Associate in Applied Science - Architectural Technology

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

The Network Design and Administration program prepares students as local- and wide-area network administrators. Successful completion of the program provides students with the essential skills of network administration including network design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and troubleshooting, utilizing a variety of network operating systems, and hardware platforms and protocols. These include but are not limited to Microsoft, Cisco and Linux/UNIX. Upon completion, students have covered objectives leading toward professional certification. Effective oral and written communications are emphasized throughout the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Install and configure servers, workstations, routers, switches, network cabling and wireless devices.
• Show knowledge of network topologies, protocols and technologies.
• Analyze and troubleshoot a network and its peripherals.
• Perform administrative tasks on a network.
• Establish communications between similar and dissimilar networking systems.
• Monitor network performance.
• Show a strong working knowledge of network security policies and procedures.
• Develop research skills and techniques.

This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the specialized field of biomedical electronics in a hospital or in the medical electronics industry.
The curriculum has been planned to give comprehensive training in circuit analysis, laboratory techniques and the use of modern test equipment. A balanced study of peripheral subjects that make the biomedical equipment technician unique also is included. These subjects include fundamentals of physics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, hospital ethics and hospital safety. The curriculum provides special lectures and laboratories in repair, and preventive maintenance of medical electronic equipment.
Graduates are prepared for employment as entry-level biomedical equipment technicians. To qualify for graduation, the student must have successfully completed five quarters of basic electronics including the additional required courses (i.e., chemistry and physics) and the six and seventh quarter biomedical sequence. Entrance to each quarter of basics is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the previous quarter. Students may enroll fall and winter quarters only. The clinical practicum is available during summer quarter only.

The goal of the program is to provide the health care field with biomedical equipment technicians who have a thorough understanding of electronic fundamentals; a practical ability to design, construct and troubleshoot electronic circuits; and knowledge about the theory of operation, physiological principles, and the safe and practical applications of biomedical equipment.

Learning Outcomes

• State the characteristics of electronic components and circuits.
• Calculate circuit parameters.
• Demonstrate proper safety procedures.
• Construct electronic circuits.
• Use electronic test equipment to evaluate and troubleshoot electronic circuits and biomedical equipment.
• Explain career related regulatory requirements.

From smart phones to autonomous cars, electronic technology is an integral and constantly changing part of our world. An Electronics Engineering Technician degree provides the foundation necessary to pursue a career in this exciting field.

This lab intensive program provides practical, hands-on experience with a variety of equipment used in the industry. Classes are designed to develop the skills necessary to help engineers develop new electronic products and to evaluate, test, troubleshoot, and repair existing products. Graduates find employment with a wide variety of companies including electronic equipment manufacturers, medical equipment manufacturers, service companies, and hospitals.

To qualify for an associate in applied science degree, students must successfully complete seven quarters of study. The first five quarters are common to all the electronics programs. Students then choose to specialize in Avionics, Applications, or Mechatronics.

Learning Outcomes

• State the characteristics of electronic components and circuits.
• Calculate circuit parameters.
• Demonstrate proper safety procedures.
• Construct electronic parameters.
• Use electronic test equipment to evaluate and troubleshoot electronic circuits.
• Explain career related regulatory requirements.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an allied Health Profession where non-physician professionals perform a diagnostic procedure using high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.  Sonography is used to examine many parts of the body:  abdomen, breasts, OB/GYN, thyroid, scrotum, and blood vessels.  It is also used to guide needles for tissue biopsy or drain an abnormal fluid collection from a body cavity.  Sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality and procedures are performed at the request of a physician.

A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.  Prior to starting a procedure, the sonographer must obtain an appropriate history, assess physical findings and review pertinent laboratory data.  This information is used to tailor the procedure to ensure comprehensive and diagnostic images are acquired.

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate effectively and in a professional manner with physicians, patients and other members of the healthcare team.
• Competently perform sonographic examinations of the abdomen, superficial structures and obstetrics & gynecology disciplines on patients, while tailoring the examinations to enhance the presence of abnormalities.
• Comprehend a clinical understanding of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of the major adult and fetal diseases and deformities.
• Establish the ability to quantify, subjectively evaluate and interpret the data collected to assist the physician in arriving at a diagnosis.
• Strive to meet the health care needs of the community.

The Machinist/CNC Technology program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to gain employment in the manufacturing industry. The first year of the program will focus on skills used in a modern machine shop: machine shop math, blueprint reading, and conventional machine tool theory and lab. The last year offers advanced conventional machining and specialized training in CNC theory with introduction to CAD/CAM and procedures in quality control.

Each required course for graduation must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or higher before proceeding to the next quarter.

Learning Outcomes

• Operate a variety of CNC machines.
• Set up tooling for CNC machining operations.
• Perform quality control functions to ensure part compliance with required specification.
• Interpret blueprints.
• Possess knowledge of their role as an employee and factors that are critical to the company’s success.

