Competitive Selection Process
Programs Requiring Additional Steps to Admission
Selective programs are those programs that have a competitive selection process and require additional admissions steps. If you are a student who wishes to apply to a selective program, and have already completed the initial general application to the college, please find the program of interest and make sure you complete the additional requirements.
Selective Admissions Program
Aviation Airframe Mechanic
Before program admission
- Admission to NWFSC.
- Florida Residency paperwork.
- High school diploma or high school equivalent.
- Attend an Aviation Airframe Mechanic Orientation session.
- Program enrollment is limited to 24 students per cohort chosen by the selective admissions score sheet.
- Check the Catalog to learn about all course and program prerequisites.
Aviation Powerplant Mechanics
Before program admission
- Admission to NWFSC.
- Florida Residency paperwork.
- High school diploma or high school equivalent.
- Attend an Aviation Airframe Mechanic Orientation session.
- Program enrollment is limited to 24 students per cohort chosen by the selective admissions score sheet.
- Check the Catalog to learn about all course and program prerequisites.
Corrections Academy
Program Information
This course of study is designed to provide initial training for individuals wishing to enter the Florida Department of Corrections career field. It also serves as a prerequisite for the Florida State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE). Practical skills and field exercises including officer safety, intake and release of inmates, supervising special populations, defensive tactics, and first aid techniques.
The Criminal Justice Training Center at Northwest Florida State College is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training.
Requirements
We cannot accept applicants who have been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, domestic violence related offenses, or moral character violations as defined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).
Under Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) rules and Florida Statutes, in order to qualify for certification as a law enforcement/corrections officer, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Be a United States citizen
- Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
- No convictions of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement
- Never received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces
- Have good moral character
- Complete an application to Northwest Florida State College
- Pass Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT)
- Pass the Medical Exam required to be accepted into Academy
How to Apply
Before Program Admission
- Meet all of the requirements mentioned above.
- Take the Florida Criminal Justice Basic Abilities (FBAT).
- Read the application guide and complete the Basic Recruit Application.
- Complete the FDLE and NWF State College Physical Assessment Form.
- Submit the completed, original application packet containing the above materials online.
Please note that a printout of your FBAT score and your DD214 (if applicable) must be attached to your application packet. Your application should be typed or in legible print using black ink. Please do not leave any blank spaces. Write “N/A” if a question does not apply to you.
After Program Admission
- Must attend the Corrections Academy orientation.
- Agree to be fingerprinted by the training center school.
- Successfully complete the background investigation.
- Work on your physical fitness to ensure readiness for the program.
Early Childhood Education
Program Information
There are two Early Childhood Education degree programs: Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education and Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Each is a two year program of study and prepares students to work with children ages birth to four years old. Students completing the A.S. in Early Childhood Education degree program can easily transition into the college’s B.S. Early Childhood Education degree program.
Both the A.S. and B.S. Early Childhood Education degree programs admit year-round in all terms. A.S Early Childhood Education applicants complete the college application only and appropriate background screening required by Early Childhood facilities. B.S. Early Childhood Education applicants must complete a program application in addition to the college application, meet a 2.0 cumulative GPA requirement, and complete a successful fingerprint and background screening required by Early Childhood facilities.
How to Apply
Apply for admission to the Teacher Education program by applying online. Select your specialty from the dropdown box under “Intended Program of Study.”
Before program admission
- Complete the B.S. Early Childhood Education online application
After program admission
- Attend the mandatory online new student orientation (B.S. students, only)
- Complete fingerprinting and background screening (B.S. and A.S. students)
This degree program is for those students who possess a current Paramedic license and are interested in pursuing an AS degree in Emergency Medical Services. This degree includes General Education courses in English, Math, Science, and the Social Sciences. This curriculum forms the last stage of a career ladder program progression that began with the EMT program and continued with the Paramedic program.
EMT
Program Information
Emergency Medical Technicians are part of the Emergency Medical Services team. EMTs are trained to provide basic life support and transportation of the sick and injured. The EMT program prepares students to apply for the examination to become a Florida licensed and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Basic.
The Emergency Medical Technician program is 10 credit hours long and is conducted over one (1) semester. Applicants to this program must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED and meet other applicable admission criteria. Students will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Contact the EMS Office at (850) 729-5378 for additional information.
