AMERICAN CAREER COLLEGE COLLEGE CATALOG 2015-2016 January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016 2| AMERICAN CAREER COLLEGE 2015-2016 CATALOG TABLE OF CONTENTS Campuses ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 College Information ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Mission Statement and Educational Philosophy .......................................................................................... 5 College History and Description ................................................................................................................... 6 Facilities ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 Hours of Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Security and Safety ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Health and Safety Requirements .................................................................................................................. 8 Required Federal Disclosure Information ..................................................................................................... 9 California Regulatory Disclosures ................................................................................................................. 9 Accreditation, Approvals and Memberships ................................................................................................ 9 Statement of Ownership ............................................................................................................................ 10 Officers and Key Personnel ......................................................................................................................... 11 Program Offerings ...................................................................................................................................... 11 College Holidays for All Programs ............................................................................................................... 12 Academic Calendar and Program Start Dates 2015-2016 .......................................................................... 13 Admissions Information ......................................................................................................................................... 18 General College Admission Requirements ................................................................................................. 18 Admissions Policy for Applicants with Felony Convictions ......................................................................... 19 Entrance Testing Policy ............................................................................................................................... 19 Professional Readiness Program (PRP) ....................................................................................................... 20 Additional Admission Requirements for Vocational Nursing Programs ..................................................... 20 Additional Admission Requirements for Associate Degree Programs ........................................................ 22 Additional Requirements for Students Enrolling in the Associate Degree in Nursing program ................. 23 Additional Requirements for Students Enrolling in Programs with Blended Modules or Courses ............ 23 Statement of Non-Discrimination ............................................................................................................... 24 College Program and Policy Changes .......................................................................................................... 25 Students Seeking Reasonable Accommodations ........................................................................................ 25 Ability-to-Benefit Students ......................................................................................................................... 25 Pregnancy ................................................................................................................................................... 26 Residency Requirement .............................................................................................................................. 26 Experiential Learning .................................................................................................................................. 26 English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction ......................................................................................... 26 Notice Concerning Transferability of Credits and Credentials Earned at American Career College .......... 26 Advanced Placement .................................................................................................................................. 26 Credit for Previous Training ........................................................................................................................ 27 Articulation Agreements............................................................................................................................. 27 Programs Preparing Graduates for a Field Requiring Licensure ................................................................. 27 State and National Board Examinations ..................................................................................................... 29 Licensure/Certification Requirements ........................................................................................................ 30 Academic Information and College Policies ........................................................................................................... 31 Grading System ........................................................................................................................................... 31 Student Appeal Process .............................................................................................................................. 35 General Graduation Requirements ............................................................................................................ 36 Program Measurement .............................................................................................................................. 36 Maximum Students in a Typical Classroom ................................................................................................ 37 Non-Credit, Remedial Coursework ............................................................................................................. 37 Attendance Policy ....................................................................................................................................... 37 Make-Up Work Assignments ...................................................................................................................... 38 Required Outside Preparation and Study Time .......................................................................................... 39 CAMPUSES| 3 Externship and Clinical Experiences ........................................................................................................... 39 Field Trips and Guest Lectures .................................................................................................................... 40 Leave of Absence ........................................................................................................................................ 40 Termination Policy ...................................................................................................................................... 41 Program Transfers ...................................................................................................................................... 41 Campus Transfers ....................................................................................................................................... 