Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute (CHSI) is a tuition-free early college high school developed through a partnership between Cabarrus County Schools, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Atrium Health. The program is designed to expand access to health sciences education while building a strong, diverse pipeline of future healthcare professionals. Through dual enrollment, students complete high school coursework while earning college credits, and depending on their pathway, graduate with a college diploma, associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
CHSI supports Atrium Health’s commitment to workforce development by preparing students for in-demand healthcare careers. The program removes financial and academic barriers to college while providing early exposure to health professions, helping students transition seamlessly into higher education or the healthcare workforce.
In This Section:
Program Eligibility & Admissions
CHSI is open to Cabarrus County students who are in eighth grade when they apply. Students apply through the Cabarrus County Schools Program Choice process in the fall of their eighth-grade year and, if accepted, begin the program in ninth grade.
Tuition, Costs & Financial Support
CHSI students’ tuition, fees and textbooks are covered through funding from the North Carolina State Board of Education, making the program a tuition-free opportunity for eligible students through their thirteenth-grade year. Students who choose to continue into a fourteenth year, particularly those completing a bachelor’s degree, will be responsible for tuition and fees and should refer to Cabarrus College of Health Sciences for current cost information. Financial aid may be available for students continuing beyond the traditional high school timeline, with opportunities to receive scholarships, grants or other support to help reduce overall costs.
Pathways
Students can choose from six distinct academic pathways, each designed to align with specific career goals in healthcare and sciences. Whether pursuing a diploma, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, these programs offer a clear route to meaningful and rewarding careers. Students and families are encouraged to review detailed curriculum plans for each pathway on the Cabarrus College Early College website.
- Biomedical Sciences – bachelor's degree (Grades 9 – 14)
Whether you’re applying to a competitive professional school – medical, dental, physician assistant, etc. – or seeking a career in areas such as microbiology, pharmacology or research, a solid foundation in science sets you up for success. Biomedical Sciences provides a unique, holistic curriculum you won’t find elsewhere with robust, hands-on lab activities that promote the development of practical skills and problem solving. For graduate healthcare education or a career in science, this degree provides the solid foundation that sets you up for success.
- Life Sciences – associate's degree (Grades 9 – 12)
The Associate of Science degree program offers curriculum options for students seeking entry into clinical programs, science-based degrees and healthcare professions. The program provides students with a solid foundation in science and general education coursework. Students will gain knowledge and skills and will also learn how to ask the right questions – how to think like a scientist – opening the door to an array of career options. Students can pursue a career in research, data analysis, microbiology, food science, biotechnology, forensics and more.
- Medical Assistant – Diploma (Grades 9 – 12) or Associate’s Degree (Grades 9 – 13)
The Medical Assistant program gives students the clerical and clinical skills necessary to become a certified medical assistant, one of the country’s fastest growing healthcare careers. Medical assistants most commonly perform clinical duties in the healthcare setting. Responsibilities include assisting the physician, administering medications, performing laboratory procedures and assessing and educating patients.
- Nursing – bachelor's degree (Grades 9 – 14)
Nursing provides opportunities to provide holistic care for individuals, families and populations of people. The American Nurses Association stated that “nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s healthcare journey together.” Nurses collaborate with others on the healthcare team to restore health, prevent illness and alleviate pain and suffering through compassionate client-centered care. Nurses may work in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, offices, schools, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and home settings to name a few. During the program at Cabarrus College, there is a wealth of hands-on learning in our simulation and clinical settings.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – associate's degree (Grades 9 – 13)
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) is a healthcare profession focused on supporting individuals in achieving independence and improving their quality of life through participation in everyday activities, also known as occupations. At Cabarrus College, students can pursue an associate degree to become an OTA, preparing to provide therapeutic support that helps people of all ages engage in daily tasks and routines.
- Surgical Technology – associate's degree (Grades 9 – 13)
Surgical technologists are crucial members of the surgical team, working closely with surgeons, registered nurses and anesthesiologists to provide the best possible care for patients in the surgical setting. Coursework emphasizes the safe use of instruments and equipment, advanced surgical techniques in a variety of specialties and the importance of performing as a member of an interprofessional team.