Background Checks
Affiliated clinical agencies may have a policy that will not allow students convicted of a felony to perform clinical duties at their agency. If this is the case, the student will not be allowed to enter the program as clinical experiences would not be made available to him/her. The Florida Bureau of Emergency Medical Services should be contacted for questions regarding certification in the State of Florida.
Drug Screen
Substance abuse is inconsistent with the ethics of the practice of emergency medicine. Students may be asked by the EMS Clinical Coordinator, Program Director or the affiliating clinical agency to submit to individual, group, and/or random drug screen at any time. The college reserves the right to determine the agency to conduct the drug screening. Refusal to comply with requested screening within the timeframe directed will result in dismissal from the EMT program.
Performance Standards
Without compromising patient care, the student must be able to show ability to:
- Communicate verbally by telephone & radio equipment
- Lift, carry & balance up to 125-pounds (250-pounds with assistance)
- Interpret written, oral & diagnostic form instructions
- Use good judgment & remain calm in high-stress situations
- Work effectively in an environment with loud noises & flashing lights
- Function efficiently throughout an entire work shift
- Calculate weight & volume ratios & read small print, both under life-threatening time constraints
- Read & understand English language manuals & road maps
- Accurately comprehend street signs & address numbers
- Interview patient, family members & bystanders
- Document (in writing) all relevant information in prescribed format, considering the legal ramification of such
- Converse in English with coworkers & hospital staff concerning the patient’s health status
- Perform all tasks, with good manual dexterity, related to highest quality patient care
- Bend, stoop & crawl on uneven terrain
- Withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold & moisture
- Work in low light, confined spaces & other dangerous environments.
Before program admission
How to Apply
Apply online for admission to the EMT program. Select “CC-Emergency Medical Technician” from the dropdown box under “Intended Program of Study.”
- Complete the EMT application packet.
- Submit the completed, original application packet containing the above materials online.
- General admission requirements
- Complete a background check, drug screening and EMT health evaluation.
Fire Academy
Program Information
Firefighters are trained to extinguish and control fires in response to situations where property, life, or the environment is in danger. At the scene of an emergency, firefighters perform tasks assigned by their commanding officer. Depending on the situation, they may need to provide medical attention, break through debris, operate fire hoses, or enter a burning building. Firefighters are often first responders to car accidents, heart attack scenes, and other medical emergencies that do not involve fire.
The Firefighting Certificate program is one semester program for students who already hold a First Responder, EMT or paramedic certification. For students that don’t hold these certifications, the Firefighter/EMT Program is a two semester program consisting of one semester of Fire Academy and one semester of EMT. Students who don’t already hold a certification must apply to this program.
Applicants to this program must have a high school diploma or GED and meet other applicable admission criteria. If the number of qualified applicants to the program exceeds the number of openings, students will be accepted using a Selective Admission Point System. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability. Contact the Firefighting Office at (850) 729-4924 for additional information.
How to Apply
Apply for admission to the Fire Academy by applying online. Select “VC-Firefighter Basic” or “VC-Firefighter / Emergency Medical Technician” from the dropdown box under “Intended Program of Study.”
Before program admission
- Must currently hold First Responder, EMT or paramedic certification if applying for Firefighter Basic, otherwise applicants should apply for the two-semester FF/EMT program.
- Must never have been convicted of a felony (must be in compliance with S 112.011(2)(b))
After program admission
- Medical Examination
- Take the TABE test (if applicable)
- Submit sworn nonuser of tobacco/tobacco products affidavit
Career and Technical Certificate
This program is a two semester program that consists of Firefighter standards and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. EMT’s are trained to provide basic life support to the sick and injured. The EMT program at Northwest Florida State College prepares students to apply for the examination to become a Florida certified Emergency Medical Technician and a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. The program offers students the opportunity to enter the exciting world of Emergency Services through education in the college’s state-of-the-art health program facilities. The Northwest Florida State College program blends classroom instruction with hands-on skills training and real world clinical education to prepare students as entry level Emergency Medical Technicians.
The firefighter course provides fundamental information on fire department operations. Students are trained in the safe performance of the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter during both emergency and non-emergency operations. This training includes hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, wildland, ropes, ladders, and “live burn” fire training, as well as other fire-related topics. Upon successful completion of the NWF State College Fire Academy, students who meet all graduation requirements are eligible to test for the state exam which consists of a written and practical test.
