• For members of athletic teams, weight and height
Information not included in the list above is considered confidential and may not be released to anyone, including parents of the
student, without written consent from the student. RGV College staff may only have access to this information if they have a
legitimate need to use it in the fulfillment of their professional responsibilities.
FERPA permits students to inform RGV College that Directory Information is not to be released. A student may restrict the
release of Directory Information by submitting the Exclusion of Directory Information Form to the Office of the Registrar. A copy
of this form can be requested at the Registrar’s Office.
If the student restricts the release of Directory Information, a privacy warning message will display on the Institution’s student
information system, and class rosters that are emailed to faculty will have the word “INVOKED” under the “PRIVACY” heading.
No information can be released on that student without written consent of that student. The institution will respond to inquiries
regarding students who have requested exclusion of Directory Information as follows:
“We have no information to release on that individual. Please contact the person directly.”
To whom and under what conditions can RGV College disclose non-directory, personally identifiable information without
the written consent of the student?
• School officials with legitimate educational interests (i.e., need to know to fulfill their professional responsibilities)
• A person or company with whom the University has officially contracted
• A person serving on the Board of Trustees
• Officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
• In the event of a health or safety emergency, to appropriate persons as required to protect the safety of students
Can parents have access to children’s education records?
At the postsecondary level, parents have no inherent right to inspect the education records of their sons or daughters. RGV College
policy requires that students provide written authorization in order for parents to access their education records. With appropriate
documentation, the institution may disclose education records to parents of students who are claimed as dependents for federal
income tax purposes without the student’s written authorization.
What are some specific examples of FERPA violations?
• Publicly posting grades by student name or any part of the RGV College ID number without the student’s written permission
• Leaving graded tests or papers in a stack for students to pick up by sorting through the papers of all students
• Circulating a printed class roster with names and any part of the RGV College ID, SSN, or grades as an attendance sheet
• Discussing the student’s progress or records with anyone other than the student (including parents) without the student’s
written consent, with the exception of college officials who have a legitimate educational interest in order to fulfill their
professional responsibilities
• Sending a letter of recommendation that includes information from a student’s record, such as grades, GPA, or course
attendance, without explicit written permission of the student to release that information
• Sending a letter of recommendation for a student employee, graduate assistant, or teaching assistant that provides details
about that student’s employment (i.e., wages, dates of employment) without written permission of the student
• Providing lists of students enrolled in class to a third party for any commercial purpose
• Providing student schedules or assisting anyone other than institution employees in finding a student on campus
• Permitting unauthorized use of any information in the files maintained, stored, or processed by the office in which you are
employed. This includes copies of permission, registration, or add/drop forms
• Releasing confidential student information to another student, institution organization, or outside entities
• Distributing a student’s transcripts. Transcript requests must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office
• Leaving reports or computer screens with student information in view of others or leaving your terminal unattended
• Allowing another person to access student records because you permit him or her to use your access code
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• Inappropriately disposing of paperwork containing confidential student information (i.e.ID number, GPA or grades) by
placing it in the trash or recycle bin, rather than shredding the information
• Giving out Directory Information if the student has submitted the Exclusion of Directory Information Form (i.e., has a privacy
warning message displayed on the institution’s student information system).
Any knowledge of a violation must be immediately reported to a supervisor.
What are the responsibilities as an RGV College employee?
As an employee of RGV College, you may have access to student records. Their confidentiality, use, and release are governed by
FERPA. You have a responsibility to protect all education records in your possession. These include records relating to students
who have business with your department, any documents from the Registrar’s Office, computer printouts in your office, name lists,
and official course or grade rosters. Your job places you in a position of trust and you are an integral part in ensuring that student
information is handled properly. In general, all student information must be treated as confidential. Even public or Directory
Information is subject to restriction on an individual basis.
What happens if the institution does not comply with FERPA?
The Department of Education may issue a notice to cease the practice complained of and ultimately could withhold student aid
funding. Depending on the type of record and the nature of the disclosure, other penalties could be imposed.
Where can I find out more information about FERPA?
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html?src=rn
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
All students are required to own an Intel-based desktop/laptop computer with the capacity to connect to the internet via a wireless
connection. Software required on each desktop/laptop includes Microsoft Office Suites (XP or higher). The Microsoft Office Suite,
which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, is available to students via their RGV College email.
PC
Mac
• Processor
i5 Minimum
• Processor
i5 Minimum
• Memory
8GB Minimum
• Memory
8GB Minimum
• Hard Drive
250 GB Minimum
• Hard Drive
250 GB Minimum
• Wireless
N Capable
• Wireless
N Capable
• Operating System
Windows 7
• Operating System
OSX 10.7 Minimum
• Other
• Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus
• Microsoft Security Essentials or other antivirus
Supported Browsers
• Internet Explorer 9, 10 and 11.
• Chrome 30 and 31
• Safari 9, 10 11 and 12
• Firefox 81.0.1
• Flash Version 32.0.0.433
• Respondus Lockdown Browser Version: 2.0.6.08
• Other
• Microsoft Office 2011 with Outlook
• Parallels/Windows 7 Minimum
• Clam XAV or other antivirus
Supported Browsers
• Internet Explorer 9, 10 and 11.
• Chrome 30 and 31
• Safari 9, 10 11 and 12
• Firefox 81.0.1
• Flash Version 32.0.0.433
• Respondus Lockdown Browser Version: 2.0.6.08
CONDUCT POLICIES
Student Conduct Policy
Students are expected to conduct themselves with acceptable behavior and appearance, as defined in this catalog and by consultation
of the College President. Those who do not conduct themselves in this manner may be subject to disciplinary action, up to, and
including termination. Violation of the civil law will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
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Conduct Violations on campus that may result in disciplinary action or termination include, but are not limited to:
• Use of cell phones in class.
• Disseminating false alarms or threats
• Destruction or damage of personal or school property;
• Disruption or obstruction of instruction, classroom activity, research, administrative activity, or other school activity on
campus (this includes, tardiness, talking in class, making noise, etc.)
• Reckless driving or parking violations on campus;
• Cheating or stealing;
• Soliciting or other commercial activities without the school’s permission.
The following constitutes immediate termination:
• Unlawful possession, use, distribution, or attempted unlawful possession, or distribution, or under the influence, of drugs
and/or alcohol. Students will be issued substance abuse prevention policy that they must read and sign. This policy is
considered agreed upon; as released to students through the school catalog, by the students signing the “Receipt of
Enrollment Policies” indicating that a catalog was received and thus acknowledge this policy.
• Hazing of students or initiation that is dangerous, harmful, or degrading;
• Forceful or illegal entry into any area within the school property.
• Disobedience or insubordination to faculty or staff.
• Fighting or abusive behavior towards others
• Possessions of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or any other weapons.
• Illegal activities or other actions deemed inappropriate by the College President
• Sexual Harassment (See Policy on Sexual Harassment)
• Bullying and Stalking Behavior (See Bullying and Stalking Policy)
NOTE: Students terminated for Conduct Violations will not be readmitted to the College.
Zero Tolerance Policy for Gun Violence and Hand-Gun Gestures
This policy is implemented by Rio Grande Valley College to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals on the educational
campus and to create an environment that is free from the threat of gun violence and related behaviors.
Zero Tolerance for Gun Violence:
1. Possession of Firearms: The possession, carrying, or use of firearms, including but not limited to handguns, on the Rio
Grande Valley College campus is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate expulsion.
2. Threats or Intimidation: Any verbal or written threats of gun violence, whether direct or implied, will not be tolerated.
Such actions will result in severe disciplinary consequences, including expulsion.
3. Reporting: All students, faculty, and staff at Rio Grande Valley College are encouraged to promptly report any information
related to potential gun violence to the designated authorities. Reports can be made anonymously if desired.
Zero Tolerance for Hand-Gun Gestures:
1. Definition: Hand-gun gestures are defined as any physical gestures or actions that mimic the handling or use of a firearm,
even if no actual weapon is present.
2. Prohibition: Engaging in hand-gun gestures that may cause fear, intimidation, or disrupt the educational environment at
Rio Grande Valley College is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate expulsion.
3. Disciplinary Consequences: Violations of the hand-gun gesture policy will result in expulsion, with no exceptions.
Disciplinary actions may also include counseling, parental notification, and other measures as deemed necessary.
4. Education and Awareness: Rio Grande Valley College will conduct awareness campaigns to educate students, faculty, and
staff about the impact and consequences of gun violence and hand-gun gestures.
Enforcement:
1. Investigations: All reports of potential gun violence or hand-gun gestures at Rio Grande Valley College will be thoroughly
investigated by campus authorities.
2. Collaboration: Rio Grande Valley College will collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive
and effective response to any reported incidents.
3. Disciplinary Committee: A disciplinary committee will be established at Rio Grande Valley College to review cases of
alleged violations and determine appropriate disciplinary actions.
This policy of Rio Grande Valley College will be periodically reviewed to ensure its effectiveness and may be revised as needed to
address emerging issues or changes in the educational environment.
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Adherence to this policy is essential for fostering a safe and secure educational environment for all individuals at Rio Grande Valley
College. Any deviations from this policy will be addressed promptly and with the utmost seriousness."
Dress Code
Students at Rio Grande Valley College are expected to always dress in a professional manner. The Nursing Programs as well as
the degree programs may require additional dress code guidelines and are outlined in the program specific student handbook.
Failure to follow the guidelines outlined below may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal from
the College.
1) Hair
a) No “bling” hair accessories or hair extensions may be used.
b) Hair shall be kept out of face; Male students shall keep beards away from the neckline and mustaches clean and neatly
trimmed or clean shaven. Beards and mustaches shall not be longer than 1 inch. If a clinical site deems the student
unable to pass N95 mask test, then the student will be sent home, hours deducted and shall not return to school/clinical
until the beard meets their criteria.
c) Hair must be clean, well groomed, above the collar and away from the face to be in compliance with Infection Control
standards. Hair barrettes, bands should be of color compatible to the hair color or same color of the assigned uniform.
Ribbons, scarves, colored barrettes and alligator clips are not acceptable.
d) When hair is worn up, it must be in a braid, bun, ponytail or French twist. All lose hair must be restrained, including pony
tails (men/women), and bangs will be worn above the eye brows, hair must not touch the collar. Male students must keep
beards away from the neckline and mustaches clean and neatly trimmed or be clean-shaven.
e) Hair color – No unnatural distracting dye colors: Example: bright reds, blues, pinks, greens, purples, orange, white and/or
stripes etc.
2) Jewelry
a) Only a minimum amount of jewelry should be worn. This provides safe, comfortable, and sanitary conditions for the
patient and the care provider. The student may wear:
b) Pierced earrings, one earing per ear lobe of small studs. No other body jewelry allowed.
c) Rings, one plain band only – NO STONES, no grooves or carvings and/or no other designs.
d) One wristwatch with a second hand. NO SMART WATCHES ALLOWED.
e) No necklaces or bracelets allowed.
3) Tattoos
a) If tattoos are visible, they must be covered while in the classroom and/or clinical setting.
4) Fingernails
a) Nails may be freshly polished, if desired, WITH pale or neutral POLISH, and are not to exceed the tips of the fingers
in length. Artificial fingernails are not allowed.
5) Hygiene
a) Good oral hygiene and clean bodies, free of odor are essential. Cosmetics should be applied discretely, No false eyelashes
or hair extensions.
6) General Classroom Attire
a) Uniforms must be worn to class daily.
b) Name badge must be worn at all times visible at eye level (class & clinical).
c) While in uniform the student must comply with all areas of the guidelines for professional appearance such as hair,
jewelry, etc.
7) Spirit Shirt Days
a) Fridays are designated as a spirit shirt day for Days students and Mondays for evening-weekend students.
b) Students may dress ONLY in jeans (not torn and in good repair), and a spirit shirt of their choosing (shall have school
logo or name). Shoes may be of the students’ choosing but no greater than 2 inches in height. Students may wear their
hair down. All other attire policies apply. Spirits shirts may be purchased from the school. Due to temperature changes,
Navy lab coat may be worn. The administration will notify the students when the school is participating in awareness
days or months and if other T-shirts may be worn.
If the student opts not to participate in Spirit Shirt Friday, they shall wear their school uniform. All attire policies apply.
If the student is scheduled for clinical or in school clinical, white uniform and all attire policies apply.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking another person's writing, conversation, song, or even idea and passing it off as your own. This includes
information from web pages, books, songs, television shows, email messages, interviews, articles, artworks or any other medium.
Whenever you paraphrase, summarize, or take words, phrases, or sentences from another person's work, it is necessary to indicate
the source of the information within your paper using an internal citation. It is not enough to just list the source in a bibliography at
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the end of your paper. Failing to properly quote, cite or acknowledge someone else's words or ideas with an internal citation is
plagiarism.
Food and Drinks
No food or drinks are allowed in the classrooms, laboratories and any common areas of the building such as hallways or lobbies.
All drinking and eating at the school should be done in the student lounge or designated areas. Students who do not adhere to this
regulation can be subject to disciplinary action.
Cell Phone and Electronic Items
Electronic items such as cell phones are to be turned off while in the classroom, computer lab, student resource center and hallways.
The use of blue tooth and wired earpiece devices are not allowed and must be removed while on campus. The use of cell phones
shall be for emergency use only and restricted to the inside and outside student break areas. Tablets and laptops may be used in the
classroom for note-taking and educational purposes with instructor approval only.
Unauthorized Recordings Policy
RGV College prohibits unauthorized or secret audio and /or video recording; but not limited to, a conversation, phone calls or
meetings with faculty or staff. While some states permit audio recording by one party to a conversation, this policy prohibits such
recording without the consent of all parties to the conversation, regardless of the location of each party. Students found in violation
of this policy may be terminated from the institution.
Copyright Infringement Policy
Rio Grande Valley College utilizes a variety of textbooks and workbooks for both allied health programs and the vocational nurse
program. No part of the textbooks/workbooks shall be reproduced, transmitted, or used in any form or by any means graphic,
electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, taping, web distribution,
information networks, or information storage and retrieving systems, excepted as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976
United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Rio Grande Valley College follows an internal policy and has the right to terminate or dismiss any student who violates the
copyright policy. This infringement will be reviewed by the institution’s administration to determine disciplinary action that will
be taken.
Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for violation of Federal Copyright Laws
Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted
to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right
to reproduce or distribute copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading, or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted
work without authority constitutes an infringement.
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright
infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than
$30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its
discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to
$250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov, especially
their FAQ's at www.copyright.gov/help/faq.
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AND ALCOHOL POLICY
In accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), and the Drug-
Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 101-690), our school provides all students and employees with the following information
concerning school policies and the consequences of the manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of illicit drugs or alcohol on
an annual basis.
Students and employees are prohibited from unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, possessing, or using illicit drugs or alcohol
while on school property or participating in any school activity. Violation of this policy will subject students or employees to
disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination from employment. In addition, violation may result in local, state,
and and/or federal criminal charges.
