Dental Assistant Program Admission

The Dental Assistant Program welcomes 24 students each fall semester and uses a “first come, first in” application process. Because this Program is highly competitive, students should plan to connect with their advisor each semester to prepare for the program application process. This Program requires a General College Application and a Program-Specific Application.

The application for the 2025 Fall Dental Assistant Program will open on January 3rd, 2025.


Program Application Requirements

  1. Apply to RCTC
    • There is no application fee to apply to RCTC.
    • Submit high school transcript: Required if graduated high school 5 or fewer years ago.
    • Submit official college transcripts from ALL colleges previously attended.
    • Submit Accuplacer, ACT, SAT, or MCA test scores Or schedule a time to take the Accuplacer exam at RCTC or a location near you.
  2. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA to apply to the program.
  3. Place into College Level Reading and English OR pass ENGL 1117- Reading and Writing Critically 1 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  4. Earned a grade of “C” or higher in a high school or college biology (with a lab) within five years from the fall program start date.

Program Choices

TWO YEAR OPTION (Part-Time)

  • AAS (64 credits-  Dental Assistant Program Core Courses AND general education requirements)
  • Diploma (47 credits- Dental Assistant Program Core Courses ONLY)

ONE YEAR ACCELERATED

  • AAS (64 credits- Dental Assistant Program Core Courses ONLY)

*Must have completed general education requirements PRIOR to Fall Semester Program start date.

  • Diploma (47 credits- Dental Assistant Program Core Courses ONLY)

 The Dental Assistant Program Also Requires

  1. An 80% passing rate in all Dental Assistant Program Core Courses to continue in the Dental Assistant Program and to aid student success when taking their final Board exams.
  2. Passing of a criminal background check. Minnesota law requires a background study for any persons who provide services that involve direct contact with children, patients, and residents at a health or childcare facility licensed by the State of Minnesota. Contact the Department of Human Services (651-431-2000) with questions. The College cannot guarantee a placement in clinical for students who do not have a clear criminal background check.

 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND EDUCATOR

Rochester Community and Technical College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunities. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities. Applicants having special needs who require accommodations should contact the Director of Disability Services at 507-280-2968.