Frequently Asked Questions
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We don’t have any college-level pre-requisite courses (except for Medial Laboratory Science and Histotechnology certificate programs). Most of our programs do require Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry at the high school level or higher.
To learn about tuition costs, visit the Financial Aid page.
Yes! We offer both scholarships and federal work study opportunities. We also work with PELL grants, federal supplemental education opportunity grants, federal direct Stafford loans, federal direct PLUS Loans, forgivable education loan for service programs (FELS), NC need-based scholarship programs, and veteran’s benefits. Our largest financial aid comes from our loan forgiveness program through Atrium Health, which can pay up to $10,000 of tuition per year. The loan forgiveness program is only available to Neurodiagnostic Technology, Nursing, Radiology, Radiation Therapy and Clinical Laboratory Sciences (except for Phlebotomy) students. To learn more about financial aid, please contact them directly at 704-355-5486 or visit the website. If you are a current Atrium Health teammate, you may also be eligible to use Educational Assistance. Please contact your HR representative for more information.
Our General Studies, Nursing and Radiologic Technology degree programs are 5 semesters. Nursing can be 5-6 semesters depending on your term of entry. Our Medical Laboratory Science, Histotechnology and Radiation Therapy certificate programs are 3 semesters. Phlebotomy program is 1 semester. Neurodiagnostic Technology is 3-5 semesters: the certificate is 3 semesters, and the associate degree is 5 semesters. Nurse Aide is 120 hours (weekday courses) and 136 hours (Friday & Saturday courses) and Specialist in Blood Bank Technology is 2 semesters.
The Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiologic Technology pathways are offered as a foundation to those corresponding degree programs. These pre-pathways allow you to take general education courses ahead of time, so you can focus on the program specific coursework while you are the in the degree program. It also gives you a chance to transition into the Nursing or Radiologic Technology program once you reach the conditions. As long as you earn a 3.21 GPA in our 4 core pre-pathway classes, you earn a seat in the following year’s program. The pre-pathway does require you to take Anatomy I and II and two other general education courses that are part of the Nursing/Radiologic Technology master curriculum. Those courses will not transfer into the pre-pathways.
All international students must be a permanent resident to apply. The school cannot issue visas. All transcripts should be evaluated by International Education Evaluations, Inc. (704-772-0109). World Education Services (WES) is acceptable. Additionally, a TOEFL is also required, the minimum required score is an 83 on the IBT version.
Most programs do not require letters of recommendation. The Medical Laboratory Science, Histotechnology require two references, and Radiation Therapy programs do require three reference forms. These forms can be found online on the program’s page.
We do not have any placement tests. Nursing (ADN) requires the TEAS test, but it is used in the admissions process. You will need to complete the test before being considered for admission.
The SAT/ACT may be required for some programs. Please review your programs application requirements for confirmation.
Yes, a high school transcript is required for admissions, even if you have a degree. A high school transcript is not required for Radiation Therapy, Medical Laboratory Science, Histotechnology, Healthcare Simulation (certificate option), Medical Imaging, or the RN-BSN program.
We do accept transfer credit if it meets Registrar requirements: equivalent course description, and a grade of C or higher. There is a 5-year expiration on sciences courses, unless otherwise specified on the program page. All program core courses must be taken at Carolinas College.
We unfortunately do not offer student housing, but there are unaffiliated apartments available for rent in the surrounding area.
Program schedules will vary. Generally, students attend two days of clinical, two days of class, and have one testing day. All our degree programs are full-time commitments. Courses and clinicals are offered Monday – Friday during the day. Currently, we do not offer night or weekend classes. General education courses, however, are available online.
Yes, but most students opt not to. We recommend working less than 20 hours if you are completing a degree program. If you are in General Studies or a pre-pathway, you may work as much as you need to as those courses are offered online. Typically, our hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We do not have night or weekend courses.
We accept applications for all programs all year. Many programs have priority deadlines which guarantees that your application will be considered for that start date. But the application does not close, and you may apply after the priority deadline and still be considered for a particular start date depending on available space. But don’t worry, if there are no spaces for your desired start date, your application will automatically be rolled over to the next start date. Other programs have rolling admissions which means that applications are considered as they come in and you will be considered for the next available start date. Remember, in all cases, you must have a complete application in order to be considered for admissions. This includes all transcripts, test scores and other required documents.
The online application includes supplemental questions. This is your chance to sell yourself! Tell us everything your numbers don’t – any volunteer work or patient care experience is helpful, but also include why you are passionate about this profession. Otherwise, the higher your GPA and test scores, the more competitive your application will be. You may consider retaking the SAT or ACT to increase your score.
Contact our admissions office at 704-355-5501 or Admissions@cchsmail.org.
Graduates of the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBBT) program fill an array of positions within the blood center and transfusion medicine fields as technical supervisors, laboratory administrators, quality regulatory assessors, educators and researchers. You’ll become knowledgeable in all aspects of blood banking and transfusion medicine. You’ll become subject matter experts on AABB quality systems and FDA compliance requirements related to blood establishments.
This is a 12-month, non-credit online program.
A bachelor’s degree including courses in biological science, chemistry and math with a 2.5 minimum GPA. Two or more years full-time equivalence experience in an accredited blood center, transfusion service or blood bank-related field. Current ASCP certification as MLS, MT or BB. Two reference letters are also required. Click here for more details.
The SBBT online curriculum is designed to prepare students to assume positions as technical specialists in the field of blood banking and to take the Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) national exam. Curriculum includes education in laboratory operations, blood donation, serology and more.
Yes, but they may be done at locations chosen by the student.
Anyone looking to get a basic understanding of the biological sciences and an opportunity to integrate liberal arts with healthcare education. General Studies incorporates liberal arts and science courses which count toward program curriculum requirements, may qualify for transfer to other colleges, or may be taken individually for personal enrichment. General Studies also includes our Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiologic Technology pathways, which allow students who meet certain requirements to earn conditional acceptance into those respective programs.
General Studies, Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiologic Technology courses are taught with an emphasis on healthcare and are designed to give students a broader understanding of the world. The courses teach students to communicate effectively, think critically and understand fundamental concepts of the natural and life sciences.
An Associate of Science in General Studies provides students with a basic understanding of the biological sciences. This program is extremely competitive and can also help students prepare for transfer into advanced programs at four-year institutions leading to degrees such as pre-medicine or pre-veterinary. Other options within General Studies are Pre-Nursing and Pre-Radiologic Technology.
The Pre-Nursing pathway is a great option to earn admission to the program, while gaining invaluable educational experience in foundational healthcare professions content areas. Students who are admitted into the Pre-Nursing pathway will receive a conditional acceptance into the Nursing program. The conditions consist of earning a GPA of 3.21 in four courses taken directly from the list of required general education courses for nursing, including BIO 168 and BIO 169 - Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and two additional General Studies courses. The courses must be completed within two consecutive terms of starting the program at Carolinas College. Students who earn the 3.21 GPA must complete all nursing pre-enrollment requirements and the Chemistry pre-requisite prior to starting the nursing curriculum. Students who do not earn admission may change to the General Studies track to complete the associate degree.
The Pre-Radiologic Technology pathway is a great option to earn admission to the program. With Pre-Radiologic Technology, students have an opportunity to earn conditional acceptance into the Carolinas College Radiologic Technology program. They must complete the following courses at Carolinas College within three consecutive terms of starting the program and earn at least a 3.21 GPA: Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II and two General Studies courses. Students who do not earn admission may change to the General Studies track to complete the associate degree. Students also have the opportunity to complete all other General Studies courses in the Radiologic Technology curriculum, which will alleviate workload once in the program. While Pre-Radiologic Technology students are completing the required coursework, they must also complete shadowing requirements
Because Carolinas College focuses on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals, we pride ourselves on the quality of our programs. A good rule of thumb is to study two to three hours per credit hour per week. For example, BIO 168 – Anatomy and Physiology, is a 4-credit course, so a student can expect to spend between 8 and 12 hours per week studying outside of class.
For high school transcripts, a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA is required for Pre-Radiologic Technology/Pre-Nursing, and 2.0 is required for General Studies. For college transcripts (if applicable), a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA is required for Pre-Radiologic Technology/Pre-Nursing, and 2.0 is required for General Studies. For SAT or ACT scores, minimum 900 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT is required. The college utilizes only the critical reading and math portions when calculating the SAT score. SAT/ACT requirements are waived with a bachelor's degree.
