Associate in Applied Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology (STEM)

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

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.

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.

Vascular Technology is an Allied Health profession in which practitioners perform diagnostic and monitoring procedures using sound waves. The vascular sonographer performs examinations at the request or direction of a physician. Through subjective sampling and/or recording, the vascular sonographer 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 various types of ultrasound imaging equipment require a highly skilled sonographer to obtain the imaging information or other data required. The vascular sonographer must obtain appropriate history, physical findings, and pertinent laboratory data to adapt the imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic information.

Learning Outcomes

• Perform high quality vascular tests on patients, while tailoring the examinations to bring out abnormalities present.
• Develop skill in performing indirect and direct vascular imaging and Doppler assessment in all areas of the body.
• 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 vascular diseases and disorders.
• Communicate effectively in a professional manner with physicians, patients, and members of the healthcare team.

The CAD Design and Drafting program prepares students with the skills necessary for drafting and design using both CAD drafting and solid modeling techniques. The course of study prepares students to work in a wide range of engineering disciplines, including engineering teams for large and small manufacturing firms, consulting engineering firms, testing, and research companies to gain employment as computer-aided drafters and engineering designers.

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 a balance of basic skills in math and communications, as well as a practical application of relevant computer-assisted drafting skills in several engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil and structural engineering; mechanical design in building systems; electrical and fluid power schematics; and fabrication/piping drafting.

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.

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.

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 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 Medical Assistant is an Allied Health professional who assists physicians and other health care providers in their offices or other medical settings. In accordance with respective state laws, they perform a broad range of administrative and clinical duties. In the Medical Assistant program at Spokane Community College, students learn about the administrative duties of scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, performing basic secretarial skills and medical transcription, handling telephone calls, writing correspondence, serving as a liaison between the physician and other individuals, and managing practice finances. The clinical phase of the program is taught through intense training and hands-on application. Students learn to perform clinical duties, including asepsis and infection control, taking patient histories and vital signs, first aid and CPR, preparing patients for procedures, assisting the physician with examinations and treatments, collecting and processing specimens, performing selected diagnostic tests, and preparing and administering medications as directed by the physician. In the 4th quarter the students will have a 198 hour unpaid clinical externship in a medical office working directly with providers.

Learning Outcomes

• The program goals are to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), and psychomotor (skills), and effective (behavior) learning domains. This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in medical ambulatory care settings.

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.