Admissions
General Information
Mission Statement: “Learning For Everyone, Whatever It Takes!”
Vision Statement: “Erwin will produce quality, productive team members for the workforce and for the community.”
Philosophy: We believe that the most important element in education is the student. As the focus of the educational endeavor, the welfare of the student shall be the governing consideration in the establishment of polices and procedures. In recognition of the diversity of the student population that we serve, technical education, and support services will provided in a flexible manner and thus address the broad nature of backgrounds and needs brought to the classroom by our students.
Campus Safety Information: Erwin Technical Center is diligent in providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere for your educational experience. For information regarding criminal occurrences on campus please read the following information.
Program Information:
Full-time programs prepare students for entry-level employment; part-time programs are offered to improve current job skills. Course offerings are based on community and student needs.
The Center operates on a 12-month calendar and school terms are divided into approximately five 44-day quinmesters per school year. The usual full-time student load is 25 clock hours per week.
Selected training programs require students to have a standard, approved* high school diploma or GED prior to entering. See the 'Programs with Special Requirements' Section for further explanation. We accept diplomas/degrees from foreign/international institutions only if they are certified and translated in English. See the 'International Students' Section for further explanation.
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
Veterans Benefits:
Admissions and Testing
All applicants for job preparatory programs take an admissions test before entering training. This test measures basic skills in Reading, Math, and English Language.
Admissions/Basic Skills Test Schedule:
- Tuesday and Thursday: doors close promptly at 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday: doors close promptly at 8:00 a.m.
The test is administered in Room 142. No appointment is necessary.
Applicants need to provide a photo ID (Florida ID preferred).
Cell phones are not permitted in the testing room.
Testing Fee - No fees are collected during testing. A $3 testing processing fee will be assessed at the time of registration for your job preparatory program.
Children should not accompany applicants since the test takes approximately 2 1/2 hours.
When test results indicate a need for remediation, applicants are appropriately referred for assistance to our Learning Center.
If students want to submit Level 9D TABE scores administered by an outside source, they must be delivered on the public institution's letterhead in a sealed envelope, clearly show the test form and level, be accompanied by an item analysis, and be less than two years old. Under state guidelines, Erwin reserves the right to screen outside TABE scores from any source other than a public education institution for acceptance or denial.
Individual programs require varying levels of basic skills. A standard, approved* high school diploma or GED is required for some programs. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis after entrance requirements have been met.
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
(Students may use a foreign translated and certified degree to meet the standard high school diploma requirement only. This means that only approved*, accredited degrees are accepted in lieu of TABE scores. Any students presenting a foreign degree are required to take and pass the TABE entrance test.)
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
Applicants who submit proof of a two or four year degree from an approved* U.S. regional accrediting association may be exempt from the TABE entrance test.
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
Career program applicants without a high school diploma/GED must notify their program counselor and may need to meet special requirements.
Some employers and state licensing agencies may require applicants to submit to drug screening, release background information inclusive of criminal records, and/or agree to a credit check.
Address and Directions
Erwin Technical Center is centrally located in Tampa, Florida at 2010 E. Hillsborough Avenue, 33610.
The Center is easily accessible from three major interstate highways (Interstate 4, Interstate 75, and Interstate 275). The central location enables students to attend from a five-county area (Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee and Hillsborough).
From Interstate 4:
Exit # 7 (US 92 West/US 301/Hillsborough Ave)
Merge onto Hillsborough Ave.; Continue west for 4.5 miles
Erwin is on the north side of Hillsborough Ave.; Turn north (right) onto 20th Street
Parking is on the right, in front of the school or in the lot on the left side of 20th Street.
From Interstate 75:
Take Exit # 261 (Tampa/Orlando)
Follow signs for Tampa to Exit # 7 (US 92 West/US 301/Hillsborough Ave)
Merge onto Hillsborough Ave.; Continue west for 4.5 miles
Erwin is on the north side of Hillsborough Ave.; Turn north (right) onto 20th Street
Parking is on the right, in front of the school or in the lot on the left side of 20th Street.
From Interstate 275:
Take Exit 47-A (US 92 East/Hillsborough Ave.) if you are heading north or Exit 47 if you are heading south
Go east 1 mile
Erwin is on the north side of Hillsborough Ave.; Turn north (left) onto 20th Street
Parking is on the right, in front of the school or in the lot on the left side of 20th Street.
Class Schedules
Most full-time classes meet from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Programs with clinical training or internship, as part of the curriculum, have varied schedules. Practical Nursing, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, and AC Technology (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) are available in the evening.
Programs with Special Requirements
Criminal background checks are required for students entering the following health programs that have the clinical study held in a hospital or nursing home:
- Electroneurodiagnostic Technology (END)
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
Students entering one of the following programs are required to have a standard, approved* high school diploma or GED prior to entering the program.
