Apply to a Healthcare Careers Program

All of Central Piedmont's health programs are nationally accredited with excellent certification/licensure pass rates and job placement rates. Our faculty are highly qualified and teach in state-of-the-art laboratories as well as a 15,000 square foot interdisciplinary simulation center.

The following information is for for-college-credit healthcare programs. If you are not looking to earn college credit, explore our non-degree healthcare continuing education offerings. 

Current students, contact your Advisor through Watermark to request an appointment.

If you are interested in a Healthcare career, please watch the Online Health Career Orientation Video and complete this form before contacting your Academic Advisor through Watermark to schedule an appointment.

Attend an Open House to learn more about Central Piedmont's Healthcare and Human Services programs 

Health Careers Brochure

Requirements and Disclaimers

Apply to a Healthcare Program

Some application steps can take a while to complete, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to submit everything before your program's deadline. There are two main steps to getting started with a Central Piedmont healthcare program: 1) complete all the steps to apply to Central Piedmont, then 2) submit a separate program application by the program deadline.

Program Application Deadlines

Program Application Deadline 1 Application Deadline 2
Cardiovascular Technology (A45170) - Invasive (ICT) March 1 Not applicable
Cardiovascular Technology (A45170) - Non-Invasive (NCT) March 1 Not applicable
Cytotechnology Certificate (C45220) March 28 Not applicable
Dental Assisting Diploma (D45240) April 30 October 15
Dental Hygiene (A45260) March 15 Not applicable
Medical Assisting Diploma (D45400) April 30 October 15
Medical Laboratory Technology (A45420) April 15 Not applicable
Nursing, Associate Degree - Accelerated ADN Option (A45110A) February 15 Not applicable
Nursing, Associate Degree - LPN to ADN Option (A45110L) January 15 Not applicable
Nursing, Associate Degree (ADN) (A45110) March 7 October 7
Nursing, Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma (D45660) March 15 October 15
Occupational Therapy Assistant (A45500) October 15 Not applicable
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Diploma (D45210) April 15 December 1
Pharmacy Technology Diploma (D45580) May 1 Not applicable
Physical Therapist Assistant (A45640) January 24 Not applicable
Polysomnography (A45670) May 15 Not applicable
Respiratory Therapy (A45720) March 1 Not applicable
Surgical Technology (A45740) October 31 March 31

 

Program Applications and Pre-Admission Guides

If a separate application isn't listed here, that program doesn't require a separate application. Get a jump on your program requirements and strengthen your application — complete the required courses in the program pre-admission guide as soon as you can.

  • Cardiovascular Technology

    We recommend that you apply to the college one to two semesters before the cardiovascular technology program application deadline. This will allow your transcripts to be transferred into the Central Piedmont system and meet with the counselors and take related general education courses.

    The program selects 18 students each fall — 9 non-invasive and 9 invasive students. The selection is made from the applicant pool that year and is based on the TEAS exam results, with those scoring highest on the exam being ranked highest among applicants for that specialty track. The typical combined applicant pool is normally between 35 and 50 people annually.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS Test
    • BIO 163 OR BIO 168 AND BIO 169
    • MAT 143 OR MAT 152 OR MAT 171
    • PHY 110/110A
    • ACA 122
    • PSY 150
    • Submit TEAS scores.
    • 10 students are admitted to the invasive and non-invasive track based on their application points each fall.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Cytotechnology

    The cytotechnology program is competitive, admitting six students and two alternates each year. Your application will be ranked based on your application scores. The program does not:

    • offer advanced placement
    • accept transfer credits
    • allow completion of requirements through prior experiential learning

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • Bachelor's degree with 20 credit hours of BIO, 8 credit hours of CHM, and 3 credit hours of MAT
    • Overall GPA ≥ 2.75
    • Science GPA ≥ 3.0
    • 2 reference letters
    • Interview
    • Submit all college transcripts.
    • 8 students are admitted each fall.
    • 57 credit hour program in 11 months.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Dental Assisting

    We typically send notification letters four weeks after the application deadline. Please wait until this time and check your Central Piedmont email for an update before contacting the admissions specialist about your admissions decision.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • ENG 111 OR high school English
    • BIO 168 OR BIO 169 OR BIO 163 or high school BIO OR high school  Anatomy & Physiology 
    • CHM 121/121A OR high school chemistry or physics
    • COM 110 OR COM 231
    • 18 students are accepted each fall and spring.
    • If you have eligible work experience, be sure to provide the required documentation for points.
    • If you were a previous alternate, be sure to let your advisor know.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers OR American Red Cross for Professional Rescuer.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Dental Hygiene

