Enrollment

In State Residency Requirements

Massachusetts residency for in-state tuition is determined by the Office of Admissions as defined by the Department of Higher Education Residency Status for Tuition Classification Purposes Policy. A Massachusetts resident is currently defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a lawful immigrant based on the policy. A resident must have proof of a minimum of six (6) consecutive months of permanent primary domicile in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts prior to the first day of the semester and present evidence of intent to live in Massachusetts indefinitely. Nonresidents may attend MassBay at the out-of state tuition rate. For more information please contact the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500.

International Students

Support services for international students are provided from acceptance to the College and continue throughout their academic experience. Students who have international documents must have these documents translated into English and evaluated to U.S. standards through a certified credentials agency. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500 for more information.

When submitting an International Student Application, students should include the following:

1. A completed MassBay application;
2. TOEFL scores (62 iBT required only if applying outside of the US);
3. Proof of high school graduation or equivalency.

Once the College receives all required documents, the Office of Admissions will notify students in writing of their admission status. Upon receiving an acceptance letter, students must submit the following forms to the Office of Admissions to receive their Certificate of Eligibility (I-20):

• I-20 Request Form;
• Completed immunization form;
• Notarized financial statement verifying that a student has at least $21,249 in U.S. dollars that is available as their source of financial support for educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S. (Note, this amount is subject to change);
• If a student’s sponsor is someone other than their parent or legal guardian, the sponsor must submit a letter to the Office of Admissions verifying that they will be assuming financial responsibility for the student;
• Copy of passport. International students must maintain a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours per semester and twenty-four (24) credits per year. Based on these requirements, the following is an estimate of expenses for a full academic year:

International students studying on an F1 Visa are required to pay the non-Massachusetts resident tuition and fees. International students are not eligible to apply for financial aid at MassBay.

Students seeking to transfer a Certificate of Eligibility I-20 from another U.S. SEVISauthorized institution should seek assistance with this process from the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500.

Student housing is not available on any of the MassBay campuses. Apartment rentals, homestay companies, international student residences and furniture rentals are available in the MetroWest and greater Boston area. The Office of Admissions solely provides a list of housing resources, and is not responsible for placement or details concerning all aspects of student housing.

Open Houses and Information Sessions

MassBay hosts fall and spring Open House events. In addition, MassBay offers general information sessions, Nursing and Allied Health information sessions on the Framingham Campus, and Automotive Technology information sessions at the Ashland Technology Center on a regular basis.

Anyone interested in enrolling at MassBay is encouraged to attend an appropriate event to learn more about the programs and what MassBay has to offer. To review the calendar of information sessions and to make a reservation, please visit the MassBay website at www.massbay.edu/.

Campus Tours

Campus tours can be scheduled by contacting the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Students who intend to take a course or courses to transfer, and do not intend to obtain an associate degree or certificate from MassBay, may register for classes without submitting an application for admission. Students who are enrolling in a course(s) that requires a prerequisite must meet with an academic advisor. Please note, students in this category are considered “non-matriculated” or “non-degree” seeking students and are not eligible for financial aid.

Student Immunization

Massachusetts General Law requires all full-time students, international students and all students in a health science program who have contact with patients to obtain a physician’s certificate that the student has received the following immunizations:

1. Two doses of live measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine given at least four weeks apart beginning or after 12 months of age;
2. A single dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine if it has been more than five years since the last dose of Td (tetanus diphtheria).  It if has been less than five years since the last dose of Td, Tdap is not required. 
3. Three doses of Hepatitis B; and
4. Two doses of the Varicella vaccine given at least four weeks apart.

The requirements shall not apply where:

1. The student provides written documentation that he or she meets the standards for medical or religious exemption;
2. The student provides appropriate documentation, including a copy of a school immunization record, indicating receipt of the required immunizations; or
3. In the case of measles, mumps or rubella, hepatitis B, or varicella, the student presents laboratory evidence of immunity (titers).

Students enrolled in a health science program shall also comply with immunization requirements outlined by the Division of Health Sciences.

Immunization records are to be submitted to Student Development.  Please submit them as soon as possible as state law requires that the immunization forms be submitted within 30 days of the start of the semester.  Please note immunization records are retained by the College for five (5) years. For more information, please contact Student Development.

Under-Aged Students

The College reserves the right to limit or deny enrollment in a course or program to any student under the age of 16. Admission to the College will be based on a case-by-case review of a variety of factors including but not limited to: the student’s maturity, life experience, placement test scores, prior education, course content, instructional methodology, and potential risks associated with participation in a particular course or program.

Home Schooling Policy

All home-schooled students without a high school diploma or GED are eligible to apply for admission to a MassBay degree or certificate program provided they have successfully completed an approved home-school program in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws or the laws of their home state.

The College determines whether students have participated in an approved home-school program. Students shall submit with their application for admission evidence that the home-school program was approved by their school district superintendent or school committee. If home-schooled students are under the age of compulsory attendance of 16 years, a letter from the student’s school district superintendent or school committee is required. The letter should  expressly state that the student is not considered truant and would not be required to attend further schooling prior to enrolling in college. Home-schooled students who have not completed an approved home-school program will not be eligible to enroll in a MassBay degree or certificate program until they have obtained a GED.

