How to Prepare for Healthcare Program Admissions

Preparing for healthcare program admissions typically involves gathering academic records, reviewing program-specific admission requirements, completing any required entrance testing or screenings, and preparing financial aid documentation. Starting early can help you avoid delays and give you time to complete each requirement before your intended program start date.

At Daytona College, admission requirements vary by program. Some healthcare programs have additional requirements related to entrance testing, background screenings, health documentation, prior education, or clinical participation. This checklist can help you prepare, but always review the requirements for the specific Daytona College healthcare program you are considering.

Healthcare Program Admissions Checklist: 5 Steps to Prepare

Admission requirements vary depending on the healthcare program. Use this checklist as a general starting point, then confirm the specific requirements for your program with the Daytona College admissions team.

Application Stage	Action Item	Purpose & Details
1. Meeting with Admissions	Meet with an Admissions Representative	Review program requirements, discuss next steps, and make sure you understand what is needed to move forward with the admissions process.
2. Academic Verification	Submit high school diploma, GED, or equivalent documentation	Confirms educational eligibility for the program
3. Entrance Testing	Complete any required program entrance exam	Evaluates academic skills when an entrance assessment is required
4. Health & Safety	Complete applicable background checks, screenings, or health documentation	May be required for programs that include clinical experiences
5. Financial Aid	Meet with Financial Aid	Review program costs and financial aid options

1. Meet with Daytona College Admissions

Once you have identified the healthcare program you are interested in, the first step is to learn about its specific admission requirements and application process.

At Daytona College, prospective students can work with an admissions representative to review program prerequisites, required documentation, testing requirements, scheduling, and other steps associated with enrollment.

A typical admissions process may include:

1. Choose a program: Review the healthcare programs available and identify the option that fits your educational goals.
2. Review admission requirements: Determine what academic, testing, health, background, or other requirements apply to your chosen program.
3. Submit required documentation: Provide transcripts, identification, and other requested materials.
4. Complete applicable testing or screenings: Schedule any entrance exams, background checks, health screenings, or other required steps.
5. Discuss financial aid: Meet with Financial Aid to review potential funding options and required documentation.
6. Prepare for enrollment: Once admission requirements are addressed, review your program schedule, orientation information, and other next steps.

Starting the process early can give you more time to gather documents, complete required steps, and ask questions before your program begins.

2. Gather Your Essential Academic Documents Early

One of the first steps when preparing for healthcare program admissions is gathering the documents needed to verify your educational background. Depending on the program, Daytona College may require documentation of high school completion or an equivalent credential before enrollment.

Requesting documents early can help prevent delays in the application process.

Documents you may need include:

• High School Diploma or GED: Be prepared to provide documentation showing completion of high school or an equivalent credential.
• Prior College Transcripts: If you have attended another college or postsecondary institution, you may need to provide official transcripts for review.
• Government-Issued Identification: Have a valid form of identification available when completing the admissions process.

If you are unsure which documents your program requires, ask a Daytona College admissions representative before submitting your application.

3. Prepare for Program Entrance Testing

Some healthcare programs, particularly nursing programs, may require applicants to complete an entrance examination. One example is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which evaluates academic skills in areas such as reading, mathematics, science, and English. Admissions can help you understand your program’s entrance testing requirements, confirm what you need to complete, and explain what happens after testing.

Not every healthcare program requires the same entrance exam, so check the requirements for the specific program you are considering.

Core TEAS Test Preparation Areas

The TEAS assesses foundational academic skills in Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. If your Daytona College program requires the TEAS, ask Admissions about the current testing requirements and use current TEAS preparation materials when studying.

Subject	Areas to Review
Reading & English	Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar
Mathematics	Basic algebra, fractions, decimals, and conversions
Science	Human anatomy, physiology, and general biology concepts

How to Prepare for an Entrance Exam

If your program requires an entrance assessment, give yourself time to review the material before your test date.