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Legal sanctions under local, state, and federal laws may include:
• Suspension, revocation, or denial of a driver’s license
• Property seizure
• Mandated community service
• Felony conviction that may result in 20-50 years imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole
• Monetary fines
In addition to local and state authorities, the federal government have four agencies (the Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs
Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Coast Guard) engaged in combating illicit drugs. Once should be aware
that:
• It is a crime to hold someone else’s illicit drugs
• It is a crime to sell fake “dope”
• It is a crime for being in a house where people are using illicit drugs, even if you are not using them
• It is a crime if drugs are in your locker, car, purse, or house which is considered “constructive possession”
Drug abuse, which can affect ones physical and emotional health and social life, is the utilization of natural and/or synthetic chemical
substances for non-medical reasons to affect the body and its processes, the mind and nervous system and behavior. Drugs can be
highly addictive and injurious to the body. Among the manifestations may be loss of sense of responsibility and coordination,
restlessness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, depression, acting slow-moving, inattentiveness, loos of appetite, sexual indifference,
come, convulsions, and death.
There are classic danger signals that could be indicative of drug use. These danger signals include:
• Abrupt changes in mood or attitude
• Continuing slump at work or school
• Continuing resistance to discipline at work or school
• Cannot get along with family or friends
• Unusual temper flare-ups
• Increased borrowing of money
• Heightened secrecy
• A complete new set of friends
Information regarding the effects of commonly abused drugs may be found on the internet at
www.nida.nih.gov/DrugsofAbuse.html.
Drug and alcohol abuse education programs are offered by local community agencies. The school will post information about such
education programs in the Student Lounge and Resource Area.
While care must be taken to ensure that a person is not wrongly accused of drug use, it is recommended that anyone who notes
danger signals in either a student or employee contact the College President’s Office. If it is determined by the College President
that a student or employee is in need of assistance to overcome a drugs problem, he/she may be counseled on the need to seek
assistance. The cost of such assistance or treatment will be the responsibility of the student or employee. Records of such counseling
will remain confidential.
In certain instances, students and employees may be referred to counseling and/or a substance abuse help center. If such a referral
is made, continued enrollment or employment is contingent upon attendance and successful completion of any prescribed counseling
or treatment. Students or employees who are seeking treatment for a substance abuse problem may contact the College President’s
Office. Confidentiality will be maintained. In additional, students or employees who believe they have a substance abuse problem
may find sources of treatment or advice by referring to the section of the local telephone book headed “Drug Abuse & Addiction
Information and Treatment.”
There are also national organizations that may be contacted for help, such as:
• The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Hotline 1-800-ALCOHOL (1-800-252-6465)
• National Drug Abuse Helpline 1-866-874-4553
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• The National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment Referral Hotline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or
http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
• Al-Anon for Families of Alcoholics 1-800-344-2666
Student and employees must notify the College President, in writing, within five days of being convicted of a criminal drug
statute at the school.
CAMPUS CRIME AND ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
The Jeanne Clery Act requires that all institutions of higher education publish an annual report of security policies and crime
statistics. Information contained in this report was also solicited from the local police department for the purpose of identifying
crimes that occurred on the city streets and property adjacent to RGV College. The school prepares this report to comply with the
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). This report is prepared in cooperation
with local law enforcement agencies. Nothing in the law shall be construed to permit a school to retailers, intimidate, threaten,
coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the implementation of the Clery Act.
This report is made available to all employees, current and prospective students on the institute’s website
https://www.rgvcollege.edu for a printed copy of this report visit with the Director of Compliance. The annual report is published
by October 1
st
of each year and must contain certain crime statistics for the most recent year reporting period. In addition to the
report RGV College reports its crime statistics to the Department of Education, which posts the information to their website at
http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/InstList.aspx
RGV College policies and procedures have been in force to comply with The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in compliance
with the requirements set forth by The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, and its reauthorization in 2000, 2005 and
again in 2013.
The Consumer Information is a Guide that provides updates on specific policies. These policies are made available to new
employees and to students upon enrolling. Training is provided to current employees on an ongoing, yearly basis. Resources and
contact information for organization that provide professional assistance are provided throughout the Consumer Information Guide
located in the RGV College website www.rgvcollege.edu.
Our school attempts to provide students and employees with a safe and secure environment in which to study and work. The school
is open during regular business hours. School facilities are secure during times the school is not open.
The Campus Security Act (Public Law 102-26) requires postsecondary institutions to disclose the number of instances in which
certain specific types of crimes have occurred in any building or on any property owned or controlled by this institution which is
used for activities related to the educational purpose of the institution and/or any building or property owned or controlled by student
organizations recognized by this institution. In compliance with that law, the following reflects this institution’s crime statistics for
the period between 01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021 (THREE MOST COMPLETED CALENDAR YEARS).
The following criminal offenses, published each year and must be reported no later than October 1 of each year, include
any crime statistics that occurred ON CAMPUS or PUBLIC PROPERTY during the previous three calendar year periods.
Date updated as of 09/14/2023 Report Distribution Date: September 18, 2023
PRIMARY CRIMES
TOTAL OCCURRENCES
On Campus Property
On Public Property
2020
2021
2022
2020
2021
2022
Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter
0
0
0
0
0
0
Negligent Manslaughter
0
0
0
0
0
0
Rape
0
0
0
0
0
0
Fondling
0
0
0
0
0
0
Incest
0
0
0
0
0
0
Statutory Rape
0
0
0
0
0
0
Robbery
0
0
0
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault
0
0
0
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
0
0
0
Motor vehicle theft
0
0
0
0
0
0
Robbery
0
0
0
0
0
0
Arson
0
0
0
0
0
0
ARREST
TOTAL OCCURRENCES
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PRIMARY CRIMES
TOTAL OCCURRENCES
On Campus Property
On Public Property
Arrest Related to:
2020
2021
2022
2020
2021
2022
Drug Abuse Violations
0
0
0
0
0
0
Liquor Law Violations
0
0
0
0
0
0
Weapons: Carrying, possession, etc.
0
0
0
0
0
0
DISCIPLINARYACTION
TOTAL OCCURRENCES
On Campus Property
On Public Property
Non-Arrest/Disciplinary
2020
2021
2022
2020
2021
2022
Drug Abuse Violations
0
0
0
0
0
0
Liquor Law Violations
0
0
0
0
0
0
Weapons: Carrying, possession, etc.
0
0
0
0
0
0
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN OFFENSES (VAWA)
TYPE OF VIOLENCE
TOTAL OCCURRENCES
On Campus Property
On Public Property
2020
2021
2022
2020
2021
2022
Domestic Violence
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dating Violence
0
0
0
0
0
0
Stalking
0
0
0
0
0
0
*On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA) (Pub. Law 113-4). The HEA
defines the new crime categories of domestic violence, dating, violence, and stalking in accordance with section 40002(s) of the Violence Against
Women Act of 1994.
Hate Offenses:
The school must report by category of prejudice the following crimes reported to local police agencies or to a campus security
authority that manifest evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, gender,
religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability, as prescribed by the Hate Crimes Statistics Act (28 U.S.C 534) occurred.
Hate Crime
Occurrences
Total by Year
Category of Bias for Crimes Reported in 2021
2020
2021
2022
Race
Religion
Sexual
Orientation
Gender
Gender
Identity
Disability
Ethnicity
National
origin
Murder/Non-negligent
manslaughter
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Rape
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Fondling
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Incest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Statutory rape
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Aggravates assault
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Motor vehicle theft
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Arson
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Simple assault
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Larceny-theft
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Intimidation
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Destruction/damage/
vandalism of property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Contact Information
Office Responsible to provide a copy of the Campus Security information
Belinda Ibarra, Director of Compliance
Campus Safety Officer
Henry Lee, Director of Security
Campus Security Supervisor/Title IX Coordinator
Rene Mendoza, Human Resource
Students and employees should refer to the following person or agency when reporting or seeking help on a criminal incident.
Please note that any emergency that requires immediate attention should not be waited upon on to report to the Human Resource
Director, Institution’s Official but rather contact the appropriate agency by calling (911).
Rene Mendoza 5419 N. Cage Boulevard, Pharr Tx 78577 956-781-6800
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Institutional Official Address Phone number
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Policy against Discrimination
In compliance with Title IX, it is the policy of Rio Grande Valley College not to discriminate against any individual with respect
to their education, entitlement, programs, scholarships, and other terms, conditions and privileges of student’s educational
opportunities because of the person’s race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age or sex.
Policy against Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination
Rio Grande Valley College pursuant to the guidelines on sex discrimination issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission fully supports the rights and opportunities of all students to seek, obtain and secure the full rights, benefits, and
opportunities for their education without subjection to sexual harassment or discrimination of any kind. It is the school’s policy to
provide an educational environment free of sexual harassment of any type.
Policy on Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is a violation of Titles VII and IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and it is against the policies of the school for
any employee, male, female, volunteer worker or any student to sexually harass another student by:
• Making unwelcome sexual advances innuendos or requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual
nature, a condition of a student’s education, or
• Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for educational decisions affecting the student, or
• Behavior Which May Constitute Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment does not refer to behavior or occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior that
is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that fails to respect the rights of others, that lowers morale and/or that, therefore,
interferes with workplace effectiveness. Sexual harassment may take different forms. One specific form is the demand for sexual
favors. Other forms of harassment include:
Verbal: A sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, jokes of a sexual nature, sexual propositions, and threats.
Non-Verbal: Sexually suggestive objects or pictures, graphic commentaries, suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, whistling,
obscene gestures.
Physical: Unwanted physical contact, including touching, pinching, brushing the body, coerced sexual intercourse, assault.
Sexual harassment may be overt or subtle. Some behavior which is appropriate in a social setting may not be
appropriate in the workplace. But whatever form it takes, verbal, non-verbal or physical, sexual harassment is
insulting and demanding to the recipient and cannot be tolerated in the workplace. Sexual harassment by any student,
employee, faculty member, supervisor or administrative staff, is unacceptable. Appropriate disciplinary action will
be taken against any employee or student who violates this sexual harassment policy. Persons found to have engaged
in sexually harassing conduct will be appropriately sanctioned depending upon the nature of the conduct involved.
Such sanctions may include oral reprimands (and a copy of the reprimands filed in the person’s personnel file), leave
without pay, suspension, and in severe cases, termination.
Both men and women can be victims of sexual harassment from either gender.
Making employment decisions based on sexual favoritism or based on gender is strictly prohibited.
Retaliation against any person making a sexual harassment complaint, assisting, or testifying in a sexual harassment
investigation is strictly forbidden and will not be tolerated.
For persons who think they are victims of sexual harassment, the goal should be to establish integrity and
documentation. The following steps should be taken:
1. Confront the harasser. Say that the behavior (be specific) makes you uncomfortable. Tell this offender to stop
the behavior.
2. Document all incidents, actions and conversations related to the problem. Keep a dated diary.
3. If the offensive behavior persists, speak candidly to your counselor about the problem. If the offender is your
counselor, speak to that individual’s supervisor.
4. If nothing is done or if the sexual harassment continues, file a complaint in accordance with the paragraph below.
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All complaints or claims of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated. Persons are encouraged
to communicate directly with one another about the conduct they find offensive. Some instances of “harassment”: may simply
result from one person honestly not realizing that his/her remarks or conduct are offensive. If direct communication does not result
in a resolution of any inappropriate conduct, the following formal procedures must be followed:
1. Complaints regarding sexual harassment should first be made to the school counselor.
2. Complaints may be made either in writing or orally.
3. Every effort will be made to investigate claims of sexual harassment in a manner that will protect the confidentiality of any
witness interviewed in connection with sexual harassment claim. However, because of the need to conduct a fair and objective
investigation confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
4. If the complaint involves students only, the school counselor or program supervisor will investigate the matter and follow the
due process guidelines.
Upon receipt of any oral or written claim of sexual harassment involving an employee of Rio Grande Valley College the claim will
be referred to the Director who will order prompt investigation. The Director will appoint a person to investigate any complaint of
sexual harassment. The investigator appointed will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of the complaint and make a
written report to the supervisor or director who apprises the alleged harasser(s) of the investigators, the Director will decide as to
the appropriate sanctions, if any, to be imposed in the case. Both the complaint and the alleged harasser will be promptly advised
of this decision.
In the event that the one making the complaint, or the alleged harasser disagrees with the Directors decision, that individual may
appeal the decision by making a written appeal to the Rio Grande Valley College’ Board. The board may:
1. Review the written finding and recommendations of the investigators and affirms the decision of the College President.
2. Review the written finding and recommendations of the investigators and change or modify the decision of the director or,
3. Direct that additional investigation be conducted, and make a final decision based upon the finding and recommendations
resulting from the new or additional investigation. If such a new additional investigation is required, the director may appoint
the investigators who conducted the initial investigation or appoint new investigators of his choice.
This policy rescinds and supersedes any previous policies dealing with sexual harassment. In the event any conflicts occur in the
provision of this policy with the provisions of any other school policy and/or procedures, the provisions of THIS policy are
controlling.
Each staff/faculty shall signify that he/she has read the foregoing policy and that they agree to abide by the policy.
Each student will be provided with a copy of this policy and shall signify that they have read the same while a student at Rio Grande
Valley College.
It is the policy of Rio Grande Valley College to resolve any such dispute that otherwise cannot be resolved through the use of
mediation and/or binding arbitration.
Each employee, including faculty members and student, by their continued involvement as an employee or student, agrees to
participate in this process.
BULLYING AND STALKING POLICY
Purpose
Rio Grande Valley College has the responsibility to provide a campus atmosphere free of violence for all students, faculty and staff.
For this reason, the College does not tolerate stalking or bullying and will fully pursue the perpetrators of such acts possible. RGV
College is also committed to supporting victims of bullying through the appropriate provision of safety and support services.
Policy
RGV College is committed to providing a safe and comfortable learning environment; a friendly and relaxing campus atmosphere
that allows individuals to fully maximize their educational potential. Therefore, the College prohibits the use of intimidating,
abusive and disrespectful behavior that is directed at stalking and/or bullying other students, faculty and staff or administrators with
the intent of victimizing that individual.
Individuals who feel they have been the victim of such activities are encouraged to report the incident to the Director of Nursing or
Program Director.
Individuals who report such activities need not fear reprisal. Individuals who fail to report such activities may be held accountable.
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Definitions
Bullying behavior is defined as: the systematic and chronic infliction of physical hurt or psychological distress by teasing, social
exclusion, threat, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, theft, harassment or destruction of property. Bullying may be intentional
or unintentional, however, it must be noted that where an allegation of bullying is made, the intention of the alleged bully is
irrelevant, and will not be given consideration when appropriate disciplinary action is needed.
Examples of bullying:
→ Verbal Bullying: slandering, ridiculing or maligning a personal or his/her family; persistent name calling which is hurtful,
insulting or humiliating; using a person as the butt of jokes; remarks that would be viewed by others in the community as
abusive and offensive; persistently interrupting another person or otherwise preventing another person’s legitimate
attempts to speak; use of nicknames after being warned that the nickname is considered by the victim to be offensive;
constant criticism on matters unrelated to a persona’ job performance or description or on matters that cannot be
documented.
→ Physical Bullying: pushing; shoving; kicking; poking, tripping; assault, or threat of physical assault; damage to a person’s
work area or property.
→ Gesture Bullying: non-verbal threatening gestures, such as, but not limited to, the following: approaching another person
with fists clinched or with one or more other fighting gestures which, could reasonably be interpreted as threatening;
brandishing a weapon; making gestures that would reasonably by interpreted as amorous or sexual in nature.