This unique and emerging field combines education, technology, operations, research and leadership skills. You’ll be creating safe spaces in which healthcare professionals can learn and grow in a low-risk training environment. Learn to manage everything about healthcare simulation, from creating curriculum to running a state-of-the-art center using human patient simulators, procedural trainers, and virtual reality.
There are multiple pathways for completing this program depending on your educational background. Those with a prior bachelor’s degree may complete the 20-credit certificate option. Other applicants will complete the degree program.
Absolutely! There is a huge demand for well-trained simulation professionals.
Students in this program will get hands-on learning in Atrium Health's state-of-the-art Carolinas Simulation Center. The center opened in 2007 and is one of only a handful of programs accredited at a distinguished level by both the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Education Institute and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) accredited in the areas of Assessment, Research, Teaching/Education, and Systems Integration. The Simulation Center provides healthcare professionals the opportunity to use a variety of simulation modalities to practice procedures and clinical patient care situations in a safe-learning environment.
You will be prepared to sit for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) or Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) exam after meeting the two-year requirement in simulation.
Typically, one year for the certificate option. Students may complete the Bachelor of Science program in two years with a prior associate degree and four years with no incoming credits.
Our flexible hybrid learning model means you’ll take a combination of general education courses and simulation courses online, while coming in person for your hands-on lab experience. Many classes are taken with students from other disciplines. This program includes 120 total credits for the bachelor’s degree, and 20 credits for the certificate.
For the certificate option, a bachelor’s degree is required and you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. For the bachelor’s degree option, SAT or ACT scores with a minimum of 900 or 19. For the SAT, only the critical reading and math scores are considered. College transcripts (if applicable) with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Histotechnologists play a critical role in the laboratory, helping to detect tissue abnormalities in order to treat diseases. The goal of this program is to educate entry-level histotechnologists who can serve in leadership, educational and technical roles within the profession.
This program includes small class sizes for more one-on-one time with faculty. Typically, more than 90% of our graduates pass the certification exam on the first attempt. Plus, most of our graduates step right into roles within Atrium Health.
This is a 31-week program that you can begin in either January or August.
Medical dosimetry is the dose planning and calculation associated with the delivery of radiation therapy treatment.
This is a four-semester certificate program.
All didactic courses are taught at Carolinas College and the clinical education component is completed within several major cancer research facilities and freestanding clinics in North and South Carolina, including Levine Cancer Institute (the flagship cancer care facility of Atrium Health). 44 total credits are required for completion.
Atrium Health offers a loan agreement available to finance up to $5,000 for students enrolled in the Medical Dosimetry program. This loan defers payment on principal and interest, and if the graduate becomes employed full-time by an eligible Atrium Health facility, a work forgiveness option is available. Questions? Contact FinancialAid@CCHSmail.org or 704-355-5486.
The certificate track and associate track are two separate pathways, but they both start out going in the same direction. Each student, regardless of their chosen pathway will take the certificate track first. This pathway consists of all the NDT courses as well as Biology 101. If the student is on the associate degree track, there will be an additional two semesters (maybe less, depending on transferable credits) to achieve the associate degree.
Depending on your incoming credits, you may be eligible for the three-semester certificate program. The associate degree is a five-semester program.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Nurse Aide is defined as a valued, unlicensed member of the healthcare team, responsible for providing delegated nursing tasks, within a defined range of function for residents, patients, or clients in a variety of settings and who is listed on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry.
The role of a nurse aide is work under to supervision of a nurse to assist patients, residents, or clients with personal care needs. Some of these needs include, checking vital signs, performing basic wound care, ambulating, dressing, hygiene, and grooming.
This program includes both – you’ll be engaging in online asynchronous instruction and a traditional face to face component for the skills lab and clinical experience. Student enrolled in the program will be scheduled to be on campus for the skills lab and at an Atrium approved medical facility for clinical.
Yes. Textbooks are distributed on the first day of class.
Yes. Students will learn how to perform high-quality CPR for adults, children and infants. They will also learn how to properly use an Advanced External Defibrillator as well as to respond to a foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants.
The Todd and Janelle Collins Nurse Aide Scholars Program and the Suellen Wagner Memorial Nurse Aide Scholarship are great options for incoming nurse aide students. For more information, visit the program page here.