The software development program trains students in current web and desktop application development using diverse industry technologies. Software development is an evolving field of study requiring continuing education and the ability to adapt to constant change. Graduates from this program acquire problem solving skills, are encouraged to work independently and as a team, and be ethical in all interactions.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn programming concepts and techniques that enable students to be a lifetime learner as technology evolves.
• Understand and implement cost effective and efficient web sites.
• Understand how to properly create, store, and retrieve data from a normalized database.
• Solve problems while developing software or web sites.
• Communicate with clients while developing software or web sites.
• Demonstrate responsibility for meeting deadlines and addressing client needs.
• Understand how technology relates and impacts society.
• Design, develop, deploy and maintain software and web development projects specified by a client.
• Demonstrate professionalism and flexibility.
• Develop research skills and techniques.

Radiologic technologists are an integral part of the allied health team of healthcare workers providing patient care. Their primary duties include producing radiographic examinations that aid the physicians in diagnosing diseases and/or injuries. The radiologic technologist performs examinations at the request of a physician.

The technologist’s primary role is obtaining top quality radiographic images while providing patient care. Radiologic departments can be found in hospitals, freestanding clinics and physician offices. While in the program the students become proficient at performing examinations in general radiography, fluoroscopy, surgery, trauma and intensive care units.

Upon completion and graduation of the program the students are able to take the national registry examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Each required course for graduation must be completed with a grade of 2.0 or better before proceeding to the next quarter. All clinicals must be completed with a grade of 2.5 or better.

National background checks and drug screening are completed at the beginning of the program and if there is a finding, clinical sites may not accept the student. This could prevent program completion, inability to take the national exam, and future employment due to a failed background check and/or drug screening.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will have skills and knowledge for an entry-level radiographic technologist.
• Students will have the skills to effectively utilize good communication skills.
• Students will have the skills to effectively utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Students will have the skills to become responsible for lifelong learning through continuing education and/or advancement in the field of radiology.

This regionally respected American Bar Association (ABA) approved program consists of basic and specialty legal courses designed to prepare students for employment in the legal services field. The program offers an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Paralegal Studies, and Paralegal Certificate.

The AAS in Paralegal Studies is awarded after completion of 90-98 credits of required coursework. If full class loads are taken each quarter, the program requires 6-7 quarters to complete. The supervised legal work experience required for graduation or the internship must be approved by the program director. A grade of 2.0 or higher in each class (including prerequisites) is required for both the AAS degree and the certificate.

Students may enroll in the certificate program instead of the AAS program if the student is in the process of or has completed an Associate in Arts degree (AA), a bachelor's degree, or advanced degree from an accredited college and/or university.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of law and legal procedures through legal research, writing, document drafting, analysis of facts, interviewing and investigation.
• Develop skills in civil and criminal pretrial and trial practice, real estate, business, family law, commercial transactions and litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, intellectual property, estate planning, probate and other specialty areas.
• Develop technological and organizational skills, including categorizing and organizing documents, calendaring, assessing and prioritizing work; managing time; creating and maintaining databases; and using standard forms and checklists.
• Develop understanding of rules of professional and ethical conduct, competence, professionalism and client service.

Electrical maintenance and automation technicians are responsible for the maintenance, testing, repair, and/or replacement of the electrical systems and controls found in modern industrial plants and large commercial buildings.

As the electrical systems become more sophisticated, so must the skills of the electrical maintenance and automation technician. By mixing the theoretical with practical hands-on lab experiences using modern up-to-date industrial equipment and techniques, the student will be prepared for a challenging career in electrical maintenance.

Students are offered several options within the Electrical Maintenance and Automation program. They may choose to complete an AAS degree with specialized training in one of the following areas: Electrical Maintenance and Automation or Power Systems Maintenance. Electrical Trainee or Electrical Sales option certificates also are offered.
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in each course of the major discipline before advancing to the subsequent quarter. Students not meeting this minimum are required to repeat the deficient course before progressing.

Learning Outcomes

• Electrical Maintenance and Automation
• Understand the inherent dangers of and be able to work safely around electricity.
• Be familiar with electrical theory, electrical terms, and electrical circuits (AC & DC).
• Be able to identify common electrical materials, parts, and components.
• Understand the theory, operation and maintenance of AC & DC generators and motors.
• Know basic electronic theory and components and be able to wire, program, and maintain solid state motor controls (Variable Frequency Drives).
• Be able to design, sire and troubleshoot conventional motor control circuits.
• Understand the components and be able to design, program, wire, troubleshoot, and maintain Programmable Logic Controllers.
• Demonstrate proper transformer connections and understand the operation of industrial lighting.
• Able to perform electrical conduit bending using trigonometric calculations.
• Understand and apply the fundamentals of the National Electric Code.

The Medical Assistant is an Allied Health professional who assists physicians and other health care providers in their offices or other medical settings. In accordance with respective state laws, they perform a broad range of administrative and clinical duties. In the Medical Assistant program at Spokane Community College, students learn about the administrative duties of scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, performing basic secretarial skills and medical transcription, handling telephone calls, writing correspondence, serving as a liaison between the physician and other individuals, and managing practice finances. The clinical phase of the program is taught through intense training and hands-on application. Students learn to perform clinical duties, including asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, and preparing and administering medications as directed by the physician. In the 4th quarter the students will have a 198 hour unpaid clinical externship in a medical office working directly with providers.

Learning Outcomes

• The program goals are to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), and psychomotor (skills), and effective (behavior) learning domains. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in medical ambulatory care settings.