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Exposure to diseases
As a student in many healthcare programs, you may be exposed to things that spread disease through blood (blood-borne pathogens) and infectious diseases.
Once admitted into most healthcare programs, you will be required to complete a health packet.
Additional costs
In addition to regular tuition and fees, there are laboratory fees for courses with a lab/clinical component. Additional costs also include textbooks, workbooks, medical fees for a physical exam, drug screening and immunizations.
Criminal history
You will complete a clinical placement (e.g., in a hospital or other facility) as part of your program requirements. If you can't meet your program's clinical requirements, you won't be able to complete your program.
Clinical agencies and healthcare systems usually require that you pass a background check before you can work there. So, most health programs require that you complete a criminal background check and drug screen to make sure that you will be able to fulfill the clinical requirement.
If you have a felony conviction on your record, you might not meet the eligibility requirements to take state or national licensure/certification exams.
Under North Carolina law, if you have been charged or convicted for something in the past, you may be eligible for an expunction to remove those from your record. To find out if you are eligible to remove charges or convictions from your record to make sure you can complete a healthcare program before committing to it, contact Central Piedmont's Wellness Center to schedule a legal consultation.
Explore the NC Justice Center's guide to learn more about expunctions.
Basic job requirements (essential functions)
Essential functions are basic job duties that you absolutely need to be able to do — with or without reasonable accommodations.
Review the essential functions and Health Professions and Human Services brochure to find the healthcare program that is the right fit for you before applying:
- Cardiovascular technology essential functions (PDF)
- Cytotechnology essential functions (PDF)
- Dental assisting and dental hygiene essential functions (PDF)
- Medical assisting essential functions (PDF)
- Medical laboratory technology essential functions (PDF)
- Nursing and practical nursing essential functions (PDF)
- Occupational therapy assistant essential functions (PDF)
- Ophthalmic medical personnel essential functions (PDF)
- Pharmacy technology essential functions (PDF)
- Physical therapist assistant essential functions (PDF)
- Polysomnography essential functions (PDF)
- Respiratory therapy essential functions (PDF)
- Surgical technology essential functions (PDF)
Test of Academic Skills (TEAS)
Some healthcare programs require that you also take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). If required, your TEAS score affects your application consideration.
You will have to take the TEAS as part of your application decision for any of the following programs:
Advanced Placement (AP) and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) Exam Equivalency Scale
You can get the following admission points for your AP and CLEP® exams.
| Letter Grade | CLEP® Score Range | AP Score |
|---|---|---|
| A | 70–80 | 5 |
| B | 60–69 | 4 |
| C | 50–59 | 3 |
ACA 122: Transfer and Career Success
All healthcare A.A.S programs (except Dental Hygiene and Nursing) require you to take the ACA 122: Transfer and Career Success class. This course helps you succeed at Central Piedmont, as well as help you focus on what comes after you leave. Whether you decide to transfer to a four-year institution or go into the workforce, this class will benefit you. It is highly recommended that this class is completed in your first semester.