Health Sciences programs are designed to provide graduates with immediate employment in the health care industry or prepare graduates to transfer to articulating colleges.
Requirements for Health Sciences programs are subject to change without notice in order to comply with institutional, state, and/or national accreditation criteria.
Core Performance Standards to Ensure Attainment of Competencies in Health Sciences Programs:
With reasonable accommodations, the student should be able to demonstrate the following abilities:
- Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical/laboratory judgment (e.g., identifies cause-effect relationships in clinical/laboratory situations, etc.)
- Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds (e.g., establishes rapport with clients/families and colleagues)
- Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
- Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces (e.g., moves around in client’s rooms, work spaces, and treatment areas, administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures; positions themselves in the clinical/practicum/externship and laboratory environment so as to render vital care to clients without obstructing the positioning of necessary equipment or other health care workers, etc.)
- Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective client care (e.g., calibrates and uses equipment; positions clients, etc.)
- Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs (e.g., hears monitor alarm, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds and a range of sounds necessary to assess client status, cries for help)
- Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in client care (e.g., observes client physical condition, etc.)
- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment (e.g., performs palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic interventions, i.e., insertion of a catheter)
- Possess sufficient stamina to participate in activities requiring large muscle skills including being able to move quickly (e.g., lift clients, equipment, and supplies up to 50 pounds)
- Demonstrate emotional stability and psychological health in the interaction with clients, families, colleagues, and college personnel.
*Note: Examples are not all inclusive.
Student Reimbursement for Clinical/Laboratory Experience
Students are not reimbursed for clinical/laboratory experience while completing the clinical/laboratory component of a program.
Admission Requirements for Health Sciences Programs
- Must meet the general requirements of the College for admission (see College admissions requirements) and specific criteria outlined for each program.
- May not apply to more than one Health Sciences program at one time.
- Must be a graduate of an accredited high school or possess a GED. All official transcripts must be submitted to document program admission requirements have been met.
- Must successfully complete all program curriculum courses with a “C” or higher. Students may retake courses, based on space availability, completed with less than a “C”.
- Must submit completed physical examination/immunization form provided by the Health Sciences Division prior to admission to clinical/laboratory courses or by the designated deadline. Physical examination should demonstrate the applicant is free of any physical or emotional health problems to include communicable diseases that would interfere with the ability to safely perform all duties. Influenza and Hepatitis B vaccination are strongly encouraged due to the potential exposure in the clinical/laboratory setting. Students who choose not to be vaccinated will be required to sign a waiver. Decisions should be made in consultation with a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
- Must have current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Health Care Provider certification prior to admission to clinical/laboratory courses or by the designated deadline. Online certification/recertification is not accepted.
- May be require to show proof of health insurance as required for specific programs/courses.
- Must purchase and maintain professional liability insurance with the College (approximately $5 annually).
- Must purchase the school-approved uniform required by the program.
- Must furnish blood pressure equipment, scissors, etc., as required for specific programs/courses.
- Must provide or arrange own transportation to and from clinical sites.
*Note: Enrollment in health sciences programs is limited.
Criminal Background Check and Toxicology Screen
Clinical facilities require students to have a Criminal Background Check and Toxicology Screen prior to participating in clinical rotations. Students will be required to have a Criminal Background Check and Toxicology Screen through facilities specified by the College only. Criminal Background Checks and Toxicology Screens will be reviewed with designated personnel at the clinical facility. All findings must be satisfactory with the clinical facility prior to clinical placement. Students not accepted for clinical rotations will not be able to successfully complete the course or program. Students are responsible for all fees associated with Criminal Background Checks and Toxicology Screens. Random Criminal Background Checks and/or Toxicology Screens may be done at the discretion of the College of Nursing Health Sciences.
Proof of Health Insurance
Clinical facilities may require students to maintain health insurance as a condition of clinical placement.
Graduation Requirements for Health Sciences Programs
Must earn a minimum program GPA of 2.0 to complete a degree, diploma, or certificate.
*Note: For all Health Sciences programs, the program GPA includes all required course work attempted at Central Carolina or transferring from other accredited institutions.