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The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology curriculum provides the basic knowledge to develop skills necessary to work with residential and light commercial systems. Topics include mechanical refrigeration, heating and cooling theory, electricity, controls, and safety. The AAS degree pathway covers Building Automation Systems, BAS Networking, and Building Automation Controls. AAS degree graduates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of system selection and balance, and advanced systems.

The Applied Animal Science Technology program is designed to prepare students for careers in the production, processing, and distribution of livestock, swine, and poultry and their products according to scientific principles essential to efficient and profitable operation. Students should learn skills necessary for the operation of efficient and profitable livestock, swine, and poultry enterprises. Coursework includes production practices, animal health, nutrition, reproduction, and management. Applied Animal Science Technology prepares individuals to select, breed, care for, process, and market livestock and small farm animals. Potential coursework includes instruction in basic animal science, animal nutrition, and animal health as applied to various species and breeds; design and operation of housing, feeding, and processing facilities; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply.  Graduates should qualify for entry-level jobs as herd or flock managers, field service persons, feed salespersons, equipment salespersons, feed mill workers, buyers of poultry and livestock, owners/operators, farm managers, department supervisors, field service representatives, and waste management technicians. Articulation agreements are available for transfer to a 4-year institution.

The Applied Animal Science Technology program is designed to prepare students for careers in the production, processing, and distribution of livestock, swine, and poultry and their products according to scientific principles essential to efficient and profitable operation. Students should learn skills necessary for the operation of efficient and profitable livestock, swine, and poultry enterprises. Coursework includes production practices, animal health, nutrition, reproduction, and management. Applied Animal Science Technology prepares individuals to select, breed, care for, process, and market livestock and small farm animals. Potential coursework includes instruction in basic animal science, animal nutrition, and animal health as applied to various species and breeds; design and operation of housing, feeding, and processing facilities; and related issues of safety, applicable regulations, logistics, and supply. The diploma is creditable towards the AAS degree.  