42 Withdrawal from the College ..................................................................................................................... 42 Reentering Students ................................................................................................................................... 42 Student Resource Center ....................................................................................................................................... 43 Orientation ................................................................................................................................................. 43 Advising/Tutoring Assistance...................................................................................................................... 43 Housing ....................................................................................................................................................... 43 Parking ........................................................................................................................................................ 43 Graduate Refresher Courses....................................................................................................................... 43 Graduation Ceremony ................................................................................................................................ 44 Career Services ........................................................................................................................................... 44 Student Policies and Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 45 Dress Code .................................................................................................................................................. 45 Academic Honor Code ................................................................................................................................ 45 American Career College Ethics Reporting Hotline .................................................................................... 46 Conduct Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 46 Sexual Harassment/Violence Prevention ................................................................................................... 46 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, As Amended .............................................................. 47 Student/Employee Fraternization .............................................................................................................. 49 Student Complaint/Grievance Procedure .................................................................................................. 49 No Weapons Policy ..................................................................................................................................... 50 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention ........................................................................................................... 50 Fair Practice Standards for Clinical Work Agreements and Externship Experiences .................................. 51 Student Record Retention .......................................................................................................................... 51 Financial Information ............................................................................................................................................. 52 Program Tuition and Fees ........................................................................................................................... 52 Tuition Payment ......................................................................................................................................... 54 Past Due Account ........................................................................................................................................ 54 Financial Assistance .................................................................................................................................... 54 Financial Aid Unit of Credit ......................................................................................................................... 54 Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements ......................................................................................................... 54 Financial Aid Programs Available at ACC .................................................................................................... 55 American Career Scholarships .................................................................................................................... 56 Cancellation and Refund Policy .................................................................................................................. 59 Return of Title IV Funds Policy .................................................................................................................... 60 Federal Refund Requirements vs State Refund Requirements .................................................................. 60 Reimbursement to Veterans and Eligible Persons ..................................................................................... 61 Diploma Programs of Study ................................................................................................................................... 62 Associate Degree Programs of Study ..................................................................................................................... 83 Campus Staff and Faculty Listings .......................................................................................................................... 99 Los Angeles Campus ................................................................................................................................... 99 Orange County Campus ............................................................................................................................ 103 Ontario Campus ........................................................................................................................................ 108 Long Beach Campus .................................................................................................................................. 113 American Career College at St. Francis Campus ....................................................................................... 115 4| AMERICAN CAREER COLLEGE 2015-2016 CATALOG General Questions Regarding the College ........................................................................................................... 117 Courses ................................................................................................................................................................ 118 ANAT - Anatomy ....................................................................................................................................... 118 BUS - Business Specialist ........................................................................................................................... 119 CAREER - Career Advantage ..................................................................................................................... 121 CLN - Vocational Nursing Clinical .............................................................................................................. 121 CSCI - Computer Science ........................................................................................................................... 123 DA - Dental Assisting ................................................................................................................................. 