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Career Studies -------------------------- Accounting Allied Health Prep. Amer. Sign Language Auto. Diagnostician Auto. Technician Corrections Early Childhood Dev. Engineering Horticulture Legal Assisting Microcomputer Applications Networking Paraprof. Counseling Phlebotomy Police Science Small Business Management Supervision Vocational Health Care

Accounting

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Purpose: This program is designed to prepare students to perform basic level accounting functions for a business or government agency. The certificate is also appropriate for students seeking credits required to retain or improve their job status.

Occupational Objectives: Accounting Technician, Full-Charge Bookkeeper, Junior Accountant, Accounting Assistant.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the College, entry into the Certificate program in Accounting requires proficiency in high school English and mathematics. All entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing, and reading to aid in placing students in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses.

Objectives:

• Provide students with an understanding of the mechanics and theory of accounting.

• Provide students with an understanding of the mechanics and theory of computerized techniques in accounting.

• Provide students with an understanding of the theory and application of income taxation.

• Provide students with a basic understanding of business concepts and principles.

Accounting Curriculum:

Program Requirements				Credits
ACC 211 & 212		Principles of Accounting I and II		7
ACC 215		Computerized Accounting		3
ENG 111		College Composition I		3
BUS 100		Introduction to Business		3
BUS 121		Business Mathematics I		3
		Total Minimum Credits		19

All Courses in this program can be used towards an AAS degree in Business Management.


Allied Health Preperation

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Purpose: This curriculum is designed to provide educational preparation for individuals who plan to apply to a health career program.

Occupational Objectives: Completion of this certificate will prepare individuals to further their education in a health career program.

Admission Requirements: 

Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED. Satisfactory completion of the College placement tests in basic math, writing, and reading. Completion of high school biology with lab, high school chemistry with lab, high school Algebra I or equivalents with "C" or higher.

Graduation from the Allied Health program does not guarantee admission into the GCC Associate in Applied Science Nursing program or the Certificate Program in Practical Nursing or other Health Career Programs

Objectives:

• Provide part-time students with certification for their educational efforts

• Provide a feeder path for the Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing or the Practical Nursing Certificate Program, the NVCC/GCC Dental Hygiene Program, or other Health Career Program.

Allied Health Preparation Curriculum:

Program Requirements			Credits
STD 100		Orientation	1
ENG 111		College Composition I	3
ENG 112		College Composition II	3
Elective		Humanities	3
NAS 161		Health Science I	4
NAS 162		Health Science II	4
PSY 230		Developmental Psychology	3
SOC 200		Principles of Sociology	3
Selective		Any one 3-credit course from the following list:  BUS 117, HLT 143, HLT 230, PHI 101, PHI 226, PHI 227, PSY 120, PSY 200, SCM 100, SOC 215, SOC 211, SOC 225, SOC 266, SOC 268, SPA 163, SPD 110	3
		Total Minimum Credits	27

Suggested Scheduling:

Fall				Spring
STD 100		1		ENG 112		3
ENG 111		3		Selective		3
PSY 230		3		SOC 200		3
NAS 161		4		NAS 162		4
Total Credits		11		HUM elect		3
				Total Credits		16

For graduation, students must demonstrate proficiency in specific computer competencies.  (Click here for more details.)


American Sign Language

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Note: The program description below reflects changes that have been made to the requirements for the Career Studies Certificate in American Sign Language since the printing of the 2001-2003 catalog.  Please contact Paula Gentry at pgentry@gcc.vccs.edu or (540) 891-3046 if you have questions. 

Purpose: This program prepares individuals to communicate proficiently in American Sign Language. The focus is on American Sign Language vocabulary, syntax, gesture pantomime, body language, and receptive skill.

Occupational Objectives: Preparation for state and national certifying examinations for positions as interpreters with schools, colleges, and universities; local, state and federal agencies as well as medical, legal, mental health, employment, and religious service providers. In addition, provides prerequisites for Interpreter Education Career Studies Certificate offered at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia.

