Career Studies Certificate
Career Studies Certificate Program

Career Studies Certificate Programs    TOP

Award: Certificate in Career Studies

Length: Variable (9-29 hours) depending upon the identified need. Normally, program options are equivalent to approximately two semesters of full-time community college work. The program is designed for part-time students.

Purpose: The career studies certificate program is a response to the non-traditional short-term program educational needs of many adults in the College’s service area and is designed on a series of specialized program options. These options represent a wide variety of adult career and academic interest course areas. Each of the program options is a distinct “mini-curriculum” within a broader range of adult educational possibilities. Options within the program are intended to represent the minimum college course work considered representative of these fields of study.

Admission Requirements: Admission to the career studies certificate program is based upon the general requirements for admission to the College. Deficiencies in general education may require developmental studies. The student is expected to select one of the program options during admission and registration.

Program Requirements: The Career Studies Certificate curriculum includes selected specialized courses within each program option. The range of course credit varies between program options from 9 to 29 semester hours. Upon satisfactory completion of one of the program options, students receive the Career Studies Certificate. Students may earn more than one certificate as program option requirements are satisfied.

Program Conditions: Career Studies Program options will be developed and implemented as community needs are identified and institutional resources permit. Normally, courses which are associated with the various program options may be offered when all the following conditions are met: (1) justifiable student enrollment; (2) adequate facilities are available on or off campus; (3) qualified instructors are available, and (4) adequate financial resources are available.

Apprenticeship   TOP

This career studies certificate program is designed for apprentices who are currently employed or those who are in the process of completing an apprenticeship program. This program will enhance their technical skills for the workplace and provide a possible opportunity for advancement. This is a generic program that can be adapted to most apprenticeship trades.                

Total Minimum Credits for an Apprenticeship Career Studies Certificate—24.

*Note: Other course prefixes may be substituted to align with actual work experience (i.e. ELE, ETR, AIR, BLD, WEL etc). MAC 197 is for introductory OJT and MAC 297 is for the student who has previous experience in this area and will be capable of a more advanced work process. Work process will be developed around the competencies for selected apprenticeship trade.

Business Supervision  TOP

This career studies certificate program is designed to assist those persons presently employed in a supervisory capacity in increasing their technical skills. Also it will afford those persons who are interested in a supervisory position an opportunity to prepare themselves for such a position. Most courses in this certificate program are acceptable for credit in the AAS Management curriculum.

First Year

Second Year

Total Minimum Credits for a Business Supervision Career Studies Certificate—28

Child Development  TOP

This Career Studies Certificate Program is designed to meet the needs of students who want to prepare for a career in the child care field and for students who already work in a child care facility and want to improve their skills and knowledge.  The program offers both theoretical knowledge related to how children develop and practical knowledge about how to meet their developmental needs.

Total Minimum Credits for a Child Development Career Studies Certificate—12.

Computer Aided Drafting  TOP

This career studies certificate program is offered to meet the needs of two populations: (1)employed professionals requiring instruction in state-of-the-art CAD, (2)entering students intending to pursue the Engineering Technology curriculum, but who need foundation work in mathematics. A placement test demonstrating proficiency in Arithmetic or divisional approval is required for admission. Developmental mathematics course work prescribed by placement test scores should be completed while enrolled in this program.

First Year

Second Year

Total Minimum Credits for an Computer Aided Drafting Career Studies Certificate—29.

Computer Numerical Control  TOP

This career studies certificate program is designed to provide computer numerical control programming and operational skills for the experienced machinist in industry.

Total Minimum Credits for a Computer Numerical Control Career Studies Certificate—9.

Cosmetology Theory   TOP

This career studies certificate is designed to prepare students in cosmetology/barber theory and to satisfy apprenticeship related instructional requirements. The student needs to complete 3,000 hours of shop apprenticeship training to be eligible to take the Virginia Cosmetology / Barber State Board Examination leading to licensure as a cosmetologist/barber in the state of Virginia. Occupational objectives are to become a licensed hairdresser/barber with the option of being employed in beauty salons/barber shop or self-employed shop owners. This program is approved by the Virginia Cosmetology / Barber Board and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Interested students are requested to contact the Apprenticeship Office.

Total Minimum Credits for the Cosmetology Theory Career Studies Certificate—9.

