What is the role of the Health Science Enrollment Center (HSEC)?
The staff members in the Health Science Enrollment Center assist students who are interested in one or more of the 15 selective admissions health science programs, as well as open enrollment health career programs at Cape Fear Community College.
What are Selective Admissions Programs?
A select number of health science programs at CFCC require a multi-step application process that does not guarantee acceptance to all interested students. A second application following the college application, the Intent to Apply form, will need to be completed. The Intent to Apply form can be accessed from each program’s homepage. Minimum requirements must be met to continue in the selection process (which involves using a standardized test for most programs) during a specific application period. Instructions can be found in the information packet located on each program’s website. Students are encouraged to study these carefully to understand the process. When applying to competitive programs, it may be advisable to discuss career plans with our Career Counselors to develop possible “Parallel Academic Plans.”
How do I apply to a selective health science program?
When students apply to Cape Fear Community College, they may apply to a pre-health science major. This does not automatically enroll or guarantee entry into the selective admissions health science program of your choice (i.e., a Pre-Associate Degree Nursing major is a pre-major and is not a guarantee of acceptance into the Associate Degree Nursing program). Each program has a specific application period. During this application period, students who have met the minimum requirements for their program of interest may go online to the program website and complete their Intent to Apply. Comprehensive instructions on completing an Intent to Apply will be available on each program website. Once submitted online, the CFCC Health Science Enrollment Center staff will review the student’s Intent to Apply. If the Intent is approved, i.e. all eligibility requirements are met, the student will receive an email with the “Next Steps” in their CFCC email account. Students who file an Intent to Apply and do not meet the minimum requirements will receive an email addressing the missing items. Once eligible, they may re-file their Intent. Applicants must file the Intent to Apply on or before the last day of the application period.
What are my options if I am not eligible to file an Intent or don’t get accepted?
Some of the health science programs at CFCC are very popular but have limited seating. Therefore, each year students have to face the difficult decision of using alternatives to their preferred majors and utilizing other strategies to succeed towards their educational and career goals. CFCC staff members have created a resource website to help students explore many options. Please visit
cfcc.edu/admissions/health-sciences-admissions/explore-healthcare-programs/ and turn to staff and faculty at CFCC to assist you.
How do I access an information session?
CFCC’s nursing and health science programs offer helpful information sessions each year. They are held in person or virtually, and details on location and links are available on the program’s website. Except for Veterinary Medical Technology, attendance to apply is not mandatory, although it could award points depending on the program. A reservation or appointment is not required to attend an information session.
How do I check the status of my Intent to Apply?
To check the status of your
Intent to Apply, you will log into
Softdocs Etrieve Central . Under the Activity section, you will click on your
Intent to Apply from the list, then click History. It will outline where you are in the process (i.e. received, approved, returned, declined). If further questions, please contact the staff members of the Health Science Enrollment Center.
When should I file my Intent to Apply?
Students are encouraged to file an Intent to Apply during the application period as soon as they feel prepared to do so and when application requirements (including a passing TEAS test) have been met. We strongly encourage interested students not to wait until the last day of the application period. Filing an Intent early is beneficial as it allows for proper planning and eliminates “last-minute decision-making.”
How often are students accepted to the selective admission programs?
Students are accepted to the health science programs once per year, with the exception of the Associate Degree in Nursing program which accepts students each spring and fall semester. All other programs accept students for each fall semester.
Can students apply to more than one program?
What if I am not sure about whether or not I meet the requirements to apply or have specific question about the TEAS test?
The staff of the Health Science Enrollment Center encourages you to complete the
Request Information form . Upon doing so, the HSEC will reach out to you to answer any questions.
What is Early Admission?
For our Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Pharmacy Technology programs, there is an opportunity to file your “Intent to Apply” and receive a decision email in early March. In order to apply during our Early Admission period, students must meet all of the minimum requirements and have all documentation on file by the Early Admission deadline. For any specific questions, please reach out to the Health Science Enrollment Center at
healthsciences@cfcc.edu
Economic and Workforce Development Health Programs
How do I apply to a health science program in Economic and Workforce Development (formerly known as Continuing Education)?
Economic and Workforce Development at CFCC offers a wide range of programs to choose from and these are “Open Enrollment”. You only need to contact the Director or Coordinator of each individual program, collect all of the information to have a successful start, and sign up for classes on their web portal (or following their individual set of instructions). Please visit the EWD Health Career Programs at
cfcc.edu/job-training/healthcare-careers/ . The staff of the Health Science Enrollment Center can also assist you should you have any questions.
Can students get financial assistance for Economic and Workforce Development courses?
Scholarships and awards are available for courses offered by Economic and Workforce Development but traditional financial aid, including the Pell Grant, is not. Staff members of the Economic and Workforce Development department can connect students with scholarships and award opportunities.
Can I take Economic and Workforce Development classes at the same time I take my degree classes?
Yes. Economic and Workforce Development has career path options for healthcare that can be a good parallel plan for those interested in the selective admissions process. Some include Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy, EMT Level 1, Medical Billing and Coding, Certified Healthcare Access Associate, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
How long are the Economic and Workforce Development Healthcare programs?
Programs range in length from one semester to a year. Classes are offered day, evening, and online.
When should I schedule the TEAS test?
The TEAS test should be scheduled and completed before filing an “Intent to Apply.” This is done independently from each program’s application process. Applicants should be sure to master the content before scheduling the test.
Where can I take the TEAS test?
All available on-campus test sessions may be scheduled using the ATI Testing company. Details are available at
cfcc.edu/testing-services/teas/ .
An option to test at any PSI Test Center will also be available as a choice. It may provide a more significant number of testing dates, times, and locations. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements to apply to their program of choice may use this option but must be aware of each program deadline.
What subject matter is included on the TEAS test?
The Reading section will test students on interpreting passages & visual data. Math tests students’ knowledge of algebra, measurements, and data application. Science evaluates the student’s knowledge of human biology, life, and physical sciences. The English Language and Usage sections contain testing on grammar and spelling.
Is there a limit on taking the TEAS test?
There is no set limit to the number of times an applicant may take the TEAS test. If CFCC campus is chosen as a testing location, only 2 test attempts are allowed.
How long are TEAS scores valid?
The TEAS test is valid for 5 years from when the Intent to Apply is filed.
What resources are available when preparing for the TEAS test?
It is recommended that students utilize TEAS study guides available for purchase online and in some bookstores. In addition, the staff in the CFCC Learning Lab (
910-362-7496 ) may be able to provide resource materials to help prepare for the TEAS exam, including the following:
When will my TEAS test results be available to me?
Testers can see their test scores in their ATI account approximately two hours after completion.
How do I take the TEAS test if I need accommodated testing?
Accommodations may be available to testers with documented disabilities.
Testers who want to take the test on campus at the CFCC Union Station Testing Center must contact CFCC’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to request accommodations. Call 910-362-7800 or email sas@cfcc.edu . If approved for accommodations, the SAS will coordinate your on-campus accommodated test with CFCC’s Testing Services.
How much does it cost to take the TEAS test?
When taking the test at CFCC, testing costs approximately $90.00. When testing remotely or with PSI, testing will cost approximately $120.00. An additional fee of $27.00 may be charged when applicants have to order an official score report if they do not select CFCC as the receiving college upon testing.
What versions of the TEAS test are acceptable?
Versions 6 and 7 are accepted.