Admission Requirements:In addition to general requirements for admission to the College, all entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing and reading to aid in placing students in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses. An understanding of the English language is important in developing ASL skills. It is recommended that students complete developmental work in English and reading as determined by a placement test before beginning ASL course work.

American Sign Language Curriculum:

Program Requirements				Credits
ASL 101		American Sign Language I		3
ASL 102		American Sign Language II		3
ASL 201		American Sign Language III		3
ASL 202		American Sign Language IV		3
ASL 125		History and Culture of the Deaf Community		3
		Total Minimum Credits		15

Suggested Sequence of Courses:  American Sign Language is taught in a four-semester sequence with each semester serving as a pre-requisite for the next: ASL 101, ASL 102, ASL 201, and ASL 202. ASL 125 may be taken any time after completing AS 101.

Automotive Diagnostician

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Purpose: The curriculum is designed to meet the need for trained automotive diagnosticians. The student will learn skills in the areas of automotive transmission, manual drive train, climate control, and engine performance. This certificate program provides knowledge and skills in four Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas of certification recognized by the automotive industry. The student must complete satisfactory work experience and pass the ASE certification examinations to receive the official ASE certification.

Occupational Objectives: Automotive diagnostician, state safety inspector, parts clerk, service writer, and service advisor technician.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the general college admissions requirements and meet proficiency requirements in English and math. Students with deficiencies must successfully complete appropriate developmental course work before they will be permitted to enroll in the program.

Automotive Diagnostician Curriculum :

Program Requirements				Credits
AUT 121		Automotive Fuel Systems I		4
AUT 122		Automotive Fuel Systems II		4
AUT 245		Automotive Electronics		4
AUT 236		Automotive Climate Control		4
AUT 141		Auto Power Trains I		4
AUT 142		Auto Power Trains II		4
		Total Minimum Credits		24

NOTE: Classes are held at the George Washington Carver Piedmont Technical Center, Culpeper, VA.

Automotive Technician

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Purpose: The curriculum is designed to meet the need for trained automotive technicians. The student will learn skills in the areas of engine repair, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical systems. This certificate program provides knowledge and skills in four Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas of certification, recognized by the automotive industry. The student must complete satisfactory work experience and pass the ASE certification examinations to receive the official ASE certification.

Occupational Objectives: Automotive technician, state safety inspector, parts clerk, service writer, and service advisor technician.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the general college admissions requirements and meet proficiency requirements in English and math. Students with deficiencies must successfully complete appropriate developmental course work before they will be permitted to enroll in the program.

Automotive Technician Curriculum:

Program Requirements				Credits
AUT 100		Introduction to Automotive Technology		2
AUT 266		Automotive Steering & Suspensions Systems		4
AUT 267		Automotive Braking Systems		4
AUT 241		Automotive Electrical I		4
AUT 111		Automotive Engines I		4
AUT 112		Automotive Engines II		4
		Total Minimum Credits		22

Note: Classes are held at the George Washington Carver Piedmont Technical Center, Culpeper, VA.

Corrections

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Purpose: This program is designed for students who are seeking entry level jobs in correctional occupations.

Occupational Objectives: Corrections Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Prison Security Officer, and other correctional related occupations.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to the College and are expected to possess proficiency in reading and writing skills as determined by the placement test. Students who are not proficient in English and mathematics will need to complete developmental studies course work.

Corrections Curriculum:

* Note: These courses may be applied to the Police Science Certificate and the Police Science Major, AAS Degree.

Early Childhood Development

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Purpose: The career studies certificate program in Early Childhood Development is designed to provide students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge related to the care, development and guidance of young children. The curriculum addresses the intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and creative growth of young children. Graduate will be prepared to seek entry-level employment in settings such as day care centers, nursery schools, playground programs, foster homes, hospital playrooms, family day care facilities, in-home care, and other facilities offering services for preschool children. This Career Studies Certificate is designed to be an introduction to the field of early childhood education.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the College, all entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing, and reading to aid in placing students in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses.

