Guidelines to Success

The following methods will support your success in any SRJC Health Sciences program. It's important to have accurate information about the rigors of the curriculum and to understand the time commitment required to be successful while attending college, particularly for students who have children, spouses, family, and home responsibilities. Be sure to consider employment needs, study time necessary, and the demands of other life commitments before enrolling. The following information offers some helpful survival techniques!

Motivation

An applicant to any of SRJC's Health Sciences programs should have a desire to provide personal health care with a strong interest in helping people and should communicate effectively, have critical thinking and organizational skills, be able to work cooperatively with other health-care providers, and remain adaptable. A successful student in this field works hard to enrich her/his knowledge and to expand her/his skills.

Time Commitment

It is essential that you anticipate the time required to successfully complete your course of study at SRJC. The SRJC Counseling Department will assist you in planning your course of study while the Tutorial Center offers training in college skills to help make you successful. You should also plan to spend approximately two hours each week studying for each hour of class time.

Attendance

In addition to adhering to the SRJC Attendance Policy, attending classes on a regular basis, and being prompt, is required to meet state regulations in every class session and clinical experience. When absences are excessive, the student is in jeopardy of not completing the course objectives and curriculum as required to receive a Certificate of Completion or to qualify for the licensing examination, if applicable. All absences from clinical must be made up.

Child Care

Should your child become ill, child-care arrangements and back-up plans should be made in advance that coincide with classroom and clinical obligations. Check with the Child Development Center for child-care options in such cases.

Transportation

Transportation to class and clinical assignments is the responsibility of each student. Having reliable transportation and a backup plan are essential, since clinical sites are located in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Napa, Lake County, Ukiah, and elsewhere.

Student Services

Explore the Student Services site for support services available to students. 

Self-Care

Remember, taking care of yourself, stress management, and relaxation skills will help you meet the challenges of school and work.

Employment While Enrolled

If employed, don't plan to work more than 20 hours a week, so you can keep up with studying. Be sure to get enough rest so you remain alert while in class. Due to the time commitment required by coursework and clinical experiences in some programs (e.g., ADN, Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Technology, Vocational Nursing), it is advisable that students not attempt to work while going to school.