Associate in Applied Science - Arboriculture/Urban Forestry

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

Echocardiography is an Allied Health profession specifically concerning the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac and peripheral vascular disease. The technologist performs examinations at the request or direction of a physician. Through subjective sampling and/or recording, the technologist proceeds with the examination to create an easily definable foundation of data from which a correct anatomic and physiologic diagnosis may be established for each patient.

The primary role of the cardiovascular sonographer is to obtain recordings of ultrasound images of the heart and related structures for the physician to interpret. The various types of ultrasound equipment require a highly skilled operator to obtain the imaging information or other data required. The cardiovascular sonographer must obtain appropriate clinical history, cardiac-related physical findings, and pertinent laboratory data in order to adapt the imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiographic information.

Learning Outcomes

• Perform high quality noninvasive cardiovascular tests on patients, while tailoring the examinations to bring out abnormalities present. Develop skill in performing m-mode, two-dimensional and doppler echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance testing, ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring and pacemaker reprogramming and monitoring.
• Quantitate, subjectively evaluate and interpret data collected to assist the physician in arriving at a diagnosis.
• Develop clinical understanding of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of the major adult and pediatric cardiac diseases and deformities.
• Communicate effectively in a professional manner with physicians, patients and members of health teams.

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is 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 Criminal Justice curriculum is made up of courses and a carefully selected group of general education requirements designed to prepare each student for a career in the field of criminal justice. These courses prepare students with theory and practical skills in the areas of criminal law, investigations, interview, communications, human relations, and other criminal justice topics.

Students in this field are encouraged to seek academic counseling. Only a portion of this two-year AAS degree is transferable to four-year institutions. Students interested in four-year degrees should inquire at the college to which they plan to transfer for specific information.

Credits from the police academy training can apply toward meeting the course requirements of this program.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply their knowledge and skill toward successful completion of any criminal justice related job screening process.
• Apply their knowledge and skill toward successful completion of basic training in the criminal justice service industry.
• Apply their knowledge and skill to efficiently and effectively complete criminal justice field work.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 only in the first quarter. The one-year certificate requires completion of any three quarters of the Automotive Technology program and the four related classes identified in footnote 1. This flexible schedule also enables students to receive short-term certificates while pursuing their degree. Students must complete all courses with a 2.0 grade or better before advancing to subsequent quarters.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how an automotive heating, ventilation, and air-conditions system works.
• Discuss the refrigerants used and their impact on the environment.
• Explain airflow management and sensors and actuators used.
• Comprehend the refrigerant recycle importance and effects on the environment.
• Discuss engine constructions, energy and power of an engine.
• Discuss compression ratio, torque and horsepower.
• Discuss synthetic engine oils and their advantages.
• Discuss hybrids engine precautions.
• Learn theory and principles of computerized engine controls, automotive exhaust emissions, and fuel injection and ignition systems.
• Working knowledge of the brake system and component identification.
• Basic knowledge of the diagnostic process of the brak system.
• Working knowledge of the suspension system and component identification.
• Working knowledge of the alignment equipment and basic adjustments.
• Principles of late model automatic transmissions, transaxles and sub-assemblies.
• Operation of automotive manual transmissions and transaxles, differential, transfer case, drive line, and constant velocity joints.

Cosmetology is a diverse field that offers a variety of employment opportunities. SCC's Cosmetology program provides the education and training needed to successfully compete in today's job market. Upon successful completion of the 1,600-hour program, students are prepared to take the Washington State Examination of Cosmetology. After passing this exam, they will be qualified to receive a license for Cosmetology.

This program includes hair cutting, trimming of facial hair, hair styling, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, tinting and bleaching, and temporary superfluous hair removal; artificial hair; manicuring and pedicuring of natural nails; basic skincare and theory of diseases and disorders of the scalp, skin, hair, and nails; and anatomy as it relates to cosmetology. In addition, safety and sanitation measures are stressed throughout the program. Students also must complete a first aid class. Students will be given review testing and simulated performance evaluations in preparation for the state licensing examination.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate and formulate entry level haircutting techniques.
• Demonstrate and formulate entry level hair color techniques and practices.
• Demonstrate basic manicuring.
• Demonstrate basic skin care.
• Demonstrate and formulate entry level chemical texturizing services.
• Work with minimum supervision in a salon.
• Recognize the importance of, and practice good public relations with customers, employers, and fellow employees.
• Skillfully use tools and equipment safely and in a sanitary manner.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the state required practical examination for licensure.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the state required written examination for licensure.

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.