New Law Expands Career and Education Opportunities for Isothermal Human Services Students
By: Mike Gavin
Published: July 16, 2025
SPINDALE (July 15, 2025) — The recent passage of North Carolina General Assembly House Bill 562 (HB 562) marks a major step forward for students entering the Social and Human Services program at Isothermal Community College. This legislation strengthens the pathway from community college to employment in key human service fields across North Carolina.
HB 562 expands access and opportunity by recognizing the vital role of associate degree holders in the state’s health and human services workforce. As a result, graduates of Isothermal’s Social and Human Services program will now qualify for a broader range of entry-level positions in state and local agencies—including mental health, family services, child care, rehabilitation, and corrections—without requiring additional licensing barriers or unnecessary credentialing delays.
“This bill affirms the real-world value of the education our students receive,” said Kim Snyder, program coordinator for Human Services Technology at Isothermal. “It means our graduates can move more confidently and quickly into the workforce, where they are badly needed—and where they can make a real difference.”
With the passage of HB 562, the bridge from community college to career just became stronger and more direct.
The Social and Human Services curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and behavioral health services. Along with core courses, students take courses, which prepare them for specialization in specific human service areas.
Coursework includes the development of professional knowledge, skills, and values in human services. Opportunities for experiential learning allow students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
Graduates should qualify for positions in government, private, and nonprofit social and human services agencies. Graduates may choose to transfer and continue their education at a variety of colleges and universities.
For more information about Isothermal’s Human Services Technology program, contact Kim Snyder at ksnyder@isothermal.edu or 828-395-4165.