Law Enforcement Academy
Program Information
This course of study is designed to provide initial training for individuals wishing to enter the law enforcement career field. It also serves as a prerequisite for the Florida State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE). Courses include Law, Vehicle Operations, Communications, First Aid, Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Patrol, Investigations, Traffic Stops, Crash Investigations, Tactical Applications, Dart-Firing Stun Gun and State Exam Review.
Practical skills and field exercises include courtroom demeanor and testifying, report writing, identification, collection and preservation of evidence, interviewing and interrogation techniques, radio communications, patrol techniques, traffic direction, traffic crash investigations, police vehicle operation, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, firearms training, chemical agent application, CPR and first aid, fingerprinting and sobriety testing.
The Criminal Justice Training Center at Northwest Florida State College is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training.
Requirements
We cannot accept applicants who have been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, domestic violence related offenses, or moral character violations as defined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).
Under Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) rules and Florida Statutes, in order to qualify for certification as a law enforcement/corrections officer, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 19 years of age
- Be a United States citizen
- Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
- No convictions of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement
- Never received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces
- Have good moral character
- Complete an application to Northwest Florida State College
- Pass Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT)
- Must attend academy orientation
- Pass the Medical Exam required to be accepted into Academy
- Agree to be fingerprinted by the training center school
- Successful completion of background investigation
These are the minimum qualifications set by the State of Florida for taking the State Certification Exam and receiving certification. A candidate who has a number of felony arrests without a conviction and/or an extensive record of traffic violations showing a disregard for the law, may be eligible to take the State Exam, but will have little or no chance of being employed by any law enforcement or corrections agency.
In addition, Federal Law prohibits any individual who has been convicted of a domestic violence charge (felony or misdemeanor) from carrying a firearm. This law prohibits an individual with such a conviction from becoming a law enforcement/ corrections officer. Criminal Justice agencies in Florida are free to set their own additional requirements on candidates for employment such as physical requirements, drug use, and criminal history. Applicants must meet the standards of that particular agency they apply for. Passing the Basic Recruit Training Program does not guarantee employment with a Criminal Justice agency.
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 943, the certification process begins with a candidate successfully completing a Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) Basic Recruit Training Program. The candidate receives a Certificate of Completion upon graduation and applies to sit for the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE). Upon successful completion of the SOCE, the candidate must become employed with a law enforcement or corrections agency. The candidate can then apply to CJSTC for certification. The candidate has four years from the beginning of the Basic Recruit Training Program to fulfill these requirements and become certified.
How to Apply
Before Program Admission
- Take the Florida Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) and receive a score of 70 or better. Please see our FBAT scheduling guide for more information on taking this exam.
- Read the application guide and complete the Basic Recruit Application.
- Complete the FDLE and NWF State College Physical Assessment Form.
- Submit the completed, original application packet containing the above materials online.
Please note that a printout of your FBAT score and your DD214 (if applicable) must be attached to your application packet. Your application should be typed or in legible print using black ink. Please do not leave any blank spaces. Write “N/A” if a question does not apply to you.
After Program Admission
- Attend the law enforcement academy’s mandatory orientation.
- Agree to be fingerprinted by the training center school.
- Work on your physical fitness to ensure readiness for the program.
Applications are accepted year-round and are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
A.S. Medical Laboratory Technology
Program Information
This is a 6-semester program of study leading to an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.
The program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and clinical experiences necessary to become proficient Medical Laboratory Technicians. The curriculum includes content in hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, immunology and blood banking. Students will be ready and eligible to sit for the medical laboratory technology national board exams and will also be prepared to continue their education at the university level to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree.
Visit the MLT program page to learn more about our hybrid curriculum and part-time option.
Admissions Requirements
Students seeking admission to the program must complete an application to the college and be admitted into the Medical Laboratory Technology General Education program. Once general education/prerequisite requirements are completed, students may apply to be allowed to register in the technical portion of the program. Admission to this portion of the program is limited by space and clinical resources. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spaces, candidates will be ranked according to a points system. A complete explanation of the application process and points system may be found in the MLT application packet, which can be accessed on the MLT webpage. This application process occurs once per year between May and July for registration for the Fall semester. Specific deadlines will be posted on the MLT program page.
