By Kaylie Simmons
Southeastern Community College
Southeastern Community College students pursuing careers in healthcare now have a new pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree through a transfer agreement with Appalachian State University.
A memorandum of understanding between Appalachian State and participating North Carolina community colleges creates a streamlined transfer option for eligible SCC graduates to continue their education through Appalachian’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.
“This program provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals who have earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in a health-related field and who aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree with a program that is flexible and affordable, building on the skills and experiences obtained as part of their AAS degree program and/or in their field of practice,” said Dr. Brandon Jenkins, SCC Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer.
At SCC, the agreement currently applies to students who complete eligible Associate of Applied Science programs, including Associate Degree Nursing, Medical Office Administration and Medical Laboratory Technology.
Under the agreement, SCC graduates who are admitted to Appalachian’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program can transfer a minimum of 30 credit hours of major-specific technical coursework from their associate degree as a block toward the university’s Allied Health Core requirements. General education credits will transfer based on existing course equivalencies and Appalachian’s general education requirements.
Students who have completed all coursework in their approved health-related AAS program with grades of C- or better will transfer to Appalachian with junior status in the Health Sciences program.
According to Jessica Hill, SCC Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Training, the pathway provides graduates with opportunities to advance their careers while remaining connected to their communities.
“This agreement expands opportunities for SCC graduates while allowing them to continue to work within their communities,” Hill said. “These types of agreements open doors for our local talent to obtain quality education through institutions like App State without leaving their careers or their hometown.”
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program prepares graduates for leadership and advancement opportunities within the healthcare field.
“Students who earn a BS in Health Sciences through this pathway are setting themselves up to become leaders, administrators or even instructors in their fields,” Hill said. “Earning this degree provides upward mobility within their chosen healthcare field, increases earning potential and creates an avenue to further educational opportunities if desired.”
The opportunity is part of a broader initiative offered by Appalachian State University to all 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System.
“Appalachian State offered this opportunity to all 58 NCCCS institutions,” Jenkins said. “It was our choice as to whether or not we opted to participate.”
Hill said transfer agreements like this one are increasingly important because they provide healthcare graduates with additional options to continue their education, particularly through flexible and online learning opportunities.
“Transfer opportunities, especially online options, are extremely important to our healthcare graduates,” Hill said. “Anytime we are able to expand options, we are offering choices to individuals they otherwise would not have.”
The growing demand for healthcare leaders and educators further highlights the value of advanced education opportunities. According to ASU, healthcare leadership and instructional roles are expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
“When we offer choices, we empower our students, foster engagement and help create a community that is invested in outcomes,” Hill said.
Students interested in learning more about SCC’s healthcare programs and transfer opportunities are encouraged to contact SCC’s Student Services at 910.788.6247 to speak with a Student Advisor.
