Most of the training programs at Ridge Technical College (RTC) have minimum admission or state licensure requirements. Applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and have the interest, ability, and desire to benefit from career education. In addition, applicants should be academically, physically, and emotionally capable of meeting the essential tasks of the chosen program. Students should provide proof of age and two proofs of residence with picture identification. Assessment is accomplished by completing the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems, Greater Opportunities for Adult Learning Success (GOALS GOALS), which are used as a diagnostic tool to determine completion of a program. The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. The College also strictly adheres to the Non-discrimination Policy adopted by the School Board of Polk County and, following State Vocational Guidelines, the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier for admission and participation in our CTE programs. Reasonable accommodations can be made for special needs students. Qualified students applying for admission are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis during designated enrollment periods.

Admission Requirements and Procedures for Adult (Postsecondary) Students

  1. Take CASAS GOALS assessment ($20 fee and picture identification are required before testing). This assessment is required for all programs 450 hours and over. A student who graduated from a Florida public high school (graduation year 2007-present) with a standard diploma or possessed an associate degree or higher from a SACS accredited, or equivalent institution is exempt from this requirement.
  2. Interview with the appropriate counselor to interpret test scores; discuss educational plans, entry date, tuition, and fees.
  3. Register for the program by completing an application.
  4. Apply for financial assistance if applicable and/or pay tuition and fees.
    Note: Some programs may require additional steps and/or a formal interview with an additional staff member for admission.

Admission Requirements and Procedures for High School (Secondary) Students

In conjunction with students’ home high schools, Ridge Technical College offers three high school diploma options: the 3-year, 18 standard credit diplomas; the 4-year, 24 credit standard high school diploma; and the State of Florida High School Performance-Based diploma.

Dual Enrollment

Ridge Technical Academy (RTA) will offer students age 16 and over an opportunity to learn in a smaller classroom environment for their core subjects while being dual enrolled into the Ridge Technical College for their elective classes. Students in this target population may be unmotivated or unsuccessful in traditional schools or would like to receive a career certificate
and industry certification in a program not offered at their zoned high school while earning their high school diploma. In order to enroll with RTA, students must currently be enrolled with their zoned high school or a district-approved home education program. Parents should complete an application and consult with their child’s School Counselor before applying, then await admission approval from Ridge Technical Academy.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • 11th and 12th grade
  • 2.0 GPA
  • Be on target with graduation cohort
  • Have good attendance/discipline history
  • Must be enrolled with your home high school or a district-approved home education program before enrollment.

Entry Requirements:

  1. Must be at least 16 years of age.
  2. Must be a student (preferably at the junior or senior level) or 9th or 10th grade level who only needs limited academic credits to graduate.
  3. Have a good attendance record.
  4. Have a good discipline record.
  5. Must take the CASAS GOALS, which are used as a diagnostic tool to determine completion of a program assessment, if applicable.
  6. Must take an Interest Inventory and possibly an Aptitude Assessment.
  7. Complete an application in Student Services Department.
  8. Consult with a School Counselor. All related paperwork necessary for transferring from the home high school will be explained.
  9. Transfer from home high school and report to Ridge Technical College with all required
    paperwork and lab fees.

Health Science Education – Adult/Postsecondary Admission Procedures

Applicants desiring entry into the Technical College Health Science Education programs must complete all admission criteria specific to the health program selected and meet all general admission requirements for the Center.

  1. The CASAS GOALS assessment is used as a diagnostic tool to determine completion of a program. Take the Level D CASAS GOALS to determine the completion of a program if applicable. CASAS GOALS is required for all health science programs except programs less than 450 hours in length. Students who graduated from a Florida public high school (graduation year 2007-present) with a standard diploma or possessed an associate degree or higher from a SACS accredited, or equivalent institution is exempt from this requirement.
  2. Meet with a School Counselor in Student Services and discuss CASAS GOALS results. Receive information for initial admission to the desired program.
  3. Complete all information on an application.
  4. Specific program information is provided at mandatory scheduled information sessions after the application process is completed.
  5. Submit an official high school transcript or official GED grade record. Applicants who graduated from a Florida public high school after 1980 may use the FASTER system; transcripts are electronically transmitted using this system. Transcripts from foreign countries must be translated and evaluated for certification.
  6. Background screening is required for most health science programs. A Level 2 screen with fingerprinting is required for Practical Nursing. Certain offenses may prevent students from obtaining clinical hours needed for completion of a Health Science Program.
  7. Practical Nursing requires the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam for admission.
  8. Days and times of assessment are available from the Guidance Department.

Admission to the Practical Nursing Program

Official high school transcripts or GED records are required for Practical Nursing students. When all admission requirements are met, accepted students are required to attend an Information Session. Information regarding medical clearance, uniforms, textbooks, etc., is provided at this time. Dates and times for these sessions are included in the acceptance letter mailed to the prospective student.