Before Program Admission
- Apply to the college choosing MLT Program – General Education
- Attend an information session – dates and times are listed on the MLT program page
- Complete the required prerequisites
- Complete the MLT Technical Program Application
After Program Admission
- Attend mandatory orientation
- Submit proof of Immunizations
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Obtain CPR Certification
A.S. Nursing
Program Information
This two-year Nursing program, which is nationally accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), leads to an Associate in Science (A.S.) in Nursing degree (see Accreditation for more details about ACEN. Current Florida Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may complete the program in three semesters, not including summer. Graduates of the Nursing program are eligible to apply for licensure by examination to become Registered Nurses (RNs). They are also prepared to continue their education, and can smoothly transition into the RN to BSN program offered at NWF State College.
Admissions Requirements
The Associate in Science in Nursing has a twice-a-year application/admissions process (Fall and Spring). Applicants must complete a program application in addition to the college application, must meet or exceed the minimum cumulative GPA requirement, and must pass the Nursing Admission Examination in order to be considered for selection into the program.
Students selected for this program must meet matriculation criteria, including a criminal background check, drug screen, and CPR Certification, as required by clinical facilities.
For more details about the selection process, please choose your track below to access all application materials and selection criteria. Contact the Nursing Department at (850) 729-6400 for additional information.
Before program admission
As part of your application process, please ensure you complete the tasks below.
The deadline to apply for Spring admissions is July 1. The deadline to apply for Fall admission is March 1.
-
Complete and submit the post-test
- Complete the A.S. Nursing Program Application
- Take the TEAS. The TEAS exam can be taken March 2 – July 1 for Spring applications and July 2- March 1 for Fall applications. Instructions for scheduling the TEAS exam can be found in the application packet. After program admission
Information will be sent to you upon selection into the program for more information about how to complete the items below.
- Attend mandatory orientation (Failure to attend results in removal from program)
- Physical examination
- Proof of immunization
- Drug screen
- Criminal background check/fingerprinting
- BLS/CPR
Fall Application Period: July 2-March 1
Spring Application Period: March 2-July 1
RN to BSN Nursing
Program Information
The RN to BSN Degree Program is designed for licensed Registered Nurses who are seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program is offered online with experiential learning experiences that can be completed where you reside. Study plans are available to complete the program in as few as three semesters.
The RN to BSN program accepts applications year-round to begin courses in any semester. Applicants must complete a program application in addition to the college application, must submit proof of RN licensure, must meet or exceed the minimum cumulative GPA requirement, and must meet pre-enrollment clinical requirements. Contact the BSN Department at (850) 729-6400 for additional information.
Click the link to see Why You Should Choose NWFSC’s BSN program to advance your career.
Before program admission
As part of your application process, please ensure you complete the tasks below.
- Meet all college general admission requirements
- Complete the online application for BSN
- Submit proof of Clear/Active RN licensure. It is possible for recent graduates of an A.S. in Nursing program to take limited courses in the BSN program prior to passing the licensure exam.
- Maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA in college credit coursework and a minimum grade of “C” in all Florida Common Course prerequisites. Students with a lower GPA may be accepted on a provisional basis.
Applications are accepted year-round. Please see program page for deadlines .
Paramedic
Program Information
Paramedics are the highest trained and educated pre-hospital provider of emergency medicine. In the Paramedic program, students are provided the highest quality education to prepare to become competent leaders in the high pace work of Emergency Medical Services. The Paramedic program at NWF State College is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP).
The Paramedic program is three semesters beyond the Emergency Medical Technician Basic level and prepares students to apply for the Florida or National Registry Paramedic board examination. The Paramedic Certificate program is a Limited Admission College Credit Certificate. Students admitted to this program must have a high school diploma or GED and meet other applicable admission criteria (including documentation of current Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification).
The curriculum for this program forms the core of the Emergency Medical Services Associate in Science degree program. Contact the EMS Office at (850) 729-4924 for additional information.
Advanced Placement
Northwest Florida State College does not accept credentialed or non-credentialed students for advanced placement into the Paramedic Program.
Transfer of Credits
Northwest Florida State College does not accept transfer of credits for the Paramedic Program.
