Associate in Applied Science - Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

The objective of this program is to permit the student maximum flexibility in designing a two-year program of study in business. The student may specialize in a particular area of business such as marketing, management, project management or entrepreneurship; or select courses that provide a general exposure to several areas of business.

The AAS in Business curriculum serves the student by offering modalities for most every course within the degree path for student convenience.

All students graduating from this program must have a minimum grade of 2.0 on each of the Management, Accounting, Economics, and Business required courses. Students must also have a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average on all required courses in the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the nature of operations, ownership, marketing, business environmental factors, ethics, human resources, finances, regulations, research methodology, and decision-making processes of business.
• Understand realistic mathematical problems relating to the various segments of today's business world.
• Use desk-top calculators efficiently and demonstrate computer user skills including Internet applications.
• Understand the theory of occupation behavior, the basis of human motivation, cultural diversity, organizational structure, and the leader/manager's role in developing a sound behavioral climate in the business organization.
• Communicate effectively--verbal and written--in order to function in the world of work.
• Emphasize skills in one or more areas of business as well as possess "generalist" skills.
• Participate in a supervised volunteer community service experience.
• Understand international business concepts.

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 Water Science program is designed to prepare students for employment in water resources, including water and wastewater operations, hydrology, and water quality for local, state and federal agencies, and private industry.

Learning Outcomes

• Install, operate and maintain instruments used in stream gaging and discharge measurement.
• Collect samples, complete field surveys, analyze, and report water quality parameters in the field and laboratory using standard chemical, biological, physical, and field survey techniques commonly utilized in water resource studies.
• Collect, recognize and identify aquatic organisms from invertebrate insects to fish species, relating what is found to the habitat and aquatic ecosystem conditions.
• Install, operate, and maintain instruments used in collecting hydro-meteorological measurements.
• Set up monitoring plans and schedules to collect, measure, analyze and report ground water levels and water quality parameters.
• Be familiar with restoration practices used to improve fish habitat and water quality, including techniques to stabilize slopes, recover degraded lakes and stream courses.
• Utilize, interpret and analyze maps and aerial photographs in the characterization and management of water resources, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
• Operate a hand compass, level, global positioning systems (GPS) and electronic instruments in determining slopes, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
• Work safely in a variety of adverse conditions and environments, including obtaining 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification according to the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120.
• Have knowledge and understanding of Federal and State laws that pertain to water and the aquatic environment including a good working knowledge of water rights laws.
• Use the computer as a tool for solving water resources problems.
• Record, report, analyze and store data gathered according to established protocol.
• Write technical reports and give presentations.
• Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.

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.

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.

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 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.

Mechanical Engineering Technology prepares students for advanced mechanical drafting and design using both CAD drafting and Solid Modeling techniques.  The course of study prepares students to work in engineering teams for large and small manufacturing firms, consulting engineering firms, testing, and research companies.

Students learn the design and manufacturing processes required for a product to be developed from the initial concept to final production.  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 design and assembly techniques as well as shop practice techniques and shop safety.  The course of study includes advanced disciplines of engineering technology such as math, physics, electrical theory, manufacturing, project management, and/or optional studies as available in statics, the strength of materials, chemistry, etc.

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.
• Create, track, and maintain an engineering design project from inception through scheduling, drafting, prototyping, costing, and documentation.

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.

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.