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Though most degree and certificate programs at CT State accept all interested students, certain academic programs have more stringent admissions requirements due to the specific nature of the program or the coursework involved. Learn more about each selective admissions program and please review the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Please note: All course requirements must be college level (high school courses not accepted)

Dental Assisting Certificate
Campuses: Manchester, Tunxis

Manchester Campus Program Requirements:

  • Application Available: October 1-June 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • Eligible for English Composition
    • Eligible for Quantitative Literacy
    • Eligible for General Psychology*
    • Cell Biology with Organ Systems**
    • Eligible for Public Speaking*
  • Must attend a campus-specific Dental Assistant information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Dental assistant admission requires a GPA of 2.5 or greater, based only on college courses with grades of C or greater that meet the dental assistant admission and dental assistant program curriculum requirements.
  • Eligible candidates will be offered an interview

*It is preferable to have these courses completed by the program start date.

**Course can be in progress during fall and/or spring semester of the application year


 Tunxis Campus Program Requirements:

  • Application Available: October 1-June 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • Eligible for English Composition
  • Must attend a campus-specific Dental Assisting information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Dental assisting admission requires a GPA of 2.0 or greater, based only on college courses with grades of C or greater that meet the dental assisting admission and dental assisting program curriculum requirements.*
  • Please note: First Class begins August 1
  • Eligible candidates will be offered an interview
  • Eight hours of job shadowing will be required after acceptance.
Dental Hygiene Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Tunxis
 

 

Program Requirements:

dental students work on teeth
  • Application Available: October 1-February 1
    (Must complete the summer application)
  • Course Requirements:
    • Final grade of C or greater
    • Must be completed prior to start of program
    • Anatomy & Physiology I 
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
      • Must have on-ground lab
    • General Biology*
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
      • Must have on-ground lab
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Intermediate Algebra or Statistics equivalent or higher
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Concepts in Chemistry equivalent or higher
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
      • Must have on-ground lab
    • Anatomy & Physiology II*
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
      • Must have on-ground lab
    • Microbiology*
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application 
      • Must have on-ground lab
    • Nutrition for Health Professionals*
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • General Psychology*
      • Final grade of C or greater

*Course may be in progress during the spring semester of the application year

  • Completion of the Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH). Available all year.
  • Two letters of Recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • 4 hours shadowing a Licensed Dental Hygienist
  • Must attend campus-specific Dental Hygiene information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Interview required for eligible applicants
  • Dental Hygiene Admission GPA of 2.7 based on Anatomy & Physiology I, English Composition, Intermediate Algebra or Statistics and Concepts of Chemistry with a grade of C or greater.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Gateway

sonography technician performs ultrasound

Requirements:

  • Application Available: October 1-February 1 (Must complete the summer application)
  • Course Requirements:
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Precalculus
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Physics for Life Sciences
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Anatomy & Physiology I
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • Anatomy & Physiology II
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application or can be in progress during the spring semester of application year
  • Must attend a campus-specific Diagnostic Medical Sonography information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Eligible applicants will be invited to participate in a mini-meeting interview (MMI). This MMI is mandatory to be considered for admission to the program.
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admission requires a GPA of 2.7 or greater based only on college courses with grades of C or greater that meet the Diagnostic Medical Sonography admission curriculum requirements.
Health Information Technology - Data Management Track (A.S.)
Campuses: Middlesex

woman works on laptopRequirements:

  • Application Available:
    • Fall Semester: October 1-August 1 (Please Note: the selective admissions process will begin 10/1/24-8/1/25)
    • Spring Semester: June 1-December 1 (Please Note: the selective admissions process will begin 6/1/24-12/1/24)
  • Must attend a campus-specific information session within one year prior to application deadline.
  • English Composition
    • Final Grade of C or greater
  • Cell Biology with Organ Systems (or the prerequisite course(s) required for Anatomy & Physiology I eligibility, i.e., General Biology. Completion of Anatomy & Physiology will also fulfill the requirement.
    • Final Grade of C or greater
  • Eligible for Statistics II (can be met by completing Statistics I or Statistics I with Computer Technology with a C- or higher, or placement using multiple measures.)
Nuclear Medicine Technology Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Gateway

Program Requirements:

  • Application Available: October 1-February 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • Pathway to Calculus: College Algebra
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Anatomy & Physiology I
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • Anatomy & Physiology II
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Admission requires a GPA of 2.7 or greater based only on the college courses with grades of C or greater that meet the Nuclear Medicine Technology admission and Nuclear Medicine Technology program curriculum requirements.
  • Must attend campus-specific Nuclear Medicine Technology information session within one year prior to the application deadline
Nursing Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Capital, Gateway, Naugatuck Valley, Northwestern, Norwalk, Three Rivers

Program Requirements:

nurses discuss patient chart
  • Application Available: October 1-February 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • BIO 2111: Anatomy & Physiology I
      • Final grade of C+ or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • CCS 1001 College and Career Success
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • ENG 1010: Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • MAT 1200: Statistics I equivalent or higher
      • Final grade of C or greater
  • Nursing Admission GPA of 2.7 or greater, based only on the college courses that meet the Nursing admission and Nursing program curriculum requirements.
  • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) total score of 58.7% or higher taken within 3 years of application
    Please note: Only the most recent TEAS score will be used when determining eligibility
  • Review the Nursing Information Packet for admission details
Occupational Therapy Assistant Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Manchester

Occupational therapist helps patient walk

Program Requirements 

  • Application Available: October 1-February 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Cell Biology with Organ Systems
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application 
      • or Anatomy & Physiology I and II
        • Final grade of C or greater
        • Taken within 5 years of application
      • or Human Biology if taken between 2020 and 2023. This can only be used for the October 1, 2023-February 1, 2024 application cycle.
    • General Psychology
      • Final grade of C or greater
  • Must attend campus-specific Occupational Therapy Assistant information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant Admission GPA of 2.5 or greater based only on the college courses with grades of C or greater that meet the Occupational Therapy Assistant admission requirements.
  • Interview
Paramedic Studies Certificate
Campuses: Capital

two paramedics help patient with breathing machine in ambulance

Program Requirements:

Application Available: 

  • Fall semester: June 1-August 1
  • Spring semester: September 1-December 15

Course requirements:

  • Proof of current state of CT emergency medical technician certification
    • Must be active and in good standing
  • Documented verification of emergency medical technician experience
    • Related healthcare experience may be considered
    • Applicants must submit verification of involvement in fifty patient care calls as an EMT (to include treatment and transport on an ambulance).
  • Two letters of reference from a healthcare professional
  • Completion of attestation form
  • Documentation of a current BLS-Healthcare Provider level cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (CPR)
  • Successful completion of the emergency medical technician-paramedic entrance exam with a qualifying score of 70 or above. (Entrance exam will be scheduled after application is reviewed for the above eligibility requirements.)
Physical Therapist Assistant Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Naugatuck Valley, Norwalk

Naugatuck Valley: Spring Semester Start
Norwalk:
Fall Semester Start 

physical therapist works on patient's shoulder

Program Requirements:

  • Naugatuck Valley campus:
    Application is open April 1-August 1
  • Norwalk campus: Application is open October 1-July 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • General Biology
      • Final grade of C+ or greater
    • Statistics
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • General Psychology
      • Final grade of C or greater
  • Physical Therapist Assistant admission GPA of 2.5 or greater is required and based only on the college courses with grades of C or greater that meet the Physical Therapy Assistant admission requirements
  • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) total score of 60% or higher taken within 3 years of application
  • Documented volunteer/observational experience totaling at least 20 hours in two different settings (inpatient and outpatient)
  • Review the Physical Therapist Assistant Information Packet for more details.
Practical Nursing Certificate
Campuses: Quinebaug Valley
Practical Nursing Certificate
  • Application available: February 1 - April 15 (must complete a summer application)
  • Course Requirements:
    • Composition, C or greater;
    • Cell Biology with Organ Systems, C or greater, Taken within 5 years of application;
    • General Psychology, C or greater;
    • Lifespan Developmental Psychology, C or greater;
    • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) total score of 55.4% or higher taken within 3 years of application.