123 ENGL - English ........................................................................................................................................... 125 HIT - Health Information Technology ....................................................................................................... 125 HP - Health Professionals .......................................................................................................................... 127 HUM - Humanities .................................................................................................................................... 128 MA - Medical Assistant ............................................................................................................................. 128 MAS - Medical Assistant ........................................................................................................................... 130 MATH - Mathematics ................................................................................................................................ 132 MBC - Medical Billing and Coding ............................................................................................................. 132 MBCS - Medical Billing and Coding ........................................................................................................... 134 MEDA - Medical Law ................................................................................................................................. 137 MEDT - Medical Terminology ................................................................................................................... 137 MICR - Microbiology ................................................................................................................................. 137 MT - Massage Therapy ............................................................................................................................. 137 NURS - Nursing ......................................................................................................................................... 139 OPT - Optical Technician ........................................................................................................................... 142 OTA - Occupational Therapy Assistant ..................................................................................................... 144 PATH - Pathophysiology............................................................................................................................ 146 PHARM - Pharmacology ............................................................................................................................ 146 PHAR - Pharmacology ............................................................................................................................... 147 PHYS - Physiology...................................................................................................................................... 147 PSYC - Psychology ..................................................................................................................................... 147 PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant ............................................................................................................ 147 PT - Pharmacy Technician ......................................................................................................................... 152 RAD - Radiography .................................................................................................................................... 154 RESP - Respiratory Therapy ...................................................................................................................... 157 RTCP - Respirtory Therapy Clinical Practicum ........................................................................................... 160 SCI - Science .............................................................................................................................................. 161 SOCY - Sociology ....................................................................................................................................... 161 SPCH - Speech ........................................................................................................................................... 162 SURG - Surgical Technology ...................................................................................................................... 162 VN - Vocational Nursing ............................................................................................................................ 165 CAMPUSES| 5 CAMPUSES Los Angeles Main Campus 4021 Rosewood Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 668-7555 Orange County Branch Campus 1200 N. Magnolia Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801 (714) 763-9066 Orange County Facility Expansion 2411 & 2461 W. La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801 Long Beach Branch Campus 236 E. 3rd Street Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 206-0400 Ontario Main Campus 3130 East Sedona Court Ontario, CA 91764 (909) 218-3253 American Career College at St. Francis Main Campus 3680 East Imperial Highway #500 Lynwood, CA 90262 (310) 900-8050 www.americancareercollege.edu COLLEGE INFORMATION Mission Statement and Educational Philosophy American Career College is committed to building our communities through transformative education that develops the knowledge, skills, and professionalism required in today’s workplace. American Career College is committed to becoming the preeminent provider of health care education in each market we serve by redefining the role of career colleges through our service learning based curriculum, exceptional outcomes, lifelong learning opportunities and community centered philanthropic endeavors. 6| AMERICAN CAREER COLLEGE 2015-2016 CATALOG College History and Description American Career College was incorporated in California on January 11, 1978. The College, then named American College of Optics, was located at 3030 West Sixth Street in Los Angeles, California. In 1985, the College moved to 3630 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. On September 1, 1989, the College relocated to its present facility at 4021 Rosewood Avenue in Los Angeles, California. The founder's intention was to develop a specialty training school devoted exclusively to the optical dispensing profession. In September of 1990, the College expanded its curriculum to include the Pharmacy Technician program and changed its name to American College of Optechs. Over the next decade, the College continued to expand its curriculum to include additional specialized allied health programs, and during this time, changed its name to American Career College. In November of 2000, the Orange County Campus in Anaheim opened as a branch of the Los Angeles campus. In February of 2005, the founder of American Career College formed a new company, Ontario Health Education Company, Inc. and purchased Atlantis Medical College in Norco, California. Subsequently, that college’s name was changed to American Career College. American Career College continued offering the programs that were approved at Atlantis Medical College, while incorporating American Career College’s culture and programs into the school. In June of 2008, the Norco campus moved to its current facility in Ontario, California. In 2008, American Career College expanded its level of offerings to include Associate of Occupational Science degree programs in various allied health disciplines. In December 2012, American Career College received approval to open a new branch campus in Long Beach. In July 2013, American Career College purchased St. Francis Career College in Lynwood, California. Subsequently, the