Customer Service  TOP

This career studies certificate program is designed to provide a broad background in fundamental skills, business knowledge, and customer-focused studies. This certificate will provide beneficial academic preparations for individuals seeking entry-level positions in banking, insurance, telemarketing and retail sales. Current employees in positions that require customer contact will receive instruction designed to assist them in career advancement. Students will enhance their knowledge of fundamental concepts required for success in modern business cultures. The majority of courses in this certificate program are acceptable for credit in the AAS Management and Marketing curricula.

Total Minimum Credits for the Customer Service Career Studies Certificate—24.

Designing and Installing Network Systems  TOP

This career studies certificate program is designed to provide entry level skills for an individual to enter the networking field as a networking associate.  The management courses will aid the student in working in a "teamwork" environment to design, install, and maintain small networking systems within an organization, industry, or civic group.  The telecommunications management courses will also cover the skills necessary to challenge the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam. This program can be completed in one or more academic years.

Total Minimum Credits for Designing and Installing Network Systems Career Studies Certificate—26.
 

°	ITE 115 replaces IST 117 – Introduction to Microcomputer Software

Educational Interpreting  TOP

This career studies certificate program introduces American Sign Language. Students work toward proficiency in ASL and learn methods for using this language to interpret for the hearing impaired. Occupational opportunities include working as an interpreter in the public schools and/or private practice. The program is designed for part-time students who take classes at night. Students must attain the grade of “C” or better in each SCM course before enrolling in more advanced SCM courses.

Total Minimum Credits for Educational Interpreting Career Studies Certificate—9.

Emergency Medical Technician  TOP

Basic
This career studies certificate program is designed for persons who wish to become emergency medical technicians.  An internship will be required at a local hospital or rescue squad. Classes will be offered in the evening to accommodate those individuals who are employed full-time. This program is being offered in coordination with the Blue Ridge Emergency Medical Services.

Total Minimum Credits for a Career Studies Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician—Basic—10.

Intermediate
This career studies certificate program is designed to produce competent entry-level EMT Intermediates who can service the community with advanced life support care via the EMS infrastructure. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification in Virginia. Employment opportunities for EMT-Is are available with Ambulance, Fire and Rescue Services, Hospitals, Government Departments, Sales and Humanitarian relief organizations.

Award: Certificate in Career Studies

Length: 2 Semesters

Prerequisites: The following high school or equivalent courses: 3 years of English and 2 years of mathematics. Students with deficiencies on CVCC’s placement test will require developmental studies prior to being considered for program admission. Students must be 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED. Students must carry a current National Registry or VA EMT-Basic certification and a current AHA Health Care Provider CPR. Students may not have been convicted of any disqualifying crime as mandated by the Virginia Office of EMS. This program requires extensive walking, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and lifting. Lifting and carrying requirements: at least 125 pounds (56.8 kg); motor coordination is necessary. Further, extensive use of sight, hearing, and speech is required.

Program Requirements: Clinical and field experiences in health care facilities and with professional EMS crews are provided and field trips are used to supplement learning in selected areas. There may also be weekend obligations for some clinical requirements. The student will be expected to purchase uniforms and provide transportation to clinical and facilities and field trips at personal expense. Students admitted to the program must complete a health record form and obtain up-to-date immunizations. Students may be given a tuberculin screening skin test. The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly recommended. Students will be required to sign a liability waiver form prior to beginning the program.

Program Accreditation: The Emergency Medical Services program has documentation in progress for accreditation by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Total Minimum Credits for a Career Studies Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician—Intermediate—20.

General Clerical  TOP

This career studies certificate program is designed to prepare qualified clerical workers for full-time positions. This non-shorthand program requires a minimum of 24 credit hours. Proficiency in high school English and mathematics is required. The General Clerical program qualifies graduates for full-time employment after one academic year of study.

Total Minimum Credits for a General Clerical Career Studies Certificate—24.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning  TOP

This career studies certificate program is offered primarily in the evening and may be completed in a two-year period. The curriculum offers a series of HVAC courses which prepare individuals with entry level skills. Students interested in the HVAC program are strongly advised to consult with their advisor while planning a program of study and to continue doing so on a regular basis during that program of study.

Total Minimum Credits for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Career Studies Certificate—29

Hemodialysis Technology  TOP

This career studies certificate program prepares individuals with the theoretical/clinical skills to care for patients/clients being treated for acute/chronic renal diseases. Students will care for patients/clients undergoing dialysis and will maintain dialysis equipment. Graduates of this program may be eligible to take the Certification Examination for Nephrology Technicians following one year of work experience. Employment opportunities include hospitals, renal dialysis facilities and clinics. This program is being offered in coordination with Lynchburg Nephrology Dialysis, Inc.