      Please note: Only the most recent TEAS score will be used when determining eligibility

Radiation Therapy Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Gateway, Manchester

radiation therapy students look at image on screen

Program Requirements

  • Application Available: October 1- February 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Anatomy & Physiology I
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • Anatomy & Physiology II
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application or can be in progress during spring semester of application year
    • Precalculus
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
  • Radiation Therapy Admission requires a GPA of 2.7 or greater based only on the college courses with grades of C or greater that meet the Radiation Therapy admission requirements and Radiation Therapy program curriculum requirements.
  • Must attend campus-specific Radiation Therapy information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Interview for eligible candidates
Radiography Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Capital, Gateway, Manchester, Middlesex, Naugatuck Valley

radiation therapists prep patient

Program Requirements

  • Application Available: October 1-February 1
  • Must attend campus-specific Radiography information session within one year of application deadline
  • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) total score of 60% or higher taken within 3 years of application
  • Course Requirements:
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Pathway to Calculus: College Algebra
      • Must be eligible for this math course by the fall program start date
    • Anatomy & Physiology I
      • Final grade of C+ or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • Anatomy & Physiology II
      • Final grade of C+ or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application or can be in progress during spring semester of application year
  • Radiography requires a GPA of 2.7 or greater based only on the college courses that meet the Radiography admission and Radiography program curriculum requirements (College Algebra, Arts & Humanities Elective, General Psychology, and Public Speaking.)*
Radiography Certificate: Computed Tomography Option
Campuses: Middlesex

Program Requirements:

  • Application Available: October 1-June 1
  • Copy of current certification from ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) or NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board)
  • Copy of current State of Connecticut Radiographer license
  • Note: Eligible applicants will be contacted if selected for an interview.

Radiography Certificate: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Option
Campuses: Middlesex

Program Requirements:

  • Application Available: October 1-June 1
  • Copy of current certification from ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) or NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board) or ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
  • Copy of current State of Connecticut Radiographer license
  • Note: Eligible applicants will be contacted if selected for an interview.

Radiography Certificate: Mammography Option
Campuses: Middlesex

Program Requirements:

  • Application Available:
    • Fall Semester: October 1-June 1
    • Spring Semester: June 1-October 1
  • Copy of current certification from ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)
  • Copy of current State of Connecticut Radiographer license
  • Note: Eligible applicants will be contacted if selected for an interview.
Respiratory Care Degree (A.S)
Campuses: Manchester, Naugatuck Valley, Norwalk
 

 

Program Requirements:

students practice respiratory care on dummy
  • Application Available:  
    • Manchester Campus: October 1-June 1

    • Naugatuck Valley Campus: October 1-June 1

    • Norwalk Campus: October 1-June 1
      Late applications may be accepted after the deadline if open seats remain

  • Attend an information session*
    This is strongly suggested but not required.
  • Course Requirements:
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Intermediate Algebra equivalent or higher
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Concepts in Chemistry equivalent or higher
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • Anatomy & Physiology I
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
  • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) total score of 53.3 or higher taken within 3 years of application
  • Respiratory Care admission requires a GPA of 2.5 or greater based only on the college courses that meet the Respiratory Care admission and Respiratory Care program curriculum requirements.
Surgical Technology Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Gateway, Manchester

Gateway: Spring Semester Start
Manchester:
Fall Semester Start

surgical technicians working

Gateway Program Requirements

The following admissions requirements for the associate degree in Surgical Technology at CT State Gateway, are for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle and will be needed for students applying for the spring 2026 cohort.

  • Application Available: June 1-October 1
  • Must attend campus-specific Surgical Technology information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Course Requirements:
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Medical Terminology
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • College and Career Success
    • Quantitative Literacy or higher course
      (It is strongly recommended to take one of the math prerequisites for Concepts of Chemistry)
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Anatomy and Physiology I
      • Final grade of C+ or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application 
    • Anatomy and Physiology II
      • Final grade of C+ or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application 
    • Microbiology
      • Final grade of C+ or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application 
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA in all Surgical Tech admission coursework and including any of the following general education courses if completed: art and humanities elective, Composition II and Literature -or- Advanced Composition -or-Technical Writing, General Psychology and Introduction to Software Applications
surgeons and technicians perform surgery on patient

Manchester/Hartford Hospital Program Requirements:

  • Application Available: October 1-February 1
  • Course Requirements:
    • Anatomy and Physiology I
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Anatomy and Physiology II*
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • May be in progress during spring semester of application year
    • Microbiology*
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • May be in progress during spring semester of application year
    • College Career and Success
    • Interpersonal Communications or Public Speaking
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Quantitative Literacy or higher course
      (It is strongly recommended to take one of the math prerequisites for Concepts of Chemistry)
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Introduction to Biology or Cell Biology with Organ Systems or any course approved as a prerequisite to Anatomy & Physiology I (General Biology or Chemistry)
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Social/Behavioral Science general education course
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Arts and Humanities general education course
      • Final grade of C or greater
  • Must attend campus-specific Surgical Technology information session within one year prior to the application deadline
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA in all Surgical Tech admission coursework
  • If student is eligible based on the above criteria: Completion of the Surgical Technology entrance literacy exam with a minimum score of 70%
  • If student scores a 70 or higher on the exam: Attend an in-person interview with an oral and written component (see interview sheet/interview rubric)

*May be in progress during spring semester of application year.