college’s name was changed to American Career College at St. Francis. Facilities Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach The Los Angeles campus occupies approximately 50,000 square feet in a three-story building. The Orange County branch campus occupies approximately 58,000 square feet in three buildings and has recently undergone renovations. The Long Beach branch campus occupies approximately 19,000 square feet in the historic Arts Building. The Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach campuses all have large classrooms appropriately furnished with laboratory and instructional furniture for the type of work performed. Supplies for each program of study are available in the classrooms and laboratories at each campus. Well-equipped, up-to-date computer labs are available for all classes and for independent study at each of these campuses. The facilities are readily accessible for students requiring physical accommodations, and the campuses have convenient access to public transportation and freeway access. The Resource Centers/Libraries at the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach campuses are available during the day and evening to accommodate students’ research and study needs and offer reference materials related to the programs and curricula offered at each campus. In addition, all students have access to the Library Information Resources Network (LIRN) online library database. The LIRN Virtual Library Collection consists of an expanded academic database consisting of a variety of holdings, including arts and the humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. The Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach campuses have student lounges and common areas that are open to students with vending machines that provide a variety of snacks and refreshments. Faculty break rooms are also available to faculty and staff at the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach campuses. Students are encouraged to use the lounges when eating and are asked to respect the right of all students to a clean environment. Food and beverages are not allowed in classrooms and laboratories. Ontario The Ontario campus also provides classrooms that are appropriately furnished with laboratory and instructional furniture for the type of work performed. Supplies for each program of study are available in the classrooms and laboratories at each COLLEGE INFORMATION| 7 campus. The Ontario campus occupies approximately 60,000 square feet in a two-story building. The facility is readily accessible for students requiring physical accommodations. In addition to ample parking, the campus is conveniently located near public transportation and freeway access. The Resource Center/Library at the Ontario campus are available during the day and evening to accommodate students’ research and study needs and offer reference materials related to the programs and curricula offered at the campus. In addition, all students have access to the Library Information Resources Network (LIRN) online library database. The LIRN Virtual Library Collection consists of an expanded academic database consisting of a variety of holdings, including arts and the humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. The Ontario campus has a student lounge and common areas that are open to students with vending machines that provide a variety of snacks and refreshments. There is also a faculty break room available to faculty and staff at the Ontario campus. Students are encouraged to use the lounges when eating and are asked to respect the right of all students to a clean environment. Food and beverages are not allowed in classrooms and laboratories. American Career College at St. Francis The American Career College at St. Francis campus provides classrooms that are appropriately furnished with laboratory and instructional furniture for the type of work performed. Supplies for each program of study are available in the classrooms and laboratories at each campus. The American Career College at St. Francis campus occupies approximately 15,000 square feet on two floors of a five story building. The facility is readily accessible for students requiring physical accommodations. The campus is conveniently located near public transportation and freeway access. The Resource Center/Library at the campus is available during the day and evening to accommodate students’ research and study needs and offer reference materials related to the programs and curricula at the campus. In addition, all students have access to the Library Information Resources Network (LIRN) online library database. The LIRN Virtual Library Collection consists of an expanded academic database consisting of a variety of holdings, including arts and the humanities, social sciences, science, and technology. The American Career College at St. Francis campus has a student lounge and common areas that are open to students with vending machines that provide a variety of snacks and refreshments. There is also a faculty break room available to faculty and staff at the American Career College at St. Francis campus. Students are encouraged to use the lounges when eating and are asked to respect the right of all students to a clean environment. Food and beverages are not allowed in classrooms and laboratories. Maintaining and preserving the College’s facilities and equipment is an obligation of all members of the College community: faculty, staff, and students. Students are expected to treat facilities and equipment with care and will be held liable for the destruction of College property. Smoking is prohibited within the College. Hours of Operation Campus Administrative Offices Office hours for the Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario campuses are 8 AM to 8 PM from Monday through Thursday and 8 AM to 5 PM on Friday. Office hours for American Career College – Long Beach Campus are 8:30 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday and 8 AM to 5 PM on Friday. Office hours for American Career College at St. Francis are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Library hours are 8 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Day Classes Day classes are typically offered in 4-hour to 6-hour sessions between 6 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Schedules vary by program. To obtain exact times for classes offered, please check with the Admissions Department prior to enrollment. 8| AMERICAN CAREER COLLEGE 2015-2016 CATALOG Evening Classes Evening classes are typically offered in 4-hour to 6-hour sessions between 4 PM and 10:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Schedules vary by program. To obtain exact times for classes offered, please check with the Admissions Department prior to enrollment. Accelerated Schedules In the accelerated program offerings, modules are scheduled 40 hours per week. Classes are typically offered in two 4 hour sessions. Exact times and offerings vary by campus. Externship/Clinical Experiences Externships and clinical rotations are scheduled for various times Monday through Sunday, according to the needs of the specific program and the availability of the externship/clinical site. Externship and clinical hours are set by the host site and will vary. Vocational Nursing and Associate of Occupational Science programs Days and times for classroom, lab, and clinical activities will vary by quarter. To obtain exact times for classes offered, please check with the Program Director prior to enrollment. Student schedules may vary from quarter to quarter. Students will be notified of their schedule in advance of the next quarter start. Blended Learning Modules and Courses Students enrolled in blended modules or courses are required to participate in online module or course