Student Support
At Hope In Him Training Institute, we are personally and professionally committed to helping every student succeed. Our staff is always available to assist with your questions, challenges, and goals throughout your training journey.
Program Calendar
NAT Schedule
Day session: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Evening session: Monday–Friday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Clinical (week 4): Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
The third week includes a 3-hour clinical orientation on Friday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM). Students should plan accordingly.
HHA Schedule
Day session: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Evening session: Monday–Friday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
School Calendar
HHTI is open to students Monday–Friday during classroom hours.
Office hours: Monday–Thursday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Friday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
HHTI will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
Breaks
Students will be given a 15-minute break and a 30-minute lunch break for any class day. There is a half-hour lunch break and a scheduled 15-minute break for the clinical portion. HHTI is a smoke-free facility.
Attendance and Punctuality Policy (Classroom, Lab and Clinical)
This policy applies to both programs.
Because these programs are clock-hour based, students must attend and complete all required hours to meet training requirements.
Testing and Make-Up Exam Policy (Both Programs)
HHTI uses quizzes, midterm and final exams, and skills evaluations to measure progress and readiness for program completion and, where applicable, state testing eligibility.
Students are expected to take exams on the scheduled date and time.
Make-Up Exams (Missed Scheduled Exams Only)
A student who misses a scheduled exam may be permitted to take a make-up exam only if all of the following occur:
- Timely notice: The student notifies the instructor before the scheduled exam time, unless a sudden emergency prevents notice.
- Rescheduling deadline: The student schedules the make-up exam with the instructor within five (5) calendar days of returning to class.
- Acceptable reason: Examples include personal illness, urgent medical appointment, death in the immediate family, required court/jury duty, or other serious, documented emergency circumstances.
The instructor may require documentation. Failure to reschedule within the stated deadline results in a grade of 0.
Lab Procedures Competency Requirements
Skills demonstration and practice are integrated in the program. Students are taught all the DPH-required skills, along with other skills necessary to provide basic healthcare services. Time is allotted for skills practice.
Students need to demonstrate competency of skills learned in the classroom. Lab evaluation is graded as Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, or Needs Practice.
Students must satisfactorily demonstrate skills in class before they will be allowed to perform them in the clinical setting. Skills validation is done before students go to clinical and at the end of the program.
Any student who fails to demonstrate successfully on the first attempt will be given a Remediation slip and must remediate before a retest. There are two additional chances to demonstrate competency. Failure to demonstrate competency on the third attempt may require additional learning activities or may prevent the student from continuing the program.
Satisfactory Progress
To maintain satisfactory academic standing, a student must fulfill requirements for theory, lab, skills, and clinical attendance; achieve the necessary grades and conduct standards; and meet financial obligations as agreed upon at enrollment.
As per 230 CMR 15.01(10), a written progress report will be provided to students by the time 50% of the program has been completed. Students must maintain at least 75% on written exams and 100% competency on all clinical skills in order to successfully complete the program.
Student Conduct Code
HHTI expects students to maintain professional conduct consistent with healthcare workplace standards. This Code applies in the classroom, lab, on school premises, and at any clinical/externship site. Students must at all times:
- Treat instructors, staff, peers, and clinical personnel with respect
- Follow all safety instructions and infection control practices
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements
- Use professional language; harassment, threats, bullying, and discrimination are prohibited
- Avoid cheating, plagiarism, falsifying records, or misrepresenting work, attendance, or skills
- Comply with dress code and required supplies standards
- Follow all clinical site policies when assigned to a facility
Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action as described in the Disciplinary Measures section, up to and including dismissal/expulsion
Student Dress Code
Uniform: Burgundy scrub top, burgundy scrub pants, and white closed-toe/closed-heel athletic shoes. A watch with a second hand is required starting the second week of class. Students must be in uniform every day of class, clinical, state exam days, the job fair, and graduation. Failure to follow the dress code will result in a Student at Risk filing, and if not corrected will result in dismissal.
Permitted: Scarf or skirt (neutral colors) for religious necessity; small earring studs and rings with personal significance (limit one per hand); natural makeup; nails trimmed, not extending beyond tips of fingers, no colors or designs.
Not permitted: Hats or scarves (except religious); dangling jewelry or visible facial piercings; long, loose hair or extreme styles; acrylic nails; heeled, open-back, or clogged shoes; jackets over uniform (professional scrub jackets allowed; a long-sleeve red, white, gray, or black shirt is allowed under the scrub top); openly visible tattoos during clinicals.
Use of Alcohol or Illegal Possession of Substances
HHTI strictly prohibits the possession, use, or consumption of illegal or controlled substances, as well as alcoholic beverages, on or around its premises. Any violation may result in the student being required to leave immediately and may lead to further disciplinary action
Weapons Prohibition (School and Clinical Sites)
HHTI prohibits weapons (firearms, explosives, knives, and sharp objects) on all school premises, clinical sites, externship sites, and during any training-related travel. Any violation will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal/expulsion. Appropriate legal authorities may be contacted
Sexual Harassment
Hope in Him strictly prohibits all forms of sexual harassment, whether verbal or physical. Students who experience or witness harassment or assault should report the matter immediately to their instructor or the School Administrator for appropriate action
Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy
Hope in Him Training Institute is committed to providing a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment for all students and school staff, without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
If a student believes that they have been subjected to illegal harassment, the student must bring the matter to the immediate attention of the instructor. All reports of harassment will be promptly investigated and, if appropriate, remedial action will be taken. Any further inquiries regarding compliance should be directed to the School Administrator.
