Associate in Applied Science - Business

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

This AAS degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (www.cahiim.org) and prepares students for employment in maintaining and processing health information in hospitals, nursing facilities, ambulatory care clinics and health insurance agencies. Training in a realistic work environment include managing computer databases, coding and abstracting clinical data, quality control management of information, health-related legal principles and policies, and knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and HITECH Act regulations. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Learning Outcomes

• Abstract and process data from patient records using a variety of computer programs.
• Collect, tabulate, compute and prepare statistical reports for use by the medical staff, administration, governing board and authorized agencies.
• Code clinical data for reimbursement, research and other reporting purposes.
• Perform review of health information for patient care evaluation, quality improvement, and utilization management.
• Operate and evaluate various electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Apply legal principles, policies, regulations and standards for the control, release and use of health information.
• Utilize computers to compile data, process information for prospective payment systems (PPS) and perform information processing.

Approved courses in both airframe and powerplant mechanics are offered to meet the Federal Aviation Administration requirements. General aircraft courses offered the first two quarters are prerequisites to both the airframe and powerplant phase of the program. Students receive a well-rounded education in general aircraft mechanics the first two quarters of the program. Third- and fourth-quarter course offerings include both lecture and lab courses in airframe repair, and fifth- and sixth-quarter offerings include lecture and lab courses in powerplant repair. Courses to satisfy the requirements for an AAS degree will be by arrangement.

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the FAA examination for both the Airframe and Powerplant licenses. A minimum of 1,900 attendance hours is required to take these exams.

Learning Outcomes

• Qualified to take the FAA general, airframe, and powerplant tests.
• Able to perform the duties of a beginning certified mechanic with entry level skills in the repair, maintenance, inspection and overhaul of airframe and of aircraft powerplants, including electrical systems, sheet metal, welding, hydraulic systems, rigging and assembly, wood, fabric and finishes, propellers, ignition systems, lubrication systems, and general overhaul procedures.
• Able to use tools, equipment, methods, and procedures in repair, maintenance, and inspection of aircraft and powerplants.
• Able to meet the requirements for an AAS degree from Spokane Community College.

Completion of the two-year Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program at Spokane Community College prepares the student for an entry-level position in one of the most challenging occupations available.

Entry-level HVAC/R technicians typically work on residential and light commercial systems performing equipment installations, preventative maintenance, and service and repair functions. Opportunities also are available in systems design and sales.

Areas of study include basic HVAC/R systems, electricity, heating, local gas and oil codes, load calculations, cooling, refrigeration, duct design, and troubleshooting. These skills are taught from lab applications coordinated with classroom theory and actual jobsite experience.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to wire, perform a startup, and evaluate the operation of a natural draft gas furnace.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the operation of, troubleshoot, and repair an electric furnace.
• Obtain a City of Spokane Gas Heating Mechanic's 1 license.
• Demonstrate the abilty to evaluate the operation of, troubleshoot, and repair 80%-95% gas furnaces.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the operation of, troubleshoot, and repair basic medium-temp and low-temp commercial refrigeration systems.
• Obtain an EPA 608 Universal Refrigerant Handling License.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the operation of, troubleshoot, and repair air conditioning systems.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow and comply with local and national safety codes.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the operation of, troubleshoot, and repair a heat pump system.
• Demonstrate the ability to design, install, and commision a basic Direct Digital Control system for a commercial rooftop unit of refrigeration system.

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.

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.

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 Customer Service degree is a two-year professional program.  The Customer Service Representative program provides the  business background and human relations skills needed to work successfully with clients and customers.  Students may participate in online or on-ground classes.  This degree prepares students for jobs as customer service representatives.  An associate degree in customer service introduces students to techniques used to deliver quality customer service care.  Students develop their communication, marketing, personnel supervision, and customer relations skills.  Subjects taught during a customer service training program are a combination of business and customer service specific courses.  These individuals are the face of the company and are the ones who deal with customers in a friendly and courteous manner.  Customer service professionals are required to interact with customers before, during, and after the sale has been made as well.  Customer service training program graduates will also have a better chance of reaching the supervisory or management levels in this field.

College credit toward degree completion may be earned by articulating from a high school business program, by prior learning assessment, or by completing comprehensive tests administered by the Business Technology Department.

Learning Outcomes

• Use positive human relations skills to successfully deal directly with customers personally or by telephone.
• Appreciate the importance of customer service and its direct relationship to the success of a company.
• Perform a variety of routine clerical duties which may include making photocopies and sorting mail.
• Use current office equipment and office-related software.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word (expert level) and at the specialist level of Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Apply knowledge of grammar and punctuation skills.

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.

The Administrative Office Management program is an associate degree program that prepares students to assume positions as office managers, supervisors, or as assistants to top executives.  Students will develop administrative skills necessary to participate as part of the management team; assist in planning, organizing, and controlling information related activities; and in leading or directing people to attain the objectives of the organization.  They may handle a wide range of daily responsibilities including the supervision of support services.

This program is recommended to experienced office staff as well as entry-level office workers who are looking to increase their potential for promotion.  Graduates with this degree receive training in a variety of office management functions including those in communications, information resources, and management.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the principles of human resources supervision and administration including the recruiting and hiring process, training and development, motivating the workforce, completing an appraisal, and improving productivity.
• Organize and plan office work and exercise leadership skills that encourage successful teamwork.
• Demonstrate organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Appreciate the scope of business operations and economic systems.
• Handle multiple deadlines and priorities in an office setting.
• Think critically and act logically to evaluate situations, solve problems, and make decisions.
• Understand the tools used to make business decisions using quantitative data.
• Compile and analyze data, prepare concise reports and presentations, and use information processing technology and software.
• Compose drafts and final responses to inquiries, letters, and questionnaires.
• Handle a variety of internal and external business forms and understand their purpose.
• Acquire comprehensive knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook software.
• Operate a variety of business machines, including computer equipment, copy machines and scanners, transcribing equipment, facsimiles, printers, telephones, and calculating machines.

The Surgical Technology program prepares students to function in cooperation with the surgeon and nurses in the operating room performing duties that are vital for the safety and care of surgical patients. Students must have knowledge and skills in surgical aseptic techniques for preparation and use of materials during a surgical procedure. Students also must be able to relate to patients and other people in the field. Using reasonable judgment when working in emergency surgical situations is required.

At the completion of the program, students will be able to accept the responsibility expected of the surgical technologist as a beginning staff employee in the operating room. Prior to graduation, students will sit for the National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists for qualification as a certified surgical technologist (CST).

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge and skills of biological sciences in preparing and implementing operating room procedures.
• Identify and apply the concepts of medical ethics in relationship to the patient, physician and health facility.
• Recognize and apply the knowledge of legal implications of their actions as it relates to themselves, the physician and the medical facility.
• Identify and utilize surgical instruments, equipment, sutures, dressings and medications in the operating room according to minimal established competencies.
• Comprehend surgical terminology utilized within the operating room environment.
• Apply the concepts of social sciences in relating to patients, and other members of the health team.
• Identify professional inter-relatedness & inter-dependency of all segments of the health care delivery system.