Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Yes. Students are encouraged to thoroughly research each program they plan to apply to. It will be helpful for you to talk to people in occupations you’re considering. You can also review job information at NCCareers.org . Please visit cfcc.edu/admissions/health-sciences-admissions/explore-healthcare-programs/ to explore health science career options and strategies.

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.

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

You can view your advisor on this page .

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.

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.

Programs range in length from one semester to a year. Classes are offered day, evening, and online.