School Policies
Computer and Internet Use: Computers and internet are available for program work only. Students must not use them for personal purposes during program time. Violation may result in loss of access and further disciplinary action.
Personal Phone Calls or Messages: Cell phones must be set to silent during class and clinical. Calls should only be made before/after class or during breaks. Students are discouraged from bringing cell phones to clinical.
Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the school premises.
Parking: Students can only park in designated parking areas. Violation may lead to towing at the student’s expense.
Eating and Drinking Inside the Classroom: Eating and drinking in classrooms, hallways, labs, or clinical floors is not allowed. All food is to be consumed in the kitchen area, other designated lounges, or non-instructional areas.
Use of School ID: Students must wear their HHTI ID badges at all times. If a student forgets their ID, they must sign in/out with security and report to the School Administrator or Instructor for a temporary ID. Upon leaving the program, students must return their ID badge.
Health and Safety Guidelines: Students must be able to perform physical activities required in clinical (lifting clients, standing for extended periods, bending). Students with chronic conditions must be on current treatment and able to implement direct client care. Students must demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions.
Incident Reports: Any event that negatively impacts health or safety must be reported immediately. Students will work with instructors and facility employees to complete an incident report. The instructor will submit reports to the facility and a copy to HHTI within 24 hours. Students are responsible for their own medical expenses.
Change of Address/Phone Numbers: Students must notify their instructor and student services immediately upon change of address, name, or phone number.
Lost or Damaged Property: HHTI and its staff are not responsible for lost or damaged personal property. However, any such incidents should be reported to the School Administrator immediately.
Student Insurance: HHTI maintains general liability insurance; however, this does not cover professional liability for students or provide coverage for student health, misconduct, or neglect. Students are responsible for all medical costs in the event of injury, illness, or infection during training.
OSHA Compliance: Students are required to familiarize themselves with OSHA regulations related to bloodborne pathogens and tuberculosis. During the first weeks of the program, students must view the required Universal Precautions and HIPAA videos.
Disciplinary Measures
Disciplinary measures are in place to maintain a respectful, safe, and professional learning environment. Violations of school policies, professional conduct expectations, safety requirements, or clinical site rules may result in disciplinary action.
Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to: verbal warning, written warning, academic probation, suspension, and dismissal/expulsion. The school reserves the right to escalate disciplinary actions, when warranted.
Verbal Warning: For minor, first-time concerns: minor tardiness, minor dress code violations, missing supplies, low-level unprofessional behavior, failure to follow instructions after reminder.
Written Warning: For repeated or more serious concerns: repeated tardiness/absences, failure to comply with prior verbal warning, disrespectful communication, repeated dress code violations, failure to complete required work, minor safety violations.
Academic Probation: When a student is at risk of not meeting academic, skills, conduct, or attendance standards: falling below minimum passing grade, repeated failed skills check-offs, inability to safely perform required skills, unsatisfactory evaluations. To return to good standing, the student must meet written probation terms by the stated deadline.
Suspension: For serious or repeated misconduct: disruptive behavior, violation of clinical site policies, insubordination, failure to meet probation conditions. A suspended student may return only after meeting written return conditions.
Dismissal from the Program
Neglect, abuse, inappropriate actions towards a client, classmate, instructor, or staff, or disrespectful or inappropriate language towards the same will result in immediate dismissal. Should a clinical site refuse a student from returning, this will be grounds for dismissal.
Notice: Except in urgent safety situations, HHTI will provide written notice of the disciplinary action and the reason(s). A student may submit a written appeal of a suspension or dismissal to the School Appeals Board within five (5) business days.
Student Records
All student records are held in the main office in a locked file cabinet. A student may view their files during normal business hours in the presence of a staff member. Student records may be viewed by the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure or Department of Public Health. Records will not be released to anyone else without the student’s approval.
Transfer / Refund Policies
Students requesting a transfer at least three days before the start of class may transfer to the next available session. Each student is allowed one free transfer before the class begins. Subsequent transfers will not be allowed.
In cases where significant life events prevent a student from attending or completing a program, accommodations may be available. Students who provide documentation of a personal health issue within five business days or proof of an immediate family member’s death may be eligible for a refund or transfer.
Withdrawal
As per 230 CMR 15.04(7) and (8): If a student withdraws from a program, the school shall treat the withdrawal as a termination of the enrollment contract effective immediately, complete a refund calculation, and provide the calculation and any refund within 45 days.
If a student stops attending but does not withdraw in accordance with the school’s withdrawal policy, the school shall treat the nonattendance as a termination effective no later than the last date of attendance, determine the effective date within 30 days after the end of the period of enrollment, and provide the refund calculation and any refund within 45 days.
Job Placement Assistance
HHTI does not offer job placement or guarantee employment. However, the NAT program hosts a job fair where employers from local long-term care facilities meet with students before graduation. Students also participate in a resume workshop and life skills training as part of the program. HHTI does not provide job placement for students.
Disability Support Services
A student requesting academic accommodations for a disability must self-identify and meet with the Program Coordinator at the beginning of the program with proper and up-to-date documentation.