→ Social Bullying also known as Cyber bullying: engaging in verbal bullying via mail, email, test message, phone, voicemail,
or social medial; deliberately interfering with mail, email, text messages, phone, voicemail or other communication;
spreading malicious rumors or gossip about another person.
→ Prejudicial Bullying: Prejudicial bullying is based on prejudices toward people of different races, religions or sexual
orientation.
Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. A “course of conduct”
can be defined as a pattern of behavior composed of two or more acts over a period of time, however short, that evidence a continuity
of purpose. A “reasonable person” standard asks if a reasonable person is similar circumstances would be made afraid by the
perpetrator’s behavior.
Stalking Behaviors:
→ Non-consensual communication including in-person communication, telephone calls, voice message, text messages, email
messages, social networking site posting, instant messages, postings of pictures or information on Web sites, written letters,
gifts, or any other communications that are undesired and/or place another person in fear
→ Following, pursuing, waiting or showing up uninvited at a workplace, place of residence, classroom, or other locations
frequented by a victim
→ Surveillance and other types of observation, whether by physical proximity or electronic means
→ Trespassing
→ Vandalism
→ Non-consensual touching
→ Direct physical and/or verbal threats against a victim or a victim’s loved ones
→ Gathering of information about a victim from family, friends, co-workers, and/or classmates
→ Manipulative and controlling behaviors such as threat to harm oneself, or threat to harm someone close to the victim
→ Defamation or slander against the victim
Procedure
RGV College Administration encourages the reporting of all incidents of stalking or bullying behavior to law enforcements
authorities and respects that whether or not to report to the police is a decision that the victim needs to make. School administrators
and campus security are available to inform victims of the reporting procedures and offer appropriate referrals. Victims of stalking
or bullying choosing to pursue the reporting process have the right to assistance or consultation of an advocate in accordance with
state law.
In some circumstances, a victim may wish to seek an order of protection from a court of appropriate jurisdiction against the alleged
perpetrator. Victims may also seek restriction of access to the campus by non-students or non-employees in certain circumstances.
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Students who believe they may have experienced bullying or stalking in any form but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is
justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal written complaint, may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with
the Director of Nursing, Program Director or Campus Director in person or via email.
Students who have filed a formal written complaint will be notified within seven (7) business days of the status of the complaint by
the Director of Nursing, Program Director or Campus Director via email.
Individuals found not in compliance with this policy may be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to
expulsion from the institution or termination of employment.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Placement Assistance
Job placement assistant is offered without charge to graduate. In most cases students must successfully complete licensure or board
certifying examinations before they can be placed. Early leavers will also be assisted in job search efforts. The Placement office
will assist students to complete employment applications, write resumes, develop job leads, and review interviewing techniques.
Rio Grande Valley College does not guarantee employment. The school maintains a record of all student placements. Students
must cooperate with the school to provide their placement information.
Requirements for Graduation
Minimum requirements for graduation are at least a 70% for the Allied- Health and 78% for Vocational Nursing Program passing
grade on examinations and class participation at the end of the course, satisfactory skill performance during the externship and
satisfactory attendance as per school requirements.
The school will award a Nursing – Associate of Applied Science degree when a student has completed all academic program
requirements and fulfilled all financial obligations.
Student Parking
Students are expected to obtain a parking permit to park their vehicle on campus in their respective zones. The parking permit will
allow you to park in the designated parking zones located in front of the school building. The Parking permit cost is $25.00 and is
good from the time or purchase until the end of the school year. Parking permits are purchased during the enrollment process.
Transcript Request
Official transcript requests must be submitted in writing to the Registrar’s Office, please allow five (5) business days. A $5.00 fee
is required for all transcript requests.
Student must have met all obligations to the institution in order to have an official/unofficial transcript released. The obligations
include but are not limited to financial, academic, attendance and externship/clinical documentation.
Name Change
Name change requests must be submitted in writing to the Registrar’s Office. Valid documentation for name changes request
includes marriage license, social security cards, passport, divorce decree or court order.
Academic Advising
The school staff and faculty welcome the opportunity to assist students in working out solutions to problems impending educational
success. School faculty and staff are always available to provide academic counseling when necessary. The institution is committed
to helping you achieve educational goals. Students requiring other types of professional counseling will be referred to outside
counselors or agencies.
Tutoring Services
Students who need extra assistance because of academic difficulties may arrange for tutoring through their instructor. Study groups
are encouraged. In certain situations, the school will make a study period available to students. Course credit is not granted in these
cases.
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Textbooks, Equipment and Supplies
Textbooks will be issued on the 3
rd
day of class for most programs or during orientation for students who have met all admission
and financial aid requirements with the exception of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. All needed supplies and equipment
will be discussed during this time. The institution is not responsible for a student’s equipment or personal belongings not issued by
the school, either lost or stolen.
Inclement Weather Days
RGV College typically closes only when inclement weather is severe enough to cause local businesses to close. The school may
also choose to delay opening rather than close for the entire day. Information on school closings and delayed openings will be
available by tuning into Channel 5 Eyewitness News or by accessing www.rgvcollege.edu. Class time lost due to school closing
may be made up on the next available non-school day. Weather days determined by RGV College are set for April and November
of each year.
Immunization Requirements
The following immunizations are required for all students enrolled at Rio Grande Valley College which have direct patient contact
in the health care setting.
➢ Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Proof of Immunizations – 2 doses or serology report providing immunity.
➢ Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): Proof of “booster” dose administered within the last 10 years
➢ Hepatitis B Virus: Proof of immunizations (complete series) – 3 vaccine series, or serology report proving immunity
➢ Varicella (Chickenpox): Proof of immunizations – 2 doses or serology report proving immunity
➢ Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot): Annually during the months of October and April to provide protection during the flu season
➢ Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TB): Proof of Immunization –TB Skin Test Results, if Negative, it should be done
annually. If Positive, a negative chest x-ray is required within 2 years.
➢ COVID Vaccine – Pfizer (2 doses), Moderna (2 doses) or Johnson & Johnson (1 dose) and any recommended boosters.
Students will assume full cost for any immunizations pending. Questions concerning any exemptions to these requirements should
be directed to the Nursing Education Department at the College. Immunizations from international medical sources will not be
accepted; required vaccines must be administered and validated from a US medical source.
Student Records
Student permanent educational records and necessary financial records containing student’s name, address, telephone number,
social security number, date of birth, program of study, start date, completion or withdrawal date, clock hours and grades are
maintained securely either on computer or in locked file cabinets for a period of at least three years.
Incarcerated Applicants
A student is considered to be incarcerated if she/he is serving a criminal sentence in a federal, state, or local penitentiary, prison,
jail, reformatory, work farm, or similar correctional institution (whether it is operated by the government or a contractor). A student
is not considered to be incarcerated if she/he is in a halfway house or home detention or is sentenced to serve only weekends. Our
attendance policy specifies that all classes and practical studies are done at the school’s physical location; therefor incarcerated
students are not eligible for admissions.
English As-A-Second Language
RGV College does not provide English-as-a-Second Language instruction. Students are required to read, write and speak English
since classes are taught in English.
Grievance Policy
RGV College aims to ensure that students with a grievance relating to their education can use this procedure which can help to
resolve grievances as quickly and as fairly as possible. The grievance should be submitted in writing.
Step 1. Students that have a grievance should discuss it informally with their instructor. We hope that most concerns will be
resolved this way.
Step 2. If the student feels that the matter has not been resolved through the informal discussion, he/she must put the grievance in
writing to the Program Director or Director of Nursing.
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Step 3. The Program Director or Director of Nursing will respond to written grievance within five (5) days and schedule an
appointment to meet with the student to discuss the grievance. During this meeting, the student will be given an opportunity
to present information relevant to the grievance. The Program Director or Director of Nursing will conduct an investigation
and will render the decision of the investigation within ten (10) business days after concluding their investigation.
Step 4. If the student feels that the matter has not been resolved with the Program Director or Director of Nursing, student may
appeal the decision to the College President. The College President will review the grievance, any information relevant to
the grievance. The College President will communicate the decision of the investigation within ten (10) business days.
The College President’s decision will be final. The student’s written complaint along with the College President’s decision
will become part of the student’s permanent file.
Step 5. If the matter is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may write to or upload their grievance to:
Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges
101 East 15
th
Street Room 226-T
Austin, Texas 78778-0001
(512) 936-3100
texasworkforce.org/careerschools
or
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Office of General Counsel
P. O. Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711-2788
Complaint must be filed online and uploaded in PDF format by accessing: https://www1.thecb.state.tx.us/Apps/CRAFT/Home/Create
Complaint may be uploaded via the ABHES complaint system at https://complaintsabhes.com. The complaint should include a
narrative section filled out for each complaint type and have attached any supporting documentation.
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
6116Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda MD 20852
(703) 917-9503
www.abhes.org
Complaints regarding accreditation issues for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program should be addressed to:
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100,
Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085
Contact Number: (703)-706-3245 Email: accreditation@apta.org
Please refer to the PTA Student Handbook for complaint outside of due process refer to the PTA Student Handbook or the
Clinical Education Handbook..
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PROGRAM OUTLINES
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MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Program Description:
This 30 week – 900 clock hour Medical Assistants are trained to perform administrative work, perform certain basic
clinical procedures and assist with examinations and lab work. Duties may include answering phones, scheduling
appointments, and performing bookkeeping related functions. Students will learn to obtain and record health histories,
vital signs, weight and height. In some cases, they may test vision, draw blood, and perform basic lab procedures.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion for Medical Assistant from Rio Grande Valley College. Graduates of this
program may pursue certification by passing a nationally measured and proficiency examination.
Job opportunities may exist with physicians, job opportunities exist in medical offices, outpatient, health maintenance
organizations, and public health agencies. This program is meant to lead to multiple job opportunities and is not meant
to lead to any particular outcome. While job placement assistance is offered, finding a job is the ultimate responsibility
of the student. The institute does not guarantee that any student will be placed in a training related job or at all.
Methods of Delivery: Residential/On-Campus
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Contact Hours
Subject # Subject Title Lec Lab Ext Total
PDMT100 Professional Development with Medical Technology 30 60 00 90
MT100 Medical Terminology 30 00 00 30
AP100 Anatomy and Physiology 30 00 00 30
AP101 Pathophysiology 30 00 00 30
MOS100 Medical Office Administrative Procedures 30 00 00 30
INS100 Medical Insurance 30 00 00 30
EHR100 Electronic Health Records 10 20 00 30
CB100 Career Basics 10 20 00 30
CLIN100 Clinical Procedures 1: Fundamentals of Clinical MA 20 40 00 60
CLIN101 Clinical Procedures 2: Assisting with Medications and
Procedures in the Ambulatory Setting 20 40 00 60
CLIN102 Clinical Procedures 3: Assisting with Medical Specialties 30 60 00 90
CLIN103 Clinical Procedures 4: Diagnostic Procedures 30 60 00 90
CLIN104 Clinical Procedures 5: Assisting with Surgery and
Medical Emergencies 20 40 00 60
CLIN105 MA Credentialing and Exam Review 60 00 00 60
MA110 Medical Assistant Externship 00 00 180 180
Total Clock Hours 380 340 180 900
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PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
Program Description:
This 27 week – 780 clock hour course trains prospective students in competencies that enable the graduate to perform
skills that include: (a) filling medications, (b) preparation of admixtures of I.V. and sterile compounding of solutions,
(c) applying the administrative and technical aspects of administrating a pharmacy, (d) use of terminology and medical
abbreviations as they relate to pharmacy, (e) applying dosage forms and routes of administration, (f) using pharmacy
calculations, (g) applying pharmacy law, (h) interpretation of medication orders, prescriptions and drug classifications.
(i) dealing with purchasing and inventory control (j) applying computer technology and (k) identifying basic anatomic
and physiologic systems as they relate to medication interactions.
Employment opportunities may exist in retail pharmacies as well as other settings such as hospitals, nursing homes,
assisted-living facilities, pharmaceutical warehouses, mail order pharmacies, research labs, as well as federal agencies.
To succeed in this role, pharmacy technicians must be highly detail oriented, be good with numbers, exercise sound
judgment, able to multitask and possess excellent customer service skills.
Graduates of this program will receive a certificate of completion from Rio Grande Valley College and will proceed to
take a National Exam recognized by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
(ExCPT).
Method of Delivery: Residential
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Contact Hours
Subject # Subject Title Lec Lab Ext Total
PDMT100 Professional Development with 30 60 00 90
Medical Technology
MT100 Medical Terminology 30 00 00 30
AP100 Anatomy and Physiology 30 00 00 30
AP101 Pathophysiology 30 00 00 30
CB100 Career Basics 10 20 00 30
PHT101 Orientation to Pharmacy Services 60 00 00 60
PHT102 Pharmaceutical Computer Systems and Applications 30 30 00 60
PHT103 Pharmacology for the Pharmacy Technician 30 60 00 90
PHT104 Aseptic Technique, Sterile and Non-Sterile 30 30 00 60
Compounding and Emergency Preparedness Syllabus
PHT105 Pharmacy Billing and Quality Assurance 60 00 00 60
PHT106 Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Review 30 00 00 30
PHT107 Pharmacy Technician Clinical Experience 00 00 210 210
Total Clock Hours 370 200 210 780
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NURSE AIDE PROGRAM
Program Description:
This program is a five (5) week – 100 clock hour comprehensive nurse aide course that provides the skills and abilities
essential to the provision of basic care to homebound patients and residents in hospitals and long-term facilities.
Upon completion of this course the students will be able to communicate and interact effectively with patients, patient’s
family, co-workers, and friends; assist patients in attaining and maintaining maximum functional independence; maintain the
rights of the residents, patients, and clients; apply proper body mechanics in bed making, lifting, and turning patients; perform
basic First Aid, CPR and take patient vital signs and follow infection control measures.
The student will receive a Certificate of Completion and allow the student to take the examination required by the Texas
Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) to become a part of the Nurse Aide Registry through Prometric. Graduates
of this program may find employment as a Certified Nurse Aide in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Adult Day Care Centers and
Home Health Agencies.
Method of Delivery: Residential
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Contact Hours
Subject # Subject Title Lec Lab Ext Total
NA 101 Intro to Long Term Care 16 00 00 16
NA 102 Personal Care Skills 13 09 00 22
NA 103 Basic Nursing Skills 04 04 00 08
NA 104 Restorative Services 04 00 00 04
NA 105 Mental Health & Social Service Needs 06 00 00 06
NA 106 Social Skills 04 00 00 04
NA 107 Nurse Aide Clinical Experience 00 00 40 40
Total Clock Hours 47 13 40 100
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION TEST
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has contracted with Prometric, a nationally recognized leading provider of
assessment services to regulatory agencies and national associations. Prometric will develop scores and report the results of the Nurse Aide
Examination required for certification and placement on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. The Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) certificate is valid for
two years from the time of issue. The Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) is approved by the Texas Health
and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to train and evaluate an individual’s ability to work as a nurse aide in a facility in the state of Texas.
The Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) will be working with Prometric to schedule and administer the nurse
aide examination.
There are two (2) parts of the Certified Nurse Aide Examination process:
◆ The Clinical Examination. Candidates MUST pass five (5) skills which includes Hand washing and Indirect Care and;
◆ The Written (or Oral) Examination which consists of sixty (60) multiple-choice questions that evaluate your nurse aide knowledge,
and you will have 90 minutes to take the test. This examine is administered via computer using In-Facility Testing at RGV College.
