This certificate is designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) campus. It ensures that the student has met the lower division General Education/Breadth requirements for all CSU and UC campuses.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ explain the values of a culture as expressed through its art or language.
✔ demonstrate effective expository and persuasive writing skills.
✔ develop a reasoned solution to a problem.
✔ evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology.
✔ evaluate the methods of inquiry and evidence used in the behavioral and social sciences.

The American River College (ARC) Honors Program is a community of students and faculty who are dedicated to the pursuit of intellectual and personal enrichment in a diverse and challenging academic environment. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better who have completed at least 15 units of approved Honors coursework earn a Certificate of Achievement noted on the transcript. A maximum of 6 units of Honors coursework may be transferred from other colleges. Some courses may need to be petitioned. A total of 12 units of degree-applicable coursework must be earned at ARC to meet residency requirements. Most courses in the certificate fulfill requirements for the ARC A.A., A.S., A.A.-T., A.S.-T. degrees, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), and the CSU General Education Certification Pattern. Check with an ARC counselor for exceptions. Completion of the certificate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or better allows students to take advantage of transfer agreements with highly selective colleges and universities through the Honors Transfer Council of California and to participate in the Transfer Alliance Program at UCLA. Honors students must meet with a counselor to ensure completion of ARC graduation and/or transfer requirements. In addition, Honors students should meet regularly with an Honors faculty advisor to ensure completion of the Honors certificate in a timely fashion.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ analyze the broad areas of human knowledge that contribute to purposeful and meaningful lives.
✔ incorporate argumentative reasoning and logic involved in the process of advanced problem-solving in an academic setting.
✔ investigate advanced methods of inquiry and analysis employed in a variety of disciplines.
✔ justify personal accomplishments as a highly motivated, self-directed individual in an advanced academic setting.
✔ demonstrate cultural competence in a diverse academic setting.

This certificate is designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) campus. Completion of this certificate ensures that the student has met the lower division General Education requirements for all CSU campuses.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ explain the values of a culture as expressed through its art or language.
✔ demonstrate effective expository and persuasive writing skills.
✔ develop a reasoned solution to a problem.
✔ evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology.
✔ evaluate the methods of inquiry and evidence used in the behavioral and social sciences.

The CRC Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Upon completion of the Medical Assisting program, students may take the CMA (AAMA) certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Highlights include:

🗸 According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Statistics, "Medical Assisting employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among some of the fastest growing occupations over the 2023–32 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training or experience, and certification."

🗸 Eligibility to become members of AAMA and CSMA

🗸 Preparation for national board exams; CRC students have exceeded national averages in the top 5 percent consistently for the past 20 years

🗸 Provides multiple skills for the entry-level health care professional

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

🗸 Enter the allied health workforce as a competent, entry-level Medical Assistant trained in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains of the occupation (PSLO #1).

🗸 Declare eligibility for the AAMA national certification examination with the goal of obtaining the CMA (AAMA) credential (PSLO #2).

Career Information

Clinical Medical Assistant; Administrative Medical Assistant

The Contact Lens Technician Program is an academic certificate that prepares students for occupations in visual technology services. The certificate includes online classroom instruction, in-person laboratory practice and an internship in a vision services or retail opticianry business where students will assess patients and provide contact lens fitting services. Skills that will be learned include contact lens fitting and adjustment, manufacturing of lenses and business concepts for optical services. This program is designed to be a full-time or part-time certificate that is 75% online. After successful completion of the curriculum, the student is eligible to take the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination and upon passing becomes a certified contact lens technician. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for registration as a Registered Contact Lens Dispenser with the California State Board of Optometry. In addition to normal student expenses (for textbooks, etc.), the contact lens technician program requires an expenditure of approximately $400.00 during the program for lab coat/uniforms, special supplies and transportation to internship sites. Applicants are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance before entering the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ analyze professional, ethical, legal, business and regulatory concepts to contact lens services, community projects, and professional activities.

✔ correlate health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to contact lens services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.

✔ prioritize critical thinking and self-assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, and professional growth.

✔ integrate knowledge of the practice of opticianry to the demonstration of optician related skills in customer service, business skills, contact lens manufacturing processes, and delivery of optician care services.

✔ synthesize knowledge necessary for successful completion of the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination and California State Board of Optometry’s Registration as a Contact Lens Dispenser (RCLD).

The Vocational Nursing Program at Sacramento City College is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Upon successful completion of the three-semester, 51-unit program, the student is eligible to apply for the National Licensing Examination to qualify as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete nursing courses with related clinical experiences. The program issues a certificate upon completion and prepares the graduate for employment. With completion of additional requirements, an Associate in Science Degree may be achieved. In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. They are also responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. All students must have a current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

The nursing program is a full-time rigorous course of study. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to 8-12 hours or less per week. Informational meetings are held several times each semester and provide prospective students with information on program prerequisites, enrollment process, and other facts about the program.

Recommended high school preparation: classes in biology, mathematics, and English.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ utilize the nursing process within organized health care systems to help patients with common illnesses meet their basic human needs through direct patient care services.

