Mountwest Community and Technical College (MCTC) Academics and Admissions

Academics

In 2008, the state of West Virginia elected to separate state colleges and community colleges. The Marshall Community and Technical College, formerly a part of Marshall University, was established as an independent institution. The college changed its name to Mountwest Community and Technical College in 2011 to avoid infringing on Marshall’s brand identity. Mountwest is now one of ten members of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System.

The academic calendar at Mountwest CTC follows a semester-based schedule. The school offers associate’s degrees, certificates and non-credit continuing education and workforce development courses. The associate’s degree programs can be completed in two years by students attending full-time. Certificate programs generally require one year of steady coursework. The continuing education curriculum largely consists of single classes. Professional development courses are often free to participants as the parent company or institution usually pays all associated costs.

The health sciences programs are among the most popular at Mountwest CTC. Students can earn certificates in fields such as clinical assistant and paramedic science. The certificate programs in the health sciences are rigorous programs, but graduates are well-positioned to enter high-growth occupations. Associate’s degree programs in the health sciences likewise offer a great deal of flexibility. Massage therapy, pharmacy technician and bioscience technician are just three of the 13 associate’s degree opportunities at Mountwest CTC. Once earned, these degrees can be transferred to a four-year accredited institution and the student can begin classes halfway finished with the baccalaureate degree.

The Division of Continuing Education at Mountwest CTC offers non-credit courses to adults looking to add skills or simply for personal enrichment. For a set fee, students can work with a personal fitness trainer for the summer. Kitchen hobbyists can enroll in culinary classes and hone their cooking skills. Professional skills seminars are available in areas such as medical coding and medical terminology. For those preparing to take a standardized test like the ACT, study and tutoring sessions meet during the days or weeks leading up to the test date.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 32nd in West Virginia and 3187th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	48.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$5,406
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	17 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	43% / 36%
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,873

Admissions

Like many community colleges, Mountwest CTC maintains an open admissions policy. Every applicant who meets the basic requirements will earn admission. Those requirements include proof of high-school graduation or its equivalent by way of official transcripts or GED score reports.

In addition to transcripts or GED scores, new students should consider taking the ACT or SAT exam. These standardized tests gauge a student’s proficiency in math and English. Academic advisers work with students to place them in the most appropriate level of general education course. In lieu of standardized testing, students must sit for subject area placement tests at Mountwest CTC.

Transfer students are welcome at Mountwest CTC. In addition to a regular application, transfer applicants will need to submit official transcripts of all previous college work. The Registrar’s Office at Mountwest will evaluate each transfer student’s academic record and determine how best to transfer earned credits. In general, performance on previous college work must equate to at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Financial Aid

Most college students receive some sort of financial aid package. Even if the student believes they are not eligible for need-based aid, they should still complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Merit-based scholarship and grant programs may require that students have a FAFSA on file. The FAFSA must be renewed every year that the student attends classes on at least a half-time basis.

Financial aid at Mountwest CTC falls into one of three categories: grants, scholarships and loans. Students may receive one, two or all three of these aid types as their financial aid package.

Grants

The federal government administers the Pell Grant and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, both programs for students with demonstrated financial need. Several state grant programs are in place to supplement the federal programs, although these funds are limited. Early submission of the FAFSA is crucial for students who need help making ends meet. The Federal Work-Study program affords the chance to earn a paycheck while also building job skills. These jobs are likewise limited, and students who have their paperwork in order stand the best chance of securing one of these coveted opportunities.

Scholarships

To be considered for institutional scholarships, students must submit a Mountwest CTC Scholarship Application before the late summer deadline. Incoming freshmen from Lawrence County, West Virgina or Gallia County, Ohio are eligible for the Metro Scholarship, which provides a full tuition waiver.

Loans

As a community college, Mountwest CTC does everything in its power to provide an affordable education. Nonetheless, some students will have to borrow money to attend college. The federal government oversees the Direct Loan program, which lends money to students at reasonable interest rates. Repayment plans are flexible, and payments can be deferred in the event of serious hardship.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6537th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in West Virginia.

Students

Mountwest CTC serves 2,500 students, most of them representing the state of West Virginia. In-state tuition agreements also bring in students from nearby Ohio. Freshmen are required to live in campus housing for their first year. Second-year students have the option of making their own living arrangements.

Students with disabilities should schedule an appointment with the college’s ADA student coordinator. Every reasonable accommodation will be made to ensure that students get the most out of their Mountwest CTC experience.

Academic advisers work with students individually to chart their academic pathway. Advisers can also help students determine where their talents and interests lie, and what careers may appeal to them. Students who eventually wish to pursue the baccalaureate degree can consult with their advisers in the choice of schools and programs.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Local Community

Mountwest Community and Technical College is located in downtown Huntington, West Virginia. Being close neighbors with Marshall University means a chance to share the excellent facilities of a four-year institution. The town of Huntington is part of a tri-state area that includes Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio. For many years, the economy of Huntington has languished, although the continued presence of quality educational opportunities may soon have an impact on that situation. Certificate and associate’s degree holders often stay close to the area, providing skilled labor and an enriched tax base.

Faculty

The student to faculty ratio at Mountwest CTC stands at 21 to 1. Of the 156 faculty member, roughly one-third teach classes on a part-time basis.

Bibliography

Gale Group. The College Blue Book. Macmillan Reference USA: Detroit, 2010. Print.
Mountwest Community and Technical College. Mountwest Community and Technical College. 2011. Web. 5 August 2011.
Peterson’s College Search. Mountwest Community and Technical College. 2011. Web. 5 August 2011.

Mountwest Community and Technical College