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
- Court Reporting
- Dental Assisting
- Electroneurodiagnostic Technology (END)
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
Additionally, some programs require physical exams, immunizations, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certification (CPR) and First Aid training prior to admission or immediately thereafter. They are:
- Dental Assisting
- Electroneurodiagnostic Technology (END)
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Practical Nursing
- Surgical Technology
Articulation Agreements (2009-2010)
|
| Erwin Program |
A.S. or A.A.S. Degree Program |
College |
Credits |
Time Factor* |
| Accounting Specialist (Accounting Operations) |
Office Administration |
Statewide Community Colleges |
6 |
3 years |
| Administrative Assistant |
Office Administration |
Statewide Community Colleges |
18 |
5 years |
| Automotive Service Technology |
Automotive Service Management Technology |
Statewide Community Colleges |
19 |
* |
| Building Maintenance |
Building Construction Technology |
Statewide Community Colleges |
3 |
* |
| Carpentry |
Building Construction Technology |
Statewide Community Colleges |
3 |
* |
| Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts |
Culinary Management |
Statewide Community Colleges |
15 |
* |
| Computer Aided Drafting (Structural Drafting) |
Architectural Design and Construction Technology |
HCC |
25 |
3 years |
| Drafting and Design |
Statewide Community Colleges |
12 or more |
3 years |
| Computer Repair & Networking (Wireless Telecommunications) |
Networking Services Technology |
Statewide Community Colleges |
9 |
3 years |
| Court Reporting (Machine) |
Office Specialist |
HCC |
12 |
* |
| Dental Assisting |
Allied Health |
Independence Univ. |
30 |
* |
|
|
|
* |
| Dental Hygiene (Bridge) |
Santa Fe CC |
20 |
* |
| Digital/Web Design |
Internet Services Technology |
Statewide Community Colleges |
9 |
* |
| Graphics Technology |
9 |
* |
| Electroneurodiagnostic Technician |
Allied Health |
Independence Univ. |
30 |
* |
| Massage Therapy |
Allied Health |
Independence Univ. |
30 |
* |
| Medical Assisting |
Allied Health |
Independence Univ. |
30 |
* |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist (ATD program)** |
Health Information Management of Office Systems Technology (Medical Office System Specialization) |
** |
26 |
3 years |
| Allied Health |
Independence Univ. |
30 |
* |
| Medical Laboratory Technician (ATD program)** |
Medical Laboratory Technology |
** |
40 |
3 years |
| Allied Health |
Independence Univ. |
30 |
* |
| Plumbing Technology |
Building Construction Technology |
Statewide Community Colleges |
3 |
* |
| Practical Nursing |
Nursing |
N.W.F. State College |
20 |
* |
| Nursing |
Pasco-Hernando CC |
17 |
* |
| Nursing |
St. Petersburg CC |
12 |
* |
| Registered Nursing |
Statewide Community Colleges |
10 |
5 years |
| Refrigeration Technology (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning) |
Building Construction Technology |
Statewide Community Colleges |
3 |
* |
| Surgical Technology |
Allied Health |
Independence Univ. |
30 |
* |
| Community Colleges and/or Universities have additional admission requirements prior to the awarding of credits. Please contact the institution of interest for their specific requirements. |
| *If a number is indicated, the Erwin graduate must enter the designated Associate Degree program within the specified number of years of his/her Erwin completion date. Students are encouraged to contact the institution of interest at the point of Erwin program completion to obtain specific articulation requirements including but not limited to time factors. |
| **ATD (Applied Technology Diploma) guarantees transfer of credit statewide to any community or junior college offering the same program. |
Tours
Tours are conducted most Tuesdays at 8:30 am when classes are in session.
No appointment is necessary.
Please note that tours will NOT be conducted on:
August 25, 2009
October 27, 2009
January 19, 2010
Transfer of Credit
Students who attended other accredited vocational/technical centers may submit copies of their records at the time of application. Records are reviewed by counselors in conjunction with individual instructors to determine if credit can be transferred.
Accreditations & Approvals
Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) - 41 Perimeter Circle, East, NE Suite 64, Atlanta, GA 30346
Other accrediting agencies include:
- Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Association
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
- Curriculum Review Board American Association of Medical Assistant Endowment
Approved for:
- Florida State Board of Nursing
- Florida State Board of Massage
- The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
- The National Court Reporters Association
- Training of Veterans
International Students
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We are temporarily not accepting international applicants with student visas. The information below will be used in the event we accept international students in the future.
Information and Steps for Admission
1. TESTING REQUIREMENT:
International students must meet the minimum entrance standards for our programs as set by the State of Florida. We administer the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), Level 9D. (See program literature for individual program requirements.)
For admission purposes we will accept an equivalent test, if it is administered/taken in the English language. It must be a nationally standardized/normed instrument. If an equivalent test is used for initial admission, students are still required to take and pass the TABE prior to program entry.
(Students may use a foreign translated and certified degree to meet the standard high school diploma requirement only. This means that only approved*, accredited degrees are accepted in lieu of TABE scores. Any students presenting a foreign degree are required to take and pass the TABE entrance test. Students already on a program list as of 10/27/2003 are not subject to this new policy.)