Program Highlights
- CHSI ranks among the highest-performing schools in the district and the top percentage statewide based on preliminary proficiency and growth metrics, demonstrating exceptional academic outcomes.
- Students benefit from a seamless blend of high school and college experiences, building strong academic foundations while progressing through college-level coursework at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.
- A robust, student-centered support system provides academic, personal and career guidance, equipping students with the skills and confidence to succeed in a rigorous early college environment.
- Students engage in a well-rounded high school experience, including student organizations, leadership opportunities, school events and a close-knit community.
- Intentionally designed pathways prepare students for high-demand healthcare careers, complemented by hands-on learning through labs, simulations, service experiences and real-world healthcare exposure.
Career & College Outcomes
Upon completion of CHSI, students earn a high school diploma from Cabarrus County Schools while also earning a college diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree depending on their pathway. Graduates are well-prepared to transition to four-year colleges and universities, enter the healthcare workforce or pursue advanced education and training.
As part of CHSI’s first inaugural graduating class, the program celebrated the success of 21 students who earned their Associate of Science in Life Sciences and are continuing their education at institutions such as UNC Chapel Hill, NC State University, Wake Forest University, UC Davis, Ohio State University, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and many more. Notably, 18 students from the first cohort have chosen to remain at CHSI for an additional 13th or 14th year, demonstrating strong student persistence and continued engagement with the program.
Additionally, one student earned her Diploma in Medical Assistant and was offered employment at her internship site upon program completion, exemplifying the program’s direct alignment to workforce readiness. These early outcomes reflect CHSI’s strong academic foundation, career-focused pathways and growing impact as a pipeline for future healthcare professionals.
Timeline
- 8th Grade – Students apply to Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute (CHSI) through the Cabarrus County Schools Program Choice process. Sixty students are selected to join the Early College cohort.
- 9th Grade – Students begin their high school coursework at CHSI while building foundational academic and college readiness skills. Students explore health science career pathways through exposure activities and advising. Students apply to Cabarrus College of Health Sciences to become official college students.
- 10th Grade – Students begin introductory college-level courses while continuing high school requirements. Students engage in structured exploration of academic pathways and career options. In the spring, students formally declare their academic pathway.
- 11th Grade – Students transition into full-time college coursework aligned with their declared pathway. Students may participate in hands-on learning experiences, labs or clinical experiences (as applicable). Students begin early planning for postsecondary goals, including transfer or workforce entry.
- 12th Grade – Students continue rigorous coursework within their pathway while preparing for life after graduation. Students finalize postsecondary plans, including remaining at Cabarrus College to complete a 13th and/or 14th year, applying to transfer institutions or preparing for the workforce. Ongoing advising supports students in aligning academic progress with their career goals.
- Additional Years for Select Pathways – Select academic pathways require additional time for full completion due to course sequencing, clinical requirements or credentialing standards. Students in these pathways may continue into a 13th and/or 14th year to complete all program requirements. During this time, students remain enrolled in college-level coursework aligned with their pathway.
Student Testimonials
“Balancing college work with high school responsibilities definitely challenged me, but I’ve built strong study habits and learned how to manage my time. Now, it feels empowering to know I’m capable of doing this level of work before even graduating high school.” -- Dipannita Priyadarshini, Life Sciences Graduate, Class of 2026
“CHSI pushed me to grow and challenge myself. One of the most important things I gained was self-discipline, learning how to prioritize my time, stay motivated, and succeed in college-level courses. It has prepared me for my future and my goal of becoming a physician.” -- Lorena Ramirez Zarate, Biomedical Sciences Student, Class of 2028
“My time at CHSI has been an eye opener. Hearing different career paths and gaining real-world exposure has helped me feel more confident even while figuring out exactly what I want to do.” -- Faith Sharpe, Surgical Technology Student, Class of 2027
Program Recognition & In the News
CHSI has been recognized for its innovative model, strong academic performance and growing impact on the local healthcare talent pipeline. These features highlight student success, program milestones and the strength of its partnership with Atrium Health, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Cabarrus County Schools:
