Make an impact: Become a physical therapy assistant

physical therapy assisting

Physical therapist assistants are essential members of rehabilitation teams, helping patients regain movement after injury or surgery. If you enjoy motivating others and want a health career with direct patient impact, this path offers meaningful work and excellent opportunities. Fall applications are due Sunday, Mar. 15. 

Why choose this career? 

  • Direct patient care: Guide patients through exercises and treatments that restore mobility. 
  • Strong outcomes:  
    • Exam pass rate: greater than 90% 
    • Job placement rate: 100% 
  • See what a day in this program looks like! 

Start your journey toward a rewarding health career today. Learn more about the physical therapy assisting program. 

Global connections start here: Reserve your spot

students holding flags

The Center for Global Engagement is offering Central Piedmont students and employees the chance to attend the World Affairs Council (WACC) Speaker Series Luncheons this spring. These events bring global leaders and conversations to Charlotte. 

What to know: 

  • There are limited free tickets available for each luncheon. 
  • Registration through the Center for Global Engagement is required. 
  • After registering, you’ll receive an email from global.learning@cpcc.edu by the specified date to confirm if a seat is available. 
  • If selected, you must reply to confirm your attendance and secure your spot. 

Upcoming luncheon opportunities: 

Tuesday, Feb. 3

  • Series: WACC Ambassadors Circle 
  • Speaker: Francisco António Duarte Lopes, Ambassador of Portugal to the United States 
  • Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 
  • Seats available: 8 

Tuesday, Mar. 3

  • Series: WACC CEO Series 
  • Speaker: Kurk Wilks, President and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL 
  • Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 
  • Seats available: 3 

Additional details: 

  • One to two seats per month are reserved for faculty and staff who want to accompany students. 
  • Register once and select one or more luncheons to be considered for March opportunities. 
  • You will be contacted via email if a seat is available for you. 

Don’t miss out on these exclusive opportunities to engage with global issues, leaders, and conversations, right here in Charlotte.

International Education Week: A celebration of global connections

people squatting in front of table

The Global Learning Office brought incredible energy to our campuses and virtual spaces during International Education Week (IEW), with thirteen events designed to spark curiosity and celebrate cultural exchange. Students experienced a week filled with learning, creativity, and community. 

Highlights from the week: 

  • Kick-off event: Students explored the inspiring legacy of Vietnamese Americans in the nail industry through film, discussion, and wellness activities. 
  • Global perspectives: Engaging lectures and conversations revealed how migration and cultural exchange shape Charlotte’s identity. 
  • Study Abroad Fair: A milestone event showcasing programs in Ireland, Italy, and South Africa. Students shared stories, skills, and photos from their travels, while partners across campus offered activities and career insights. Over 300 students attended, making this one of the most impactful events of the week. This event was successful because of the cross-campus collaboration between study abroad leaders, the campus activity board, and the library team. 
  • Creative engagement: The Passport to the World Photo Contest invited students to share global experiences through stunning photography. 
  • Cultural celebrations: From Japanese traditions and film to mindfulness inspired by global Blue Zones, students connected with diverse perspectives and practices. 
  • Community and fun: Events like International Warm Up Wednesday and the CP World Cup blended cultural conversations with camaraderie and athletic fun. 

Why it matters: 
More than 780 participants joined in, creating a vibrant space for global learning and collaboration. These experiences not only celebrated diversity but also opened doors to future opportunities. IEW continues to grow through partnerships across campus. We can’t wait to see even more students and departments join next year’s celebration! 

More ways to get involved: 
Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities, global engagement events, and becoming an NC Scholar of Global Distinction. 

STEM tank season 8: Students showcase innovation

student winners from stem tank season 8

On Friday, Nov. 21, 42 students participated in the STEM Tank Season 8 competition at Central Campus — and they all did a great job. Students built critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills through research and professional development workshops. 

What happened: 

  • Competitors presented research proposals addressing problems on campus or in the community. 

Top projects: 

  • First place: 
    • Project: Open Space App — a parking spot availability monitoring system on Central Campus 
    • Students: Julian Salmon, Precious Bikusa, Noah Ellenbogen, Uyen Le 
    • Research mentor: Dr. Hisham Abdel-Aal 
  • Second place: 
    • Project: D.A.V.E. — an interactive kiosk that provides real-time directions, updates, and campus activity information 
    • Students: Dennisse Farias, Amaiya Lipscomb, Abenezer Tesfaye, Bawi Thawng, Tendaishe Marcus Mhonda 
    • Research mentor: Mr. Quillie Hunt 
  • Third place: 
    • Project: Glow Go — a motion-activated crosswalk system that lights up instantly to alert drivers and protect pedestrians 
    • Students: Jhazia Flood, Paul Josue Acka Diama, Meyer Miller, Hoomon Nikoei, Yasmin Pena 
    • Research mentor: Dr. Heather Song 

Invest less, gain more with a Central Piedmont education

Orlando Jacobs, paralegal student

You’ll gain the skills you need to land a well-paying job in one of today’s growing industries — and you won’t have to spend a bundle to do it. 

Why it matters: 
Central Piedmont offers affordable programs that prepare you for careers in high-demand fields. 

Take the first step toward a brighter future: 
Learn more about programs like message therapy, paralegal, computer network support specialist, and medical equipment repairer.

Featured program: Paralegal 

  • Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent 
  • Median salary: $55,888* 
  • Check out Orlando’s story 

ACA-122: Your first step to success

students sitting in classroom

ACA-122 is a required course you should take in your first year. 

In just eight weeks, ACA-122 will help you: 

  • Set your academic and career goals 
  • Map out the classes you need 
  • Build better study habits 
  • Learn how to use Central Piedmont’s resources to stay on track 

Find available sections and register now in MyCollege. Seats are filling up fast, so don’t wait! 

Central Piedmont extends transfer partnership with Western Governors University

Central Piedmont and Western Governors University (WGU) have renewed their transfer agreement, creating a clear path for students to earn a bachelor’s degree at one of the nation’s leading online universities. 

Why it matters: The partnership helps graduates continue their education online while balancing work and family obligations. 

Details: 

  • The transfer pathway is open to students who have earned an associate degree from Central Piedmont. 
  • Students and employees are eligible for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, valued at up to $3,500. 
  • Since the partnership began in 2020, more than 350 Central Piedmont students have enrolled at WGU — up from 21 in the first year to more than 100 each of the past two academic years. 

Top fields of study: 

  • Information technology and software engineering 
  • Business, accounting, and finance 
  • Public health and nursing 

What they’re saying: 

  • “This extension builds on Central Piedmont’s long-standing focus of helping students move forward with confidence toward their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Heather Hill, provost of Central Piedmont. 
  • “This renewed transfer agreement will help graduates continue their educational pursuits online while juggling work and family obligations,” said Ben Coulter, Ed.D., chancellor for WGU in North Carolina. 

Big picture: Central Piedmont offers 18 guaranteed admission programs with colleges and universities across the Carolinas, plus agreements with four online or out-of-state institutions for flexible, affordable pathways to a bachelor’s degree. 

WGU at a glance: 

  • More than 120 fully accredited online programs in business, technology, healthcare, and K–12 education 
  • Competency-based model lets students work at their own pace with mentor support 
  • Tuition for bachelor’s degrees is about $4,000 per six-month term, with unlimited courses per term 
  • More than 10,000 WGU graduates live in North Carolina