Associate in Applied Science - Automotive Collision and Refinishing Technician

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

The Fire Science Technology program is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers as firefighters for municipal, industrial, state, and federal fire departments. The primary mission of the Fire Science Technology program is the identification and mitigation of emergencies in order to preserve life and property.

Program Requirements: admittance to the Fire Science Lab classes requires the student's age to be at least 18 or with the instructor's permission. All students are required to carry student accident insurance throughout their enrollment in the Fire Science program.  A 2.0 grade or better must be maintained in all courses required for a degree.

Learning Outcomes

• Have a well–rounded technical background for entry into fire service or rescue related fields.
• Apply knowledge and skill to a successful entrance into the fire service.   

Handle basic Fire, Rescue, and EMS duties.
The duties of the firefighter include, but are not limited to, extinguishing and controlling fires, performing rescue and evacuation work incidental to fire control, accidents, natural disasters, and other incidents where human life is threatened. Firefighters also render emergency aid to those in need. The responsibilities of fire prevention, inspection, and public relation programs aimed at reducing death and property loss are also undertaken.

The CAD Design and Drafting program prepares students with the skills necessary for drafting and design using both CAD drafting and solid modeling techniques. The course of study prepares students to work in a wide range of engineering disciplines, including engineering teams for large and small manufacturing firms, consulting engineering firms, testing, and research companies to gain employment as computer-aided drafters and engineering designers.

Students not only learn to draft using CAD and solid modeling techniques, but also get “hands-on” practical experience in 3D printing, engineering design projects, and by learning fabrication processes used in industry. Coursework includes a balance of basic skills in math and communications, as well as a practical application of relevant computer-assisted drafting skills in several engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil and structural engineering; mechanical design in building systems; electrical and fluid power schematics; and fabrication/piping drafting.

Learning Outcomes

• Use the systems, symbols, language and mechanics of the drafting field.
• Skillfully apply computers and engineering office software for documentation, communication, design, and drafting.
• Identify, solve, and apply engineering calculations relevant to a full drafting and design project.
• Work productively in a team environment and/or as an independent drafter/designer when required.
• Work with the sense of responsibility and accuracy required in the field of engineering design and drafting.
• Develop individual and full sets of drafting projects including shop drawings, assembly drawings, schematics, and construction plans using 2-D CAD and 3-D CAD solid modeling.
• Create accurate solid model computer files to transfer to rapid prototypes, CNC use, shop drawings, or engineering designs.
• Identify and select appropriate materials and processing of materials used in industry for a design project.
• Demonstrate basic shop practices in woods, metals, plastics, and composites, including machining, fabrication/welding, assembly and testing for design prototypes.
• Demonstrate global awareness of the impact of efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and sustainability in design.

The Automotive Technology program prepares students for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent garages, fleet shops, service stations and specialty shops which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program in any of the first five quarters.

Students interested in receiving special training in Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training and Education Network) may substitute specialized courses specifically catering to Toyota T-TEN option. Entrance into the program requires an interview with and permission of the instructor. Continuation within the course program requires permission of the instructor. Students must complete each AUTO course with a 2.0 grade or better before advancing to subsequent quarters.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand basic shop operation and safety principles.
• Diagnose mechanical malfunctions and performance problems and make necessary repairs.
• Operate precision automotive diagnostic and repair equipment.
• Interpret repair manuals and computer-based programs dealing with specifications and repair procedures.
• Understand the importance of good public relations with customers, employers, and fellow employees.
• Work with minimum supervision for or with a journeyman technician.
• Skillfully use tools and equipment.

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.

This program prepares individuals for employment in medical offices. Spokane is a major regional center for medical care offering many opportunities for employment. Positions are available in medical clinics, medical insurance companies private physician’s offices, and many other healthcare settings.

Students completing the Medical Office Specialist degree also earn the medical Clerical Certificate and the Medical Reception Certificate, which are embedded in the degree.

Completion of two courses (MSEC 120 and MSEC 121) within the Medical Office Specialist degree allow students to earn and apply for the Peace Studies Certificate at SCC.

Learning Outcomes

• Receive patients and visitors.
• Appropriately manage telephone and electronic communications.
• Schedule appointments and procedures including office, diagnostic, and surgical procedures.
• Apply legal and ethical standards.
• Develop keyboarding skills and use of computer applications.
• Create and maintain patient records.
• File, rebill, and troubleshoot insurance claims for the medical office to include government, PPO, and HMO insurance.
• Code using CPT and ICD-10-CM coding systems.
• Perform typical medical office financial activities using applicable software.
• Correlate knowledge of general anatomy and medical terminology to perform administrative medical assistant duties, as above.

