Admissions

Note from Admissions
We would like to take a moment to thank you for considering the Emerald Coast Technical College for one of your education pathways.  Emerald Coast Technical College is a small but growing school in Walton County. We hope that we will be able to provide you with the best Student Services possible.  Please feel free to e-mail the admissions office with any questions as you maneuver through the application process.

​Requirements
Students who have attained the age of 16 years, are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance, and who meet one or more of the following requirements may enroll in most PSAV (Postsecondary Adult Vocational) Certificate programs at Emerald Coast Technical College:

  • Valid Standard High School Diploma* 
  • GED® or other recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (34 CFR 600.2  GEN-14-06)*
  • Special Diploma (Specific provisions and restrictions apply.)
  • Special Admission Provisions for persons with disabilities  1007.264 F.S; 1007.265 F.S.(see a counselor for additional details)
  • Home educated student who presents an affidavit signed by the student’s parent or legal guardian attesting that the student has completed a home education program pursuant to the requirements of F.S. 1002.41
  • Dually enrolled students admitted under F.S. 1007.271
  • Students who present with previously demonstrated competency  in college credit/postsecondary coursework (e.g., A.A. degree)
 
Note: Students wishing to benefit from PSAV to AAS/AS degree articulation agreements must have achieved a standard high school diploma or equivalent and must meet specified college requirements.
 
*Students must provide documentation of the award of the valid standard high school diploma, GED®, or other recognized equivalent of a high school diploma through official transcripts. Until ECTC receives official transcripts indicating the award of the standard high school diploma, GED®, or other recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, the student is admitted on a provisional/conditional basis pending receipt of these transcripts. No financial aid will be disbursed until official transcripts of the valid high school diploma, GED®, or other recognized equivalent of a high school diploma are received.
 
**Students provisionally admitted may enroll in the first course of their PSAV program; however, no federal financial aid will be disbursed to the student until all requirements for admission to ECTC and qualification to receive financial aid are met.  Tuition waivers, exemptions, and/or deferrals are not available to students who are admitted under this provision until the student meets the regular admission requirements. Special diplomas and certificates of attendance may be accepted for admission into certain PSAV programs. The special diploma does not meet requirements of the standard high school diploma. In general, students must have achieved a standard high school diploma/GED®, or be beyond the age of compulsory attendance and meet the criteria for homeschooled students in order to access federal financial aid. Students who do not meet criteria for admissions to postsecondary programs or financial aid may wish to enroll in ECTC adult education/developmental programs to earn a GED®. Students are reminded that some PSAV programs at ECTC require the standard high school diploma or GED®/other recognized equivalent of the high school diploma.  Students enrolling in the practical nursing program MUST have achieved a standard high school diploma or GED® and must be 18 years old at the time of the first scheduled clinical rotation.
​

​Students who are enrolling in PSAV programs over 450 hours in length and who do not meet certain exemption requirements should present current TABE scores (less than one year old). Students are required to attain appropriate exit scores before a certificate of program completion can be awarded. Students who are required to take the TABE and who do not attain the program exit scores are encouraged to enroll in the appropriate adult education/ developmental program to help in achieving required exit scores.​

Students may be exempt from the requirement of TABE testing.  Please see a representative in student services to see if an exemption may apply.  The following exemptions apply to general enrollment at ECTC:
  • Official transcript of award of a standard high school diploma from an accredited Florida high school, reflecting enrollment into ninth grade in an accredited Florida high school 2003-2004 school year or later.  
  • Official transcript of award of an associate’s or higher degree from an accredited college/ postsecondary education institution
  • Official documentation verifying achievement of FLDOE approved and specified industry certifications/ licensure.   See a representative in student services for additional information.
  • Other exemptions may apply.   

General Admissions Procedures for Postsecondary Certificate Programs
​
  • Complete Orientation/General Information Session
  • Complete general application.  There is no cost for submitting the general school application.  This application informs Admissions that you are interested in attending ECTC. 
  • Request official  transcripts from accredited educational institutions
  • Complete program application and application requirements for special / limited access programs (e.g. practical nursing, cosmetology)
  • Complete appropriate testing (e.g., TABE if no exemption applies;  Nurse Entrance Test (TEAS/ATI for practical nursing programs); CareerScope® if requested
  • Contact Admissions
  • Meet with counselor/advisor for career counseling if needed. 
  • Meet with  financial aid  if needed
  • Complete registration for classes; pay registration fees; pay parking fee if needed
  • Pay tuition & fees and purchase textbooks and supplies

Limited access programs such as practical nursing and cosmetology require a student interview with career program staff prior to admission to the program.  Waiting lists are maintained for some limited access programs and students may register and enroll only after receiving the appropriate program acceptance letter.
 
Students are encouraged to meet with program instructors prior to first class attendance.  Counselors can advise students regarding “best match” with career education programs and individual student interest and aptitude profile and personal goals.  Counselors and teachers can assist students in evaluating job placement possibilities.