EXAM RESULTS
Your written test is given on computer and a score report will be emailed to you that same day. Shortly after you complete your clinical
examination, you will receive another score report that same day. Successful candidates who pass both the Clinical and Written (Oral)
Examinations will have their information given to HHSC for entry in the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY – BASIC
(Program not approved or regulated by TWC/CSC)
Program Description: This 21-week (DAY) and 32 week (Evening/Weekend) – 630 clock hours course which trains
prospective students in competencies that enables the graduate to successfully pass the National Registry of Emergency
Medical Technology. The Emergency Medical Technology (Basic) will perform skills that include: (a) a brief overview
of the human body, (b) techniques as defined in airway and pulmonary resuscitation for adults and special populations,
(c) communication using various methods and proper documentation, (d) use of terminology and medical abbreviations
as they relate to the EMT-Basic, (e) evaluating the scene for potential hazards, (f) recognizing the signs and symptoms
of allergic reactions, (g) summarize signs of medical/behavioral emergencies. (h) Traumatic injuries to the spine and
head (i) learning the pre-hospital environment and transferring patients with life threatening illness.
Upon successful completion of these courses as required by state regulations, graduates receive a certificate of
completion for Emergency Medical Technology Program-Basic from Rio Grande Valley College. All students must
pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technology Examination prior to registration as an Emergency
Medical Technology-Basic.
Method of Delivery: Residential
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Contact Hours
Subject # Subject Title Lec Lab Ext Total
MT100 Medical Terminology 30 00 00 30
AP100 Anatomy and Physiology 30 00 00 30
AP101 Pathophysiology 30 00 00 30
EMT100 Preparatory 48 12 00 60
EMT101 Airway 18 12 00 30
EMT102 Patient Assessment 18 12 00 30
EMT103 Medical/Behavioral Emergencies and 36 24 00 60
Obstetrics & Gynecology
EMT104 Trauma 36 24 00 60
EMT105 Infants & Children 18 12 00 30
EMT106 Operations 66 24 00 90
EMT107 National Registry Examination Review 60 00 00 60
EMT 110 Emergency Medical Technology Externship 00 30 60 90
CB100 Career Basics 10 20 00 30
Total Clock Hours 400 170 60 630
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
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PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN
Program Description:
This 17 week– 4000 clock hour course prepares students for employment possibilities in hospitals, doctors’ offices and
other health-care facilities. Students will learn all tasks related to phlebotomy. Upon completion of this program
students will be able to perform laboratory and phlebotomy skills that include phlebotomy procedures, identify the
human body systems and functions, demonstrate knowledge of applicable safety regulations and work within the code
of ethics and handle equipment properly.
Rio Grande Valley College will issue a certificate of completion upon successful completion of all course requirements.
Graduates of this program may pursue certification by passing a nationally measured and proficiency examination.
Graduates of this program will find job opportunities in hospitals, health clinics, doctor’s office and laboratories.
Method of Delivery: Residential
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Contact Hours
Subject # Subject Title Lec Lab Ext Total
PLB 100 Intro to Phlebotomy 30 30 00 60
PLB 101 The Human Body & Specimen Collections 40 20 00 60
PLB 102 Blood & Non-Blood Collection 30 60 00 90
PLB 103 Phlebotomy Examination Review 60 00 00 60
PLB 104 Phlebotomy Clinical Experience 00 00 100 100
CB100 Careers Basics 30 00 00 30
Total Clock Hours 190 110 100 400
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
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NURSING ESSENTIALS SEMINAR
Seminar Description:
This seminar provides the essential elements needed for a beginning student to be successful in pursuit of a program for
licensing. The very basic aspects of nursing theory will be covered. The student will understand the nature of nursing
as well as personal and environmental factors in nursing. Understanding of the human development throughout the life
cycle will be introduced. A very brief introduction to the nutrition and diet therapy a nurse applies to everyday life. A
very basic introduction to the structure and function of the human body will be investigated. Medical Terminology and
Human Anatomy will be disbursed throughout the course to assist the student in understanding common medical terms.
Admission Requirements:
Individuals applying for this course of study are required to:
◆ Be at least 17 years of age, under age 18 requires parental permissions. Age will be verified with individual’s ID,
if no ID is available then a Birth Certificate will be required.; and
◆ Present proof of secondary education (High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma)
Method of Delivery: Residential/On-Campus
SEMINAR OUTLINE
Contact Hours
Subject # Subject Title Lec Lab Ext Total
NURS100 Nursing Essentials Seminar 100 00 00 100
Total Clock Hours 100 00 00 100
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
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VOCATIONAL NURSING
Program Description:
This 51 week (Day) and 81 Week (Evening/Weekend) – 1765 clock hour Vocational Nursing program will prepare the students
with the entry-level competencies in the following areas: Enables the student to apply for presentation of NCLEX examination and
obtain a vocational nursing licensure; apply for entry-level vocational nursing positions; assist in the determination of predictable
healthcare needs of clients within healthcare setting; encourages lifelong learning and provides a foundation for furthering their
education; promotes involvement in both professional and community organization and activities; to accept personal accountability
for ethical and competent nursing practice, as well as for continuing professional and personal development; to communicate
effectively, orally and in writing; to practice nursing under the direction of a registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, physicians’
assistant, physician, podiatrist or dentist.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion for Vocational Nursing from Rio Grande Valley College. The graduate will be able
to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) and become a Licensed Vocational
Nurse. Please see Vocational Nursing Handbook for details pertaining to this program.
Method of Delivery: Residential
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Contact Hours
Course # Subject Title Lec Lab Clinical Total
VNSG1120 Anatomy & Physiology I 75 0 0 75
VNSG1115 Anatomy & Physiology II 90 0 0 90
VNSG1104 Foundations of Nursing 80 0 0 80
VNSG1123 Fundamental of Nursing 160 100 64 324
VNSG1116 Nutrition 30 0 0 30
VNSG1130 Maternal Nursing 75 23 100 198
VNSG1134 Pediatric Nursing 75 23 100 198
VNSG1129 Medical Surgical Nursing I 100 30 150 280
VNSG1132 Medical Surgical Nursing II 100 30 150 280
VNSG1131 Pharmacology 140 0 0 140
VNSG1166 Preceptorship 0 0 70 70
Total Clock Hours 925 206 634 1765
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
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NURSING – ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Program Description:
This 45 Week – 60 Semester Credit Hour Nursing - Associate of Applied Science program will be prepare the student to provide patient-centered
care, to be a patient safety advocate, to be member of the profession and the health care team for a limited number of patients in various healthcare
settings. The student will be able to use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the nursing program of study, evidence-based practice
outcomes, and research-based policies and procedures as the basis for decision-making and comprehensive, safe patient-centered care; demonstrate
skills in using patient care technologies and information systems that support safe nursing practice; promote safety and quality improvement as
an advocate and manager of nursing care; coordinate, collaborate and communicate with diverse patients, families and the interdisciplinary health
care team to plan, deliver, and evaluate care that promotes quality of life; adhere to standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory
frameworks of the professional nurse; demonstrate knowledge of delegation, management, and leadership skills and demonstrate behavior that
reflects the values and ethics of the nursing profession, including a spirit of inquiry.
Upon successful completion of the Nursing - Associate of Applied Science degree program, the graduate will be able to sit for the National Council
Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). After successful completion of this exam the graduate will become a Registered
Nurse.
Employment opportunities for our graduates are hospitals, physician’s offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Other
employment opportunities include outpatient clinics and schools or serve in the military.
Method of Delivery: Residential
DEGREE PLAN
PRE-REQUISITE – GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
COURSE #
COURSE TITLE
CONTACT HOURS
SEMESTER
CR. HRS.
LECTURE
LAB
CLIN
TOTAL
ENGL 1301
English Composition
45
0
0
45
3.0
BIOL 2401
Anatomy & Physiology I
45
30
0
75
4.0
BIOL 2402
Anatomy & Physiology II
45
30
0
75
4.0
PSYC 2301
General Psychology
45
0
0
45
3.0
PSYC 2314
Human Growth and Development
45
0
0
45
3.0
BIOL 2421
Microbiology **
45
30
0
75
4.0
Elective*
Language, Culture, Philosophy or Creative Arts
45
0
0
45
3.0
TOTAL
315
90
0
405
24.0
** The following courses will also be acceptable: BIOL2120, BIOL2320, BIOL2420 & CLSC2429
* Choose from one of the following courses: ENGL 2311, 2323, 2327, 2328, 2332, 2333; HUMA 1301; PHIL 2306; Span 2311,2312; ARTS 1301, 1303,
1304; DRAM 1310, 2366; MUSI 1306, 1307, 1310.
1
st
Semester-Level One
COURSE #
COURSE TITLE
CONTACT HOURS
SEMESTER
CR. HRS.
LECTURE
LAB
CLIN
TOTAL
RNSG 2325
Professional Nursing I
30
0
0
30
2.0
RNSG 2430
Nursing Care Concepts I
75
0
0
75
5.0
RNSG 2202
Professional Nursing Skills I
0
60
0
60
2.0
RNSG 2360
Nursing Clinical I
0
0
135
135
3.0
TOTAL
105
60
135
300
12.0
2
nd
Semester-Level Two
COURSE #
COURSE TITLE
CONTACT HOURS
SEMESTER
CR. HRS.
LECTURE
LAB
CLIN
TOTAL
RNSG 2201
Nursing Pharmacology
30
0
0
30
2.0
RNSG 2533
Nursing Care Concepts II
75
0
0
75
5.0
RNSG 2215
Nursing Comprehensive Assessment
30
0
0
30
2.0
RNSG 2461
Nursing Clinical II
0
0
135
135
3.0
TOTAL
135
0
135
270
12.0
3
RD
Semester-Level Three
COURSE #
COURSE TITLE
CONTACT HOURS
SEMESTER
CR. HRS.
LECTURE
LAB
CLIN
TOTAL
RNSG 2237
Professional Nursing II
30
0
0
30
2.0
RNSG 2538
Nursing Care Concepts III
75
0
0
75
5.0
RNSG 2362
Nursing Clinical III
0
0
135
135
3.0
RNSG 2267
NCLEX Prep Course
30
0
0
30
2.0
TOTAL
135
0
135
270
12.0
GRAND TOTAL
690
150
405
1245
60.0
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Associate of Applied Science
Program Description:
This 60 Week – 66 Semester Credit Hour Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) associate degree Program is to prepare the student to provide physical
therapy treatments under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist. As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you may work with
athletes who are recovering from a sports-related injury, an infant who is struggling to reach developmental milestones, or help a patient who is
learning to walk again after back surgery.
This is a profession where you will have direct patient care and will record their responses to treatment and report the outcome of each treatment
to the physical therapist. You will perform a variety of tasks, including conducting exercises with patients; performing massages, electrical
stimulation, and paraffin baths for patients; applying hot and cold packs; and assisting in traction and ultrasound treatment.
Physical Therapist Assistants blend their endless energy and passion for activity with their ability to be patient, resourceful, empathetic and tactful
in order to help patients and their families understand their treatments and adjust to rehabilitation.
As a PTA student at Rio Grande Valley College, you will take classes in specialized techniques that will help improve a patient’s mobility, relieve
pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.
Employment opportunities for our PTA graduates are hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, home health, schools, sports facilities, and
more. Patients/clients treated in physical therapy range from newborns to the elderly and sample diagnoses include athletic injuries, back/neck
problems, strokes, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, arthritis, and post-surgical conditions such as total joint replacements.
Care provided by a PTA may include:
• teaching patients/clients exercises to increase movement and flexibility
• helping increase a patient's/clients balance, strength and coordination
• providing training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers
• use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation
Upon successful completion of PTA program, graduates will be able to sit for licensure exam given by the Federation of State Board of Physical
Therapy. The licensure exam is the responsibility of the graduate.
Program Objectives:
The PTA program has established specific goals and objectives for which the program strives to fulfill its overall mission and philosophy. The
following goals and objectives are congruent with the mission, values, and goals and objectives for Rio Grande Valley College.
1. Demonstrate competence as an entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant and ability to work under the direction and supervision of a
Licensed Physical Therapist.
2. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and display behaviors appropriate for the delivery of physical therapy services with
respect to individual and cultural diversities, including verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills that ensure patient, family,
and healthcare comprehension and safety.
3. Demonstrate ethical behavior, professionalism, and effective critical thinking skills that provide patient safety to corresponding health
care environments and practices.
4. Demonstrate safe and evidence-based treatment interventions as well as competence in data collection commensurate with conditions
and diseases in today’s healthcare environment utilizing resources efficiently.
5. Promote the importance of personal and professional growth through life-long learning and membership in professional organizations.
Method of Delivery: Residential/On-Campus
DEGREE PLAN
General Education – Pre-Requisite Courses*
Contact Hours
Semester Credit
Subject #
Subject Title
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
BIOL 2401
Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab*
45
30
0
75
3
1
0
4.0
ENGL 1301
English Composition I*
45
0
0
45
3
0
0
3.0
PSYC 2314
Lifespan Growth and Development*
45
0
0
45
3
0
0
3.0
SPCH 1305
Public Speaking*
45
0
0
45
3
0
0
3.0
TOTAL
180
30
0
210
12
1
0
13.0
* Anatomy and Physiology I & II with Labs must have a GPA minimum of 2.9; Completion of A&P 1 and 2 with lab must be within the past 5 years.
**Acceptable PR Courses: PSYC 2301 General Psychology, COMM 1301 Intro to Communications
1
ST
Semester (15 Weeks)
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
55
General Education – Pre-Requisite Courses*
Contact Hours
Semester Credit
Subject #
Subject Title
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
Contact Hours
Semester Credit
Subject #
Subject Title
Lec
Lab
Ext
Outside
Total
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
PTHA 1100
Introduction to Physical Therapy
45
0
0
0
45
3
0
0
3.0
PTHA 1105
Basic Patient Care Skills
30
60
0
0
90
2
2
0
4.0
PTHA 1110
Pathophysiology for the PT Assistant
30
0
0
0
30
2
0
0
2.0
PTHA 1115
Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology
30
30
0
0
60
2
1
0
3.0
BIOL 2402
Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab*
45
30
0
0
75
3
1
0
4.0
TOTAL
180
120
0
0
300
12
4
0
16.0
2
nd
Semester (15 Weeks)
Contact Hours
Semester Credit
Subject #
Subject Title
Lec
Lab
Ext
Outside
Total
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
PTHA 1200
Physical Agents
30
60
0
0
90
2
2
0
4.0
PTHA 1205
Therapeutic Exercise
30
30
0
0
60
2
1
0
3.0
PTHA 1210
Practicum I
0
0
225
0
225
0
0
5
5.0
SEMESTER TOTAL
60
90
225
0
375
4
3
5
12.0
3
rd
Semester (15 Weeks)
Contact Hours
Semester Credit
Subject #
Subject Title
Lec
Lab
Ext
Outside
Total
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
PTHA 2100
Management of Neurological Disorders
30
60
0
0
90
2
2
0
4.0
PTHA 2105
Rehabilitation Techniques
30
60
0
0
90
2
2
0
4.0
PTHA 2110
Orthopedics
30
0
0
0
30
2
0
0
2.0
PTHA 2115
Professional Issues
30
0
0
0
30
2
0
0
2.0
SEMESTER TOTAL
120
120
0
0
240
8
4
0
12.0
4
th
Semester (15 Weeks)
Contact Hours
Semester Credit
Subject #
Subject Title
Lec
Lab
Ext
Outside
Total
Lec
Lab
Ext
Total
PTHA 2200
Practicum II
0
0
225
0
225
0
0
5
5.0
PTHA 2205
Practicum III
0
0
225
0
225
0
0
5
5.0
PTHA 2210
Seminar
45
0
0
0
45
3
0
0
3.0
SEMESTER TOTAL
45
0
450
0
495
3
0
10
13.0
GRAND TOTAL
585
360
675
0
1,620
39
12
15
66.0
Effective November 8, 2022, Rio Grande Valley College has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission
on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085;
phone: 703-706- 3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call [956-781-
6800 x122 or email physicaltherapy@rgvcollege.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy
Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for
Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
56
SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
57
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
AP100 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LEC 30/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 30
During this portion of the program students will learn the basic working knowledge of the human body systems and identify the
basic functions using audio and visual presentations. [Prerequisite: None]
AP101 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY LEC 30/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 30
Students of this subject will learn the structural hierarchy of the body, anatomical locations, and the major body systems, common
pathology, diseases associated with each of the body systems and the diagnostic and treatment modalities for each. [Prerequisite:
None]
CB100 CAREER BASICS LEC 10/LAB 20/EXT 00/TL 30
Upon completion of this course, the student will learn techniques for successful job seeking efforts in the health care industry.
Students will learn different types of effective resume writing and cover letters. Additionally, students will learn interviewing
techniques and negotiating tips. [Prerequisite: None)]
CLIN100 CLINICAL PROCEDURES 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTING LEC 20/LAB 40/EXT 00/TL 60
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to apply for the role of a Medical Assistant in relation to working as a health
care provider, the knowledge of ethical considerations and standards as applied in the lab. They will learn the concepts of disease
transmission and the body’s response to infection to form the basis for understanding the importance of first line defense in
preventing disease. Students will also learn to gather information from patients about their health status and measurements of vital
signs and assist with the very basic physical examinations. Students will be educating patients, including nutrition and health
promotion. [Prerequisite: PDMT100, MT100, AP100, AP101, MOS100, INS100 and EHR100]
CLIN101 CLINICAL PROCEDURES 2: ASSISTING WITH MEDICATIONS AND PROCEDURES IN THE AMBULATORY SETTING
LEC 20/LAB 40/EXT 00/TL 60
The student will learn the fundamental principles of pharmacology including brand and trade names of medications with common
prescribed medications as well as its indications of use. Students will also learn how to calculate using basic math to get the correct
dosages as prescribed by a physician and administer medications either through injections, by mouth, or topically. [Prerequisite:
PDMT100, MT100, AP100, AP101, MOS100, INS100 and EHR100]
CLIN102 CLINICAL PROCEDURES 3: ASSISTING WITH MEDICAL SPECIALTIES LEC 30/LAB 60/EXT 00/TL 90
During this course, the student will learn to perform diagnostic procedures for each specialty. Diagnostic procedures include vision
acuity, ear lavage and instilling medications into the eye and ear. Compare various skin lesions and recognize burns and cold
injuries. Describe skin malignancies and assist with dermatologic examinations and procedures. Identify common signs and
symptoms and etiology of diseases and disorders for each specialty. As well as identifying CLIA waived test associated with all
specialties. [Prerequisite: PDMT100, MT100, AP100, AP101, MOS100, INS100 and EHR100]
CLIN103 CLINICAL PROCEDURES 4: DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES LEC 30/LAB 60/EXT 00/TL 90
During this portion of the program, students will learn to perform an EKG and understand the basic concepts of using the
electrocardiograph. Students will also learn how to assist with the collection of bodily fluids such as stool, urine and sputum.
Students will learn how to perform phlebotomy using different methods and perform dermal punctures. Students will learn the
different types of blood cells, normal values per age group, their function as well as the proper specimen tubes used in phlebotomy.
[Prerequisite: PDMT100, MT100, AP100, AP101, MOS100, INS100, EHR100 and CLIN100]
CLIN104 CLINICAL PROCEDURES 5: ASSISTING WITH SURGERY AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES LEC 20/LAB 40/EXT 00/TL 60
Upon completion of this program, students will learn to prepare the patients and the sterile field to assist the physician for surgeries.
Students will also learn the surgical supplies and instruments for different types of situations the physician may require. Students
will be able to perform patient assessment, recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies and perform CPR. Students will
be educating patients, including nutrition and health promotion. [Prerequisite: PDMT100, MT100, AP100, AP101, MOS100,
INS100, EHR100, CLIN100 and CLIN101]
CLIN105 MA CREDENTIALING AND EXAM REVIEW LEC 60/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 60
Upon completion of this course, the student will apply all material learned thru the duration of the program and demonstrates
mastery of the subjects covered by sitting in a review and mastering a competency test to pass a national certification exam.
[Prerequisite: PDMT100, MT100, AP100, AP101, MOS100, INS100, EHR100, CLIN100 and CLIN101]
EHR100 ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS LEC 10/LAB 20/EXT 00/TL 30
RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE | 2022-2023 SCHOOL CATALOG
58
Upon completion of this course, students will learn to use practice management software which incorporates meaningful use in
today’s electronic health records. Through its use, the student will enhance their working knowledge to fully understand how
electronic health records are used in today’s physician’s offices in the reception area. The student will learn the components of an
office visit note, create, and add an addendum, how to edit a face sheet, modify immunizations record, view patient’s lab graphs,
create excuse notes, change charts and create a routine slip. The student will learn how to enter, edit and delete charges, payments
and other financial information on the patient ledger. They will also learn how to electronically submit clean, corrected and
appealing claims. [Prerequisites: PDMT100, MT100, AP100 and AP101]
EMT100 PREPARATORY LEC 48/LAB 12/EXT 00/TL 60
Upon completion of this subject, the EMT-Basic candidate will familiarize themselves to the introductory aspects of emergency
medical care. The EMT-Basic will also cover the emotional aspects of emergency care, stress management, introduction to Critical
Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), scene safety, body substance isolation (BSI), personal protection equipment (PPE), and safety
precautions that can be taken prior to performing the role of an EMT-Basic. Medical/legal and ethical issues are vital elements of
the EMT-Basic's daily life. This course will also enhance EMT -Basic's knowledge of the human body and allows a brief overview
of body systems. The EMT-Basic will be knowledgeable of body mechanics and an overview of equipment. [Prerequisite: CPR
Certification (BLS), MT100, AP100 and AP101]
EMT101 AIRWAY LEC 18/LAB 12/EXT 00/TL 30
After students complete this chapter, they will understand the significance and characteristics of a team approach to health care and
impact on patient outcomes. Students will also be able to list and describe the steps an EMT should follow to assist with ALS skills,
including placement of advanced airways and vascular access. They will understand the scope and sequence of patient assessment
for medical and trauma patients. The student will understand the need for proper airway management. Students will be able to
demonstrate basic competency in applying these concepts to appropriate care through the use of airway adjuncts, suction and oxygen
equipment and delivery systems, pulse oximetry, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and resuscitation devices.
[Prerequisite: EMT100, Preparatory]
EMT102 PATIENT ASSESSMENT LEC 18/LAB 12/EXT 00/TL 30
After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will understand the significance and characteristics of general
pharmacology and will be able to identify, describe, and demonstrate the steps for assisting/administering medications carried by
the EMT. Students will have an understanding of the different types and causes of shock, the process of perfusion, the signs and
symptoms associated with shock, application of the assessment process with the shock patient, and the general and specific
emergency medical care provided to patients experiencing shock. They will understand the need for proper assessment techniques
when called to patients with a chief complaint of a medical nature. [Prerequisite: EMT 101, Airway]
EMT103 MEDICAL/BEHAVIORAL EMERGENCIES AND OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY LEC 36/LAB 24/EXT 00/TL 60
During the portion of this program, students will understand the significance and characteristics of respiratory emergencies in all
age populations. Student will be able to demonstrate a fundamental comprehension on the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological,
gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and renal systems etiologies and the assessment and management necessary to provide basic care in
the pre-hospital setting. The student will also learn the skills to recognize and manage hypersensitivity disorders and anaphylactic
reactions. After students complete these chapters and the related course work, they will be familiar with the classes of compounds
involved in substance abuse and poisonings; the routes by which poisons enter the body; and the signs, symptoms, assessment, and
treatment for various poisoning emergencies. After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will be able to
recognize behaviors that pose a risk to the EMT, patient, or others and the basic principles of the mental health system. Additionally,
students will have the knowledge and skills to successfully assess and manage patients suffering from a behavioral health emergency
within the legal parameters of their scope of practice. [Prerequisite: EMT102 Patient Assessment]
EMT104 TRAUMA LEC 36/LAB 24/EXT 00/TL 60
Upon completion of this course, the EMT-Basic will review the cardiovascular system, describe the care of the patient with internal
and external bleeding, signs and symptoms of shock (hypoperfusion), and the emergency medical care of shock (hypoperfusion).
The student will continue with the information taught in Bleeding and Shock, discussing the anatomy of the skin and the
management of soft tissue injuries and the management of burns. Techniques of dressing and bandaging wounds will also be taught
in this lesson. Reviews of the musculoskeletal system before recognition of signs and symptoms of a painful, swollen, deformed
extremity and splinting are taught in this section. The student will also review the anatomy of the nervous system and the skeletal
system; injuries to the spine and head, including mechanism of injury, signs and symptoms of injury, and assessment. Emergency
medical care, including the use of cervical immobilization devices and short and long back boards will also be discussed and
demonstrated by the instructor and students. Other topics include helmet removal and infant and child considerations. The student
will be provided with practice of the assessment and management of patients with traumatic injuries. [Prerequisite: EMT103
Medical/Behavioral Emergencies and Obstetrics & Gynecology]
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EMT105 INFANTS AND CHILDREN LEC 18/LAB 12/EXT 00/TL 30
After students complete the course work related to the chapters, they will the developmental changes during puberty and menopause
of the female reproductive system and identify and describe assessment and treatment for gynecologic emergencies. They will
understand the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system as it relates to pregnancy. They will learn the assessment
and emergency treatment for childbirth, including stages of labor, normal delivery, complications of pregnancy, and neonatal
evaluations and resuscitation. Special considerations and precautions that an EMT must observe when arriving at the scene of a
suspected case of sexual assault or rape are also discussed. Students will also learn the appropriate assessment and care for the types
of illness and injury affecting children of all ages, injury patterns based on size, and special body system injuries. They will also
learn the indicators of abuse and neglect, and the medical and legal responsibilities of an EMT. [Prerequisite: EMT104, Trauma]
EMT106 OPERATIONS LEC 66/LAB 24/EXT 00/TL 90
After students complete this chapter and the related course work, they will understand environmental injuries. They will have
learned the proper and specific types of environmental emergencies including disease due to environmental factors They will learn
emergency treatment of drowning; diving emergencies; high-altitude sickness; and bites and envenomation’s from animal
encounters. Students will also understand the changes including conditions that occur with the aging process and the geriatric
population. They will understand the GEMS triangle, use of advance directives, and signs and symptoms of elder abuse. Students
will also understand the special needs of patients and special care considerations for patients who rely on medical technological
assistance and management of obese patients. As well as preparing for transport, safe emergency vehicle operations, appropriate
transport decisions, safe patient transfer techniques, and a responsible approach to patient care during transport. They will be able
to discuss the different types of medical transport, the steps necessary to properly clean and disinfect the emergency vehicle and
equipment following a call; EMS rescue operations, including vehicle extrication and its 10 phases. Additionally, they will be able
to describe various specialized safety components of EMS operations. The student will also be able to describe what constitutes
terrorism and the EMT’s response to terrorism, and they will be able to apply this knowledge. Additionally, the student will
demonstrate an understanding of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) agents and countermeasures, as well as a fundamental
knowledge of disaster management safety. [Prerequisite: EMT105, Infants and Children]
EMT107 NATIONAL REGISTRY EXAMINATION REVIEW LEC 60/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 60
Upon completion of this course, the student will apply all material learned thru the duration of the program and demonstrates
mastery of the subjects covered by sitting in a review and mastering a competency test to pass the National Registry for Emergency
Medical Technology Examination. [Prerequisite: EMT100 – EMT106]
EMT 110 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY EXTERNSHIP LEC 00/LAB 30/EXT 60/TL 90
During this portion of the program students will have successfully completed theory and laboratory. The students will be assigned
to an ambulance and pre-hospital setting to work 200 hours under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed vocational
nurse. The student’s duties will be to act in uncommon circumstances; comprehend stress levels and ensure his/her well-being;
understand common medical and legal conventions; adhere to all regulatory agencies and also comply with the protection of the
emergent sick and injured. [Prerequisite: EMT100-107]
INS100 MEDICAL INSURANCE LEC 30/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 30
Upon completion of this course, student will learn the medical insurance industry, legal issues surrounding insurance claims,
processing and insurance industry basics learning about the different types of insurance coverage, plan options, and an examination
of the insurance policy itself. Students also learn how to perform basic coding and are introduced to their first insurance form.
Students will also learn the importance of reimbursement policies and health care plans for government/state, BC/BS, TRICARE,
CHAMPVA, Medicare and Medicaid. [Prerequisites: PDMT100, MT100, AP100 and AP101]
MA110 MEDICAL ASSISTANT EXTERNSHIP LEC 00/LAB 00/EXT 180/TL 180
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to apply the academic skills and training learned in the classroom setting
in a real-life work environment related to their field of study under the direct supervision of an outside accredited affiliate site.
[Prerequisite: CLIN100-104]
MOS100 MEDICAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES LEC 30/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 30
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to apply medical office skills such as: filing, indexing, appointment
scheduling, telephone techniques, office machines, customer service and business transactions. [Prerequisites: PDMT100, MT100,
AP100 and AP101]
MT100 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY LEC 30/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 30
Upon successful completion of this course, students will learn how to apply and understand basic medical terminology,
abbreviations and symbols. They will learn: 1) Suffixes, Prefixes, Root Words and Combining Forms 2.) How to build medical
terminology using suffixes prefixes, root words and combining forms. [Prerequisite: None]
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NA 101 INTRODUCTION TO LONG TERM CARE LEC 16 /LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 16
Students will demonstrate skills in long term-care areas such as: safety/emergency situations, infection control, residents rights and
independence, ethical and legal aspects of nursing care, observations and communication to meet basic human needs. [Prerequisite:
None]
NA 102 PERSONAL CARE SKILLS LEC 13/LAB 09/EXT 00/TL 22
Students will learn how to apply proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self and elderly. Students will assist patients with
bathing, skin care, grooming, hygiene, and demonstrate bed making, comfort measures for patients, early morning patientcare and
bedtime care. They will show the basics of patient care relative to the integumentary system. All facets of patient care will include
home and nursing facility environments. [Prerequisite: NA 101, Introduction to Long Term Care]
NA 103 BASIC NURSING SKILLS LEC 04/LAB 04/EXT 00/TL 08
Students will demonstrate skills in nutritional needs and diet modifications for the patient along with adequate hydration and good
knowledge of elimination process. They will record patient’s fluid intake and output and the procedures in collecting and testing
fluid specimens and show understanding of the urinary system. Students will describe the gastrointestinal system and common
disorders. They will describe body temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure. They will demonstrate measuring height and weight,
admission of patient, transfer and discharge of residents of homecare agencies and nursing facilities. Students will show how to
maintain a specific condition and learn how to help the patient’s family cope with the dying or death of their loved one. [Prerequisite:
NA 102, Personal Care Skills]
NA 104 RESTORATIVE SERVICES LEC 04/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 04
Students will learn how to promote and maintain restoration of the elderly in the hospital, nursing home or in their residence.