activities as outlined in each module/course syllabus. Blended modules/courses at the College combine traditional classroom instruction with an online learning environment. Online chat rooms and threaded discussions provide opportunities for exciting and productive class interaction, as well as the chance to connect with faculty members for help and guidance. Chat rooms are open for discussion with peers at any time or with instructors during office hours. Each blended module or course also engages students with interactive learning exercises and animated activities while providing an audio-visual advantage. Effective online learning requires more than simple text on a screen. Students are able to see and hear each lesson from any computer with access to the internet and the appropriate technical requirements. Because students may have multiple ways of learning, the sights and sounds associated with blended modules/courses add a valuable dimension to the educational experience. Moreover, animations, graphs, charts, and slide presentations are regularly integrated into the modules/courses. Security and Safety Students are responsible for their own security and safety and must be aware of the security and safety of others. The College is not responsible for any student’s personal belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged on campus, in parking lots, at clinical/externship sites, or during any college activities. Students should immediately report any medical, criminal, or other emergency occurring on campus to their Instructor, Program Director or any College employee. Upon receipt of any report of a medical or criminal emergency, the College will, on behalf of the student, obtain the services of medical or security professionals, as appropriate. Students are encouraged to promptly and accurately report all emergencies to College officials. Health and Safety Requirements The College strives to provide its students with a secure and safe environment. Classrooms and laboratories comply with the requirements of the appropriate regulatory agencies. Students are required to complete certain health and safety requirements according to individual program needs. Because many students at the College are involved with direct patient care in health care careers, they may be exposed to conditions of high risk and must be protected. Patients must also be protected against potential health risks from students. Individual COLLEGE INFORMATION| 9 programs may have clinical or externship requirements that must be met prior to the first day of the clinical or externship class. Each program is responsible for tracking and maintaining clinical health and safety requirements and ensuring that students meet the specific program requirements. All students must meet the requirements of the clinical/externship site to which they are assigned. If a student does not meet the requirements for the site, the student may become ineligible to participate in the specific program of study and unable to complete the program. Required Federal Disclosure Information For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates completing programs, and other important information, visit www.americancareercollege.edu/disclosures. California Regulatory Disclosures American Career College makes every effort to ensure accuracy of the information contained in this catalog. The College reserves the right to change policies, regulations, fees, and courses of instruction during this catalog period upon direction of the American Career College Administration and its Chief Executive Officer. The most current and complete information is available from the Campus Executive Director or Campus Dean. All information in the content of this college catalog is current and correct as of the publication date and is so certified as true by David A. Pyle, Chief Executive Officer. The College has no pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years, or has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11U.S.C. Sec. 1101 et seq.). Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833 or P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798, www.bppe.ca.gov, (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement. A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s Internet Web site at www.bppe.ca.gov. Accreditation, Approvals and Memberships The College voluntarily undergoes periodic accrediting evaluations by teams of qualified examiners including subject matter experts in occupational education and private postsecondary school administration. • The Los Angeles, Anaheim, Long Beach, and Ontario campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314N, Falls Church, VA 22043; Phone (703) 917-9503 / Fax (703) 917-4109 / www.abhes.org • The American Career College at St. Francis campus is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201; Phone (703) 247-4212 / Fax (703) 247-4533 / www.accsc.org • American Career College is a private institution, licensed to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). BPPE physical address: 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833; mailing address: P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818; Phone (916) 431-6959 / Toll free (888) 370-7589 / Fax (916) 263-1897 / www.bppe.ca.gov 10| AMERICAN CAREER COLLEGE 2015-2016 CATALOG • The Surgical Technology (Associate of Occupational Science) programs at the Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario campuses are programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314N, Falls Church, VA 22043; Phone (703) 917-9503 / Fax (703) 917-4109 / www.abhes.org • The Medical Assistant programs at the Los Angeles, Anaheim, Long Beach, and Ontario campuses are programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314N, Falls Church, VA 22043; Phone (703) 917-9503 / Fax (703) 917-4109 / www.abhes.org • The Pharmacy Technician training programs at the Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario campuses are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). ASHP 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814; Phone: Toll free (866) 279-0681 / www.ashp.org • The Respiratory Therapy (Associate of Occupational Science) programs in Orange County and Ontario are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CoARC 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021-4244; Phone (817) 283-2835 / Fax (817) 510-1063 / www.coarc.com • The Vocational Nursing programs at the Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario, and American Career College at St. Francis campuses are approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). BVNPT 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205,Sacramento, CA 95833; Phone (916) 263-7800 / www.bvnpt.ca.gov • The Dental Assisting programs in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ontario are approved by the Dental Board of California. The Dental Assisting program in Long Beach is currently approved for stand-alone courses required for graduates to sit for the RDA examination and intends to submit an application to the Dental Board of California in 2014. Dental Board of California 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1550, Sacramento, CA 95815; Phone (916) 263-2300 / Fax (916) 263-2140 / www.dbc.ca.gov • The Health Information Technology (Associate of Occupational Science) program in Orange County is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). CAHIIM 233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800; Phone (312) 233-1100 / www.cahiim.org • Effective October 7, 2013, the Physical Therapist Assistant (Associate of Occupational Science) program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (CAPTE 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; Phone: 703-706-3245; Email: