School of Health Sciences

The School of Health Sciences offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science and Nursing. The School also offers Master’s degrees in Nursing (MSN), Occupational Therapy (MSOT), and Physical Therapy (MPT). The purpose of the SOHS is to provide opportunity for men and women to pursue an education in nursing and the allied health sciences. The programs provide requisite knowledge and skills for professional practice in a variety of health care settings.

Our Clinical Laboratory Science program was the first undergraduate Internet-based degree program in the University of North Carolina System and one of the first of its kind in the nation. The Clinical Laboratory Science program offers the traditional and internet-based tracks to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree. Both tracks prepare students in laboratory methodologies and related technologies which are essential to performance of diagnostic testing and research. The traditional track accepts first time in college and second degree students seeking laboratory experience. The internet-based medical laboratory technician (MLT) - medical technology (MT) articulation program is designed for the working adult with an associate’s degree to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.

The School of Health Sciences is currently the fourth largest producer of nurses in North Carolina. The nursing program has a variety of entry points, including the traditional Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN), RN-to-BSN, LPN-to-BSN, Paramedic-to- BSN, and Accelerated BSN programs. The RNto- BSN Option is offered at eleven different locations off-campus. The LPN-BSN Option is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Applicants must be licensed in the state of North Carolina. The Paramedic-to-BSN Option is designed to assist those persons certified to practice as Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedics/EMTs in obtaining a BSN. Eligible candidates are those persons who have been granted certification by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services or the National Registry. The individual must have one year of experience as an EMT-Paramedic.

The Accelerated BSN Option allows students with bachelor’s degrees in majors other than nursing to obtain a BSN. The Accelerated Option is funded by North Carolina Baptist Hospital. Each January, 45 students are admitted to this 13-month option. Students accepted in the option are required to sign a contract to work full-time as a staff nurse for North Carolina Baptist Hospital for three years after completion of the program.

At the graduate level, a Master’s of Science and Post Master’s Certificates are offered in nursing. Graduate programs are available for Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Nurse Educator. The MSN Curriculum design is conducive to working adult learner’s needs. The Occupational Therapy Program offers a 2 year post baccalaureate entry-level masters degree. The program‘s goal is to graduate competitive occupational therapy practitioner with skills in clinical and community practice, research, administration and consumer education. The Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy and the Master’s of Physical Therapy programs have a large number of partnerships with local and regional medical centers for student affiliations and experiences. The Physical Therapy program features a state-ofthe-art motion analysis laboratory with metabolic, neuromuscular and postural assessment equipment.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the School of Health Sciences is to produce highly educated, motivated, clinically and culturally competent graduates for careers in Nursing, allied health and related professions.

Vision Statement

The School of Health Sciences strives to be a state-of-theart educational organization which prepares outstanding health professionals through a world renowned faculty who are leading educators and researchers in their fields.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate program in nursing is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on College Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation. The program in clinical laboratory science is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, American Physical Therapy Association. Occupational Therapy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association.