South College Asheville demonstrates impact on North Carolina workforce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2026
Three South College Asheville healthcare programs earned a 100 percent pass rate, demonstrating the higher education institution’s impact developing skilled professionals for North Carolina employers.
Site Selection magazine recently ranked the state first in workforce development for 2026, a distinction North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein credits to higher education and workforce training.
“South College is helping to meet demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Western North Carolina by preparing highly competent graduates to excel in the workforce,” South College Asheville President Dr. Samantha Sircey said. “The success of our students on these exams reflects that commitment.”
For example, Sircey noted that for fall 2025, 100 percent of graduates in three programs passed certification examinations in their fields – Associate of Science in Radiography, Associate of Science in Surgical Technology and Certificate in Medical Assisting. In the Certificate Phlebotomy program, 94 percent of graduates passed examinations.
“We take pride in preparing our graduates for the workforce in more ways than just mastery of the curriculum,” Sircey said. “We also work with students on everything from professionalism to community service.”
Site Selection magazine indicated the top designation for North Carolina is based on multiple factors including ACT National Career Readiness Certificates, Strada Education Foundation Return on Investment report and percentage of working-age members of the workforce with degrees.
Most healthcare graduates must also pass certification exams before they are licensed to work in a respective field. For radiography, candidates must show mastery on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam to become a licensed Radiologic Technologist (RT). To earn the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) distinction, graduates must pass the CST exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To be Certified in Medical Assisting, a graduate must demonstrate proficiency on one of several approved certification exams. In phlebotomy, graduates must pass an exam by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to be certified as a phlebotomy technician. Exam pass rates are not yet available for other programs including Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) and Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS).
South College Asheville provides associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in various healthcare disciplines, such as Health Science, Imaging Science, Physician Assistant, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology.
The institution also offers professional paths outside of the healthcare field with associate and bachelor level programs in business and legal studies.
The Asheville campus is located at 140 Sweeten Creek Road. Interested students may call the admissions team at 828-630-8104 or visit south.edu/asheville.
Across its national footprint, South College offers an array of academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, online learning and Competency-Based Education (CBE).
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.