Experiential Learning
Northwest Florida State College Paramedic Program does not award students credit(s) for experiential learning.
How to Apply
- Meet general admissions requirements.
- Apply online for admission into the Paramedic program. Select “CC-Paramedic” from the dropdown box under “Intended Program of Study.”
- NWFSC will process each college application and notify the Public Safety Training Center when the applicant’s college requirements are met.
- Upon receiving the above notification, the Public Safety Training Center will contact applicants via email and provide the required departmental Paramedic Application along with further application instructions.
Before program admission
- Certified background check
- Complete drug screen
- Complete a Paramedic health evaluation
- Possess a valid EMT license
After program admission
- Attend mandatory orientation (Failure to attendance results in removal from the program).
A.S. Physical Therapist Assistant
Program Information
The Associate in Science in Physical Therapist Assistant is a two-year selective admissions program, with the first semester consisting of general education coursework that must be completed prior to admission into the Technical Phase. The program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and clinical experiences necessary to become Physical Therapist Assistants. Students will be ready and eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is required to work as a PTA. New students are accepted annually for enrollment in the technical program starting in the Spring Term.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northwest Florida State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (850)863-6511 or email pta@nwfsc.edu.
Admissions Requirements
Students seeking admission to the program must complete an application to the college and be admitted into the PTA Program General Education Cohort prior to applying to the Technical Program. Students must meet the admissions criteria listed below to be considered for selection into this program. All eligible applicants will be accepted based on the annual cohort size determined by job market outlook and clinical site availability. If there are more eligible applicants than spots available, the program will use a selective admission points system which can be found in the program application packet.
Students selected for the Technical Program will receive conditional acceptance pending a background check, drug screen, and completion of general education coursework with the minimum required GPA. Contact the PTA Department at (850)863-6511 or by email for additional information.
Before Program Admission
- Apply to the College – PTA Program General Education Cohort.
- Attend Information session – not required but will receive selective admissions points for attending; dates listed on program page.
- Complete the PTA Technical Program Application.
After Program Admission
Information will be sent to you upon selection into the Technical Program for more information about how to complete the items listed below.
- Background check and drug screen (completed prior to full admission into the technical program)
- Attend mandatory orientation
- Physical examination
- Proof of immunizations
- CPR certification
Professional Pilot Technology
Program Information
Before program admission
- Admission to NWFSC
- Florida Residency paperwork
- High school diploma or high school equivalent
- Attend a Professional Pilot Technology Orientation session.
- Prior to beginning flight lessons, students must obtain:
- An FAA Private Pilot license.
- An FAA 2nd Class medical certificate.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or TSA Authorization for flight training.
- Due to the high cost of flight training, students are encouraged to have funding source(s) in place before beginning flight lessons.
- Check the Catalog to learn about all course and program prerequisites.
Radiography
Program Information
The Associate in Science in Radiography is a two-year selective admissions program. New students are accepted annually for enrollment in the Summer Term. Students admitted to this program must meet specific admissions criteria outlined in the Selective Admission Point System.
Additionally, after acceptance into the Radiography program a background check, drug screen and other training will be required. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Contact the Radiography Department at (850) 729-6444 for additional application requirements and information.
Teacher Education
Program Information
The Bachelor of Science Elementary Education (K-6) is a two year program of study that results in students fulfilling requirements to become a certified teacher.
The Teacher Education degree programs admit students in the fall and spring semesters. Applicants must complete a program application in addition to the college application, meet a 2.5 GPA requirement for the general education coursework, pass the General Knowledge (GK) portion of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE), and complete a successful fingerprint and background screening by both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
How to Apply
Apply for admission to the Teacher Education program by applying online.
Before program admission
- Complete the online application
- Students must attempt the GK during EDF 1005 Introduction to Teacher Education
After program admission
- Attend the mandatory new student orientation
- Complete fingerprinting and background screening
- Students must submit passing General Knowledge scores prior to enrolling for the methods semester. Students must submit passing Professional Education and Subject area scores prior to enrolling for Internship
Welding
Program Information
Before program admission
- Submit previous welding experience documentation including letter of recommendation and/or office high school/postsecondary transcripts
After program admission
- Take the PERT (unless you have a two-year degree or higher, if you completed four years of high school in Florida, or if you score high enough on the ACT or SAT)