    The dental hygiene program gets a lot of applicants, so it is competitive. We accept applications between January 1 and March 15 of each year. After reviewing the applications and verifying the scores, the top 25–30 applicants are selected to begin the program the following summer semester.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS test
    • ENG 111 OR high school English
    • MAT 110 OR MAT 143 OR MAT 152 OR MAT 171 OR high school math
    • SOC 210 OR high school US History
    • BIO 168 OR high school BIO or high school Anatomy & Physiology 
    • BIO 169 or CHM 121/121A
    • BIO 175 OR BIO 275
    • COM 110 OR COM 231
    • Total score ≥ 75%; attach report.
    • 30 students accepted each fall.
    • If you have eligible work experience, be sure to provide the required documentation for points.
    • If you were a previous alternate, be sure to let your advisor know.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers OR CPR for Healthcare Provider with AED.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Health Information Technology

    For the health information technology program, you have to enroll at both Edgecombe Community College and Central Piedmont.

    Edgecombe admits students in the health information technology program twice a year: June 1 to start in the fall, and October 1 to start in the spring. Edgecombe Community College will determine if you need to take placement tests once they evaluate your official college transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, or official CPT scores from another college. If you are required to take placement tests, you can take them through the Central Piedmont testing center. However, you will need to request that an official copy of your placement test results be sent to Edgecombe Community College; your placement test requirement is not fulfilled until Edgecombe receives your official placement test documentation.

  • Medical Assisting

    You can apply for either fall or spring. Admission into the medical assisting diploma program is competitive. A maximum of 24 full-time (Fall and Spring) and 12 part-time (fall only) students are selected with five alternates. Applicants are ranked according to their score on the medical assisting program application. Admission is based on your points from attending a medical assisting information session or healthcare careers open house, past academic performance, and current BLS Level CPR and First Aid certification from American Heart Association.

    You will be notified of your admissions decision within four to six weeks after you submit your medical assisting program application. If you are not accepted or decline acceptance and wish to reapply, you will be required to complete a new medical assisting application.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • Choose 4 from the following list:

      • ENG 111 OR high school English
      • MED 121 OR MED 122
      • HSC 110 OR HSC 140
      • MED 110 OR MED 118
      • COM 110 OR COM 231
      • High school biology
      • High school math
      • High school other science
    • Current BLS CPR and First Aid from American Heart Association (AHA)
    • 24 full time students and 12 part time students accepted each spring.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Medical Laboratory Technology

    The medical laboratory technology program is competitive. Each year, we accept a maximum of 24 students. Students are ranked according to the score on their program application. If you are not accepted and you wish to reapply in the future, you need to complete a new program application.

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS test or Bachelor of Science degree
    • BIO 161 OR BIO 163 OR BIO 168 AND BIO 169 OR high school biology
    • MAT 143 OR MAT 152 OR MAT 171 OR high school math
    • CHM 130/130A OR high school chemistry
    • MED 121
    • Submit TEAS scores OR Bachelor of Science degree transcript.
    • 24 students are accepted each fall.
    • If you have eligible work experience, be sure to provide the required documentation for points.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Nurse Aide

    To apply for the nurse aid program:

    1. Complete the application steps listed on this page.
    2. Email the program assistant (listed on the nurse aide program page) for permission to register. Be sure to include your Central Piedmont student ID number in your email.

    Central Piedmont offers the nurse aide program course during the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

    As a condition of admission, you are required to verify that you are a U.S. citizen or an otherwise legally authorized resident of the United States.

    If you have received permission in a previous semester, please be sure that you have the most current information packet and health record. You may request this from the program assistant listed on the nurse aide program page. The required forms (medical physical, immunizations, urine drug screening results, authorizations, and criminal background check request) are submitted on the first in-class meeting of the program. The forms are not part of the registration process. Candidates for the certified nurse aide NC competency evaluation are required to bring two forms of current, not expired, official signature-bearing identification (one of which must be photo-bearing) to the test site. One form of identification must be a U.S. government-issued social security card, signed and non-laminated. Name and social security number must match what is on the registration record (page 7, NNAAP Pearson Vue North Carolina Nurse Aide I Candidate Handbook).

  • Nursing: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

    The Christa A. Overcash Associate Degree Nursing program application periods are:

    • January-March 15 (entry for fall semester)
    • August-October 15 (entry for spring semester)

    The Christa A. Overcash Associate Degree Nursing program is competitive. Applicants are ranked according to ATI TEAS scores, required general education course completion and grades, and earned degrees.