Early Childhood Education Curriculum:

Program Requirements				Credits
STD 101*		Orientation to Careers in Early Childhood and Elementary Education		1
CHD 120		Introduction to Early Childhood Education		3
CHD 125		Creative Activities for Children		3
CHD 205		Guiding the Behavior of Children		3
HLT 135		Child Health and Nutrition		3
PSY 235		Child Psychology		3
		Total Minimum Credits		16

*Note: STD 101 Orientation to Careers in Early Childhood and Elementary Education is the recommended STD course.

Suggested Sequence of Courses: The STD course and any required developmental reading coursework should be taken during the first semester of study. Students taking ENG 06 should also take either CHD 120 or PSY 235. Students taking Eng 04 may also take CHD 125.

Availability of Courses: The courses required for completion of the Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development are offered at various times throughout the academic year. Not all required courses are offered every semester. Not all courses are offered at all campus locations. Students interested in completing the Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development should make an appointment with the Early Childhood Development program coordinator to discuss the variety of options available for completing the required course work.

The Early Childhood Development Certificate: All courses in the Early Childhood Development Career Studies Certificate are required courses for 31-credit Certificate in Early Childhood Development offered at Germanna.

Scholarship Opportunities: The Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program, the TEACH VA program and federal financial aid programs can provide most of the funds necessary to complete the Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development. Contact the Early Childhood Development program coordinator for more information.

Engineering Technology

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Purpose: This program is designed for students who wish to study basic engineering principles; it prepares students for entry-level positions as engineering technicians and technical assistants to the professional engineer in many of the construction fields.

Occupational Objectives: Draftsman, CADD Operator, Technical Assistants, Surveying Assistants, Construction Field Assistants.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the College, all entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing, and reading to aid in placing students in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses. Students are urged to consult with counselors or faculty advisors in planning their programs.

Objectives: The objectives of this Career Studies Certificate are to:

• Provide guidance for professional practice standards in the engineering technician field.
• Expose students to instruction by experienced professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and computer programs in the engineering fields.
• Provide entry-level skills sets which can be applied in many engineering applications such as structural, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.
• Provide students with instruction and guidance, whether in-class or off-site visits by local, practicing industry professionals.
• Provide students with information about the availability to further their interest in engineering technology.

Engineering Technology Curriculum:

Program Requirements				Credits
ENG 111		College Composition I		3
MTH 104		Applied Technical Math II		3
DRF 161		Blueprint Reading I		2
DRF 201-202		Computer Aided Drafting and Design I-II		6
CIV 171		Surveying I		3
		Total Minimum Credits		17

Suggested Sequence of Courses:

Fall of 1 st Year: ENG 111, DRF 161, MTH 03 (if necessary)

Spring of 1 st Year: MTH 104, DRF 201

Fall of 2 nd Year: CIV 171, DRF 202

Horitculture

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Purpose: This program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in the field of horticulture, as well as provide further knowledge and advancement opportunities for those who are presently working in this field.  The program also provides scientifically-based knowledge to persons with a personal interest in horticulture.

Occupational Objectives:  Students completing this program will gain

• an understanding of the principles of horticulture

• an overview of plant anatomy and physiology

• the ability to identify basic woody and herbaceous plants

• an understanding of the environmental factors affecting plant growth skills that will enable them to control pests with minimum risk to the environment and themselves

Admission Requirements: Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to the College, including assessment and placement tests.  Students with deficiencies in reading and writing skills will be required to take developmental studies courses in those areas.

Articulation: Individuals successfully completing this Career Studies Certificate program may continue their studies to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Horticulture Technology at either Northern Virginia Community College or J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Horticulture Curriculum:

Suggested Sequence of Courses: HRT 110 serves as the pre-requisite for all other courses in this program.  HRT 127 serves as the pre-requisite for HRT 245 and HRT 246 unless students receive permission of the instructor to enroll in these courses without this pre-requisite.  Remaining courses in the program can be taken in any order as long as pre-requisites are met.

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of the part-time student who attends classes in the evenings.

Legal Assistant

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Note: The program description below reflects changes that have been made to the requirements for the Career Studies Certificate in Legal Assisting since the printing of the 2001-2003 catalog.  Please contact Paula Gentry at pgentry@gcc.vccs.edu or (540) 891-3046 if you have questions.

