Program Information

Each healthcare program has its own guidelines that students must follow. Carefully review your program's rules and regulations before submitting an application.

  • 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS Test
    • Attend a Cardiovascular Technology program information session or attend an Open House
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • BIO 163 OR BIO 168 AND BIO 169
    • MAT 143 OR MAT 152 OR MAT 171
    • PHY 110/110A
    • ACA 122
    • PSY 150

    Tips for Success

    • 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Bachelor's degree with 20 credit hours of biology, 8 credit hours of chemistry, and 3 credit hours of college math
    • Overall GPA ≥ 2.75
    • 2 reference letters
    • Interview
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • Science GPA ≥ 3.0

    Tips for Success

    • 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 admission specialist about your admissions decision.

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Must be eligible to take ENG 111
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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

    Tips for Success

    • 18 students are accepted each fall and spring.
    • If you have eligible work experience, be sure to provide the required documentation.
    • 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 is a competitive program and accepts the top 30 students once per year. Applications are accepted beginning in the fall semester to begin the program in May of the following year. Each year, the top applicants are selected based on the highest scores for that admission period; there is no waitlist. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for admission unless there are unfilled admission slots.

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS test
    • Complete college chemistry with a lab component (CHM 121 AND CHM 121A or higher)
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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

    Tips for Success

    • Total score ≥ 75% on TEAS test; 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Must have completed all required coursework to be eligible to take ENG 111 and MAT 110
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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
      • BIO 163 OR BIO 168 AND BIO 169
      • High school biology
      • High school math
      • High school other science
    • Current BLS CPR and First Aid from American Heart Association (AHA)

    Tips for Success

    • 24 full time students and 12 part time students accepted each fall, and 24 full 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.

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS test or Bachelor of Science degree
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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

    Tips for Success

    • 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.
    • 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS test
    • Active NC unrestricted NAS certification (must be listed on NC registry)
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • Take the following courses prior to starting nursing school to lighten your load:

      • BIO 168 AND BIO 169
      • MAT 143 OR MAT 152 OR MAT 171
      • ENG 111 and ENG 114
      • Humanities elective
      • 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.

    Tips for Success

    • TEAS Test: Advanced or higher OR Total ≥ 74, Reading ≥ 80, Math ≥ 70; attach report.
    • Attach a copy of your NAS certification.
    • Take all courses once and submit your application. 
    • CPR Required: American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.
    • Gather your immunization records: due beginning of first semester (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, DPT, TB skin test-2 step)

    Apply Now

  • Nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing - Accelerated ADN Option

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Current GPA 3.3
    • Active NC unrestricted NAS certification (must be listed on NC registry)
    • All general education courses are required to be completed to be considered for this program:
      • BIO 168 AND BIO 169 with grade of B or better in each
      • MAT 143 or higher
      • PSY 150 AND PSY 241
      • ENG 111 AND ENG 114
      • Humanities elective
    • Has completed 9 or more credit hours in one semester with a B or better average
    • CPR Required: American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
    • Only one grade of C allowed for pre-requisite courses (excluding B or better requirement for BIO 168 AND BIO 169)
    • You must be 18 years old or older before clinical begins
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • Gather your immunization records: due beginning of first semester (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, DPT, TB skin test-2 step)
    • We recommend not working due to accelerated rate of coursework and that you will be in classes between 32-37 hours per week.

    Tips for Success

    • GPA ≥ 3.3 required.
    • Attach transcripts for all general education coursework.
    • Attach a copy of NAS certification.
    • 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.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

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

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Active unrestricted LPN license in NC or an affiliated compact state
    • All general education courses are required to be completed to be accepted in the program:
      • BIO 168 AND BIO 169
      • MAT 143 OR higher
      • PSY 150 AND PSY 241
      • ENG 111 AND ENG 114
      • Humanities
    • CPR Required: American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
    • Graduated from an accredited LPN program
    • Must score 90% or higher on PN predictor
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • Strong GPA

    Tips for Success

    • 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.
    • Attach a copy of CPR for Healthcare providers certification.
    • Attach PN predictor exam results.
    • Mandatory orientation for all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now

  • Nursing: Practical Nursing (PN)

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS test
    • Active, unrestricted NC NAS certification (must be listed on NC registry)
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • Take the following courses prior to starting nursing school:

      • BIO 168 AND BIO 169
      • ENG 111
      • PSY 150

    Tips for Success

    • TEAS 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.
    • Complete CPR: American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. It is due the beginning of the first semester.
    • 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS test: must achieve a level of Proficient or higher and Reading Score  ≥ 60%
    • Observation or In Lieu of Observation activity
    • Complete the Occupational Therapy Assistant Virtual Information Session
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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

    Tips for Success

    • Attach TEAS report to application.
    • 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.
    • 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.

  • Pharmacy Technology

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Must have completed all required coursework to be eligible to take ENG 111 and MAT 143.
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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

    Tips for Success

    • 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.

    Program Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS test: must achieve ≥ 60% on the Total Score and ≥ 50% Reading Score
    • Complete the virtual Physical Therapist Assistant Program information session
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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

    Tips for Success

    • 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Attend a Polysomnography Information Session
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • High school classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • 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

    Tips for Success

    • 15 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • TEAS test: Must achieve ≥ 70% on the Reading Score
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • MED 120 OR MED 121
    • ACA 122
    • BIO 163 OR BIO 168 AND BIO 169
    • Attend a Respiratory Therapy Online Information Session

    Tips for Success

    • TEAS Test Reading Score ≥ 70%; attach report.
    • 25 students accepted each fall.
    • Flu vaccine is required for the program.
    • 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 Requirements and Recommendations

    Requirements Recommendations
    • Complete the Surgical Technology Virtual Information Session OR successfully complete HSC 110
    • Science classes must be taken within the last 10 years.
    • ENG 111 OR higher 
    • MAT 110 OR higher
    • COM 110 OR COM 231
    • PSY 150
    • BIO 168 AND BIO 169 
    • MED 121

    Tips for Success

    • 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
    • COVID and Flu vaccines are required before attending clinical experiences.
    • Mandatory orientation to all students accepted into the program.

    Apply Now