The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential. Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Employment opportunities are vast within the global healthcare system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community healthcare facilities. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) The associate degree nursing program at Cleveland Community College located in Shelby, North Carolina is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is initial accreditation. Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcomes Licensure Pass Rate Year        NCLEX-RN Pass Rate  2024 93% Program Completion  Admit Year Graduation Year Admitted Students Graduated with Cohort Completion Rate %  2022 2024 77 60 78% Job Placement Rates Graduation Year Employment Rate Within Six Months of Graduation  2024 100%                  Admission and Selection Criteria CCC has established admissions and selection procedures to ensure students are admitted and selected in a consistent and equitable manner. Completion of these requirements will not guarantee admission to the program. All applicants are encouraged to attend a Health Sciences Symposium, which is held in June and November, to learn more information about the program. All admissions criteria must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the program deadline. The deadline is January 25. Admission Requirements Application to the College and NC Residency Reading/English: Meet one of the following to demonstrate proficiency: • Completion of prerequisites to be eligible to register for ENG 111 without corequisite (or currently enrolled) • Completion of ENG 111 or equivalent with a minimum of "C" • Have a 2.8 or higher unweighted high school GPA • Provide satisfactory placement test scores • Provide proof of completion of an associate or bachelor's degree (if applicable) • TEAS Score of 65 or higher   Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Testing Information The TEAS is designed specifically to assess the preparedness of students applying to a health sciences program. TEAS scores are good for 5 years and must have a minimum of 30 days between each test. Students must register for the test through ATI at www.atitesting.com. TEAS testing information: Paper and pencil will be provided No smartwatches or any other programmable devices are allowed Cell phones must be turned off No food or drink allowed, unless medically necessary Photo ID required ATI login information Post-Provisional Acceptance Requirements An email notification of provisional acceptance will be sent by February 20. The following must be completed to satisfy acceptance requirements: Attend nursing orientation Complete CCC Health Sciences Medical Form Criminal background check and 12-panel drug screen obtained through a secure compliance tracking database The following immunizations are required (more information will be provided during orientation): Complete 2-Step TB Test or IGRA Hepatitis B Influenza (required between 9/1 - 10/31) or of current Influenza Season Varicella Td or TDaP MMR CPR Certification will be offered the first week of class (first fall semester only) and must remain current throughout the program. Verification of current PN licensure or Nurse Aide I certification with no substantiated findings is required for entry in program. Once admitted, students are not required to remain on the Nurse Aide I registry through the duration of the program. Comply with the Technical Standards outlined for the program Highly recommended for all students to have health insurance Clinical facilities may require criminal background checks, drug screenings, and/or proof of US citizenship prior to or during participation in the clinical portion of the program. A student who is unable to complete the clinical portion of the program will not be able to graduate. Criminal background checks, drug screenings, credit checks, and/or proof of US citizenship may also be required after graduation by examination boards, state licensing boards, and employing agencies. Essential Functions and Technical Standards Purpose Statement The provided text outlines the essential standards and expectations for students in a clinical program. It emphasizes the need for students to demonstrate cognitive, critical thinking, interpersonal, behavioral, physical, and communication skills required for high-quality patient care. Reasonable accommodations for documented disabilities are considered, but students must independently meet performance standards set by clinical sites and the college. Failure to meet these standards may prevent program completion. The standards reflect job requirements for entry-level professionals and ensure patient safety. Examples are illustrative but not exhaustive. Capability Standard Examples of Technical Standard Found in the Program and Related to Industry Cognitive Ability/Critical Thinking Skills Nursing students will be involved in acquiring knowledge, processing information, and making decisions. They include analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing data to solve problems, form judgments, and create solutions. Gather information, analyze cause-effect relationships, monitor health changes, and set goals with interventions. Tactile Skills Sense of touch sufficient to discern information.  Perform a physical assessment, palpation, monitor skin temperature  Visual Skills: Visual ability to monitor and assess patient care needs. Observe patient responses to treatment. Detect changes in skin color. Read sphygmomanometer. Mobility/Motor Skills  Demonstrate dexterity, coordination, and strength to perform nursing tasks safely, including handling up to 50 pounds. Ability to lift, transfer, or adjust patients safely—the ability to walk, bend, stretch, and stand for extended periods.  Auditory Skills  Hearing ability to monitor and assess health needs. Hear equipment/emergency alarms and calls for assistance. Listen to heart, lung, and blood pressure sounds.  Visual Skills  Visual ability to monitor and assess patient care needs. Observe patient responses to treatment. Detect changes in skin color. Read sphygmomanometer. Interpersonal and Behavioral Skills Interact effectively with diverse groups, maintain emotional stability under stress, adapt to change, and build professional relationships. Demonstrate sound judgment, timely care, accountability, adaptability to feedback, respect for patients, teamwork, and professionalism. Communication Skills Communicate effectively in English using verbal, nonverbal, and written formats with others. Answer questions, document patient data accurately, use proper terminology, interpret orders, record responses, and practice active listening. Occupational Exposure Manage multiple roles under stress while ensuring safety through proper precautions against hazards and infectious materials. To encounter harmful substances -bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals. Potentially harmful needlestick injuries, exposure to bodily fluids, and exposure to airborne contaminants while caring for patients. Legal/ethical dilemmas. Liability issues. Traditional Pathway Fees - Estimated Total Cost for Program Fee Description  Year 1  Year 2  Tuition (NUR Courses Only)  $1748.00  $1520.00 Program Fee (ATI Fee)  $1540.00  $0 Lab Fees  $72.00   $36.00 Background, Drug Screen, & Immunization Tracker  $144.00  $82.00 Clinical Tracker  $40.00  $40.00 Health Sciences Fee (Uniforms Included)  $200.00  $0 Malpractice Insurance  $16.00  $16.00 CPR Card  $10.00  $0 Textbooks (NUR Courses Only For Both Years)  $400.00 - $800.00  $0 Pinning Fee  $0  $75.00 Estimated Total $4170.00 - $4570.00  $1769.00 Estimated Grand Total (2 Years)  $5939.00-$6339.00 Understanding the Ranking Process When all admissions requirements have been met, qualified applicants are ranked using a point system. Enrollment in related courses is not required for acceptance; however, extra points will be awarded for each related course, completed by the deadline, based on the grade earned in the course. If the course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be used in the ranking. A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points (no points are awarded for grades lower than C) AP credit is based on the individual scores: 5 = 4 points 4 = 3 points 3 = 2 points (no points are awarded for scores lower than 3) Related course points will be added to the total TEAS score for the ranking. Applicants with the highest ranked scores will be accepted. In the event of a tie, a Traditional Pathway applicant with the highest science score on the TEAS will be ranked higher, and the GPA will be used for LPN to ADN Pathway applicants. An alternate list will be maintained in ranking order. Alternates will only be accepted if a space becomes available. Applicants not admitted to the program must reapply. The below charts can be used to track related course points based on pathway. Related courses for Traditional Pathway: Course  Grade  Points Earned  BIO 168      BIO 169     CNA (with clinical experience)     ENG 111     PSY 150 or SOC 210     Reentry Process For students seeking reentry to the Associate Degree Nursing program: All requests for reentry into the nursing program must be approved by the Admissions Office and the Nursing Director prior to implementation. Only one reentry will be considered for the nursing program. Applied and Not Accepted to Program Students not selected to the program may reapply for the next year by completing a new health sciences application. All applications for admission must be updated annually. Grading Policy All NUR Courses must receive a grade of B or higher, and all other courses in the program must receive a grade of C or higher.

