New programs coming to Gaston College this fall
New programs coming to Gaston College this fall
When the Gaston College fall 2021 semester begins, students can choose from an array of new programs that are expanding the College’s curriculum. Whether you are interested in a certificate-level program or in earning an Associate in Applied Science or an Associate in Arts or Science degree, these programs prepare you for rewarding careers or for continuing your education at a four-year school.
The Health and Human Services division is introducing three programs in response to the growing demand for health care workers driven locally by the CaroMont Health System and its announced expansion, and by the regional presence of other significant health care systems. Nationwide, opportunities in the health care industry are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
Pharmacy Technology is a two-year program that prepares you for the vital role of Pharmacy Technician. With strong and growing demand in this field, you’ll find jobs available in retail settings or in pharmacies within hospitals and other health care facilities. This program will be offered on our Lincoln Campus and allows you to earn an AAS degree while preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.
The Health Information Technology program yields an AAS degree in five semesters. Health Information Technicians organize, manage and code patients’ health information data, and work closely with other health care professionals. If you enjoy working with computers, are organized and detail-oriented, and have good analytic and communication skills, you are ideally suited for this job. Students who complete the program are prepared to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician certification exam.
The third new HHS program is Central Sterile Processing. Sterile Processing Technicians work in hospitals and other health care facilities and perform the essential behind-the-scenes processes of sterilizing, cleaning, and maintaining surgical and medical instruments and devices so they are ready for reuse. This is a one-semester certificate-level program that will prepare you for the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution exam.
The Career and Technical Education division will kick off its Textile Technology program this fall. Thanks to recent advances and innovations, the textile industry, which has been active in North Carolina for over 100 years, is growing and offers many career options. This AAS degree program has concentrations in four areas: General, Design, Textile Management, and Textile Technician, and you can complete it in 66 credit hours. You will get hands-on experience at the Textile Technology Center on the College’s Kimbrell campus in Belmont, which is a partner in the Manufacturing & Textile Innovation Network.
Public Safety Administration is another new AAS program coming to Gaston College this Fall. Whether you are already working in the Public Safety field or interested in beginning your career, getting your AAS through this program can help you establish a strong career foundation and give you an advantage in job interviews or when being considered for promotions. The program offers concentrations in Corrections Services, EMS Management Services, Fire Protection Services, or Law Enforcement Management Services.
Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation and Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation programs will also roll out this fall, adding two additional transfer pathways for students. These programs allow you to select elective credit hours in your area of education and earn your associate degree. With this associate degree, you can transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s in Elementary, Middle, or Secondary Education. Articulation and/or co-admission agreements with some institutions exist to make your transfer process easy.
Gaston College has many grants, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities available to full- and part-time students. We have some general options, and some that may be specific to the program you choose. With a new state grant there’s even a way for eligible 2021 high school graduates to get Free College. By providing pathways to affordable and high-quality education to students like you, Gaston College gives you the momentum to reach your educational and career-training goals.
Check out all Gaston College Degrees and Programs.