Veterinary Technology Degree (A.S.)
Campuses: Middlesex, Northwestern, Norwalk

Program Requirements:

vet techs and veterinarian check dog
  • Application Available: October 1-May 1
    Late applications may be accepted after May 1 if open seats remain.
  • Course Requirements:
    • English Composition
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • Intermediate Algebra equivalent or higher
      • Final grade of C or greater
    • General Biology 
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
    • Concepts in Chemistry
      • Final grade of C or greater
      • Taken within 5 years of application
  • Academic Recommendation
  • Professional Recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • GPA of 2.7 or higher (based on science and math coursework only)
  • It is preferable to have classes completed by the application deadline however, classes can be in progress during the fall and/or spring semester of the application year.
  • Review the Veterinary Technology Information packet for more details.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use high school classes to meet the course requirements?

All course requirements must be college-level. High school coursework is not acceptable. 

Can I apply to more than one selective admission program?

Applicants applying to CT State Community College who meet the admission requirements may apply to multiple selective admissions programs (e.g. nursing, radiography and nuclear medicine). However, only one campus location may be chosen per selective admission program.

Do I need to attend an information session?

Attendance at a program information session before the program application deadline is required by several selective admissions programs. Be aware of the requirements for your program.

When will I be able to view the items needed to complete my application?

Supplemental items and documents for admission are not generated for an applicant to access until after the application is submitted in the online portal.

Do I need to reapply if I do not get accepted?

Students who are not accepted into a specific health career program may re-apply the following year. If a student is not accepted, their subsequent application is not affected – every application is reviewed on its own merits. For students who wish to reapply, it is necessary to complete and submit another set of the required application materials.

I'm new to CT State. What should my major be?

Students who do not or will not have the admission requirements by the program application deadline should apply as General Studies under the "Nursing and Health Careers" area of interest. Please apply for the selective program of your choice in a future admissions cycle, after all admissions requirements are met.

I need to take the CCS 1001 class (College and Career Success) at CT State?
  • College and Career Success–CCS 1001 is a CT State Community College requirement and students must enroll within their first nine (9) credits. Please refer to the following information if you have questions about whether or not you will need this or will be eligible for an exemption.
Why do certain “supplemental items and documents” show as “not received”?

Required courses and other supplemental items will show as “Not Received” until after we review your Selective Admissions application and verify you have met the minimum requirements. This may not take place until after the application deadline.

Why can’t I upload my college transcripts?

Students transferring from colleges or universities outside of CT State Community College must request official transcripts and allow time for their receipt.

Why can’t I register for certain required admission courses?

Please note that some admissions courses require prerequisite classes. Please consult the college catalog for more information.

When should I apply?

Students are encouraged to apply early to allow time for completion of required supplemental item submission.

    For specific admission information to any of these programs, please click on the program link above. Please note that the application instructions for each program may vary.


    Selective Admissions Staff

    For general questions/help: CTState-SelectiveAdmissions@ct.edu


    Sarah Hendrick

    Director of Selective Admissions

    Email: sarah.hendrick@ctstate.edu
    Occupational Therapy, Radiography (Manchester and Middlesex), and Veterinary Technology (Middlesex A-L)


    Mary Beth Banks

    Selective Admissions Specialist

    Email: marybeth.banks@ctstate.edu
    Nursing (D-K), Radiation Therapy, Respiratory Care, and Veterinary Technology (Middlesex M-Z)

     


    Erika Carrington

    Selective Admissions Specialist

    Email: erika.carrington@ctstate.edu
    Health Information Technology: Data Management, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nursing (A-C), Radiography (Capital, Gateway, Naugatuck Valley), Surgical Technology (Manchester), and Veterinary Technology (Northwestern)


    Reuben Cartagena

    Selective Admissions Specialist

    Email: reuben.cartagena@ctstate.edu
    Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Nursing (L-P), Paramedic Studies, and Physical Therapist Assistant


    Robin Morris

    Selective Admissions Specialist

    Email: robin.morris@ctstate.edu
    Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nursing (Q-Z), Surgical Technology (Gateway), and Veterinary Technology (Norwalk)