New England Regional Student Program

Under the New England Regional Student Program, if a student claims residency in a New England state other than Massachusetts which does not have a comparable associate degree program, the student may be able to attend MassBay for 150% of the in-state tuition rate, which is less than the out-of-state tuition rate. If a student’s residence is in a New England state other than Massachusetts, he or she should contact the Office of Admissions to see whether their major qualifies for the New England Regional Student Program.

Dual Enrollment

The Dual Enrollment program at MassBay allows qualified high school and home-schooled students to enroll in college courses.

Participating students may receive both high school and college credit for their course work.

Dual Enrollment requirements:

• Current high school student or currently participating in an approved home-school program.
• Completion of the Dual Enrollment Agreement.
• Overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 out of 4.0.
• Placement into college-level math or English classes.

Concurrent Enrollment

The Concurrent Enrollment program at MassBay allows qualified high school students to enroll in MassBay courses offered at the high school.

Admission into Specialized & Restricted/Criteria-Based Programs

Admission into some programs is restricted/criteria-based due to a limited number of openings. In addition to the general admission requirements, these programs have specific requirements. All applicants to restricted/criteria-based programs will initially be offered acceptance into the General Studies program. When admission requirements/criteria have been completed, a student will be considered for a restricted/criteria-based program.

Automotive Technology

Each of the automotive technology programs involve physical requirements (commonly called Technical Standards) that candidates must be able to perform in order to participate. The ability to perform these tasks and functions is considered essential to the automotive technology programs.

A checklist of the specific Technical Standards necessary for each program is available through the Office of Admissions. Candidates are encouraged to review the list. Candidates with doubts about their ability to perform any of the functions should consult with their health care provider. If candidates or their health care provider feel that some form of accommodation would allow candidates to meet the performance requirements, they should contact the Office of Disability Resources. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500.

The Automotive Technology program curriculum features a cooperative education (coop) component. Securing a dealer sponsorship commitment is strongly recommended prior to enrollment in a MassBay automotive technology program.

Health Sciences Programs

Students seeking admission to a health sciences program will be evaluated by grade point average (GPA) and pre-admissions requirements. Science courses must be repeated if they were taken more than five years before the time of matriculation/acceptance into a MassBay health sciences program. In some programs, sciences may only be repeated once.

Prospective applicants to health sciences programs are required to attend an information session as the first step in their application process. Sessions are regularly scheduled by the Office of Admissions. For a current schedule and to  make a reservation, visit the MassBay website at www.massbay.edu/, or contact the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500.

Applicants to fall health sciences programs must have all admission requirements completed and evaluated by the preceding February 1^st for priority consideration for the fall semester. Applicants to the spring health sciences
programs must have all admission requirements completed and evaluated by the preceding June 1^st for priority consideration for the spring semester.

CPR Requirements

Proof of CPR is required prior to clinical placement.  The Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification from the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or the equivalent through the Military Training Network meets this requirement.

Students who do not have this certification may enroll in a Health Care Provider course through the MassBay Center for Corporate Training & Community Education (CCTCE).

For more information about the CCTCE, please visit www.massbay.edu/cctce.

Health Sciences Policies

Students enrolled in MassBay health sciences programs must adhere to policies developed to meet the requirements of their accrediting and regulatory agencies. In addition to academic requirements, there are clinical and affective domain (behavioral) policies for each program. These policies are detailed in the Division of Health Sciences Student Handbook, which is available for viewing and downloading on the MassBay website. A hard copy of the handbook is provided to each student at as part of the orientation process the beginning of his or her program.

Health Sciences Readmission Policy

Students who have been dismissed or who have withdrawn from any program within the Division of Health Sciences (DHS) at MassBay will be considered only once for readmission to the same program. Students who have not been successful in one health science program can apply for admission to a different health program if they have an overall College GPA of 2.0 or better. Students who have been dismissed or withdrawn from a program for reasons of “clinically unsafe practice/behavior” as defined in the DHS Student Handbook and Policy Manual (see E.14.0) or who violate the College’s Student Code of Conduct are not eligible for admission/readmission to any DHS program. See program addendums for specific requirements for admission/readmission.
An application for readmission must be made within 12 months of withdrawal or dismissal from the original program. Readmission application deadlines are February 1 for the fall semester and June 1 for the spring semester. Qualified candidates will be selected from a readmission pool and based on the seat availability for that course and/or program.

Based on specific course/program requirements and accreditation standards, students may be required to retake courses, or take competency exams or skill testing prior to readmission, even if courses have been completed  successfully. Should a student not attain a passing grade on skill or competency testing, they will be required to retake a course(s) in its entirety. Also, the student may need to retake the HESI Admission A2 Exam if it has been more than two years since they took the exam.

Limited spaces are available for applicants for readmission. A student seeking readmission to any criteria-based health sciences program must contact the Office of Admissions. For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500.

