South College

The ten quarter dental hygiene program curriculum provides a strong foundation in the Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Dental Hygiene Science, and Basic Clinical Education providing the biological basis of the health of the teeth and oral cavity, decay prevention, and dental health maintenance. Upon the completion of the Dental Hygiene program, students will be a member of the healthcare team who provides patient education, clinical and therapeutic services that support and facilitate the maintenance of oral health.

Through quality, comprehensive, evidence-based education, patient-centered clinical care, and community outreach experiences, the mission of the South College Dental Hygiene program is to equip future dental hygienists with the skills necessary to reach their potential as a dental healthcare provider. The program faculty seeks to instill the desire to continue education, become life-long learners, and contribute to the enhancement of the dental professional.

Students who earn their Associate of Science in Health Science degrees leave the program with a broad educational foundation in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, pathophysiology, and physics—everything you need to begin your career in any of a wide range of healthcare fields.

This program also provides a path for practicing healthcare professionals like diploma nurses, surgical technologists, paramedics, pharmacy technicians, and medical office professionals to pursue a degree that will expand their career options and earning potential.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll receive a thorough grounding in the sciences most important to work in laboratory, clinical, and healthcare settings. This rigorous preparation provides a solid starting point for entry into a wide range of exciting and challenging career paths, or for pursuing an advanced degree.

In combination with hands-on industry experience, a two year degree from South College is perfect for students who want to move quickly from education into the workforce. It’s also a great option for those already currently working in their chosen field, looking to expand their available job options. With completion of this program, students may choose to continue their education at the baccalaureate level in a more specialized area of study.

The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing) program at South College is designed to be the foundation for advanced programs like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and BSN to MSN track, and ultimately for your nursing career. Students who do not go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree will be qualified for a variety of entry-level positions in the biological, life, or health sciences.

In this program, you’ll take a variety of general education courses to prepare you for the emerging employment market, as well as courses to develop technical knowledge in a variety of subjects from anatomy and physiology to pathophysiology, chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition.

As the population ages and healthcare needs continue to rise, nurses have become even more essential to providing medical care in a wide variety of contexts. When you choose a career in nursing, you join a challenging and exciting profession where every day is different—but each day involves combining scientific knowledge with compassionate care to improve the lives of your patients.

The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy) program at South College is designed to provide the foundational courses for students who intend to apply to our Doctor of Pharmacy program. It is also excellent preparation for careers in the biological, life, or health sciences, as well as advanced degrees related to the health sciences.

Along with your general education courses, you will receive training in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.

An Associate of Science in Medical Assisting will prepare you to work in a medical office, assisting practitioners with examining and treating patients, performing laboratory testing, and providing administrative support. If you enter this program as a certified medical assistant, it will help you build on that status to expand both your career options and your earning potential.

As part of this two-year degree program, you will learn a variety of related skills, including medical billing and coding, patient care management, and taking patient medical histories. We pair students with on-the-job clinical coursework, providing classroom support for experiential learning so you can get the most out of your degree. You’ll receive the educational instruction you need alongside practical training that will help to make you more competitive in a rapidly growing job market.

If you enter this program as a part of our 1 + 1 program with the Certificate in Medical Assisting, you will only have 3-4 quarters of general education requirements to complete your degree.

Students in the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program will be ready to take on entry-level positions in the growing and evolving field of physical therapy in about two years.

Through both classroom and in-the-field clinical training, you’ll develop the skills you need to assist physical therapists in delivering treatment plans that help patients from athletes to military veterans regain function, strength, and control. This course of study covers all aspects of physical therapy, including sports medicine, pediatrics, acute care, outpatient orthopedics, rehabilitation, extended care, and assisted living.

The educational and practical instruction you receive while earning your degree will prepare you to enter a broad range of medical environments where you can make a direct positive impact on your patients’ quality of life. Demand for physical therapy assistants is high, which gives you the opportunity to specialize in a field that aligns with your interests and professional goals.

In the Associate of Science in Radiography program, students will learn to operate current radiographic equipment and help diagnose patients in a variety of clinical settings.

You’ll build the foundations of a successful career with expert guidance on providing quality patient care, following ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure and capture the best images possible while being sensitive to the patient’s physical and psychological needs.

Students successfully completing the Associate of Science in Radiography degree program are eligible to apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Surgical technologists are the surgeon’s right hand, serving as an essential part of the surgical team and helping to save lives.

The South College Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is designed to provide students with training to help care for patients, prepare surgical supplies, maintain aseptic conditions before and during surgery, and assist surgeons during surgical procedures. Coursework include classroom and clinical hours.

In the AS in Surgical Technology program, you’ll work to build a foundation of knowledge and skills including:

Learn surgical procedures & clinical care

Familiarize yourself with the uses and effects of pharmaceutical drugs

Provide care that is respectful of individual patient preferences, needs, and values

Position, prep, and drape a patient

Become aware of sterilization procedures and the importance of keeping surgical areas clean

Get to know the role of microorganisms in the environment and how they affect our lives

Run lab tests and interpret the results of those tests


Surgical technology students should be extremely organized, detail-oriented, and motivated to protect patient health and safety. You will also need the ability to stand for 8 or more hours at a time to assist with long procedures or multiple surgeries in one day.

The instructors in the Surgical Technology program are available for tutoring and skills review several days each week for any help that you need. The Surgical Technology lab is open at various times so you can practice the skills you’re learning. Clinical experiences provide hands-on practical experience in a surgical environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science program at South College provides a foundational education for students wishing to pursue professions or graduate education in the pure or applied health sciences, including medicine, nursing, and pharmacy studies.

Graduates from this program often have many choices for entry into and promotion within a variety of fields. Whether you choose to enter the workforce or continue your education, our B.S. in Health Science program is just the first stepping stone to a rich and fulfilling scientific career.

Students will graduate the program with training in clinical competency, health science research activities and processes, and the interpersonal and workplace skills required for leadership roles. If you’re interested in working with the latest medical technologies, methodologies, and innovations, a career in the health sciences can be an exciting and challenging prospect with a lot of job opportunities in a range of applications.

For many patients who’ve suffered injury, illness, or other conditions that limit their ability to function normally, physical therapy is a crucial aspect of recovery. If you’re interested in a career helping patients through physical therapy, South College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) program provides the foundational training you need to begin your career.

Under the instruction of South College’s highly trained faculty, you will gain essential skills and knowledge in areas like physiology, biology, chemistry, healthcare law and ethics, and healthcare administration. These studies will lay the groundwork for pursuing physical therapy career specializations and eventual certification.

Physical therapists help millions of people regain their health and mobility with expert knowledge of human anatomy, leading treatments, and professional, compassionate patient care. This program can be demanding and fast-paced, but is ultimately rewarding for students who are committed to pursuing a career in health sciences.

South College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physician Assistant) program gives students the foundational knowledge to pursue admittance to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Students who do not choose to pursue a master’s program will also find opportunities for positions in the biological, life, or health sciences.

In addition to a variety of general education courses, the curriculum includes foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. Students also take healthcare administration courses including healthcare law and ethics, health science research, health economics, and health science leadership.

Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. They help to improve access to medical care by expanding a physician’s practice base, which is especially important in medically underserved areas. Many PAs are employed in primary care specialties, including family practice, pediatrics, and general medicine.

Through the Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, you will have everything you need to begin your career as a diagnostic medical sonographer and advance to a leadership role. This program is designed to prepare students to qualify for advanced positions in a healthcare team, such as managing imaging departments with millions of dollars of equipment and numerous employees.

Medical imaging is one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry, offering plenty of advancement opportunities and a challenging, fulfilling work environment. In this program, you’ll receive advanced instruction in the financial and informational systems involved in managing a medical office as well as the operation of advanced medical imaging equipment, such as ultrasound machines, to help recognize, diagnose, monitor, and prevent a wide range of medical conditions.

The experience you’ll gain at South College can help you to stand out in a competitive field, where you’ll need to demonstrate leadership ability along with medical expertise.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Magnetic Resonance Imaging program is designed for qualified individuals who have graduated from a JRCERT-accredited or regionally accredited radiography program and want additional training in MRI.

Through our experienced faculty and carefully-chosen clinical affiliations, South College offers our students the benefit of many years of knowledge and experience in MRI practice. Our clinical connections give students hands-on learning experience, and we plan the course of study and clinical competencies to meet the ARRT requirements for certification.

The B.S. in Health Science with a Concentration in Radiography will prepare you for advanced positions and leadership roles in the growing field of radiographic imaging. The ASRT recognizes bachelor’s degrees as the professional level of radiologic science education.

As in our associate degree program, you’ll become adept at the clinical aspects of radiography, but this program delves further into managerial qualifications like leadership skills, excellent oral and written communication, research standards, and statistical procedures.

In both classroom and clinical settings, you’ll gain the knowledge necessary to have a successful career in radiography, from managing an imaging department in a healthcare setting to teaching imaging at the associate degree level. This program also offers opportunities to cross train and continue your radiography education in multiple modalities.

In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at South College, you will build a strong academic foundation for your rewarding and enriching career in the medical field. As a nursing student, you will learn the fundamental skills required of a nurse generalist, including the basics of medical care, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and technical competence required for taking national and state licensure exams.

Nursing is a challenging and fulfilling profession with consistently high job satisfaction ratings. As a nurse, you will be a key part of the healthcare team providing collaborative, interdisciplinary care, leading to better outcomes for patients. With classroom, laboratory, and clinical training from our experienced team of instructors, you can gain the knowledge and skills that are most important in delivering superior patient care.

The first two years of South College’s traditional BSN program consist of general education courses that provide the liberal arts framework for the more advanced portions of the program. In the upper division nursing courses, students undertake a rigorous schedule with about 20 hours of in-class time per week.

To deliver the highest-quality education, we use tools like case studies, presentations, Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) resources, and other creative teaching approaches. On earning your degree, you may choose to enter the healthcare industry immediately or pursue more advanced degrees and qualifications.

In the Certificate in Computed Tomography program at South College, current radiography and nuclear medicine professionals and graduates will learn the skills necessary to be successful as entry-level computed tomography (CT) technologists. CT imaging is vital for diagnosing and treating patients with a variety of healthcare needs, and demand for competent, trained professionals continues to rise.

In this program, you’ll learn to how to use this technology to produce the best possible medical images while providing excellent patient care and protecting yourself and the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure. The curriculum includes CT physics and instrumentation, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care and safety, imaging techniques and procedures specific to CT imaging, and quality control.

The taught portion of the program is completed online, and the clinical component is be completed at facilities affiliated with South College. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Post Primary CT Certification Registry examination.

South College’s Dental Assisting curriculum provides a strong foundation in Prevention and Nutrition, Basic Dental Sciences, Preclinical Dental Skills, Clinical Dental Procedures, Dental Radiography, Dental Specialties, Restorative and Laboratory Materials and Techniques, and Dental Practice Management.

Upon completion of the Dental Assisting program, students will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination, seek state certification in radiology, coronal polishing, nitrous oxide monitoring, and sealant application, increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of oral health care, and become a valuable member of the dental care team.

The Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at South College is designed to create advancement opportunities for current radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, ultrasound technologists, and radiation therapists.

In this 6-month program, you will learn to competently apply basic protocols of MRI, recognize when and how to appropriately alter standard protocol, recognize equipment and patient considerations that affect image quality, and maintain a safe MRI environment.

This program is designed to prepare students for the exam to become Certified Medical Assistants and take the first steps toward an exciting career with a wealth of opportunities for advancement.

Our unique 1 + 1 program allows students who complete the 9 month certificate program to continue for an additional 3-4 quarters to complete the general education requirements and earn an Associate degree in Medical Assisting. Regardless of whether you choose the 1 + 1 track, the certificate program pairs online instruction (all but 3 courses) with on campus laboratory courses and on-the-job practicum observation and experience from the very beginning, providing complementary academic and practical coursework.

The broad skill set offered in this course can be applied to a variety of clinical settings and covers administrative, laboratory, and clinical skills. The Certificate in Medical Assisting program is designed to help you enter the medical workforce as quickly as possible, putting you on the fast track to joining an exciting and rewarding field.

The South College Asheville campus has partnered with Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) to offer Medical Assisting students the unique opportunity to participate in an IV prep course.  This course provides students with a practical Simulation Lab experiential training in the process of initiation and removal of an IV catheter.

Students who earn their Associate of Science in Health Science degrees leave the program with a broad educational foundation in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, pathophysiology, and physics—everything you need to begin your career in any of a wide range of healthcare fields.

This program also provides a path for practicing healthcare professionals like diploma nurses, surgical technologists, paramedics, pharmacy technicians, and medical office professionals to pursue a degree that will expand their career options and earning potential.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll receive a thorough grounding in the sciences most important to work in laboratory, clinical, and healthcare settings. This rigorous preparation provides a solid starting point for entry into a wide range of exciting and challenging career paths, or for pursuing an advanced degree.

In combination with hands-on industry experience, a two year degree from South College is perfect for students who want to move quickly from education into the workforce. It’s also a great option for those already currently working in their chosen field, looking to expand their available job options. With completion of this program, students may choose to continue their education at the baccalaureate level in a more specialized area of study.

The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing) program at South College is designed to be the foundation for advanced programs like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and BSN to MSN track, and ultimately for your nursing career. Students who do not go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree will be qualified for a variety of entry-level positions in the biological, life, or health sciences.

In this program, you’ll take a variety of general education courses to prepare you for the emerging employment market, as well as courses to develop technical knowledge in a variety of subjects from anatomy and physiology to pathophysiology, chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition.

As the population ages and healthcare needs continue to rise, nurses have become even more essential to providing medical care in a wide variety of contexts. When you choose a career in nursing, you join a challenging and exciting profession where every day is different—but each day involves combining scientific knowledge with compassionate care to improve the lives of your patients.

The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy) program at South College is designed to provide the foundational courses for students who intend to apply to our Doctor of Pharmacy program. It is also excellent preparation for careers in the biological, life, or health sciences, as well as advanced degrees related to the health sciences.

Along with your general education courses, you will receive training in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.

An Associate of Science in Medical Assisting will prepare you to work in a medical office, assisting practitioners with examining and treating patients, performing laboratory testing, and providing administrative support. If you enter this program as a certified medical assistant, it will help you build on that status to expand both your career options and your earning potential.

As part of this two-year degree program, you will learn a variety of related skills, including medical billing and coding, patient care management, and taking patient medical histories. We pair students with on-the-job clinical coursework, providing classroom support for experiential learning so you can get the most out of your degree. You’ll receive the educational instruction you need alongside practical training that will help to make you more competitive in a rapidly growing job market.

If you enter this program as a part of our 1 + 1 program with the Certificate in Medical Assisting, you will only have 3-4 quarters of general education requirements to complete your degree.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Surgical technologists are the surgeon’s right hand, serving as an essential part of the surgical team and helping to save lives.

The South College Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is designed to provide students with training to help care for patients, prepare surgical supplies, maintain aseptic conditions before and during surgery, and assist surgeons during surgical procedures. Coursework include classroom and clinical hours.

In the AS in Surgical Technology program, you’ll work to build a foundation of knowledge and skills including:

Learn surgical procedures & clinical care

Familiarize yourself with the uses and effects of pharmaceutical drugs

Provide care that is respectful of individual patient preferences, needs, and values

Position, prep, and drape a patient

Become aware of sterilization procedures and the importance of keeping surgical areas clean

Get to know the role of microorganisms in the environment and how they affect our lives

Run lab tests and interpret the results of those tests


Surgical technology students should be extremely organized, detail-oriented, and motivated to protect patient health and safety. You will also need the ability to stand for 8 or more hours at a time to assist with long procedures or multiple surgeries in one day.

The instructors in the Surgical Technology program are available for tutoring and skills review several days each week for any help that you need. The Surgical Technology lab is open at various times so you can practice the skills you’re learning. Clinical experiences provide hands-on practical experience in a surgical environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science program at South College provides a foundational education for students wishing to pursue professions or graduate education in the pure or applied health sciences, including medicine, nursing, and pharmacy studies.

Graduates from this program often have many choices for entry into and promotion within a variety of fields. Whether you choose to enter the workforce or continue your education, our B.S. in Health Science program is just the first stepping stone to a rich and fulfilling scientific career.

Students will graduate the program with training in clinical competency, health science research activities and processes, and the interpersonal and workplace skills required for leadership roles. If you’re interested in working with the latest medical technologies, methodologies, and innovations, a career in the health sciences can be an exciting and challenging prospect with a lot of job opportunities in a range of applications.

For many patients who’ve suffered injury, illness, or other conditions that limit their ability to function normally, physical therapy is a crucial aspect of recovery. If you’re interested in a career helping patients through physical therapy, South College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) program provides the foundational training you need to begin your career.

Under the instruction of South College’s highly trained faculty, you will gain essential skills and knowledge in areas like physiology, biology, chemistry, healthcare law and ethics, and healthcare administration. These studies will lay the groundwork for pursuing physical therapy career specializations and eventual certification.

Physical therapists help millions of people regain their health and mobility with expert knowledge of human anatomy, leading treatments, and professional, compassionate patient care. This program can be demanding and fast-paced, but is ultimately rewarding for students who are committed to pursuing a career in health sciences.

South College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physician Assistant) program gives students the foundational knowledge to pursue admittance to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Students who do not choose to pursue a master’s program will also find opportunities for positions in the biological, life, or health sciences.

In addition to a variety of general education courses, the curriculum includes foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. Students also take healthcare administration courses including healthcare law and ethics, health science research, health economics, and health science leadership.

Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. They help to improve access to medical care by expanding a physician’s practice base, which is especially important in medically underserved areas. Many PAs are employed in primary care specialties, including family practice, pediatrics, and general medicine.

In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at South College, you will build a strong academic foundation for your rewarding and enriching career in the medical field. As a nursing student, you will learn the fundamental skills required of a nurse generalist, including the basics of medical care, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and technical competence required for taking national and state licensure exams.

Nursing is a challenging and fulfilling profession with consistently high job satisfaction ratings. As a nurse, you will be a key part of the healthcare team providing collaborative, interdisciplinary care, leading to better outcomes for patients. With classroom, laboratory, and clinical training from our experienced team of instructors, you can gain the knowledge and skills that are most important in delivering superior patient care.

The first two years of South College’s traditional BSN program consist of general education courses that provide the liberal arts framework for the more advanced portions of the program. In the upper division nursing courses, students undertake a rigorous schedule with about 20 hours of in-class time per week.

To deliver the highest-quality education, we use tools like case studies, presentations, Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) resources, and other creative teaching approaches. On earning your degree, you may choose to enter the healthcare industry immediately or pursue more advanced degrees and qualifications.

This program is designed to prepare students for the exam to become Certified Medical Assistants and take the first steps toward an exciting career with a wealth of opportunities for advancement.

Our unique 1 + 1 program allows students who complete the 9 month certificate program to continue for an additional 3-4 quarters to complete the general education requirements and earn an Associate degree in Medical Assisting. Regardless of whether you choose the 1 + 1 track, the certificate program pairs online instruction (all but 3 courses) with on campus laboratory courses and on-the-job practicum observation and experience from the very beginning, providing complementary academic and practical coursework.

The broad skill set offered in this course can be applied to a variety of clinical settings and covers administrative, laboratory, and clinical skills. The Certificate in Medical Assisting program is designed to help you enter the medical workforce as quickly as possible, putting you on the fast track to joining an exciting and rewarding field.

The South College Asheville campus has partnered with Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) to offer Medical Assisting students the unique opportunity to participate in an IV prep course.  This course provides students with a practical Simulation Lab experiential training in the process of initiation and removal of an IV catheter.

This program is designed to prepare students for the exam to become Certified Medical Assistants and take the first steps toward an exciting career with a wealth of opportunities for advancement.

Our unique 1 + 1 program allows students who complete the 9 month certificate program to continue for an additional 3-4 quarters to complete the general education requirements and earn an Associate degree in Medical Assisting. Regardless of whether you choose the 1 + 1 track, the certificate program pairs online instruction (all but 3 courses) with on campus laboratory courses and on-the-job practicum observation and experience from the very beginning, providing complementary academic and practical coursework.

The broad skill set offered in this course can be applied to a variety of clinical settings and covers administrative, laboratory, and clinical skills. The Certificate in Medical Assisting program is designed to help you enter the medical workforce as quickly as possible, putting you on the fast track to joining an exciting and rewarding field.

The South College Asheville campus has partnered with Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) to offer Medical Assisting students the unique opportunity to participate in an IV prep course.  This course provides students with a practical Simulation Lab experiential training in the process of initiation and removal of an IV catheter.

The overall curriculum for the PN program at South College is provided below.

    Practical Nursing, Certificate (Knoxville, Nashville)  
    Practical Nursing, Certificate (Atlanta)

(Knoxville, Nashville, Atlanta)

The South College Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare practical nurses for the unique challenges of the 21st century. Major courses are delivered in four consecutive quarters of full-time enrollment (44 weeks). For Atlanta only, 17.5 quarter credits of prerequisite general education/core courses are required prior to consideration for admission to the major curriculum.

The curriculum provides a balance of theoretical and practical coursework that further develops the critical thinking and analytical skills needed in today’s competitive and evolving healthcare environments. Students will be challenged through coursework and collaborative interaction with faculty and fellow students to identify, develop, and enhance their understanding in traditional and cutting-edge nursing courses relating to the challenges of practical nursing in today’s healthcare environments.

The South College School of Nursing Practical Nursing Student Handbook (PN Student Handbook) provides students with specific information about the PN program. The PN students at South College are required to be familiar with the information in the PN Student Handbook, South College Catalog, and South College Student Handbook. Students are expected to be aware of and satisfy all regulations governing their work and study at the college. Selected information from the PN Student Handbook are reported below, including Admissions Requirements, Transfer of Credit, Grading System, Academic Participation, Academic Advising, Progression Policy and Academic Standing, and Graduation.

Philosophy of the PN Program

The PN program at South College is guided by the core values of caring, diversity, ethics, excellence, holism, patient-centered and integrity (National League for Nursing, 2014b). These values are integrated throughout the program by demonstrating, teaching, and building respect for dignity and the moral wholeness of every person; valuing differences among people, ideas, values, and ethnicities; and by implementing transformative strategies to advance excellence and innovation in practical nursing education. Furthermore, the PN program embraces the integrating concepts for practical nursing education: context & environment, knowledge & science, personal & professional development, quality and safety, relationship-centered, teamwork and collaboration, and systems-based care. These integrating concepts structure the content, competencies, and outcomes for courses and the curriculum.

Through the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at South College, you can begin your career as an entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer in just over two years. This is one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry, offering a challenging, fulfilling work environment.

Even without prior medical experience, you can begin your career in just 27 months and experience the job satisfaction of providing necessary care to patients who need your services through ultrasounds and other imaging technology. Sonographers are among the most in-demand professionals, with an extremely high projected growth rate of 26% between 2014 and 2024.

Students who earn their Associate of Science in Health Science degrees leave the program with a broad educational foundation in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, pathophysiology, and physics—everything you need to begin your career in any of a wide range of healthcare fields.

This program also provides a path for practicing healthcare professionals like diploma nurses, surgical technologists, paramedics, pharmacy technicians, and medical office professionals to pursue a degree that will expand their career options and earning potential.

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll receive a thorough grounding in the sciences most important to work in laboratory, clinical, and healthcare settings. This rigorous preparation provides a solid starting point for entry into a wide range of exciting and challenging career paths, or for pursuing an advanced degree.

In combination with hands-on industry experience, a two year degree from South College is perfect for students who want to move quickly from education into the workforce. It’s also a great option for those already currently working in their chosen field, looking to expand their available job options. With completion of this program, students may choose to continue their education at the baccalaureate level in a more specialized area of study.

The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing) program at South College is designed to be the foundation for advanced programs like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and BSN to MSN track, and ultimately for your nursing career. Students who do not go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree will be qualified for a variety of entry-level positions in the biological, life, or health sciences.

In this program, you’ll take a variety of general education courses to prepare you for the emerging employment market, as well as courses to develop technical knowledge in a variety of subjects from anatomy and physiology to pathophysiology, chemistry, microbiology, and nutrition.

As the population ages and healthcare needs continue to rise, nurses have become even more essential to providing medical care in a wide variety of contexts. When you choose a career in nursing, you join a challenging and exciting profession where every day is different—but each day involves combining scientific knowledge with compassionate care to improve the lives of your patients.

The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy) program at South College is designed to provide the foundational courses for students who intend to apply to our Doctor of Pharmacy program. It is also excellent preparation for careers in the biological, life, or health sciences, as well as advanced degrees related to the health sciences.

Along with your general education courses, you will receive training in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.

An Associate of Science in Medical Assisting will prepare you to work in a medical office, assisting practitioners with examining and treating patients, performing laboratory testing, and providing administrative support. If you enter this program as a certified medical assistant, it will help you build on that status to expand both your career options and your earning potential.

As part of this two-year degree program, you will learn a variety of related skills, including medical billing and coding, patient care management, and taking patient medical histories. We pair students with on-the-job clinical coursework, providing classroom support for experiential learning so you can get the most out of your degree. You’ll receive the educational instruction you need alongside practical training that will help to make you more competitive in a rapidly growing job market.

If you enter this program as a part of our 1 + 1 program with the Certificate in Medical Assisting, you will only have 3-4 quarters of general education requirements to complete your degree.

The Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant program is challenging but incredibly rewarding for students determined to pursue a career in the field of occupational therapy.

Through immersive classroom and clinical instruction, you’ll develop the skills necessary to work in tandem with an occupational therapist, helping patients to overcome difficulties and live a healthier, fuller life.

Upon completion of your degree, you will have gained valuable experience that is necessary to provide meaningful therapeutic strategies for children, adults, and seniors living with a wide variety of conditions.

Students in the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant program will be ready to take on entry-level positions in the growing and evolving field of physical therapy in about two years.

Through both classroom and in-the-field clinical training, you’ll develop the skills you need to assist physical therapists in delivering treatment plans that help patients from athletes to military veterans regain function, strength, and control. This course of study covers all aspects of physical therapy, including sports medicine, pediatrics, acute care, outpatient orthopedics, rehabilitation, extended care, and assisted living.

The educational and practical instruction you receive while earning your degree will prepare you to enter a broad range of medical environments where you can make a direct positive impact on your patients’ quality of life. Demand for physical therapy assistants is high, which gives you the opportunity to specialize in a field that aligns with your interests and professional goals.

In the Associate of Science in Radiography program, students will learn to operate current radiographic equipment and help diagnose patients in a variety of clinical settings.

You’ll build the foundations of a successful career with expert guidance on providing quality patient care, following ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure and capture the best images possible while being sensitive to the patient’s physical and psychological needs.

Students successfully completing the Associate of Science in Radiography degree program are eligible to apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Surgical technologists are the surgeon’s right hand, serving as an essential part of the surgical team and helping to save lives.

The South College Associate of Science in Surgical Technology program is designed to provide students with training to help care for patients, prepare surgical supplies, maintain aseptic conditions before and during surgery, and assist surgeons during surgical procedures. Coursework include classroom and clinical hours.

In the AS in Surgical Technology program, you’ll work to build a foundation of knowledge and skills including:

Learn surgical procedures & clinical care

Familiarize yourself with the uses and effects of pharmaceutical drugs

Provide care that is respectful of individual patient preferences, needs, and values

Position, prep, and drape a patient

Become aware of sterilization procedures and the importance of keeping surgical areas clean

Get to know the role of microorganisms in the environment and how they affect our lives

Run lab tests and interpret the results of those tests


Surgical technology students should be extremely organized, detail-oriented, and motivated to protect patient health and safety. You will also need the ability to stand for 8 or more hours at a time to assist with long procedures or multiple surgeries in one day.

The instructors in the Surgical Technology program are available for tutoring and skills review several days each week for any help that you need. The Surgical Technology lab is open at various times so you can practice the skills you’re learning. Clinical experiences provide hands-on practical experience in a surgical environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science program at South College provides a foundational education for students wishing to pursue professions or graduate education in the pure or applied health sciences, including medicine, nursing, and pharmacy studies.

Graduates from this program often have many choices for entry into and promotion within a variety of fields. Whether you choose to enter the workforce or continue your education, our B.S. in Health Science program is just the first stepping stone to a rich and fulfilling scientific career.

Students will graduate the program with training in clinical competency, health science research activities and processes, and the interpersonal and workplace skills required for leadership roles. If you’re interested in working with the latest medical technologies, methodologies, and innovations, a career in the health sciences can be an exciting and challenging prospect with a lot of job opportunities in a range of applications.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Post PTA) program is designed for students who have completed an associate-level physical therapy assistant degree and want to apply the major curriculum credits earned in that program toward a bachelor’s degree. South College is one of few programs in the country to offer this option, which can save you a great deal of time and money as you pursue your career in physical therapy.

Earning your bachelor’s degree increases your marketability for administrative positions in physical therapy or healthcare environments, and is a key qualification for those wishing to seek a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. In addition to building on the knowledge base from your associate degree, this program delivers hands-on experience through clinical practice. With a balance of theoretical and practical coursework, you’ll hone the critical thinking and analytical skills needed in today’s competitive and evolving work environments.

For many patients who’ve suffered injury, illness, or other conditions that limit their ability to function normally, physical therapy is a crucial aspect of recovery. If you’re interested in a career helping patients through physical therapy, South College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physical Therapy) program provides the foundational training you need to begin your career.

Under the instruction of South College’s highly trained faculty, you will gain essential skills and knowledge in areas like physiology, biology, chemistry, healthcare law and ethics, and healthcare administration. These studies will lay the groundwork for pursuing physical therapy career specializations and eventual certification.

Physical therapists help millions of people regain their health and mobility with expert knowledge of human anatomy, leading treatments, and professional, compassionate patient care. This program can be demanding and fast-paced, but is ultimately rewarding for students who are committed to pursuing a career in health sciences.

South College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Pre-Physician Assistant) program gives students the foundational knowledge to pursue admittance to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Students who do not choose to pursue a master’s program will also find opportunities for positions in the biological, life, or health sciences.

In addition to a variety of general education courses, the curriculum includes foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. Students also take healthcare administration courses including healthcare law and ethics, health science research, health economics, and health science leadership.

Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who are licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. They help to improve access to medical care by expanding a physician’s practice base, which is especially important in medically underserved areas. Many PAs are employed in primary care specialties, including family practice, pediatrics, and general medicine.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Computed Tomography program  is designed to help students gain advanced skills, knowledge, and training through in-depth instruction in the post-primary application of CT. This program is open to qualified individuals who have already graduated from a JRCERT or regionally accredited radiography, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine program, and want to further their education and earning potential with a bachelor’s degree in computed tomography.

The curriculum uses a blended course delivery model; lectures are offered online and hands-on clinical courses are held at South College’s affiliated health facilities. Students will receive education and training in patient care and assessment, CT procedures, and radiation safety. Course requirements include CT physics and instrumentation, cross-sectional anatomy, imaging techniques, and quality control, which fulfill the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification eligibility requirements.

Through the Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, you will have everything you need to begin your career as a diagnostic medical sonographer and advance to a leadership role. This program is designed to prepare students to qualify for advanced positions in a healthcare team, such as managing imaging departments with millions of dollars of equipment and numerous employees.

Medical imaging is one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry, offering plenty of advancement opportunities and a challenging, fulfilling work environment. In this program, you’ll receive advanced instruction in the financial and informational systems involved in managing a medical office as well as the operation of advanced medical imaging equipment, such as ultrasound machines, to help recognize, diagnose, monitor, and prevent a wide range of medical conditions.

The experience you’ll gain at South College can help you to stand out in a competitive field, where you’ll need to demonstrate leadership ability along with medical expertise.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Magnetic Resonance Imaging program is designed for qualified individuals who have graduated from a JRCERT-accredited or regionally accredited radiography program and want additional training in MRI.

Through our experienced faculty and carefully-chosen clinical affiliations, South College offers our students the benefit of many years of knowledge and experience in MRI practice. Our clinical connections give students hands-on learning experience, and we plan the course of study and clinical competencies to meet the ARRT requirements for certification.

Nuclear medicine is a fascinating and complex field. Treating patients with radioactive materials to discover, assess, and diagnose illness requires a great deal professional training, but the result is a stable and profitable career that allows you to help patients on a daily basis.

As a student in the B.S. in Health Science with a Concentration in Nuclear Medicine program at South College, you’ll gain the knowledge and technical skills to administer radiopharmaceuticals and other types of treatments. The curriculum will prepare you for entry-level management positions in the field of nuclear medicine with courses including biochemistry, patient care, and radiation safety. You’ll learn to operate high tech equipment, interpret data, manage finance and information systems, and recognize, analyze, and monitor a wide range of medical conditions.

The B.S. in Health Science with a Concentration in Radiography will prepare you for advanced positions and leadership roles in the growing field of radiographic imaging. The ASRT recognizes bachelor’s degrees as the professional level of radiologic science education.

As in our associate degree program, you’ll become adept at the clinical aspects of radiography, but this program delves further into managerial qualifications like leadership skills, excellent oral and written communication, research standards, and statistical procedures.

In both classroom and clinical settings, you’ll gain the knowledge necessary to have a successful career in radiography, from managing an imaging department in a healthcare setting to teaching imaging at the associate degree level. This program also offers opportunities to cross train and continue your radiography education in multiple modalities.

In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at South College, you will build a strong academic foundation for your rewarding and enriching career in the medical field. As a nursing student, you will learn the fundamental skills required of a nurse generalist, including the basics of medical care, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and technical competence required for taking national and state licensure exams.

Nursing is a challenging and fulfilling profession with consistently high job satisfaction ratings. As a nurse, you will be a key part of the healthcare team providing collaborative, interdisciplinary care, leading to better outcomes for patients. With classroom, laboratory, and clinical training from our experienced team of instructors, you can gain the knowledge and skills that are most important in delivering superior patient care.

The first two years of South College’s traditional BSN program consist of general education courses that provide the liberal arts framework for the more advanced portions of the program. In the upper division nursing courses, students undertake a rigorous schedule with about 20 hours of in-class time per week.

To deliver the highest-quality education, we use tools like case studies, presentations, Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) resources, and other creative teaching approaches. On earning your degree, you may choose to enter the healthcare industry immediately or pursue more advanced degrees and qualifications.

South College’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing provides students with the knowledge and skills to act as providers, designers, managers and coordinators of patient care. The program builds on a foundation of liberal arts education, establishing the knowledge base and clinical expertise for the generalist in nursing practice.

The major curriculum is based on The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). Students will gain the skills to delegate tasks, supervise patient care, and evaluate personnel in the context of a team setting. South College’s structured coursework and wide network will help students develop the ability to thrive in the workforce after graduation.

This program will prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which all professional nurses are required to take before they can practice nursing. Depending on enrollment, two major course cohorts will begin the accelerated nursing program each year.

The LPN to BSN program prepares Licensed Practical Nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and qualify for NCLEX-RN examination in as little as 39 months.

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities will require nurses to have a bachelor’s degree by 2020. Our LPN to BSN program is a great way for working healthcare professionals to earn their BSN degrees.

As a nursing student, you will build on the fundamental skills you acquired as a Licensed Practical Nurse and learn many new skills, including the basics of medical care, critical thinking, interpersonal skills, and technical competence required for taking national and state licensure exams.

Healthcare positions are widely considered extremely fulfilling careers with consistently high job satisfaction ratings. As a nurse, you are a vital part of the healthcare team, providing the collaborative, interdisciplinary care that leads to excellent patient treatment. With classroom, laboratory, and clinical training from our experienced team of instructors, you can gain the knowledge and skills that are most important in delivering superior patient care.

In the Certificate in Computed Tomography program at South College, current radiography and nuclear medicine professionals and graduates will learn the skills necessary to be successful as entry-level computed tomography (CT) technologists. CT imaging is vital for diagnosing and treating patients with a variety of healthcare needs, and demand for competent, trained professionals continues to rise.

In this program, you’ll learn to how to use this technology to produce the best possible medical images while providing excellent patient care and protecting yourself and the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure. The curriculum includes CT physics and instrumentation, cross-sectional anatomy, patient care and safety, imaging techniques and procedures specific to CT imaging, and quality control.

The taught portion of the program is completed online, and the clinical component is be completed at facilities affiliated with South College. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Post Primary CT Certification Registry examination.

The Certificate Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program provides practical nurses with academic and clinical practice opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills that are essential to meet the demands of today’s healthcare environment. The program offers career-focused curricula designed to cultivate students’ successful learning and the ability to apply knowledge, think critically, and communicate effectively. Graduates of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program are eligible to take the LPN licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).

LPN students will learn to collect and organize healthcare data, coordinate with other nurses and healthcare providers to provide patient care, contribute to the care plan, and identify and understand common health problems in a variety of patients.

The Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at South College is designed to create advancement opportunities for current radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, ultrasound technologists, and radiation therapists.

In this 6-month program, you will learn to competently apply basic protocols of MRI, recognize when and how to appropriately alter standard protocol, recognize equipment and patient considerations that affect image quality, and maintain a safe MRI environment.

This program is designed to prepare students for the exam to become Certified Medical Assistants and take the first steps toward an exciting career with a wealth of opportunities for advancement.

Our unique 1 + 1 program allows students who complete the 9 month certificate program to continue for an additional 3-4 quarters to complete the general education requirements and earn an Associate degree in Medical Assisting. Regardless of whether you choose the 1 + 1 track, the certificate program pairs online instruction (all but 3 courses) with on campus laboratory courses and on-the-job practicum observation and experience from the very beginning, providing complementary academic and practical coursework.

The broad skill set offered in this course can be applied to a variety of clinical settings and covers administrative, laboratory, and clinical skills. The Certificate in Medical Assisting program is designed to help you enter the medical workforce as quickly as possible, putting you on the fast track to joining an exciting and rewarding field.

The South College Asheville campus has partnered with Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) to offer Medical Assisting students the unique opportunity to participate in an IV prep course.  This course provides students with a practical Simulation Lab experiential training in the process of initiation and removal of an IV catheter.

South College’s Certificate in Nuclear Medicine program is designed for those who have completed a radiography, nursing, medical technology, radiation therapy, or related medical program and are in good standing with the appropriate licensing agency, or individuals who otherwise successfully complete program admission requirements.

The Certificate in Nuclear Medicine program is designed to be completed in one year and will prepare you to become an entry-level Nuclear Medicine Technologist.  In both classroom and clinical settings, you will learn to administer radioactive materials and use cutting-edge imaging technology to create diagnostic images.  Students who successfully complete the Certificate program are eligible to apply for admission to write the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certification examination.