South College

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.

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The Certificate in Surgical Technology is designed for students who want a thorough, high-quality, accelerated education so they can dive in to their careers in medicine. Surgical technologists are the surgeon’s right hand, serving as an essential part of the surgical team and helping to save lives.

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Health science covers a large group of career paths related to the delivery of healthcare to those in need. Whether you’re interested in the application or the research; our specialized programs & concentrations can help you home in on your specific goals.

If you’re interested in hands on patient care, you can learn about the human body and perform various diagnostic imaging procedures that help treat disease and injury.

Additionally, you can plan your future career by preparing to enter the nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and physician’s assistant fields. No matter where you’re starting, our programs can help guide you in the right direction.

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The Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy) program 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.

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As part of this online two-year certificate and degree program, you will learn medical billing and coding, patient care management, and taking patient medical histories. 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.

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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.

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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.

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The Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene program provides 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 become a valuable member of the dental healthcare team who provides patient education, clinical, and therapeutic services that support and facilitate the maintenance of oral health.

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Accreditation

Upon completion of the Dental Assisting program, students will be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Examination. In addition, students can specialize and gain certification in various dental care techniques that interest them, including radiography, coronal polishing, nitrous oxide monitoring, and sealant application. After completion of the program, students will be ready to increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of oral health care and become a valuable member of the dental care team.

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Accreditation

Diagnostic medical sonographers use special imaging equipment that directs sound waves into a patient’s body (in a procedure commonly known as an ultrasound, sonogram, or echocardiogram) to assess and diagnose various medical conditions.

Through completion of the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at South College, you could be exploring career opportunities as an entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer in just over two years (27 months). This is a growing field in the healthcare industry, offering a challenging, fulfilling work environment.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 and the curriculum is designed to expand your knowledge base including courses in biology, chemistry, physics, healthcare administration, human resource management, and health science leadership.

Earning your bachelor’s degree may expand your opportunities as a PTA in physical therapy or healthcare environments and the bachelor’s degree is a key qualification for those wishing to apply for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

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The Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is designed to facilitate matriculation of associate degree imaging professionals to the bachelor’s level.

The curriculum builds on the core undergraduate courses of preparation in Diagnostic Medical Sonography to expand student knowledge, including areas such as digital imaging, advanced patient care, and special topics. Students also receive instruction in health science current trends and issues, healthcare administration, healthcare law and ethics, and leadership.

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South College’s Bachelor of Science in Radiological Science program is designed to facilitate matriculation of associate degree imaging professionals to the bachelor’s level.

The curriculum builds on the core undergraduate courses of preparation in Radiography to expand student knowledge, including areas such as digital imaging, advanced patient care, special topics, and computed tomography. Students also receive instruction in health science current trends and issues, healthcare administration, healthcare law and ethics, and leadership.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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Our Associate of Science in Computer Science program is designed to promote your development of knowledge and skills to evaluate, plan, and configure software solutions to meet business needs.

Designed around industry needs and insights, the program features courses in database applications, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, networking, algorithms, programming, and more. Through practical hands-on assignments, individual coursework, and group projects, you’ll work to develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and analytical skills necessary as IT environments are ever-changing.

The Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology is designed to promote development of knowledge and skills to apply basic electrical engineering technology principles and produce computer-aided designs for industrial and service applications.

In this program, faculty professional knowledge and experience provide instruction to promote student development to critically analyze and apply electrical engineering principles to real world situations. The curriculum includes courses in math, physics, engineering principles, digital electronics, AC/DC circuits, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial safety, quality, computer-aided drafting, computer programming, and more.

The South College Associate of Science in Network Administration and Security program is designed to provide students, through completion of courses consisting of lecture and hands-on computer instruction, with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, support, and maintain computer network systems in a wide range of computing environments, and to implement and monitor computer security measures within these networks. The major curriculum courses included in this program are supplemented with courses in humanities, social science, mathematics, and business areas in order to broaden students’ overall knowledge, oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking skills.

Through this training, the program seeks to prepare students for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification examination (though the passing of examinations is not guaranteed), as well as other certifications such as CompTIA’s A+, Network+, and Security+ exams and Cisco’s CCNA exam.

The South College Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program emphasizes the need to adapt to an ever-changing field. The curriculum is built on insights from industry professionals and promotes your learning to design, implement, and manage software solutions to meet business needs. You’ll also work to develop skills for effective teamwork, critical thinking, business analysis, problem-solving, and continuous professional development.

The Computer Science courses feature hands-on assignments in programming, scripting, system administration, networking, computing, data structuring, and more. The program culminates with two capstone courses in which you’ll evaluate a business problem and build a solution in the programming language of your choice.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program is designed to promote student critical understanding of the technological needs, threats, and weaknesses in cybersecurity.

The coursework has been developed to help you learn to critically plan, implement, and manage software solutions to meet the business needs of users, customers, or organizational infrastructure, while also acquiring advanced skills and in-depth knowledge suitable for defending and developing secure software systems.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to establish knowledge and skills needed to critically plan, develop, implement, and manage information technology solutions in organizations to meet the needs of users, while understanding the importance of critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn to examine project life cycles, including estimating project times, developing plans, identifying risks, and outsourcing. Students earning their bachelor’s in information technology will learn to design, implement, and evaluate computer-based systems, processes, components, and programs.

Our Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program with a Concentration in Cybersecurity is designed to promote foundational skills to plan, develop, implement, and manage strategic and secure technology solutions for individual users and entire organizations.

In your core information technology courses, you’ll study computer architecture, networking, systems administration, and more, as you learn how to:

• Assess diverse problems and define the technology requirements needed to solve them, from reconfiguring networks to implementing new security technology
• Apply knowledge of coding, scripting, and applications development for business applications, including creating and installing virtual machines
• Construct and use spreadsheets and database applications for business processes
• Help teams follow project management best practices to accomplish shared goals
• Present technology solutions for and communicate effectively with varying audiences.
• Examine ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities in the IT field.

In the Cybersecurity courses, you’ll explore cyber law and privacy, incident response and investigation techniques, security risk management principles, and system and communication security. Then, in your capstone course, you can gain valuable experience designing a computer-based system, process, component, or program to address a real-world security problem and related user requirements.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program with Concentration in Data Analytics is designed to provide students opportunity to develop a basic foundation in IT and the knowledge and confidence to address tech challenges through the lens of data analysis. Students work to develop skills to examine data, problem-solve, and think critically about how it can be used to benefit both consumers and businesses.

In this concentration, students integrate business concepts with IT methods and tools for large-size data modeling. Students focus on areas such as management, predictive analytics, business intelligence, databases, and information system design.

The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program with a Concentration in Information Technology Management is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently develop, plan, and manage IT implementations within various types of businesses.

In this concentration, students focus on development of various skill sets, including management and leadership, business, networks, and information systems (IS) management. The curriculum emphasizes the development and use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

South College’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a Concentration in Networking program is designed to promote development of skills needed to critically plan, develop, implement, and manage information technology solutions in organizations to meet the needs of users, while understanding the importance of critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.

In this concentration, the curriculum emphasizes how to configure, plan, implement, and secure existing networks. Students work to gain a foundation of knowledge in information technology with an additional focus on network infrastructure, including protocols and algorithms, security techniques and countermeasures, how to perform business audits through the scope of technology, telecommunications processes, information systems design, and much more.

The Bachelor of Science Information Technology with a Concentration in Web Design is designed to promote development of skills and knowledge to plan, develop, implement, and manage websites, online applications, and other information technology solutions to support the needs of individual users and entire organizations.

The core information technology courses explore concepts in computer architecture, networking, operating systems, and more, including how to:

• Use scripts, coding, and applications development for business applications, including creating, installing, and configuring virtual machines
• Analyze diverse problems and identify the computing requirements for solving them, from installing computer networks to implementing security technology
• Design and use spreadsheets and database applications for business processes
• Understand professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities in the IT field
• Apply project management techniques to help teams accomplish shared goals
• Communicate effectively with and present technology solutions for a wide range of audiences.

In the Web Design courses, you’ll focus on web design, programming, and graphic editing. Finally, in your capstone course, you’ll gain experience designing a web- or computer-based system, process, component, or program that addresses a real-world problem and fulfills user requirements you’ve identified.

Focused on applied skills and designed to promote the development of programming abilities, the Software Developer Certificate program at South College helps students develop a foundational understanding of computer operations and components, from software engineering to complex programming techniques. From creating initial code to its final execution, students have opportunities to learn to create software that solves organizational problems by utilizing data processing and representation, while authoring algorithmic solutions with branching logic.

The Software Developer Certificate program at South College is intended to compete with other short-term certificates and bootcamps in related subject areas. It incorporates existing courses from the Associate of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree programs in information technology.

Open to students with no prior knowledge or experience in the field, this program is fully stackable into South College’s Associate of Science degree program in Computer Science for students who wish to go on to pursue additional, professional IT credentials.