[Prerequisite: NA 103, Basic Nursing Skills]
NA 105 MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL NEEDS LEC 06/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 06
Students will learn the basic psychosocial needs of the elderly, specific behavior problems found in the elderly. E.g., short-term
memory, poor hearing and eyesight, as it relates to aging and how to assist with impairments. [Prerequisite: NA 104, Restorative
Services]
NA106 SOCIAL SKILLS LEC 04/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 04
Students will learn how to promote a positive workplace environment by applying the five main approaches in resolving conflicts
with co-workers, supervisors and residents. They are as follows: identify the problem, realize there is a solution, exchange
viewpoints, create and agree in the resolution. Students will also be able to describe different technology programs used with
resident care, discuss the benefits of suing technology in nursing homes, discuss, give examples and role play inappropriate uses of
social media in the workplace describe ways that social media can benefit healthcare; and discuss consequences in inappropriate
use of social media. [Prerequisite: NA 105 Mental Health and Social Needs]
NA 107 NURSE AIDE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE LEC 00/LAB 00/EXT 40/TL 40
Students will demonstrate how to provide basic nursing care in a variety of settings, while maintaining the comfort and
safety of patients and self. They will apply their instructional experience in the development of clinical skills.
[Prerequisite: NA 101-106]
PDMT100 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY LEC 30/LAB 60/EXT 00/TL90
Upon completion of this course, students will be introduced to the legal system and learn to differentiate between law and ethics.
Students will also learn oral and written communication. Students will understand basic writing skills that will give them the
practice in writing e-mails, messages, memos, and professional letters. Students will also be able to identify the barriers of oral
communication and how to better respond to others who may be affected by a wide spectrum of physical and/or emotional states in
the workplace. Students will learn the basic use of keys, numbers, and symbols of keyboarding. The student will also learn basic
computer concepts and features of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook applications and integrate data between the applications by
completing lab assignments. [Prerequisite: None]
PHT 101 ORIENTATION TO PHARMACY SERVICES LEC 60/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 60
This subject is devoted to preparing students to differentiate between the responsibilities of the pharmacy technician and the
registered pharmacist. Students will apply financial and regulatory standards, policy, procedures, and legal aspects found in the
pharmacy workplace. Students will identify federal and state pharmaceutical laws that relate to pharmacy technicians. The student
will also be introduced to drugs and will distinguish between legend drugs and over-the-counter drugs, routes of administration and
dosage formulations. Students will demonstrate the use and understanding of basic mathematical concepts as they relate to pharmacy
which includes the use of the metric system. [Prerequisite: PDMT100, MT100, AP100, and AP101]
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PHT 102 PHARMACEUTICAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS LEC 30/LAB 30/EXT 00/TL 60
This subject will allow the student to gather patient information to assist the pharmacist in conducting Drug Utilization Evaluation
and Medication Therapy Management. The student will learn how to use various forms of technology used in the practice of
pharmacy today for storing, accessing and recording pharmacy data. Course content prepares the graduate to receive and screen
prescriptions or medication orders, and understand the legal implications and requirements for completeness, authenticity,
demonstrate the skills to carry out tasks delegated to pharmacy technicians by pharmacists. Students will also learn specific
interviewing techniques that help to identify a patient's need for counseling by the pharmacist. [Prerequisite: PHT101, Orientation
to Pharmacy Services]
PHT 103 PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN LEC 30/LAB 60/EXT 00/TL 90
This course prepares the student to understand the therapeutic use of prescription and nonprescription medications for prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting each of the following physiologic systems of the human body: Nervous, Endocrine,
Skeletal Muscular, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal Genitourinary, Reproductive, Immune Special Senses,
Dermatologic, Hematologic and specialized areas, as applicable. The student will also learn how to assist the pharmacist in
preparing, storing and distributing investigational drug products. Students are prepared to follow established protocols for recording
the preparation and distribution of these products, as well as protocols for investigational drug product storage. Course content
prepares the student to understand pro and cons of homeopathic drugs. [Prerequisite: PHT 102, Pharmaceutical Computer Systems
and Applications]
PHT 104 ASEPTIC TECHNIQUES, STERILE AND NON-STERILE COMPOUNDING AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
LEC 30/LAB 30/EXT 00/TL 60
During this course, the student will learn how to compound sterile products. Sterility procedures are emphasized, as are
incompatibilities and how to handle them. Quality assurance standards are applied to pharmacy practices, and the student is prepared
to practice in accordance with the federal and state laws and regulations that govern sterile product preparation. Students will learn
how to compound hazardous drugs according to federal state laws and regulations. Quality assurance and safety standards and
practices are applied to their preparation as well as procedures for maintaining pharmacy equipment and facilities. Also emphasized
are methods for proper handling of hazardous wastes and sharps, and the application of concepts for effective infection control.
Students are also prepared to calibrate and troubleshoot commonly used pharmacy equipment and devices. Students will learn the
appropriate procedures on preparedness and handling of emergency situations. [Prerequisite: PHT 103, Pharmaceutical
Pharmacology for the Pharmacy Technician]
PHT 105 PHARMACEUTICAL BILLING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE LEC 60/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 60
This subject will allow the student to gather patient information to assist the pharmacist in pharmacy billing and quality assurance.
The student will differentiate between the various forms of prescription coverage for government, state, commercial, military, and
worker’s compensation. The student will learn how to use and recognize mathematical calculations regarding markup, discounts,
and AWP (average wholesale prices). Students will also learn patient rights, understand, and evaluate medication errors, apply root
cause analysis and learn steps to prevent such errors. [Prerequisite: PHT 104, Aseptic Technique, Sterile and Non-Sterile
Compounding and Emergency Preparedness]
PHT106 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM REVIEW LEC 30/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 30
Upon completion of this course, the student will apply all material learned thru the duration of the program and demonstrate mastery
of the subjects covered by sitting in a review and mastering a competency test to pass a national exam recognized by the Texas
State Board of Pharmacy. [Prerequisites: PHT 101 through PHT 105]
PHT 107 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CLINICAL EXPERIENCE LEC 00/LAB 00/EXT 210/TL 210
Upon completion of this course, the student will be assigned 210 clock hours in a hospital / retail pharmacy setting under the
supervision of a registered pharmacist. The student’s duties will include by are not limited to counting medication, pouring of
soluble medications, entering prescription drug orders into computer system, selecting proper containers, affixing auxiliary labels,
drug product pre-packing, mixing sterile I.V. solutions, and proper use of medication for pharmacist review. Applications of OSHA
and HIPAA rules and regulations will be demonstrated by the student. [Prerequisites: PHT 101 through PHT 106]
PLB 100 INTRODUCTION TO PHLEBOTOMY 30 LEC/30 LAB/00 EXT/60 TL
The purpose of these chapters is to provide an overview of the job of the phlebotomy technician. These chapters introduce the
different healthcare settings where phlebotomy technicians work, the importance of professional behavior, and the skills and
personal qualities necessary for success in the job. The students should be made aware of their responsibilities regarding legal and
ethical issues. Students will learn to communicate with a wide range of healthcare workers and with many patients during each day.
Communication with other healthcare workers must be accurate, factual, and pertinent. The course should begin with an overview
of what infection prevention means and the role of the PBT in meeting the precautions established by OSHA, the CDC, and the
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individual facility. The objective of this course is also to create awareness of the hazards present in the workplace and teach the
students how to prevent injuries and accidents. [Prerequisite: None]
PLB 101 THE HUMAN BODY & SPECIMEN COLLECTIONS 40 LEC/60 LAB/00 EXT/90 TL
During this portion of the program students will learn the basic working knowledge of the human body systems. This course
provides students with foundational information regarding the circulatory system, which is the body system most relevant to the
work of phlebotomy technicians. The course also introduces students to the equipment and preparations key to performing
successful blood draws. After mastering the material in this chapter, students will be well positioned to understand the steps needed
to actually collect high-quality specimens. [Prerequisite: PLB 100 Introduction to Phlebotomy]
PLB 102 BLOOD & NON-BLOOD COLLECTION 30 LEC/60 LAB/00 EXT/90 TL
Upon completion of this course students will have the knowledge needed to collect specimens on the job. This course covers
venipuncture procedures, which likely will make up the bulk of the students’ work as a phlebotomist. This course covers capillary
puncture and procedures involving this form of blood collection. It outlines situations in which capillary puncture is required or
preferred and then provides details about how to prepare for and perform capillary puncture procedures. Students will learn the
responsible way for performing throat culture swabs or directing patients in the collection of urine specimens. Students may be
required to assist in processing urine specimens for drug testing, or to perform dipstick tests on urine specimens. [Prerequisite: PLB
101, The Human Body & Specimen Collections]
Vacutainer® (and/or Microtainer®) is a registered trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company
PLB 103 PHLEBOTOMY EXAMINATION REVIEW 60 LEC/00 LAB/00 EXT/60 TL
Upon completion of this course, the student will put all of the knowledge they have acquired throughout the program to use and
demonstrate their understanding of the content by participating in a review and passing a competency test to become a National
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT). [Prerequisite: PLB 102 Blood & Non-Blood Collection]
PLB 104 PHLEBOTOMY CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 00 LEC/00LAB/100 EXT/100 TL
During this portion of this program, students will put into practice the skills they have gained in the previous subjects. Students will
be placed in a clinical setting such as a doctor’s office, laboratory and/or hospital to perform venipuncture and other non-blood
collection and demonstrate interaction with patients. [Prerequisite: PLB 100– PLB 103]
VOCATIONAL NURSING
VNSG1120 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I LEC 75/LAB 00/CLIN 00/TL 75
This course is a two-part course in human anatomy and physiology that is designed to give a clear understanding of the normal
body as a basis for understanding variations from the normal and to provide a basis for understanding disease processes encountered
in nursing. The course demonstrates a transition from the simple to complex as related to concepts and systems. Prerequisite: None
VNSG1115 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II LEC 90/LAB 00/CLIN 00/TL 90
This course is a two-part course in human anatomy and physiology that is designed to give a clear understanding of the normal
body as a basis for understanding variations from the normal and to provide a basis for understanding disease processes encountered
in nursing. The course demonstrates a transition from the simple to complex as related to concepts and systems. Prerequisite:
Anatomy and Physiology II
VNSG1104 FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING LEC 80/LAB 00/CLIN 00/TL 80
This course is designed to introduce the beginning vocational nursing student to concepts that form a foundation for the practice of
nursing. Suggestions related to improving study skills will be included. Concepts that will enable the student to have a better
understanding of themselves, the nursing professional and their roles as a member of the health care team will be presented. In
addition, an introduction to topics related to broad concepts of patient care will be explored. Prerequisite: None
VNSG1123 FUNDAMENTALS OF NUSING LEC 160/LAB 100/CLIN64/TL 324
This course is designed to provide the vocational nursing student with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience related
to the performance of those skills necessary for patient care. Skills are taught in a progression of the simple to the complex. Time
is provided for the student to practice and perform a return demonstration of the learned skills in the laboratory. Prerequisite:
Foundations of Nursing
VNSG1116 NUTRITION LEC 30/LAB 00/CLIN 00/TL 30
This course introduces the student to the principles of normal nutrition in health, including essential nutrients and dietary planning
or maintaining a proper nutritional state. Principles of therapeutic nutrition are also introduced. Prerequisite: VNSG1120,
VNSG1115 and VNSG1104
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VNSG 1131 PHARMACOLOGY LEC 140/LAB 00/CLIN 00/TL 140
A general course which introduces drug classification and provides a foundation for specific drug therapy, including nursing
implications. This course includes a review of basic mathematics, weight systems, and calculation of dosages. Prerequisite:
VNSG1120, VNSG1115, VNSG1104 VNSG1123, VNSG1116, VNSG1130, VNSG1134, VNSG1129, and VNSG1132
VNSG1130 MATERNAL NURSING LEC 75/LAB 23/CLIN 100/TL 198
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and care related to the obstetrical client and the newborn. The
comparison of present-day concepts, issues and trends related to maternal childcare as compared to those of the past are discussed.
The holistic needs of the obstetrical client, including cultural consideration, will be emphasized related goals and nursing
interventions with the indicated rationale of each. J Client education will be included where indicated. The needs of the obstetrical
client and newborn will be discussed during the Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum periods. Contraceptive methods and
family planning will be presented as it relates to postpartum teaching. Characteristics and care of the newborn will focus on
assessment, goals, nursing interventions with rationales and the evaluation of the normal newborn. Prerequisite: Foundations of
Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Nutrition and Anatomy and Physiology I-II
VNSG1134 PEDIATRIC NURSING LEC 75/LAB 23/CLIN 100/TL 198
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and care related to the pediatric client. The primary focus will
be on caring for the growing child and family from infancy through adolescence. The course will be structured by age groups. The
discussion of each age group will include an overview of growth and development, medical and surgical conditions and child health
issues. Special consideration regarding pediatric procedures and end-of-life issues will be discussed. Prerequisite: Foundations of
Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Nutrition and Maternal Nursing
VNSG1129 MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING I LEC 100/LAB 30/CLIN 150/TL 280
This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the concepts of Medical Surgical nursing including the definition
and etiology of diseases/disorders, methods of diagnosis, signs and symptoms, treatment and nursing care including aspects of
pharmacology and nutrition. Emphasis is placed on the nursing process. The course is organized by functioning systems. The
course is arranged so that the presentation of systems moves from simple to complex. Mental Health will be a part of Medical
Surgical I. Prerequisite: VNSG1120, VNSG1115, VNSG1104, VNSG1123, VNSG1116, VNSG1130 and VNSG1134
VNSG1132 MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING II LEC 100/LAB 30/CLIN 150/TL 280
This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the concepts of Medical Surgical nursing including the definition
and etiology of diseases/disorders, methods of diagnosis, signs and symptoms, treatment and nursing care including aspects of
pharmacology and nutrition. Emphasis is placed on the nursing process. The course is organized by functioning systems. The
course is arranged so that the presentation of systems moves from simple to complex. Mental Health will be a part of Medical
Surgical II. Prerequisite: Medical Surgical Nursing I.
VNSG1166 PRECETORSHIP LEC 00/LAB 00/EXT 70/TL 70
This course is designed to give the student basic clinical experience in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed,
professional Registered Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse. The student will be able to incorporate the knowledge obtained during
the didactic part of the vocational nursing program and the clinical rotation experience to a higher level of patient care. The
preceptorship program will enable the student to incorporate his/her critical thinking skills and clinical skills in the care of different
disease processes utilizing the nursing process for the holistic approach to the care of a diverse population of patients in different
hospital settings. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all Vocational Nursing Courses.
*Please see the Vocational Nursing Student Handbook for details pertaining to additional policies and procedures
DEGREE PROGRAMS
NURSING - ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
BIOL2401 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I CONTACT HRS. 75/ SEM. HRS. 4.0
Anatomy and Physiology I is the first part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body
including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses.
Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.
The lab provides hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. [Pre-requisites:
None, Co-requisites: BIOL 2401 Lab]
BIOL2402 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II CONTACT HRS. 75/ SEM. HRS.4.0
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Anatomy and Physiology II is the second part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human
body including the following systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive (including nutrition),
urinary (including fluid and electrolyte balance) and reproductive (including human development and genetics). Emphasis is on
interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. The lab provides
a hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. [Pre-requisites: BIOL2401 &
Lab, Co-requisites: None]
ENGL1301 ENGLISH COMPOSITION I CONTACT HRS. 45/ SEM. HRS. 3.0
Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising and editing, both
individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement and style.
Focus on writing academic essays as a vehicle for learning, communicating and critical analysis. [Pre-requisites: None, Co-
requisites: None]
PSYC2314 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTACT HRS. 45/ SEM. HRS. 3.0
Life-Span Growth and Development is a study of social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors and influences of a developing
human from conception to death. [Pre-requisites: None, Co-requisites: None]
PSYC 2301 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY CONTACT HRS. 45/ SEM. HRS. 3.0
This course is the survey of major topics in psychology. Introduces the study of behavior and the factors that determine and affect
behavior. To acquaint students with the diverse field of psychology, methods of research used and how it contributes to the body
of knowledge in psychology, promotion of critical thinking, generation of new ideas, and consideration of alternate explanations
when evaluating information.
BIOL 2421 MICROBIOLOGY CONTACT HRS. 45/ SEM. HRS 3.0
Microbiology is a one-semester course that emphasizes the interaction of microorganisms with humans and the diseases they cause.
This will enable students to understand disease-causing representatives of different groups of microorganisms and who these are
transmitted and controlled. Topics of emphasis include microscopy, survey of various microbes, the immune system, food
microbiology, microbial pathogens and mechanisms of disease transmission. The course is complemented by laboratory exercises
in which students acquire hands-on experience in studying various aspects of microbiological applications. The following courses
will also be acceptable: BIOL2120, BIOL2320, BIOL2420 & CLSC2429
RNSG 2325 PROFESSIONAL NURSING I CONTACT HRS. 30/ SEM. HRS. 2.0
This course will cover selected concepts related to the role of the professional nurse as a nurse leader, member of the profession,
provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team. Trends and issues will be reviewed
that impact nursing health care today and healthcare in the future. Topics include knowledge, judgment, skills, and professional
values within a legal and ethical framework. This course will also examine legal and ethical concepts as they apply to professional
nursing practice. Standards of care in the context of the Nurse Practice Act will serve as the framework for discussion. Analysis of
case issues will be utilized as the forum for legal and ethical decision-making process. This course will also discuss management
and leadership principles that apply to the role of the professional nurse.
RNSG 2430 NURSING CARE CONCEPTS I CONTACT HRS. 75 / SEM. HRS. 5.0
This course introduces major theories and concepts necessary to provide holistic nursing care over the lifespan from diverse cultures
with selected physiological disorders. These theories and concepts are introduced using a wellness-illness continuum and serve as
a basis for critical thinking and use of the nursing process in the care of pregnant patient and their family, care of the newborn, and
care pediatric patient. Concepts such as health, culture, environment, aging, nutrition, and the professional nurse role in direct
patient care and in collaboration with other health care providers are addressed. Students are provided the opportunity to master
nursing technologies in a variety of laboratory and clinical situations.
RNSG 2202 PROFESSIONAL NURSING SKILLS I CONTACT HRS. 60 / SEM HRS. 3.0
Development of professional nursing competencies in the care of diverse patients throughout the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed
on psychomotor skills and clinical reasoning. Performance of nursing procedures related to clinical judgment, comfort, elimination,
fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, gas exchange, safety, functional ability, immunity, metabolism, mobility, and tissue integrity. This
course includes health assessment and medication administration will be evaluated.
RNSG 2360 NURSING CLINICAL I CONTACT HRS. 135 / SEM HRS. 3.0
This course is a health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory,
skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by a clinical professional. Students will identify the knowledge and skills
required to transition from the role of vocational nurse to the role of professional registered nursing in several of the acute care
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hospital units. A comprehensive assessment of the Pediatric patient in the community will be completed. All co-requisites’ courses
must be passed concurrently in order for the student to progress to the next level of nursing course.
RNSG 2201 NURSING PHARMACOLOGY CONTACT HRS. 30 / SEM. HRS: 2.0
This course is an introduction to the science of Pharmacology with an emphasis on actions, interactions, adverse effects, and nursing
implications of drug classifications. Nursing roles and responsibilities in the safe administration of medications within the scope
of practice will be discussed, correlate medication classifications to various health conditions and diagnoses affecting patients across
the lifespan. This course includes dosage and calculations.
RNSG 2533 NURSING CARE CONCEPTS II CONTACT HRS. 75 / SEM. HRS: 5.0
This course will focus on an in-depth coverage of health care concepts found within selected health conditions. The student will
utilize a systematic process to analyze the patients across the lifespan; prioritize nursing management of care for selected health
care concepts. Apply the previously learned material. Examine the interrelatedness among nursing care concepts to make clinical
judgments for optimum patient care outcomes.
RNSG 2215 NURSING COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT CONTACT HRS. 30 / SEM. HRS. 2.0
Concepts and principles underlying assessment of the health status of individuals are presented. Emphasis is placed on interviewing
skills, health histories, and the physical and psychosocial findings in the well person. Development of communication in the nurse-
client relationship and assessment skills are included. Students implement the nursing process by obtaining health histories,
performing physical and psychosocial assessments, establishing a database, and formulating initial nursing plans.
RNSG 2461 PROFESSIONAL NURSING CINICAL II CONTACT HRS. 135 / SEM HRS. 3.0
This course is a health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory,
skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by a clinical professional. Students will identify the knowledge and skills
required to practice professional registered nursing in several of the acute care hospital units. A focused area of this clinical rotation
will consist of adult medical surgical and geriatric nursing. All co-requisites’ courses must be passed concurrently in order for the
student to progress to the next level of nursing course.
RNSG 2237 PROFESSIONAL NURSING II CONTACT HRS. 30 / SEM. HRS. 2.0
This course delves deeper into the application of professional nursing concepts within professional nursing roles. Utilization of
clinical judgment, ethical-legal, evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, professionalism, safety, teamwork, and
collaboration. Topics such as quality improvement, health information technology and health care organizations are only a portion
of the topics to be discovered. Emphasizes concept of quality improvement and introduces health policy. This course incorporates
role development of the professional nurse.
RNSG 2538 NURSING CARE CONCEPTS III CONTACT HRS: 75 / SEM. HRS. 5.0
This course will focus on an in-depth coverage of health care concepts found within selected health conditions. The student will
utilize a systematic process to analyze the patients across the lifespan; prioritize nursing management of care for selected health
care concepts. Apply the previously learned material. Examine the interrelatedness among nursing care concepts to make clinical
judgments for optimum patient care outcomes. A major focus will be on Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing.
RNSG 2362 NURSING CLINICAL III CONTACT HRS. 135 / SEM. HRS. 3.0
This course is a health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory,
skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory,
concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and
among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and
will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal
communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry. Specific learning objectives guide the
student’s integrated clinical experiences, focusing on application of concepts and skills learned in previously completed RNSG
courses. Clinical rotations through ICU and a variety of community-based health agencies, including a psychiatric facility, give the
student an opportunity to apply integrated patient care management.
RNSG 2267 NCLEX PREP COURSE CONTACT HRS. 30 / SEM. HRS. 2.0
The focus of this course is to engage the students in NCLEX-RN preparatory work after program requisite courses are completed.
This course will allow students to focus on comprehensive, as well as individualized practice exams, case studies, and other material
related to nursing concepts. The course will also entail methods in test-taking strategies and clinical judgement.
*Please see the Nursing - Associate of Applied Science Student Handbook for details pertaining to additional policies and
procedures
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
BIOL2401 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY I W/LAB CONTACT HRS. 75/ SEMESTER HRS.4.0
Anatomy and Physiology I is the first part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body
including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses.
Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.
The lab provides hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. [Pre-requisites:
None, Co-requisites: BIOL 2401 Lab]
BIOL2402 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY II W/LAB CONTACT HRS. 75/ SEMESTER HRS.4.0
Anatomy and Physiology II is the second part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human
body including the following systems: endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive (including nutrition),
urinary (including fluid and electrolyte balance) and reproductive (including human development and genetics). Emphasis is on
interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. The lab provides
a hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. [Pre-requisites: BIOL2401 &
Lab, Co-requisites: None]
ENGL1301 ENGLISH COMPOSITION I CONTACT HRS. 45/ SEMESTER HRS. 3.0
Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising and editing, both
individually and collaboratively. Emphasis on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement and style.
Focus on writing academic essays as a vehicle for learning, communicating and critical analysis. [Pre-requisites: None, Co-
requisites: None]
PSYC2314 LIFESPAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTACT HRS. 45/ SEMESTER HRS. 3.0
Life-Span Growth and Development is a study of social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors and influences of a developing
human from conception to death. [Pre-requisites: None, Co-requisites: None]
SPCH1305 PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTACT HRS. 45/SEMESTER HRS: 3.0
Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker
delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity and speech organizational techniques to develop students’ speaking abilities,
as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations. [Pre-requisites: None, Co-requisites: None]
PTHA 1100 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL THERAPY CONTACT HRS: 45 / SEMESTER HRS : 3.0
This course introduces the student to the physical therapy profession. History of the physical therapy profession; roles and
responsibilities of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants related legal and ethical issues; communication strategies
documentation, and the psychosocial aspects of disability are included.
PTHA 1105 BASIC PATIENT CARE SKILLS CONTACT HRS.: 90 / SEMESTER HRS.: 4.0
This course provides a foundation in physical therapy assessment and treatment techniques including body mechanics, transfers,
and passive range of motion, gait training, and vital signs.
PTHA 1110 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE PTA CONTACT HRS: 30 / SEMESTER HRS.: 2.0
This course focuses on the etiology, signs, symptoms, treatment, and physical therapy implications of common diseases and
conditions impacting the systems of the body.
PTHA 1115 FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY AND KINESIOLOGY CONTACT HRS: 60 / SEMESTER HRS: 3.0
This course covers the relationship of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems in regard to normal and abnormal movement.
This course provides a basic understanding of normal human body movement as related to skeletal, articular, neurological, and
muscular systems as well as integration of skills related to the kinesiological assessment of the human body. Biomechanical
principles related to human movement, manual muscle testing, and goniometry are also addressed.
PTHA 1200 PHYSICAL AGENTS CONTACT HRS: 90/ SEMESTER HRS: 4.0
This course covers biophysical principles and application of therapeutic physical agents and therapeutic massage with specific
emphasis on indications, contraindications, precautions, and parameters for the following: superficial heat, cryotherapy, external
compression, ultrasound, biofeedback, massage, spinal traction, hydrotherapy, and electrical stimulation.
PTHA 1205 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE CONTACT HRS: 60 / SEMESTER HRS: 3.0
This course is a study of theories, indications, contraindications, and application of common therapeutic exercise. Emphasis is given
to the principles of therapeutic exercise and its appropriate utilization as part of the physical therapist’s plan of care.
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PTHA 1210 PRACTICUM I CONTACT HRS: 225/SEMESTER HRS: 5.0
Skills, knowledge and attitudes learned in all first year PTA courses will be applied to patient care in selected clinical settings over
a full-time six-week period. Students will perform physical therapy assessment techniques and treatment interventions with
moderate supervision and guidance from the supervising physical therapist.
PTHA 2100 MANAGEMENT OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS CONTACT HRS: 90 / SEMESTER HRS: 4.0
This advanced course focuses on assessment techniques and treatment interventions of common neurological and pediatric
disorders. Motor development and motor learning, including the implications for physical therapy treatment, is also included.
PTHA 2105 REHABILITATION TECHNIQUES CONTACT HRS: 90 / SEMESTER HRS: 4.0
This course magnifies previously learned knowledge for the assessment and treatment of more advanced patient populations. This
course includes content on prosthetic and orthotic devices, rehabilitation of patients with an amputation, cardiopulmonary
rehabilitation, women’s health, and chronic pain.
PTHA 2110 ORTHOPEDICS CONTACT HRS: 30 / SEMESTER HRS: 2.0
This course focuses on common orthopedic injuries, disorders, and surgeries, including related physical therapy assessment
techniques and treatment interventions. Musculoskeletal tissue healing, therapeutic exercise progression and patient education is
also included.
PTHA 2115 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES CONTACT HRS: 30 / SEMESTER HRS: 2.0
This course includes ethical decision making, common administrative components of physical therapy settings, quality assurance,
professional opportunities for physical therapist assistants, and professional advocacy. Students also complete a service-learning
project within the community.
PTHA 2200 PRACTICUM II CONTACT HRS: 225/SEMESTER HRS: 5.0
Skills, knowledge and attitudes learned in all PTA courses will be applied to patient care over a full-time six-week period. Emphasis
will be placed on the clinical application and integration of knowledge and skills learned during the PTA program with the objective
of students providing care for routine patients with minimal supervision and guidance from the supervising physical therapist.
PTHA 2205 PRACTICUM III CONTACT HRS: 225/SEMESTER HRS: 5.0
Skills and knowledge learned in all PTA courses will be applied to patient care over a full-time six-week period. Emphasis will be
placed on the clinical application and integration of knowledge and skills learned during the PTA program with the objective of
students providing care for routine patients and complex patients at the level of an entry-level PTA with minimal supervision and
guidance from the supervising physical therapist.
PTHA 2210 SEMINAR CONTACT HRS: 45/SEMESTER HRS: 3.0
This course occurs concurrently with the final two clinical education experiences and helps prepare students to transition into the
physical therapy profession through content on professionalism, resume design, job interviewing, leadership, and professional
issues. Within this course students also take a simulated licensure exam and design a case study on a patient treated during their
final clinical experiences
*Please see refer the PTA Program Student Handbook for details pertaining to additional policies and procedures
SEMINAR
SEMINAR
Nursing Essential Seminar LEC 100/LAB 00/EXT 00/TL 100
This seminar provides the essential elements needed for a beginning student to be successful in pursuit of a program for licensing.
The very basic aspects of nursing theory will be covered. The student will understand the nature of nursing as well as personal and
environmental factors in nursing. Understanding of the human development throughout the life cycle will be introduced. A very
brief introduction to the nutrition and diet therapy a nurse applies to everyday life. A very basic introduction to the structure and
function of the human body will be investigated. Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy will be disbursed throughout the
course to assist the student in understanding common medical terms. Upon completion of this seminar, the student will learn the
differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM Draft and their improvements. The students will demonstrate an entry-level
understanding of future implementation on coding diagnoses using ICD-10 CM Draft. Students will be taught the official guidelines
for coding and reporting for all 21 chapters of ICD-10CM Draft. Graduates of this seminar will be able to apply new diagnoses
coding requirements. [Prerequisite: None]
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TRUE AND CORRECT STATEMENT
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INSERTS
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HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Classes and lectures will be adjusted to accommodate the holidays that fall on a class day. (Monday through Friday).
Spring Break …………..…All Students……..…………………....…………...…. 3/13/2023 thru 3/18/2023
Good Friday…………………………………………………….……….……………………….…04/07/2023
Memorial Day………………………………………………………………………………………05/29/2023
Independence Day………………………………………………………………..………………. 07/04/2023
Labor Day…………………………………………………………………………..……….……...09/04/2023
Thanksgiving Day……………………………………………………..……….…………………..11/23/2023
Christmas Holiday ……….All Students ……………………………………………..12/18/23 thru 12/30/23
New Year’s Day………………………………….………….……….……………..…………….01/01/2024
Spring Break …….……..…All Students……..………………....…………..…....3/11/2024 thru 3/15/2024
Good Friday…………………………………………………….……...………………….………03/29/2024
Memorial Day……………………………………………………………………………………..05/27/2024
Independence Day…………………………………………………………….…………………. 07/04/2024
Labor Day………………………………………………………………………………….……...09/02/2024
Thanksgiving Day……………………………………………………..……..…………..………..11/28/2022
Christmas Holiday ……….All Students…….………………………………..……..12/23/24 thru 1/3/2025
Spring Break …….……..…All Students……..………………....…………..…....3/10/2025 thru 3/14/2025
Good Friday…………………………………………………….……...………………….………04/18/2025
Memorial Day…………………………………………………………………………………….05/26/2025
Independence Day…………………………………………………………….…………………. 07/04/2025
Labor Day………………………………………………………………………………….……...09/01/2025
Thanksgiving Day……………………………………………………..……..…………..………..11/27/2025
Christmas Holiday ……….All Students…….………………………………..……..12/22/25 thru 1/2/2026
TUITION AND FEES
Nurse Aide Program Phlebotomy Technician Emergency Medical Technology Program-Basic
(100 Clock Hours/Five Weeks) (490 Clock Hours/Four Months) 630 Clock Hours/21 Weeks
Tuition $ 800.00 Tuition $ $1,400.00 Tuition $ $5,900.00
Registration Fee 100.00 Registration Fee 100.00 Registration Fee 100.00
TOTAL COST $ 900.00 TOTAL COST $1,500.00 TOTAL COST $ 6,000.00
Medical Assistant Pharmacy Technician
(900 Clock Hours/Seven Months) (780 Clock Hours/Six Months)
Tuition $ 15,450.00 Tuition $ 13,278.00
Registration Fee 100.00 Registration Fee 100.00
TOTAL COST $ 15,550.00* TOTAL COST $ 13,378.00*
Vocational Nursing Nursing – Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapist Assistant – AAS
1765 Clock Hours/51 Weeks (day) and 81 Weeks (Evening/Weekend) 45 Weeks/12 Months/60 Semester Credit Hours 60 Weeks/66 Semester Credit Hours
Tuition $ 29,400.00 Tuition $ 30,492.00 Tuition (Textbook Cost not included) $29,400.00
Registration Fee 100.00 Registration Free 100.00 Registration Fee 100.00
TOTAL COST $ 29,500.00* TOTAL COST $ 30,592.00* TOTAL COST $ 29,500.00*
Nursing Essential Seminar Additional Fees May Apply*
100 Clock Hours/Five Weeks Parking Permit $ 25.00
TEAS Test $ 80.00
Tuition $ 800.00 Application Fee $ 35.00
Registration Fee 100.00 PN Comprehensive Examination $ 80.00
TOTAL COST $ 900.00 Graduation Package $ 50.00
PTA Kit $ 95.00
TEXTBOOK COST AND SUPPLIES IN TUITION
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DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE
Medical Assistant / Day Schedule
900 Clock Hours/30 Weeks /7 Months (Approximate)
Pharmacy Technician Program / Day Schedule
780 Clock Hours / 27 Weeks/7 Months (Approximate)
Phlebotomy Technician Program / Day Schedule
400 Clock Hours / 17 Weeks/6 Months (Approximate)
Emergency Medical Technology Program/Day Schedule
(Program not approved or regulated by TWC -CSC)
630 Clock Hours/21 Weeks (DAY) / 5 Months Approximately
Monday thru Friday
8:30 am – 9:20 am
1
st
Period
9:20 am – 9:30 am
Break
9:30 am – 10:20 am
2
nd
Period
10:20 am – 10:30 am
Break
10:30 am – 11:20 am
3
rd
Period
11:20 am – 11:30 am
Break
11:30 am – 12:20 pm
4
th
Period
12:20 pm – 12:40 pm
Lunch Break
12:40 pm – 1:30 pm
5
th
Period
1:30 pm – 1:40 pm
Break
1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
6
th
Period
Nurse Aide Program / Day
100 Clock Hours/5 Weeks (Approximate)
Monday thru Friday
8:30 am – 9:20 am
1
st
Period
9:20 am – 9:30 am
Break
9:30 am – 10:20 am
2
nd
Period
10:20 am – 10:30 am
Break
10:30 am – 11:20 am
3
rd
Period
11:20 am – 11:30 am
Break
11:30 am – 12:20 pm
4
th
Period
12:20 pm – 12:40 pm
Lunch Break
Nursing Essential Seminar Schedule
100 Clock Hours/5 Weeks (Approximate)
Monday –Tuesday –Thursday
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Evening Session
Vocational Nursing Program / Day Schedule
1765 Clock Hours/51 Weeks/13 Months (Approximate)
Monday thru Friday
8:30 pm – 12:30 pm
Morning Session
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch Break
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Afternoon Session
Schedule to clinical days are subject to change based on the clinical site
availability. Clinical days are 8 – 12 hours per day.
Vocational Nursing Program/
Evening-Weekend Schedule
81 Weeks/19 Months (Approximate)
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Evening Session
Saturday
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Morning Session
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch Break
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Afternoon Session
Schedule to clinical days are subject to change based on the clinical
site availability. Clinical days are 8 – 12 hours per day.
Nursing - Associate of Applied Science
60 Semester Credit Hours/ 12 Months
Spring Schedule
Monday - Wednesday
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Morning Session
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch Break
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Afternoon Session
Schedule to clinical days are subject to change based on the clinical
site availability. Clinical days are 8 – 10 hours per day.
Summer Schedule
Tuesday - Thursday
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Morning Session
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch Break
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Afternoon Session
Schedule to clinical days are subject to change based on the clinical
site availability. Clinical days are 8 – 10 hours per day.
Fall Schedule
Wednesday - Friday
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Morning Session
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch Break
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Afternoon Session
Schedule to clinical days are subject to change based on the clinical
site availability. Clinical days are 8 – 10 hours per day.
Physical Therapist Assistant - AAS
66 Semester Credit Hours/ 60 Weeks
Monday thru Friday
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Morning Session
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch Break
1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Afternoon Session
Clinical Schedules may vary depending on the Affiliate Sites
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START DATE SCHEDULES
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EXCUSED ABSENCE POLICY
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DISCLOSURE FOR STATE LICENSURE/CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS
Programs at Rio Grande Valley College requiring Licensure/Credentialing in Texas (physically located):
Program Name
Method(s) of Delivery*
(Residential; Blended; and/or
Full Distance Education, as
applicable)
Credential Awarded (Diploma,
Certificate, or Type of Degree)
Name of License or
Credential Required for
Employment in field**
Name of License or Credential
Advertised ***
Emergency Medical Technology Program –
Basic
Residential
Certificate
NREMT
Texas Department of State Health
Services (DSHS)
Nurse Aide Program
Residential
Certificate
Nurse Aide Registry
Texas Health and Human Services,
NATCEP
Nursing
Residential
Associate of Applied Science
NCLEX-RN
Texas Board of Nursing
Pharmacy Technician
Residential
Certificate
PTCB or ExCPT
Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP)
Physical Therapist Assistant
Residential
Associate of Applied Science
National PT Examination
(NPTE)
Executive Council of Physical
Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Examiners
Vocational Nursing Program
Residential
Certificate
NCLEX-PN
Texas Board of Nursing
State Licensure/Credentialing requirements at Rio Grande Valley College where the student is “physically located”
located:
Program Name and Credential Awarded
Indicate state(s)* where
enrolled students are
physically located.
List the state(s)* where
the institution
determined that program
curriculum meets the
state educational
requirements for a
license or credential
COLUMN A -
V.H.4.(i)a
List the state(s)* where the
Institution determined that
program curriculum does
not meet the state
educational requirements
for a license or credential
COLUMN B - V.H.4.(i)b
List the state(s)* where the institution has not
determined whether its curriculum meets the state
educational requirements for a license or credential
COLUMN C - V.H.4.(i)c
Emergency Medical Technology Program – Basic -
Certificate
TX
TX
N/A
AL, AK, American Samoa, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA,
MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC,
ND, N. Marianas Island, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC,
SD, TN, UT, VT, Virgin Islands, WA, WV, WI, WY
Nurse Aide Program - Certificate
AL, AK, American Samoa, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA,
MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC,
ND, N. Marianas Island, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC,
SD, TN, UT, VT, Virgin Islands, WA, WV, WI, WY
Nursing – Associate of Applied Science
TX
TX
N/A
AL, AK, American Samoa, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA,
MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC,
ND, N. Marianas Island, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC,
SD, TN, UT, VT, Virgin Islands, WA, WV, WI, WY
Pharmacy Technician - Certificate
TX
TX
N/A
AL, AK, American Samoa, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA,
MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC,
ND, N. Marianas Island, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC,
SD, TN, UT, VT, Virgin Islands, WA, WV, WI, WY
Physical Therapist Assistant – Associate of Applied
Science
TX
TX
N/A
AL, AK, American Samoa, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA,
MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC,
ND, N. Marianas Island, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC,
SD, TN, UT, VT, Virgin Islands, WA, WV, WI, WY
Vocational Nursing - Certificate
TX
TX
N/A
AL, AK, American Samoa, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE,
FL, GA, Guam, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA,
MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC,
ND, N. Marianas Island, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC,
SD, TN, UT, VT, Virgin Islands, WA, WV, WI, WY
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CORPORATE OFFICERS/STAFF/FACULTY LISTING
CORPORATE OFFICER
Dr. Annabelle P. Rodriguez, CEO/College President
FACULTY
ALLIED-HEALTH PROGRAMS
VOCATIONAL NURSING PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Thelma Molano, RN – Nurse Aide Program Director (PT) – Pan American University
Maria G. Valladares, RN –RGV College, Director of Nursing
Alice Garza, Admissions Representative
Isaac Rodriguez, CPhT, Bachelor Religion, Southwestern Adventist University
Kent Yang, RN –Instructor, Rio Grande Valley College
Adriana Briseño, Director of Operations
Robert Hernandez Sr., EMT Instructor – Mission Fire Department
Lucas Gonzalez, LVN – Instructor, Texas State Technical College
Alexa Ramirez, Administrative Assistant
Vanessa Jeffreys, CMA, Medical Assistant Instructor – Strayer University
Brittny Hill-Cantu, AAS- Asst.DON/Instructor, College of Healthcare Professions
Angelica Garcia, Financial Aid Advisor
Alma G. Capistran, CCMA – Career Centers of Texas at Brownsville
Armando Mata, LVN – Nurse Aide/VN Instructor, South Texas College
Aniza Ortiz., Financial Aid Advisor
Armando Mata, LVN – Nurse Aide Instructor, South Texas College
Camilo Gonzalez, LVN – Instructor, Valley Grande Institute
Annika Rodriguez, Social Media Associate
Lilia Mata, LVN – Nurse Aide Instructor, South Texas College (PT)
Gabriel Cedeño, BSN – Instructor, University of Puerto Rico
Belinda Ibarra, Financial Aid / Compliance Director
Lionel (Leo) Cruz Jr. – Licensed Paramedic – South Texas College
Javier Mendez, LVN – Instructor, Universidad Autonoma de Centro America
Blanca Sanchez, Financial Aid Advisor
Armando Martinez, EMT Program Director (PT)
Jose Saul Enriquez, BSN, RN – Instructor, Texas A & M University
Daniela Castaneda, Receptionist
Ana Gonzalez, CCMA –San Antonio College of Medical & Dental Assistants
Cassandra James, RN – Instructor, Southern Adventist University
Edwina Basurto, Admissions Representative
Damaris Garza, LVN – Nurse Aide Instructor – Rio Grande Valley College
Kathryn Edwards, RN, Instructional Facilitator, Northwestern University
Esmeralda Oropesa, Financial Aid Officer
Zoila Molano, CNA - Instructor Assistant
Nadia Borrego, LVN – Instructor, Rio Grande Valley College
Estela Martinez, Registrar
Denise Vazquez – Phlebotomy Instructor – Valley Grande Institute
Teresa Cavazos, RN – Instructor, Pan American University
Gabby Suarez, Receptionist
Yaritza Lozano, RN, BSN – University of Texas Pan American, Clinical Coordinator
Jenifer Garcia, Accounts Receivable Clerk
NURSING –ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE
Erica Katz – Administrative Assistant VN and NSG AAS Programs
Jesus “Jesse” Hernandez, Career Services Coordinator
Adrian Vasquez, RN, FNP -University of Arlington
Anna Rosas, Administrative Assistant
Joaquin Lozano, Admissions Representative
Ana Gilda Rodriguez, RN, MSN – Profesor, Walden University (Clinical)
Lizeth Pedraza, RN – Instructor, South Texas College
Laura Cisneros, Director of Admissions
Ana Lisa Quintero, APRN-CNP – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley College
Lenda Betancourt, Social Media
Bailey Skiba, RN, MSN – American Sentinel University
MAINTENANCE/SECURITY
Liliana Espinoza, AR Specialist/Purchasing
Beverly Molano, MSN – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley College (PT-Clinical)
Fernando Madero, Custodian
Linda Marin, Inventory Clerk
Brenda Maples, MSN, RN – Western Governor University
Gabriela Nieto de Bugarin, Custodian
Marianne Ortiz, Admissions Representative
Florence Shogbola, MSN – Professor, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley College
Hector Losoya, Director of Maintenance
Mary Williams, RN – Rio Grande Valley College –Director of
New Program Development, Curriculum & Instruction
Gregorio Rodriguez, RN, MSN – University of Texas at Brownsville (Clinical)
Mauricio Martinez, Custodian
Michael Ortega, Revenue Officer
Joel Ramos, MSN – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-Director of Nursing
Eric Madero, Custodian
Nayla Martinez, Externship Coordinator
Manju Joseph, RN, MSN – Texas State University
Victor Gonzalez, IT Support
Priscilla Cantu, Admission Representative
JJ Gonzalez, Senior Analyst
Rosemary Cruz, Financial Aid Advisor
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT – A.A.S.
Sarah Cortez, Receptionist
Armando De Leon, PTA – Academic Clinical Coordinator/Education
Virginia Ramos, AR Specialist/Purchasing
Dr. Minerva Gatling, DPT – Program Director/Professor
Walter Diaz, Financial Aid Coordinator
Mario Garcia, Administrative Assistant
All Faculty and Administrative staff are Full-time unless noted Part-time (PT)