Diesel/Heavy Duty mechanics repair and maintain trucks, busses, logging, mining, agricultural and construction equipment.  In addition, they maintain and repair diesel and gasoline engines, compressors and pumps.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand construction, function and fundamentals of heavy duty vehicle components.
• Diagnose mechanical and performance problems.
• Make decisions as to disposition of worn parts (usable, recondition or replace).
• Operate precision repair and diagnostic equipment (including electrical and diesel fuel systems).
• Weld (arc, acetylene, and wire feed).
• Read and interpret repair manuals.
• Appreciate the importance of good public relations with customers, employer and fellow employees.
• Understand basic shop operation.
• Utilize the theory of overhead and labor cost in relationship to profit.
• Comprehend the concept of apprenticeship and how it functions.

As a paraprofessional in the accounting field, the accounting assistant analyzes and interprets the essential information about the operations of a business and contributes vitally to important policies and decisions.

An accounting assistant should have an above-average aptitude for working with numbers and the ability to concentrate and communicate. Accounting affords a continuing challenge to creative, alert minds.

In addition to earning and AAS at the completion of the six-quarter program, students will earn an Accounting Clerk Certificate after completing the first three-quarters of the AAS degree, and an Accounting Assistant AAS after completing the full six quarters of the program. All students graduating from this program must have a minimum grade of 2.0 in each of the accounting, business, economics, and management courses. Students must also have a 2.0 cumulative minimum grade point average in all required courses in this program.

This degree is non-transferable to a four-year university. Students working toward the associate in arts degree for transfer to a four-year institution should consult individually with an advisor or counselor for planning the Business DTA or AA degree program. For information on Business DTA and AA degree requirements, refer to the Degree and Certificate Requirements section of the CCS catalog. More information on specific transfer programs can be found in the Academic Programs section of the CCS catalog.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze financial data and prepare statistical comparisons for use in the budgeting process.
• Assist in determination of inventory order quantities, cash requirements, capital investment decisions, and break-even analysis.
• Use various types of office machines.
• Post and/or supervise the posting of accounts receivable and payable.
• Help maintain data processing applications of routine accounting systems.
• Have a basic comprehension of business operations, a knowledge of business vocabulary, and an understanding of economic systems.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly or annual business and payroll tax reports.
• Process payroll related transactions.

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is conditionally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Two additional options are available: Parks and Recreation or Wildlife Fisheries. The Parks and Recreation option prepares students for park maintenance and/or interpretive positions.  The Wildlife/Fisheries option prepares students to perform field sampling as well as habitat restoration work.

All students must complete an internship of at least 400 hours to complete the degree.  Second year: Student may remain in the main program which is forestry based, or they may select one of the two options for an AAS degree which requires a total of 105 credits.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
• Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site and growth determinations.
• Identify species and habitat needs of common northwest freshwater fish, birds and wildlife.
• Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
• Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including through the use of geographic information systems.
• Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
• Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems.
• Apply field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor wildlife, birds and fish species and their habitat.
• Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
• Parks maintenance and equipment.
• Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
• Understand concepts of ecology, conservation and management for fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
• Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
• Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
• Write technical reports and give presentations.

The challenge of management!  It takes a special kind of person with a special knack to be a good business manager.  Over 70 percent of the workforce in Spokane is employed in the fields of business, health care and marketing. This creates a big demand for entry-level managers and supervisors.

The management program at SCC is designed to prepare students for these positions.  The curriculum incorporates individual hands-on experiences while learning the basic principles of business management.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand organizational behavior and leadership, management, business operation, finances, location and layout, record keeping, merchandising and business promotion.
• Understand the planning, organizing, leading and controlling functions of running a business on a day-to-day basis.
• Incorporate information technology and computer applications, including Internet, to the business environment.
• Understand human relations and the importance of ethics, possess an awareness of cultural diversity, the role of international business, the fundamental principles of business law, credit and collections, problem solving, and group decision processes as used in today's business world.
• Understand and possibly accept the challenging entrepreneurial role of owning their own business.
• Communicate effectively.
• Utilize management skills and knowledge by participating in cooperative education and/or supervised volunteer experience.

The Pharmacy Technician program trains students in all phases of the pharmacy field: drug products, calculations, dosages, dispensing techniques, inventory management, and Washington pharmacy law. Graduates will be prepared to work in both community and hospital pharmacy settings.

Each required course for graduation must be completed with a 2.0 grade or better before proceeding to the next quarter and must be maintained in all classes. The student may enroll in liberal arts either preceding or following the professional curriculum. For an associate in applied science degree, the student must complete 25 credit hours of required courses and 7 hours of department approved electives numbered 100 or above in addition to the one-year professional curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate accountability as a health care professional.
• Communicate effectively in a professional manner with members of the healthcare team.
• Able to solve math-oriented problems posed to the technician by a pharmacist.
• Practice principles of implementing physician orders in a pharmacy setting.
• Demonstrate standards of aseptic technique and safety in a pharmacy setting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal requirements involved in a pharmacy operation.
• Identify appropriate information regarding standard dosing, generic versus trade name and other drug information.
• Understand the role of the technician – the pharmacist/patient/tech interaction; i.e. confidentiality.