Associate in Applied Science - Customer Service Representative

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

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 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.

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 Arboriculture program provides a study of ornamental trees; from selection and installation to irrigation, fertilization, pruning and care. Students learn how to identify, assess, diagnose and treat tree problems, as well as learn how to use the advanced arboriculture equipment and techniques. At the successful completion of the second year, passing all required coursework, the student will receive the associate in applied sciences degree.

The following is a typical student schedule. Individual student schedules may differ slightly depending on course availability. Courses may only be offered in the quarter indicated.  Outlined curriculum assumes students begin the program fall quarter and continue winter and spring quarters, with summer quarter off.  It is recommended that students work closely with the program advisor when planning classes.

Learning Outcomes
 Apply planting and maintenance practices to lawns, trees and shrubs during the course of a year.

• Apply concepts of landscape design, construction, and installation of residential and small commercial projects.
• Understand and apply the concepts of residential irrigation.
• Diagnose causes of plant problems (i.e. insect, disease, and abiotic problems) and suggest appropriate remedies.
• Understand and apply the principles of weed science to landscape weed management.
• Understand and apply the principles of business management and human relations to agribusiness management.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Architectural Technology program prepares students to become CAD drafters for the building design industry. Students focus on gaining proficiency with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), 3–D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications utilizing principles of design, the design process, building codes and building materials as they relate to building projects. This program prepares the drafter to translate ideas, rough sketches, specifications, calculations and existing drawings into drawings used within each phase of the design and construction process.

The first year consists of developing residential building design drawings and documents used by architects and building design engineers. Students use the most commonly used software utilized in the building design industry to gain proficiency in 2–D and 3–D Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). In addition, the first year consists of manual drafting, orthographic projections, freehand sketching, presentation graphics (isometric and perspective pictorial drawing), light construction principles (materials and methods), use of drafting expressions, international residential codes and sustainability issues. Emphasis is placed on architectural construction documents, which include site plans, floor plans, roof plans, footing and foundation plans, framing plans, exterior elevations, building and wall sections, window and door schedules, stair design, interior elevations, details and plumbing, HVAC, electrical and lighting plans. Graphic representation using computer software is used in the production of documents of the common phrases of architectural design including programming, schematic design, design development and construction documents. Utilization of the above is finalized in the development of residential working drawings.

The second year consists of developing architectural working drawings using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) related to commercial building design. Class projects will be developed from a preliminary design utilizing drafting techniques, standards and practices of the profession, including office procedure knowledge, use of building materials; structural framing systems as used in the building industry and study of the International Building Code.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand fundamental architectural drafting concepts and methods.
• Describe and identify residential construction materials and methods of assembly.
• Demonstrate competencies in the development and output of residential construction documents.
• Investigate relevant components of the International Residential Code and apply.
• Distinguish the sequential steps of the design process and project delivery methods.
• Demonstrate competencies in the development and output of commercial construction documents.
• Recognize and classify commercial construction materials, structural systems and methods of assembly.
• Explore sustainable design systems and methods and determine possible integrations with architectural design concepts.

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.