Purpose: This program is designed to prepare individuals for an entry-level position as a Legal Assistant. In addition, it is designed to enhance the professional qualifications of those persons already employed as Legal Secretaries.

Occupational Objectives: Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary (Continuing Education).

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admissions requirements established for the College, all entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing, and reading to aid in placing students in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses.

Objectives:

• Prepares a person to perform legal work, requiring knowledge of legal concepts, which is customarily performed by a lawyer.

• Prepares individuals for entry-level employment as a legal assistant.

• Enhances the professional qualifications and promotion potential of legal secretaries.

• Provides specialized educational opportunities for those individuals engaged in law-related activities.

Articulation: Individuals successfully completing this Career Studies Certificate program may continue their studies and earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Legal Assisting at either Northern Virginia Community College or J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Legal Assistant Curriculum:

Program Requirements				Credits
LGL 110		Introduction to Law and the Legal Assistant		3
Writing Requirement		ENG 111 or BUS 236*		3
LGL 125		Legal Research		3
LGL 126		Legal Writing		3
Elective		Any LGL course or ADJ 211		3
		Total Minimum Credits		15

 

*Note: Students intending to pursue an AAS degree should choose ENG 111.

Suggested Sequence of Courses: Students should begin with LGL 110.  The writing requirement should be completed before LGL 126.  The elective can be taken at any point after completion of LGL 110.

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of the part-time student who attends classes in the evenings.

Microcomputer Applications for Business

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Purpose: The Career Studies Certificate in Microcomputer Applications for Business is designed for those individuals who are recent high school graduates or for individuals currently in the labor force who are seeking entry-level jobs in the area of information systems.

Occupational Objectives: Information Systems Manager Trainee, Entry Level Programmer, Technician, Automation Specialist.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the College, all entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing, and reading to aid in placing students in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses.

Objectives: 

The objectives of the Career Studies Certificate option are to:

Provide minimal entry level skills for immediate job placement in the computer field.

Enhance qualifications for promotional opportunities.

Provide part-time students with certification for their educational efforts.

Provide a reward for minimum time commitments.

Provide a feeder path for the Associate in Applied Science degree in Information Systems Technology.

Enable students to evaluate their interest in the field of information systems.

Provide an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge of computer information processing.

Microcomputing Applications for Business:

All courses in this program also meet program requirements in the Information Systems Technology AAS degree.

*Note: Students who pass the Computer Competency Test may elect any IST course in place of IST 117.

Networking

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Purpose: The Career Studies Certificate in Networking is designed for those individuals who are recent high school graduates or individuals currently in the labor force who are seeking entry-level jobs in the area of networking. All courses taken under the certificate may be used toward the Associate in Applied Science in Information Systems Technology.

Occupational Objectives: Network Specialist, Network Technician, and Network Administrator.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established by the College, all entering students will be required to take placement tests in math, writing, and reading to aid in placing students in the appropriate courses. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in developmental studies courses. Students are urged to consult with counselors or faculty advisors in planning their programs.

Objectives: The objectives of the Career Studies Certificate option are to:

• Provide minimal entry-level skills for immediate job replacement in the network field of computers.

• Enhance qualifications for promotional opportunities.

• Provide part-time students with certification for their educational efforts.

• Provide a reward for minimum time commitments.

• Provide a feeder path for the Associate in Applied Science degree in Information systems Technology.

• Enable students to evaluate their interest in the field of networking

Networking Curriculum:

All courses in this program also meet program requirements in the Information Systems Technology AAS degree.

* The credit Cisco networking courses ( TEL 150, 151, 250, 251) previously offered at GCC may be substituted for any of these courses by permission of advisor.

Paraprofessional Counseling

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Purpose: The Career Studies Certificate in Paraprofessional Counseling is designed to prepare students to work as mental health paraprofessionals. Students will receive a basic background in psychology and theories of counseling. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to pursue entry-level positions within the human services field or to continue their education. Graduate work and State licensing is required for the private practice of counseling, which is not within the scope of this program.

Occupational Objectives