Back-up plans come in many forms, including but not limited to applying to two health science programs, applying to programs at multiple schools, and planning for a non-health science 2-year program at PCC. Below we will explore these three options. Remember that you can create multiple back-up plans and that these are not the only back-up plan options.
Applying to Two Health Science Programs:
Students are allowed to apply to a maximum of two health science programs simultaneously
When you apply to two programs you will select one program has your first choice program and one as your second choice program
When creating your SEP and planning your academics you should utilize the curriculum sheets from both programs to ensure that you will be eligible to apply to both programs together.
Look for programs that have similar requirements (i.e. some of the same prerequisite courses) to leverage your time, money and effort more efficiently.
Not all programs require the same Biology requirements. Make sure you review the Biology requirements for both programs before you enroll in Biology. Generally speaking most programs will allow students to substitute BIO-168 AND BIO-169 for a BIO-163 requirement. However, students are not able to substitute BIO-163 to fulfill a BIO-169 AND BIO-168 requirement. Always consult with Ms. C regarding this matter. Remember that this requires that you communicate with me in regards to your plan to apply to two programs.
Applying to Programs at Multiple Schools:
Many other NC community colleges and 4-year institutions offer quality health science programs
NC community college classes transfer from one NC community college to another as long as you have 'C' or higher in the course
Many of your PCC classes will also transfer to 4-year schools
Different schools have different health science admissions policies, requirements and prerequisites for their health science programs
You NEED to consult with an health science admissions advisor from the institution(s) you intend to apply to regarding the health science admissions policies, requirements and prerequisites required for their programs
Share with Ms. C your intention to apply to multiple schools, what schools you plan to apply to, what programs you will apply to and each school's health science admissions requirements so that I can help you academically plan to meet the requirements
Planning for a Non-Health Science PCC Program:
PCC offers two non-health science programs in the Administrative and Healthcare Technologies Department in the business division that interest many AGE students. While these two programs are not health science programs they are related to the healthcare field. Both programs have several educational options that are related to healthcare. Click on the links below to learn more about each program:
Healthcare Management Technology - Healthcare Management Technology offers various educational options for students. These options include certificates related to healthcare that students may be able to work towards while they are completing their prerequisites for their intended health science program. Completing these certificates will help you obtain additional credentials related to healthcare. They will also serve as a great back-up plan since they can be a bridge to completing one of the related Medical Office Administration degree options; some of the courses required for the certificates may also be part of the degree requirements.
Medical Office Administration - Medical Office Administration offers various educational options for students. These options include certificates related to healthcare that students may be able to work towards while they are completing their prerequisites for their intended health science program. Completing these certificates will help you obtain additional credentials related to healthcare. They will also serve as a great back-up plan since they can be a bridge to completing one of the related Medical Office Administration degree options; some of the courses required for the certificates may also be part of the degree requirements.
In addition, the PCC Public Services and Fine Arts Division offers some non-health science options that also interest many AGE students. Both programs have several educational options that are related to healthcare. Click on the links below to learn more about each program:
Human Services Technology - Human Services is a great option for students who are attracted to Health Sciences, because they want to help others. Human Services offers various educational options for students. These options include certificates related to healthcare that students may be able to work towards while they are completing their prerequisites for their intended health science program. Completing these certificates will help you obtain additional credentials related to healthcare. They will also serve as a great back-up plan since they can be a bridge to completing one of the related Human Service degree options; some of the courses required for the certificates may also be part of the degree requirements.
Paralegal Technology - Paralegal Technology is also another attractive program option for AGE students who want to be of service to others. Paralegal Technology offers Associate Degree and diploma options. In addition, the program offers convenient evening and online class options.
Things to Consider:
If you would like to work towards a certificate in Healthcare Management, Medical Office Administration and/or Human Services while you are an AGE student, you will need to double major and add the certificate to your major. This can be easily done by contacting your advisor who will submit a double major request on your behalf. Please note that you will not be able to double major once you are accepted into your health science program.
If you double major, you will have two advisors. Your currently assigned AGE advisor will remain your AGE advisor, but you will also be assigned an additional new advisor in the new program you added. Your AGE advisor can only advise and approve courses related to AGE (i.e. your pre-health science courses). Your new advisor will need to approve any classes on your SEP that relate to the additional program only.
Some of the certificates in the same program may have similar course requirements with only one or more course requirement differences. This means you may have the opportunity to work on multiple certificates simultaneously.