The Associate Degree Nursing-LPN-RN curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential. Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Employment opportunities are vast within the global healthcare system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community healthcare facilities. The bridging option offers credentialed Licensed Practical Nurses 42 hours of credit for Prior Learning credit. The remaining coursework to complete the AAS in Nursing requires an additional 35 semester hours of course-work as outlined. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) The associate degree nursing program at Cleveland Community College located in Shelby, North Carolina is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is initial accreditation. Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcomes Licensure Pass Rate Year        NCLEX-RN Pass Rate  2024 93% Program Completion  Admit Year Graduation Year Admitted Students Graduated with Cohort Completion Rate %  2022 2024 77 60 78% Job Placement Rates Graduation Year Employment Rate Within Six Months of Graduation  2024 100%                    Admission and Selection Criteria CCC has established admissions and selection procedures to ensure students are admitted and selected in a consistent and equitable manner. Completion of these requirements will not guarantee admission to the program. All applicants are encouraged to attend a Health Sciences Symposium, which is held in June and November, to learn more information about the program. All admissions criteria must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the program deadline. The deadline is August 25 for the LPN to ADN Pathway.   Admission Requirements - LPN to ADN Pathway  The LPN to ADN Pathway is an option designed for students who have already met the requirements to be a Licensed Practical Nurse and wish to further their education to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. This pathway has a spring semester entry. Upon successful completion of the LPN Licensure issued by the Board of Nursing the student will receive credit by credential for NUR 111 (Intro to Health Concepts), NUR 112 (Health-Illness Concepts), NUR 113 (Family Health Concepts), NUR 114 (Holistic Health Concepts) and NUR 211 (Healthcare Concepts).  Application to the College and NC Residency Reading/English: Meet one of the following to demonstrate proficiency: Completion of prerequisites to be eligible to register for ENG 111 without corequisite Completion of ENG 111 or equivalent with a minimum of "C" Have a 2.8 or higher unweighted high school GPA Provide satisfactory placement test scores Provide proof of completion of an associate or bachelor's degree (if applicable) LPN Licensure with no substantiated findings Complete the following required courses: BIO 168 BIO 169 PSY 150 Meet one of the following criteria: TEAS Score of 65 or higher Cleveland Community College PN graduate with LPN licensure* Currently employed with 5 consecutive verifiable years as an LPN (verified by Human Resources)* *Students meeting one of the two LPN licensure criteria will automatically receive 75 points for their TEAS score. Students with a valid TEAS score higher than 75 may submit the TEAS score to be calculated in the ranking score. Program Total Number of Academic Terms to Complete Program Total Credit/Clock Hours Required to Complete Program Total Nursing Credit/Clock Hours Required to Complete Program Total Credit/Clock Hours Awarded for Prior Learning (if applicable)  LPN to ADN 3 Semesters 77 Credit Hours Other Remaining General Education Courses: BIO 275 (4) ENG 112 (3) PSY 241 (3) Humanities (3) Total 13 Credit Hours 22 Credit Hours NUR 214 (4) NUR 221 (9) NUR 223 (9) Total 22 Credit Hours NUR Courses NUR 111 (8) NUR 112 (5) NUR 113 (5) NUR 114 (5) NUR 211 (5) Total 28 Credit Hours General Education Courses BIO 168 (4) BIO 169 (4) ENG 111 (3) PSY 150 (3) Total 14 Credit Hours Grand Total 42 Credit Hours Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Testing Information The TEAS is designed specifically to assess the preparedness of students applying to a health sciences program. TEAS scores are good for 5 years and must have a minimum of 30 days between each test. Students must register for the test through ATI at www.atitesting.com. TEAS testing information: Paper and pencil will be provided No smartwatches or any other programmable devices are allowed Cell phones must be turned off No food or drink allowed, unless medically necessary Photo ID required ATI login information Post-Provisional Acceptance Requirements An email notification of provisional acceptance will be sent by September 20. The following must be completed to satisfy acceptance requirements: Attend nursing orientation Complete CCC Health Sciences Medical Form Criminal background check and 12-panel drug screen obtained through a secure compliance tracking database The following immunizations are required (more information will be provided during orientation): Complete 2-Step TB Test or IGRA Hepatitis B Influenza (required between 9/1 - 10/31) or of current Influenza Season Varicella Td or TDaP MMR CPR Certification Verification of current PN licensure with no substantiated findings is required for entry in program. Once admitted, students are required to maintain their PN licensure through the duration of the program. Comply with the Technical Standards outlined for the program Highly recommended for all students to have health insurance Clinical facilities require criminal background checks, drug screenings, and/or proof of US citizenship prior to or during participation in the clinical portion of the program. A student who is unable to complete the clinical portion of the program will not be able to graduate. Criminal background checks, drug screenings, credit checks, and/or proof of US citizenship may also be required after graduation by examination boards, state licensing boards, and