Appalachian State University Creates New Transfer Pathway
New Partnership Opens Bachelor’s Degree Pathway for Carteret Health Sciences Students
Statewide agreement with Appalachian State University creates a seamless transfer opportunity for graduates of eligible Carteret health sciences programs.
For students pursuing careers in healthcare, the path to a bachelor’s degree just became easier. Through a new statewide transfer agreement between the North Carolina Community College System and Appalachian State University, Carteret Community College is creating new opportunities for graduates of eligible Health Sciences programs to continue their education without missing a step. Students can build on the hands-on education, clinical training, and real-world experience they receive at Carteret while seamlessly transferring into Appalachian State’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program.
Designed with working healthcare professionals in mind, Appalachian State’s flexible Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program can be completed either online or on campus, making it easier than ever for graduates to continue their education while balancing work, family, and personal commitments.
Graduates of the following Carteret Community College programs are eligible for the transfer pathway:
- Associate Degree Nursing
- Emergency Medical Science
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Office Administration
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- Social and Human Services
“This partnership reflects Carteret’s commitment to creating opportunities that extend well beyond graduation,” said Dr. Tracy Mancini, president of Carteret Community College. “Our students come to Carteret because they want a high-quality, affordable education that prepares them for meaningful careers. Now, they can begin that journey here, gain valuable hands-on experience, enter the workforce, and seamlessly continue toward a bachelor’s degree when they’re ready. It’s another example of how Carteret helps students build successful futures while strengthening North Carolina’s healthcare workforce.”
Traditionally, Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees have been designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment, offering fewer direct transfer opportunities to four-year institutions. This new agreement changes that by creating a clear, credit-bearing pathway into Appalachian State’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program, allowing students to continue their education without losing momentum or repeating coursework.
Students who transfer into Appalachian State’s Health Sciences program may choose a concentration in Healthcare Management or Public Health. To qualify, students must complete a health-related Associate in Applied Science degree from a North Carolina community college and maintain a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.25. The program offers both full-time and part-time enrollment, with rolling admission available during the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
The partnership comes at a critical time as North Carolina continues to experience a growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals and leaders, particularly in rural and underserved communities. With more than 20,000 students currently enrolled in health-related Associate in Applied Science programs across the state, expanding transfer opportunities represents an important investment in strengthening North Carolina’s healthcare workforce.
At Carteret, students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art learning environments, hands-on clinical training, and strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers. Combined with affordable tuition and expanding university transfer opportunities, Carteret offers students a clear path from the classroom to the workforce—and now, to a bachelor’s degree and beyond.
Whether students are just beginning their educational journey or looking to advance their careers, Carteret provides the foundation for long-term success. This new partnership with Appalachian State University ensures graduates can continue building on that foundation while preparing for leadership opportunities in today’s evolving healthcare industry.
Students interested in launching a rewarding healthcare career while keeping the door open to future educational opportunities are encouraged to learn more about Carteret Community College’s Health Sciences programs by visiting health.carteret.edu or contacting the Admissions Office at 252-222-6060.
