The Qualified Professional (QP) Initiative simplifies and strengthens the pathway into Mental Health, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and Substance Use service delivery by expanding the education criteria used to determine QP status. 

Through a legislative rule change passed by the North Carolina General Assembly, individuals who hold an associate degree in human services—along with two years of experience—will soon be able to qualify as QPs.

Qualified professionals in mental health care include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors and psychiatric nurses.

This important update recognizes the depth, rigor and real-world relevance of the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree programs in Social and Human Services. These graduates bring critical, hands-on skills and practical training that directly align with the responsibilities of qualified professionals so they can serve more people in North Carolina with mental health, IDD and/or substance use care needs.

Once the implementation process is complete and the rule change is formally activated by the Mental Health Commission, this updated standard will help open a new and vital workforce pipeline—without compromising quality or lowering standards.

Why it Matters in North Carolina  

Many rural and underserved counties struggle to hire and retain qualified professionals because requirements (e.g. bachelor’s degree or higher) limit the candidate pool. Expanding eligibility helps tap into community college graduates already embedded in their communities.

This approach tackles the workforce gaps, especially in underserved counties, because community college graduates are more likely to stay in their home regions.

How it Works

Eligible candidates must hold a qualifying associate degree. In North Carolina, the AAS in Social and Human Services is offered by 41 community colleges. This is the only associate's degree from the NC Community College system that includes the sufficient human services coursework required for QP roles.  

Candidates must also complete two years of work experience with the population served. Once the new rule is activated by the NC Mental Health Commission, providers across the state can hire QPs under the updated education standards.

In partnership with the NC Community College Behavioral Health Collaborative, a series of Apprenticeship Accelerators (one-day workshops held across the state) will help providers understand how to register apprenticeships and build pathways from DSP/paraprofessional roles to QP qualification.

Through these registered Apprenticeships, providers can hire apprentices to work in DSP or paraprofessional roles while they earn their AAS in Social and Human Services and complete required experience. After two years, apprentices will be fully prepared to step into Qualified Professional roles.

As of August 2025, the following NC Community Colleges offer an AAS in Social and Human Services:

  • Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
  • Beaufort County Community College
  • Blue Ridge Community College
  • Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
  • Cape Fear Community College
  • Carteret Community College
  • Catawba Valley Community College
  • Central Carolina Community College
  • Central Piedmont Community College
  • College of the Albemarle
  • Davidson-Davie Community College
  • Durham Technical Community College
  • Edgecombe Community College
  • Forsyth Technical Community College
  • Gaston College
  • Guilford Technical Community College
  • Halifax Community College
  • Isothermal Community College
  • Lenoir Community College
  • Mayland Community College
  • McDowell Technical Community College
  • Mitchell Community College
  • Montgomery Community College
  • Nash Community College
  • Pamlico Community College
  • Piedmont Community College
  • Pitt Community College
  • Randolph Community College
  • Richmond Community College
  • Roanoke-Chowan Community College
  • Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
  • Sampson Community College
  • South Piedmont Community College
  • Southwestern Community College
  • Stanly Community College
  • Tri-County Community College
  • Vance-Granville Community College
  • Wake Technical Community College
  • Wayne Community College
  • Western Piedmont Community College
  • Wilkes Community College

More information about AAS programs participating in the initiative, and updates regarding when this new rule will be enacted, will be added to this webpage as they become available. 

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