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
Applicants who submit proof of a two or four year degree from an approved* U.S. regional or national accrediting association may be exempt from the TABE entrance test.
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
2. HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA/FOREIGN DEGREE:
Some programs require a standard, approved* high school diploma or GED prior to admission (see individual program literature). We accept diplomas/degrees from foreign institutions only if they are certified as equivalent to a standard U.S. degree and translated in English . There are several Foreign Credential companies who advertise on the Internet. Several of our former students have recommended Josef Silny and Assoc. in Miami 305-273-1616 or info@jsilny.com or World Education Services in NY at www.wes.org. Please note that we are supplying these web addresses as a convenience, and are not endorsing any one company. We strongly advise students to do an Internet search to find a company that suits their individual foreign certification needs. These certification services are businesses and do charge for their work.
*Lists of approved accrediting associations are available in Erwin's Student Services Office.
3. CHOOSE A COURSE OF STUDY AND CONTACT A PROGRAM COUNSELOR:
Once prospective students have met the requirements in Steps #1 and #2 (above), it is important to select an appropriate program of studies. At that point we advise that you contact Erwin by Internet (www.erwin.edu - use the 'contact' link at the bottom of each page), phone 813-231-1815, FAX 813-231-1918 or mail 2010 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa FL 33610, to express your interest and describe your test scores and diploma/degree (if applicable). When this information is received it is routed to the appropriate Program Counselor (note: if contact is made by phone, FAX or Internet, students are responsible for sending actual proof of test scores and original, certified diplomas/degrees by mail).
Program Counselors then send information which details the estimated total cost, length and estimated entry and exit dates of that program. Upon receipt of this information International Students should submit proof of financial sponsorship (self or other party) and proof of ability to pay for the estimated costs. Students should also show proof that they can cover living costs which are estimated by our District to be $1000/month of stay. Copies of bank statements are acceptable proof. If other parties are going to pay, a letter is needed which shows commitment to their sponsorship.
4. THE I-20 AND STUDENT VISA PROCESS:
When the information in Step #3 is received, prospective students are sent a letter of intent from their program counselor. Students should then contact the School District of Hillsborough County's International Liaison at 813.272.4088.
Please contact the International Liaison to discuss the issuance of the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility) and to obtain an appointment, if necessary.
The International Liaison assists in the issuance of the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility), the first step in the Student Visa application process. After an I-20 is granted, students must obtain the M-1(Student Visa) at the U. S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
We cannot admit students until the visa is approved by U. S. officials abroad. Receiving the Student Visa can take up to six months or more, if complications arise.
Once the student arrives in the United States, the student must contact the International Liasion to present the passport with the valid visa and arrival/departure document (I-94).
A letter will be issued to the Program Counselor at Erwin authorizing the student to attend. Program Counselors will direct the student from that point on as to registration dates and needs.
Note: Students who are applying for a Change of Status(example: Tourist to Student) will not be issued an I-20 from our District.
See the following section, Tuition/Fees , for fee information.
Tuition/Fees
Note: Individual program costs are located on our 'Programs' Page under specific course headings.
Florida residents are assessed tuition at the rate of $2.01 per class/clinical hour for full-time job preparation programs and $4.15 per class hour for part-time supplemental programs. The current tuition rate for full-time day job preparation programs is $442.20 per quinmester.
Florida resident is defined as a person whose official residence has been in the state of Florida for one full year prior to enrollment.
Non-resident students pay $8.05 per class/clinical hour for job preparation programs and $8.30 per clock hour for supplemental classes which is mandated by the Florida Legislature. The current tuition rate for non-resident students who are enrolled in full-time day job preparation programs is $1771 per quinmester.
Tuition is due at the beginning of each term for part-time courses and the beginning of each quinmester for full-time programs (every 9 weeks).
Full-time job preparation students also pay a $10 non-refundable application fee, a $3 test fee and a $5 student activity fee (includes a photo ID, a parking tag, student newspaper, and library services.)
Additional costs may include required text books, uniforms, shoes, physical examinations, license or certification fees, classroom supplies, tools and equipment as determined by the program. Program fees are approximate and subject to change without notice (usually each August). The tools/supplies prices reflect Erwin's Bookstore prices; it is possible to purchase these items at lower prices through outside vendors. Current costs for each program are listed on the individual program page.
Refund Policy
Tuition for Job-Preparatory and Occupational Completion Point (OCP) Programs is refunded according to the following schedule:
- Before 5th day of class - 100%
- Before 13th day of class - 50%
- Before 22nd day of class - 25%
- After 21st day of class - No Refund
This policy is followed for each quinmester of a student's attendance. Students completing a program before the end of the quinmester may receive a refund for each day remaining in the quinmester. No refunds are made on books and supplies sold through the bookstore unless they are unused, current and needed for resale.
Tuition for Part-Time / Continuing Workforce Education courses is refunded on a pro-rated basis for up to 50% of the class. No tuition is refunded after 50% of the class has been completed. Refunds are based upon the date of request, not the last date attended.