Search of Records for Past Criminal or Sexual Offenses

Any MassBay health sciences program student whose course work or clinical placement activity requires direct access to children, elderly, patients, or disabled or other at-risk populations, must submit to a criminal history check. Acceptance or enrollment in a health sciences program does not guarantee a student will be allowed licensure. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the appropriate state licensing board to determine eligibility to sit for a licensing examination. The purpose of the background check is to ensure public safety and avoid unacceptable risk to vulnerable populations.

There are three types of required background checks: CORI, SORI and Supplemental:

CORI and SORI -The student must complete the CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form to authorize a search of conviction and pending criminal case information under Standard Required Level I (Clinical student access to kids or patients) by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (803 CMR 2.05). As required, students must provide the last six digits of their social security number on the CORI form and present a valid government issued ID (such as a license or passport) to verifying staff. Students must also complete the SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) form.

The CORI and SORI completion process occurs as part of the program orientation process prior to the beginning of health sciences programs, and may occur during the first or second week of each following semester. MassBay’s Division of Health Sciences may conduct subsequent CORI checks within one year of the date the form was signed by a student. The Division of Health Sciences will first provide students with written notice of the check. Students may also be required to complete subsequent CORI and SORI request forms according to clinical facility requirements.

A National County Records search will be conducted within the health sciences student’s account on www.castlebranch.com.

If a CORI and/or SORI Report or National County Background Check is returned with a finding(s), it may or may not prohibit progression in a health sciences program. CORI and/or SORI finding(s) will be forwarded to a College-wide Review Committee, and the student will be invited to the review session. The final decision regarding a student’s progression in a health sciences program will be determined at that time.

Some health care facilities may require supplemental information and/or screening from students prior to clinical placement. These include, but are not limited to, submission of social security number, finger-printing, drug-testing,CORI  checks, and proof of immunizations. It is the policy of MassBay Community College to review these requirements prior to clinical placement to ensure that students’ rights and privacy are protected in accordance with state and federal laws. Additional fees may also apply.

Health/Immunization Records

Health sciences students must have had a physical exam within one year prior to entry into a health program. Students must obtain their health care provider’s documentation of a physical exam and verification that all required immunizations are current. Required immunizations include:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) 2-dose vaccine or Titer (laboratory evidence of immunity);
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Td/TDAP) booster within the past 10 years;
• 2-Step Tuberculin Test within the last six months, QuantiFERON or T-Spot blood test, or chest x-ray with documentation of a negative symptom review check annually thereafter;
• Varicella 2-dose vaccine or Titer;
• Hepatitis B 3-dose vaccine series and a Titer 1 - 2 months following completion of the series, or a Titer if a previous Titer is more than five years old. This requirement must be completed prior to entry into a health sciences program. It takes six months to complete the Hepatitis B vaccination process;
• Seasonal influenza vaccine (when available);
• Titers must be submitted on official laboratory reports. The TB test and seasonal influenza vaccine must be updated annually.

All immunization and CPR documentation will be managed by Castle Branch, a secure, web-based platform. Once enrolled in a health sciences program, students will receive instructions on how to create a personal profile on and upload their immunization and CPR documentation using www.castlebranch.com. Castle Branch will send email alerts to students when documentation is missing, incomplete, or in need of updating. Health Sciences faculty will refer to Castle Branch data to determine whether students are cleared to attend clinical or field experience rotations.

Authorization for Release of Medical Information

The Physical Examination & Immunization Record form requires the student’s signature authorizing the release of immunization information to clinical affiliated agencies. College policies regarding student rights will be maintained. The Federal Family Education Rights in Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) prevents unauthorized individuals from gaining access to educational records, health records, and disability information. Students must provide written permission to release or disclose such information. Students must grant permission for the sharing of any information between the College and clinical facility that is relevant to the success of the clinical experience.

Minimum Technical/Performance Standards

MassBay’s health sciences programs have technical standards that candidates must be able to perform in order to successfully and safely complete the program. The categories of functions include muscular and skeletal, auditory visual, manual dexterity and fine motor skills, verbal, olfactory, and environmental.

A list of the technical standards for each program is available through the Division of Health Sciences, and students must sign the technical standards forms indicating their ability to perform. Prospective students are encouraged to review the list of physical requirements. Candidates with any concerns about their ability to perform any of the functions should consult with their health care provider. Should candidates or their health care provider feel that some form of accommodation would allow candidates to meet performance requirements, they should contact the Office of Disability Resources. For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at 781-239-2500. Technical Standards form can also be found in the Division of Health Sciences Student Handbook and in the Office of Admissions.

Medical Leave Policy

Students who leave a course mid-semester with verified medical or family illness documentation will be withdrawn from the course but not from the restricted health science program. The withdrawal will not be counted against the student. Students who are granted a medical or family leave will be accommodated in the subsequent offering of that course on a space available basis, after first providing medical documentation approving their participation. Students seeking readmission must contact the Department Chair by the required date. Students will have 12 months to be reinstated in the withdrawn course for medical reasons. Students returning from medical leave will be required to pay tuition for all enrolled courses. Students are only eligible for medical leave during a semester. Medical leave will not be granted once the course is completed and/or grades have been issued.

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