    Admission decisions are sent to your Central Piedmont email address up to five weeks after the final application deadline. Each semester, the top applicants are selected based on the highest scores for that admission period; there is no waitlist. Only students with top scores in the TEAS Reading, Math, and Total Academic Composite — including “Advanced” — will be considered for admission. The nursing application may be revised each year, so be sure to use the latest version of the application. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for admission unless there are unfilled admission slots. Applicants who are not admitted are encouraged to reapply. It is important to keep copies of your application and transcripts so that they may be resubmitted if you reapply. If you are not accepted for admission or decline your admission seat, your application will be shredded.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS test
    • Active NC unrestricted NAS certification
    • BIO 168 AND BIO 169
    • MAT 143 OR MAT 152 OR MAT 171
    • PSY 150 AND PSY 241
    • If you have a previous degree (A.S., B.S., high school diploma) and a GPA ≥ 3.0, you will earn additional points.
    • Advanced or higher OR Total ≥ 74, Reading ≥ 80, Math ≥ 70; attach report.
    • Attach a copy of your NAS certification.
    • You need to have completed ENG 111 and ENG 114 and ideally the HUM elective before applying.
    • Take all courses once and submit your application. 
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing - Accelerated ADN Option

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • Current GPA 3.3
    • Active NC unrestricted NAS certification
    • BIO 168 AND BIO 169 with a B or better in each
    • MAT 143 or higher
    • PSY 150 AND PSY 241
    • Has completed 9 or more credit hours in one semester with a B or better average
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers required with application.
    • GPA ≥ 3.3 required.
    • Attach a copy of NAS certification.
    • Only one grade of C allowed for other prereq courses.
    • If you have a previous degree (A.S., B.S., M.S.) AND a GPA ≥ 3.3, you will earn additional points, OR high school diploma with GPA ≥ 3.5.
    • ENG 111 and ENG 114, Humanities must be completed before applying.
    • We recommend not working as you will be in classes 32-35 hours per week.
    • You must be 18 years old.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing - LPN to ADN Option

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • Active unrestricted LPN license
    • BIO 168 AND BIO 169
    • MAT 143 OR higher
    • PSY 150 AND PSY 241
    • ENG 111 AND ENG 114, Humanities
    • GPA > 2.5 encouraged.
    • Attach all external transcripts.
    • Attach a copy of LPN license.
    • If you have a previous degree (A.S., B.S., M.S.) and a GPA ≥ 3.3, you will earn additional points.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers required before first day of class.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Nursing: Practical Nursing (PN)

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS test
    • BIO 168 AND BIO 169
    • ENG 111
    • PSY 150
    • Active NC unrestricted NAS certification
    • Total score ≥ 65%; attach report.
    • Take all courses once and submit your application.
    • If you have a previous degree (A.S., B.S., or hold a high school diploma) AND a G.P.A. ≥ 3.0) you will earn additional points.
    • Ideally, you should complete all of your general education courses including HUM, as it will make your course load lighter once admitted.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program

    Apply Now

  • Occupational Therapy Assistant

    There is only one occupational therapy assistant admission cycle per year, which starts each spring semester. Applications are accepted in the fall semester to begin the program in January. 

    Applying to the occupational therapy assistant program requires you to document the completion of observational hours on the application. Due to COVID-19, you now have the option to complete review videos and answer questions regarding the occupational therapist assistant profession in lieu of observations. You must complete and submit the lieu of observations form (PDF) with your application in order for your application to be considered.

    It is suggested that you contact local facilities that employ occupational therapists and/or occupational therapy assistants (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or school systems) to set this up. You can find these numbers on the internet under occupational therapy or rehabilitation.

    You can also look for specific settings such as Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinics. Applicants to the program will need to complete observation experiences totaling at least 12 hours in at least 2 separate environments and with clients from different age groups or conditions.

    These requests are made quite frequently and you will find most facilities accommodating. Be prepared to discuss your reason for the request and your availability. You are advised to call facilities rather than email them.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS test
    • BIO 165 OR BIO 168 OR AP BIO
    • ENG 111 or high school AP ENG
    • PSY 150 or high school AP PSY
    • MED 120 OR MED 121
    • ACA 122
    • Proficient or higher and Reading Score  ≥ 60%; attach report.
    • 25 students are accepted each spring.
    • If you have eligible work experience, be sure to provide the required documentation for points.
    • Take all courses once and submit your application.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Ophthalmic Medical Personnel

    The ophthalmic medical personnel program is a limited enrollment program. Each year, a maximum of 20 students are selected, along with five alternates. Students are ranked according to their application score. If you are not accepted and want to reapply, you'll need to do a new program application.

    You are required to attend an ophthalmic medical personnel program information session as part of the application process.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • Choose 4 from the following:

      • ENG 111 OR high school English
      • MED 121
      • COM 110 OR COM 231
      • PSY 150
      • BIO 163 OR BIO 168 OR BIO 169 OR high school biology
      • High school math
      • High school other science
    • 20 students accepted each fall and spring.
    • If you have a previous degree (A.S., B.S., or higher) and a GPA ≥ 3.0, you will earn additional points.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers or Red Cross for Healthcare Providers.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Pharmacy Technology

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • BIO 163 OR BIO 165 OR BIO 168 or high school AP BIO
    • MED 121
    • MAT 143 or higher OR high school math
    • COM 110 or COM 231
    • 20 students are accepted each fall.
    • If you are a current Registered CPhT or you graduated from a Pharm Tech certificate program or you have at least 40 hours of work experience as a Pharm Tech, be sure to attach the required documentation.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Physical Therapist Assistant

    The physical therapist assistant program is competitive, accepting one class of 32 students once a year. All the students accepted into the program in any one year progress through the program together. Admissions decisions are based on the TEAS test, past academic experience in select courses, and work experience in a physical therapy department (if applicable). The courses are offered in a specific order so that each course can build on the information learned in the ones before it. If you need to leave the program before you complete it, you will have to apply for admission with a new group of students.

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS test
    • ENG 111 OR high school AP English
    • PSY 150
    • MAT 110 OR high school AP calculus or statistics
    • BIO 168 completed within 10 years
    • BIO 169 completed within 10 years
    • ACA 122
    • Total Score ≥ 60% and Reading Score ≥ 50%; attach report.
    • 32 students accepted each fall.
    • BIO 168 must be completed before the first day of class.
    • If you have eligible work experience, be sure to provide the required documentation for points.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Polysomnography (Sleep Medicine)

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • ENG 11 OR high school AP English
    • BIO 163 OR BIO 168 AND BIO 169 OR high school AP biology
    • MED 120 OR MED 121
    • ACA 122
    • 20 students accepted each fall.
    • If you have eligible work experience, be sure to provide the required documentation for points.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers OR CPR for Healthcare Providers (provider not specified).
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Respiratory Therapy

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • TEAS test
    • MED 120 OR MED 121
    • ACA 122
    • Reading Score ≥ 70%; Math and Total Score - attach report.
    • 25 students accepted each fall.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

    For speech language pathologist assistant, you have to enroll at both Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and Central Piedmont. Visit the program page to learn about information sessions.

    Caldwell Community College will determine if you need to take placement tests once they evaluate your official college transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, or official CPT scores from another college. If you are required to take placement tests, you can take them through the Central Piedmont testing center. However, you will need to request that an official copy of your placement test results be sent to Caldwell Community College; your placement test requirement is not fulfilled until Caldwell receives your official placement test documentation. Once you meet all admissions requirements, you will also undergo a minimum admissions requirements (MAR) review through Caldwell Community College. You can do this virtually. To schedule the minimum admissions requirements review, please contact the program coordinator at Caldwell Community College.

    1. Review the speech language pathology assistant pre-admissions guide (PDF) for ways to enhance your application and to get started on general education courses.
    2. Apply to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.
    3. Once admitted into Caldwell Community College, apply to Central Piedmont.

  • Surgical Technology

    Surgical technology applications are accepted at any time. However, students are admitted to the program twice a year for the fall and spring semester (to begin in August or January). This program is very competitive. While we receive many qualified applicants every year, we only admit 16 students with six alternates each fall and spring. There is no waiting list. Entry is based on a ranking of admission tests. Those students with the highest points will be admitted to the program. Students not admitted must reapply. All applicants will receive a letter of notification indicating the status of their application. All admitted students must attend a mandatory orientation session in November for spring start and April for fall start.

    Program Application Requirements

    Requirements Tips for Success
    • ENG 111 OR higher OR high school AP English
    • MAT 110 OR higher
    • COM 110 OR COM 231
    • PSY 150
    • BIO 168 AND BIO 169 OR high school AP BIO
    • MED 120 OR MED 121
    • 16 students accepted each fall and spring.
    • If you have any current health certifications, be sure to provide the required documentation for points.
    • If you were a previous alternate, be sure to let your advisor know.
    • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
    • Mandatory orientation to all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

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