Consider these preparation strategies:

• Use official study materials: Practice tests and study guides can help you become familiar with the format and types of questions you may encounter.
• Review foundational concepts: Depending on the assessment, you may benefit from reviewing mathematics, reading comprehension, grammar, anatomy, physiology, or other relevant subjects.
• Create a study schedule: Setting aside regular study time can help you organize your preparation.
• Confirm testing requirements: Ask the admissions team about the required assessment, minimum scores, testing dates, and retake policies for your specific program.

4. Complete Required Background Checks and Health Screenings

Some healthcare programs include clinical experiences where students work with patients or enter healthcare facilities. As a result, certain programs may require background checks, drug screenings, immunization records, TB testing, physical examinations, or other health documentation.

The specific requirements can vary based on the program and applicable clinical site requirements.

Depending on your program, you may need to complete:

• Background Checks: Certain healthcare programs may require a background screening before students participate in clinical experiences.
• Drug and Alcohol Screening: Some programs or clinical sites may require screening before clinical participation.
• Immunization and Health Records: Clinical programs may require documentation of vaccinations, TB testing, physical examinations, or other health requirements.

Because these requirements can affect your ability to participate in clinical training, ask about them early in the admissions process. This gives you time to gather documentation and address any questions before your program begins.

5. Organize Your Financial Aid Documents

Understanding how you will pay for your education is another important part of preparing for healthcare program admissions. Starting the financial aid process early can give you more time to complete required forms and discuss available funding options.

Before meeting with a financial aid representative, consider gathering the information you may need for the FAFSA and other financial aid forms.

Financial aid preparation may include:

• Create or access your Federal Student Aid account: An FSA ID is used to access federal student aid systems and complete the FAFSA.
• Gather financial information: Have the tax and financial information you may need to complete the FAFSA and other required forms.
• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid helps determine eligibility for federal student aid programs. Submit it as early as practical based on the requirements and deadlines that apply to you.
• Ask about other funding options: Speak with a financial aid representative about available aid, payment options, scholarships, grants, or other resources that may apply to your situation.

Financial aid eligibility and available options vary by student and program, so discussing your circumstances with the Daytona College financial aid team can help you understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do all healthcare programs require an entrance exam?

No. Entrance testing requirements vary by program. Some healthcare programs, including certain nursing programs, may require an assessment such as the TEAS, while other programs may have different admission requirements. Contact Daytona College to confirm whether an entrance exam is required for the program you are considering.

How far in advance should I start the admissions process?

It is a good idea to begin as early as possible. Giving yourself several weeks or more can provide time to request transcripts, complete any required testing or screenings, review financial aid options, and address questions before your program’s start date. The ideal timeline depends on the program and its specific admission requirements.

What documents do I need to apply to a healthcare program?

Required documents vary by program. Depending on the program, you may need documentation of high school completion or an equivalent credential, college transcripts, identification, and other materials. Programs with clinical components may also require health or background documentation. Ask Daytona College admissions for the current requirements for your chosen program.

Do healthcare programs require background checks?

Some healthcare programs require background checks, particularly when students participate in clinical experiences at healthcare facilities. Requirements can vary by program and clinical site. Ask about background screening requirements early in the admissions process so you have time to complete them.

What happens after I submit my application and transcripts?

The next steps depend on your program. If additional testing, documentation, screenings, or financial aid information is required, you may need to complete those steps before enrollment. An admissions representative can explain what remains to be completed and help you understand the next steps in the process.

Ready to Start Your Healthcare Program Application?

Preparing for healthcare program admissions does not have to mean figuring everything out at once. Start by identifying your program, reviewing its admission requirements, gathering your documents, and determining whether testing, health screenings, or other steps apply to you.

If you are considering Daytona College, connect with the admissions team to learn more about your program’s requirements, application process, schedule, and next steps. You can also speak with Financial Aid to learn more about available funding options.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Daytona College to learn more about healthcare programs and how to get started with your application.