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Program Preparation Courses

Set yourself up for success! If you need to work on math, science, sentence skills, and/or reading, Program Prep or Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) courses will help build your academic skills to be successful in your program. 

Program preparation courses can be taken in the semester before your program level general education course.

ALP courses are taken alongside and in the same semester as the program class. 

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Program Prep Details

WHO TAKES PROGRAM PREP COURSES?
If you want to pursue a degree or diploma program, but did not meet the assessment cut-off score for math, sentence skills and/or reading, Program Prep courses will help you bring your skills up to a level that will give you greater confidence and success in your program.

IS THERE A COST?
Yes, the tuition and fees for Program Prep classes is similar to the cost for other college courses.

CAN I USE FINANCIAL AID?
Yes, if you are admitted to an aid-eligible program and have been awarded financial aid, then you can use your aid to pay for Program Prep courses. You are strongly encouraged to take at least one program class in addition to Program Prep.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
Just like all Fox Valley Tech classes, you can register at any FVTC location or online via your MyFVTC Account.

Register Now

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Courses Offered

INTRODUCTION TO COLLEGE WRITING
10-831-103
Introduces basic principles of composition, including organization, development, unity and coherence in paragraphs and multi-paragraph documents.

INTRODUCTION TO READING & STUDY SKILLS
10-838-105
This course provides learners with opportunities to develop study skills and expand reading skills including comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills. Learners apply reading skills to academic tasks and read to acquire information from a variety of sources.

PREPARATION FOR ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
10-836-123
This course provides a general survey of the structure and function of the human body including chemistry, cells, tissues, organs and body systems. This course is intended for students who seek additional preparation for college level course work in anatomy and physiology. The course also helps students prepare for the anatomy and physiology portions of the TEAS test for nursing.

PREPARATION FOR BASIC CHEMISTRY
10-836-133
Introduces basic principles of chemistry including the properties of matter, atomic structure and the classification of chemical reactions. Students learn to characterize solutions, acids and bases, and differentiate between elements and compounds.

PRE-ALGEBRA
10-834-109
Provides an introduction to algebra. Includes operations on real numbers, solving linear equations, percent and proportion, and an introduction to polynomials and statistics. Prepares students for elementary algebra and subsequent algebra related courses.

Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)

The Accelerated Learning Program pairs a program preparation course with the program level general education course during the same semester. Traditionally a program prep course is taken in the first semester and then the program level general education course is taken in the second semester. ALP allows a student to take both courses in the same semester

What is ALP (Accelerated Learning Program)?

The Accelerated Learning Program pairs a program preparation course with the program level general education course during the same semester. Traditionally a program prep course is taken in the first semester and then the program level general education course is taken in the second semester. ALP allows a student to take both courses in the same semester.

The ALP program prep class time is usually immediately following the program class time. It is structured to help you succeed in the program level general education course, giving you extra time with a teacher to practice and learn the course principles.

National statistics show that students taking the ALP courses are more successful than students who sign up for the program and general education classes alone. Students who sign up for ALP classes are also more likely to graduate.

How is an ALP class structured?

An ALP program preparation course is designed to complement the program level general education course and is scheduled immediately following the program class time. In the ALP class, you will:

  • Review or clarify concepts learned in the program class
  • Preview new material that will be covered
  • Have opportunities to ask questions and refine your skills with the support of a teacher
  • Have time to ask about campus services, policies and procedures
Should I take an ALP course? What are the benefits?

Thinking about taking an ALP class? Here are some questions to consider:

  • Are you a highly motivated student who wants to do well in school?
  • Are there certain subjects that don't come easily to you?
  • Did you score low on placement tests (like ACT, Accuplacer or TEAS)?
  • Do you want to increase your GPA (grade point average)?
  • Do you have to re-take a course?
  • Do you want to improve your skills, increase your confidence and succeed in your program?

Benefits of ALP include:

  • Complete your program faster than taking a normal Program Prep class
  • Save money and time
  • Receive extra time and more individual attention from instructors
  • Focus on understanding concepts and applications to your career
  • Smaller class sizes
  • Help overcome barriers to learning
  • Improve college exam scores
  • Improve self-confidence
Is there a cost and can I use financial aid?

Yes, students will pay tuition and fees for ALP courses.

Yes, ALP courses are covered by financial aid (if you are admitted to an aid-eligible program and have been awarded financial aid).

Does the ALP course grad count toward my GPA?

No, ALP courses do not count toward your GPA, but the corresponding program course does count toward your GPA.

Just like all Fox Valley Tech classes, you can register for Program Prep courses at any FVTC location or online via your MyFVTC Account.

Register Now

Contact Us

Toll-free:
1-800-735-3882
Appleton 920-735-5692
Oshkosh Riverside 920-236-6142
Chilton 920-849-4416
Clintonville 715-823-1555
Waupaca 715-942-1700
Wautoma 920-787-3319