✔ provide individualized nursing measures to assist patients in need of rehabilitation, including lifestyle changes in the hospital, home, or in the community.

✔ apply established standards of care, critical thinking skills, and scientific knowledge when performing nursing functions or procedures.

✔ maintain therapeutic communication essential to the achievement of health related patient and/or organizational goals.

✔ demonstrate the ability to accurately report and document patient assessments, interventions, changes in patient status, and outcomes of care in the written and electronic medical record (EMR)

✔ act as a patient advocate and teacher in assisting patients and families to prevent illness and maintain their optimum level of functioning and health.

✔ organize care for a group of patients and participate in providing direction for personnel with less preparation or experiences in other than acute care settings.

✔ apply knowledge of cultural patterns, beliefs, and practices in providing culturally sensitive competent care.

✔ assume responsibility for his/her own professional development and function with accountability within the legal boundaries of LVN practice.

The 30-unit option provides the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) the opportunity to qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This option is available to LVNs entering the SCC Registered Nursing Program but does not meet the requirements for an associate degree in nursing.

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) who desire to complete the minimum number of units required to take the licensure examination may apply for this LVN to RN option. LVNs who select the “30 Unit” option method to satisfy the requirements for licensure as a registered nurse should consult with Student Personal Assistant or Program Director for an individual program consultation to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this option. Students who obtain licensure through this option may not be allowed to practice as an RN in any state but California. Admission to the program is by special application. Please refer to LVN to RN mobility program.

In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. They also are responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. All enrolled students must have a current health provider America Heart Association CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) card. The nursing program is a full-time rigorous course of study. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to 8-12 hours or less per week.

A 75% passing grade is mandatory in theory and clinical of each nursing course for progression in the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ integrate the nursing process with critical reasoning skills, in direct and indirect nursing care to meet the patient’s developmental and basic human needs.

✔ revise individualized nursing interventions to safely provide care to assist patients of all ages in need of preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative patient centered care.

✔ incorporate evidence-based practice, patient care standards, informatics, and critical thinking skills to enhance safety, quality improvement, and effectiveness in nursing care.

✔ generate therapeutic, respectful, and caring communication with patients and families, while promoting collegiality with peers and colleagues.

✔ formulate accurate and timely documentation and reporting of patient assessments, interventions, progress, and outcomes of care in the written and electronic medical record.

✔ design patient-centered teaching plans and assist patients and their families in developing self-advocacy skills necessary to maintain optimum levels of functioning and health.

✔ manage the nursing care for a group of patients, utilizing leadership skills, collaboration, teamwork, resource utilization, and supervision of team members consistent with their scope of practice.

✔ prioritize patient care needs, using critical thinking and time management skills, to organize and provide safe nursing care in a responsible and accountable manner.

✔ integrate ethical provisions, legal boundaries, and cultural competency in all areas of nursing practice.

✔ assess their own learning needs through reflective thinking and use resources to engage in continuous improvement in skills and knowledge

This program provides advanced instruction in fire scene investigation, case preparation, and courtroom presentation. Topics include reviewing fire scene photography, sketching, evidence collection, interviewing and interrogation, and extensive use of simulations for developing and presenting an arson case in court.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ demonstrate the proper procedure of qualifying as an expert witness in fire origin and cause
✔ structure interview questions with witnesses and suspects in accordance with federal and state law requirements
✔ identify common scene indicators of arson and apply it to a practical situation
✔ examine a fire scene to determine the appropriate evidence needed to support a criminal fire cause
✔ verify an arson corpus after examining a criminal fire scene

This program provides information on how to investigate, apprehend, and convict arsonists. It focuses heavily on legal case preparation. Topics include interviewing and interrogating suspects, search and seizure, warrants, courtroom demeanor, and working with the district attorney's office.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ differentiate among the three effects of an explosion.
✔ validate an arson corpus after examining a practical fire scene.
✔ appraise an explosion scene to determine if a criminal act has occurred.
✔ organize a fire investigation utilizing case reports, court exhibits, and testimony.
✔ differentiate between the U.S. Supreme Court's finding and California's Supreme Court's requirements in preparing a search warrant.
✔ recognize the elements necessary for the ignition and the sustained combustion of fuel and heat in a practical situation.
✔ describe the methodology and procedure required for a proper surveillance operation.

This program expands on specific topics encountered by the fire investigator. These topics include detailed information on motives of fire setters; conducting a post blast scene; the investigation of a fire death; the recognition, collection, and preservation of evidence; interviewing and interrogation of witnesses and suspects; and the effect of a building's construction on the spread of fire.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ differentiate between the six common motives associated with fire setters
✔ examine a fire scene appraising the different safety hazardous associated with an investigation
✔ compare a fire scene investigation versus a post blast scene investigation
✔ examine a fire scene to determine the appropriate evidence to support a fire cause
✔ compare factures associated with an interview and an interrogation
✔ appraise a fire death scene to determine if a criminal act has occurred
✔ organize their case investigations utilizing proper case reports, resources, and insurance information