Cabarrus College of Health Sciences vs Charles R. Drew University

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary focuses of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences primarily focuses on providing specialized healthcare education, offering programs in nursing, allied health, and medical assisting. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has a broader focus, encompassing medicine, nursing, public health, and biomedical sciences, with a strong emphasis on addressing health disparities in underserved communities.

• What types of academic programs do Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offer?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs, primarily in healthcare-related fields. Charles R. Drew University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in medicine, science, and public health. CDU also has residency programs for physicians.

• Where are Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science located?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is located in Concord, North Carolina. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is located in Los Angeles, California.

• What is the typical student body size at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences compared to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences generally has a smaller student body, typically around several hundred students. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has a larger and more diverse student population, including undergraduate, graduate, and medical students.

• What is the mission of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences?

  The mission of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is to educate and develop competent and compassionate healthcare professionals who are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the community.

• What is the mission of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  The mission of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is to provide health professional education, conduct health services research, and deliver health services with a special emphasis on the underserved populations of South Los Angeles and similar urban and rural communities.

• How does the curriculum at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences differ from that of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences' curriculum is highly focused on practical, hands-on training in specific healthcare disciplines. Charles R. Drew University's curriculum is broader, encompassing basic sciences, clinical training, public health principles, and research methodologies, with an emphasis on community engagement and addressing health disparities.

• What are the research opportunities like at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers research opportunities primarily focused on healthcare education and practice. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has a more extensive research portfolio, with a focus on health disparities, chronic diseases, and community-based participatory research.

• What kind of clinical experiences are available to students at each institution?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences students gain clinical experience primarily through affiliations with Atrium Health facilities. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science students have clinical rotations at various hospitals and community clinics in the Los Angeles area, particularly those serving underserved populations.

• What are the admission requirements for Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  Admission requirements for Cabarrus College of Health Sciences vary by program but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite coursework, and standardized test scores. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has more rigorous admission requirements, including a bachelor's degree, strong academic record, MCAT scores (for medical programs), and a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved communities.

• What is the campus environment like at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences compared to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences offers a smaller, more intimate campus environment focused on healthcare education. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has a more diverse and research-oriented campus environment, reflecting its broader mission and larger student body.

• What career paths are typically pursued by graduates of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science?

  Graduates of Cabarrus College of Health Sciences typically pursue careers as nurses, medical assistants, radiologic technologists, and other allied health professionals. Graduates of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science pursue careers as physicians, nurses, public health professionals, researchers, and healthcare administrators, often with a focus on serving underserved communities.

• Does either school have a religious affiliation?

  Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is affiliated with Atrium Health, a healthcare system. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science does not have a religious affiliation.

• What is the focus on community engagement at each institution?

  While Cabarrus College of Health Sciences emphasizes preparing healthcare professionals to serve their community, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has a particularly strong emphasis on community engagement, with many programs and initiatives designed to address health disparities and improve the health of underserved populations in South Los Angeles.