New transfer agreement expands opportunities for Central Piedmont health program graduates

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Central Piedmont Community College students who earn health-related Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees now have a clearer path to advancing their education and careers through a new statewide transfer agreement with Appalachian State University. 

The agreement creates a seamless pathway into App State’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program, helping students build on their existing healthcare training while working toward a bachelor’s degree.

The program, in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System, was created with flexibility in mind. Students can complete the degree online or in person, attend part-time or full-time, and finish in as little as two years. Participants can choose concentrations in healthcare management or public health while developing leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills valued by employers across the healthcare industry.

Just as important as the academic pathway is the support available to students throughout the transfer process. The program offers rolling admission in the spring, summer and fall, requires a qualifying health-related AAS degree, and has no waiting list or enrollment cap. These features make it easier for students to continue their education on a timeline that fits their personal and professional responsibilities. 

Central Piedmont offers one of the region's most comprehensive healthcare education portfolios, with 22 curriculum healthcare programs and 33 Continuing Education healthcare offerings that create multiple entry points and opportunities for lifelong career advancement.

Demand for healthcare workers continues to increase, creating both a critical need and strong career opportunities across North Carolina. In the Charlotte region alone, there are approximately five open healthcare positions for every one job seeker.

"At Central Piedmont, we believe education should create opportunities that extend well beyond graduation," said Lisa Moran, dean of health sciences at Central Piedmont. "For many of our students, earning an associate degree is the first step in a lifelong healthcare career. This partnership with Appalachian State creates a seamless pathway for our graduates to build on the strong clinical and technical foundation they receive at Central Piedmont while expanding their career opportunities in healthcare leadership, management and public health. By working together, we're helping students continue their education, advance professionally and strengthen the healthcare workforce our communities depend on."

In addition to the new health sciences pathway, Central Piedmont students can take advantage of the Aspire Appalachian transfer program, which provides guaranteed admission to App State for eligible students who complete their associate degree and meet transfer requirements. 

Aspire Appalachian offers a range of support services designed to help students successfully transfer, including dedicated advising from both institutions, admissions guidance, financial aid assistance, special transfer events and webinars, and priority consideration for scholarships. Students also receive ongoing communications and resources to help them stay on track from enrollment at Central Piedmont through transfer to App State.

Together, these pathways demonstrate Central Piedmont's commitment to helping students continue their education, achieve their career goals and meet North Carolina's growing workforce needs.