employing agencies. Essential Functions and Technical Standards Purpose Statement The following standards reflect reasonable expectations of students. In adopting these standards, the program is mindful of the patient’s right to safe and high-quality healthcare by students. The student must be able to apply the knowledge and skills necessary to function in a broad variety of clinical situations while providing high-quality patient care. These standards reflect what may be required for employment of the entry-level professional. It is important that students who are admitted possess cognitive and critical thinking skills, interpersonal skills, behavioral skills, physical skills, and communication skills necessary to practice in the field. Reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but each student must be able to independently perform all performance standards demanded by the clinical site and the College. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with Disabilities Services at Cleveland Community College. The following abilities/skills are required, with or without accommodations. Students must meet the following technical standards and maintain satisfactory demonstration of these standards for progression throughout the program. Students unable to meet these technical standards will not be able to complete the program. The examples used are not all-inclusive. Capability Standard Examples of Technical Standard Found in the Program and Related to Industry Cognitive Ability/Critical Thinking Skills Nursing students will be involved in acquiring knowledge, processing information, and making decisions. They include analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing data to solve problems, form judgments, and create solutions. Gather information, analyze cause-effect relationships, monitor health changes, and set goals with interventions. Tactile Skills Sense of touch sufficient to discern information.  Perform a physical assessment, palpation, monitor skin temperature. Mobility/Motor Skills  Demonstrate dexterity, coordination, and strength to perform nursing tasks safely, including handling up to 50 pounds.  Ability to lift, transfer, or adjust patients safely—the ability to walk, bend, stretch, and stand for extended periods. Auditory Skills  Hearing ability to monitor and assess health needs. Hear equipment/emergency alarms and calls for assistance. Listen to heart, lung, and blood pressure sounds. Visual Skills Visual ability to monitor and assess patient care needs. Observe patient responses to treatment. Detect changes in skin color. Read sphygmomanometer. Interpersonal and Behavioral Skills Interact effectively with diverse groups, maintain emotional stability under stress, adapt to change, and build professional relationships. Demonstrate sound judgment, timely care, accountability, adaptability to feedback, respect for patients, teamwork, and professionalism. Communication Skills Communicate effectively in English using verbal, nonverbal, and written formats with others. Answer questions, document patient data accurately, use proper terminology, interpret orders, record responses, and practice active listening. Occupational Exposure Manage multiple roles under stress while ensuring safety through proper precautions against hazards and infectious materials. To encounter harmful substances -bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals. Potentially harmful needlestick injuries, exposure to bodily fluids, and exposure to airborne contaminants while caring for patients. Legal/ethical dilemmas. Liability issues. LPN to ADN Pathway Fees - Estimated Total Cost for Program Fee Description Year 2 Tuition (NUR Courses Only) $2204.00 Program Fee (ATI Fee) $1150.00 Lab Fees $36.00 Background, Drug Screen, & Immunization Tracker $144.00 Clinical Tracker $40.00 Health Science Fee (Uniforms Included) $200.00 Malpractice Insurance $16.00 Pinning Fee $75.00 Textbooks (NUR Courses Only) $400.00-$800.00 Estimated Total $4265.00-$4665.00 Understanding the Ranking Process When all admissions requirements have been met, qualified applicants are ranked using a point system. Enrollment in related courses is not required for acceptance; however, extra points will be awarded for each related course, completed by the deadline, based on the grade earned in the course. If the course is repeated, the highest grade earned will be used in the ranking. A = 4 points B = 3 points C = 2 points (no points are awarded for grades lower than C) AP credit is based on the individual scores: 5 = 4 points 4 = 3 points 3 = 2 points (no points are awarded for scores lower than 3) Related course points will be added to the total TEAS score for the ranking. Applicants with the highest ranked scores will be accepted. In the event of a tie, a Traditional Pathway applicant with the highest science score on the TEAS will be ranked higher, and the GPA will be used for LPN to ADN Pathway applicants. An alternate list will be maintained in ranking order. Alternates will only be accepted if a space becomes available. Applicants not admitted to the program must reapply. The below charts can be used to track related course points based on pathway. Related courses for LPN to ADN Pathway: Course Grade Points Earned BIO 275     ENG 112 HUM 115     PSY 241 Reentry Process For students seeking reentry to the Associate Degree Nursing program: All requests for reentry into the nursing program must be approved by the Admissions Office and the Nursing Director prior to implementation. Only one reentry will be considered for the nursing program. Applied and Not Accepted to Program Students not selected to the program may reapply for the next year by completing a new health sciences application. All applications for admission must be updated annually. Grading Policy All NUR Courses must receive a grade of B or higher, and all other courses in the program must receive a grade of C or higher.

The Associate in Arts degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC) of college transfer courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use. The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) enable North Carolina community college graduates of the two-year associate in arts programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina or Signatory Institutions of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to transfer with junior status. Community college graduates must obtain a grade of "C" or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to transfer with junior status. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions.

The Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC) of college transfer courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use. The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) enable North Carolina Community College graduates of two-year associate in arts programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina or Signatory Institutions of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to transfer with junior status.  Community college graduates must maintain a grade of "C" or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale to transfer with junior status. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions. 

The Associate in Fine Arts in Music degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60-61 semester hours of college transfer courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use. The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) enable North Carolina Community College graduates of two-year associate in fine arts in music programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina or Signatory Institutions of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to transfer with junior status.  Community college graduates must maintain a grade of "C" or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to transfer with junior status. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions. 

The Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60-61 semester hours of college transfer courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use. The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) enable North Carolina Community College graduates of two-year associate in fine arts in visual arts programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina or Signatory Institutions of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to transfer with junior status.  Community college graduates must maintain a grade of "C" or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to transfer with junior status. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions. 

The Associate in General Education (AGE)-Nursing is designed for students who wish to begin their study toward the Associate in Nursing degree and a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing as based on Blocks 1-3 of the Uniform Articulation Agreement between the University of North Carolina's Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs and the North Carolina Community College Associate Degree Nursing Programs, which was approved by the State Board of Community Colleges and the UNC Board of Governors in February 2015. The AGE-Nursing shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC). A student who completes an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing with a GPA of at least 2.0 and a grade of C or better in the AGE-Nursing courses listed below and who holds a current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina will have fulfilled the UNC institutions' lower-division general education requirements as well as nursing program entry requirements. However, because nursing program admissions are competitive, no student is guaranteed admission to the program of his or her choice.

The Associate in General Education (AGE) curriculum is designed for the academic enrichment of students who wish to broaden their education, with emphasis on personal interest, growth and development. Coursework includes study in the areas of humanities and fine arts, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, and English composition. Opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and the basic use of computers will be provided. Through these skills, students will have a sound base for lifelong learning. Graduates are prepared for advancements within their field of interest and become better qualified for a wide range of employment opportunities. Many of the courses are equivalent to college transfer courses; however, the program is not principally designed for college transfer.

The Associate in Science degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC) of college transfer courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use. The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) enable North Carolina community college graduates of two-year associate in science programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina or Signatory Institutions of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities to transfer with junior status. Community college graduates must obtain a grade of "C" or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to transfer with junior status. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions.