This single-course Skills Certificate is an introduction to criminal law, laws of arrest, search and seizure and basic law enforcement principles and practices. It fulfills the arrest component of the training mandated by California Penal Code Section 832 (PC 832) for employment as a peace officer. The course is certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and the State Standards and Training for Corrections Program (STC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Describe the role and responsibilities of a peace officer in the State of California;
2. Describe the role of arrest in the criminal justice system.

The Paramedic Certificate of Achievement program provides technical and practical knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the California Administrative Code to gain licensure as a paramedic by the California State Emergency Medical Services Authority. Students must be 18 years of age to enter the program and be a California Certified EMT (Title 22, Section 100157).

The paramedic functions as an extension of the emergency department physician. The paramedic is responsible for the assessment, treatment and stabilization of the sick or injured patient utilizing advanced life support equipment and techniques at the scene of the incident and en-route to the medical facility. Specific responsibilities include patient interviewing, physical examination, critical decision making, cardiac monitoring and interpretation, defibrillation, intravenous therapy, drug therapy, intervention in emotional crises and advanced airway management. Functional job analysis mandates a paramedic must be in good physical condition and able to lift, carry and balance objects in excess of 125 lbs. They must be able to receive and interpret oral and written communication in a timely manner.

Employment of Paramedics by the year 2010 is expected to be above the average growth for all occupations primarily because of the rapidly expanding aging population. Recent surveys show that there is more demand for EMT-Paramedics, who are usually placed as soon as they complete the required licensure because of their advanced training and experience.

For students interested in an Associate degree, Paramedic major is available.

Certification Note:
All public safety positions have legal requirements and background qualifications. Certain criminal violations may disqualify a candidate for licensure (refer to CA Health and Safety, Title 22, Section 100178.1).

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Complete the National Registry written exam;
2. Complete the National Registry Skills Exam; and
3. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent for employment as a licensed paramedic.

This certificate was modified to incorporate elements of the previously offered Parks and Recreation Management, Natural Resources Management and Watershed Management certificates.

The Natural Resources Certificate of Achievement is designed for individuals who wish to acquire specific skills and knowledge necessary for successful job performance for the natural resources technician.

The work of a natural resources technician supports and complements that of a professional forester, park manager and professional watershed manager. The principal duties of the technicians involve the work in open spaces, parks, rivers and forests. Typical work may include duties related to reforestation, range management, research and extension work, watershed restoration and park management work.

Population growth and the diverse natural resource base in California have created a demand for individuals trained in natural resource conservation. This program is designed to equip individuals with skills to make a positive impact on the sustainable use of natural resources.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Identify and discuss historical approaches to Natural Resource Management in the U.S.;
2. Develop and use vocabulary for the protection, cultivation and management of wildlands;
3. Discuss economic benefits to protecting healthy watershed characteristics including recreation opportunities, biological diversity, species richness and clean water;
4. Critically analyze and apply for research and extension work in the field of a watershed, park management, and forestry; and
5. Identify best management practices and strategies for managing land and recreational areas.

The Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Certificate of Achievement prepares students for work in physicians' offices, medical clinics, hospital outpatient clinics, health agencies, and educational institutions. Students completing the program will be eligible to sit for the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) exam. This program provides training in both administrative (front office) and clinical (back office) skills.

The duties of a medical assistant vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the physician's specialty. In small practices, medical assistants are usually generalists, handling both clerical (administrative) and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager or physician. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.

Medical assistants perform many clerical (administrative) duties. They answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, complete insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange hospital admissions and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping.

Clinical duties vary according to state law. They may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, explaining treatment procedures to clients, preparing clients for examinations, and assisting during examinations. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct clients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, prepare clients for x-rays, take EKG's, remove sutures and change dressings. Job titles include medical assistant, administrative assistant, clinical medical assistant, hospital unit secretary, insurance claims process, medical transcriptionist, or research assistant.

They may also arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.

Medical Assistants with both administrative and clinical skills are increasingly utilized because of their dual skills. The employment outlook is very good for Medical Assistants.

This program of study is also available as an Associate degree major option.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate ability to greet patients, answer telephones, schedule appointments, maintain and filing client medical records, complete insurance forms, arrange hospital admissions and laboratory services, handle billing, bookkeeping, and physician correspondence;
2. Demonstrate ability to perform clinical tasks such as taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, explaining treatment procedures to clients, preparing clients for examinations, and assisting during examinations;
3. Collect and prepare laboratory specimens and perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments;
4. Present in instructional manner information about medication and special diets;
5. Demonstrate ability to perform other clinical tasks such as preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician, authorizing drug refills as directed, telephoning prescriptions to a pharmacy, preparing clients for x-rays, taking EKG's, removing sutures and changing dressings; and
6. Arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.

The Mechatronics: Industrial Maintenance Technician Certificate of Achievement prepares individuals for employment as electro-mechanical maintenance technicians in high-tech manufacturing. Instruction is provided in the fundamentals of electronics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), rotating machinery, and applied mathematics.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Identify and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) program problems.
2. Operate and maintain AC/DC motors, generators, and controllers.
3. Understand safety codes and implement safety procedures applicable to usage of industrial equipment in an industrial working environment.
4. Test, adjust, and troubleshoot various complex electronic circuits.

The Mechatronics Technician major provides training in a multi-disciplinary field focusing on industrial automation. Topics include electricity, electronics, industrial motor controls, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, AC/DC drives, and manufacturing technologies.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Use computers to monitor and regulate processes and equipment, and to generate reports.
2. Analyze, construct, and test automated systems including electronic sensors, mechanical actuators, and computer control.
3. Demonstrate the ability to create Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and microcontroller programs and properly interface them to input and output devices.
4. Understand safety codes and implement safety procedures applicable to usage of industrial equipment in an industrial working environment.

The Mechatronics Fundamentals skills certificate prepares students for entry-level positions that involve the operation and maintenance of electro-mechanical computer-controlled systems commonly found in automated manufacturing environments. Systems-level analysis, assembly and troubleshooting techniques are stressed in the hands-on laboratory activities. Course topics include a microcontroller, industrial robotics and control of D/C motors using sensors and actuators

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Use a microcontroller to detect inputs from sensors.
2. Control LEDs, servo motors, speakers, and other devices in response to inputs and programming.
3. Demonstrate safety procedures when handling the robot.
4. Program a set of movements on the teach pendant.

This single-course Skills Certificate will identify the training necessary for law enforcement supervisors mandated by Peace Officer Standards and Training, a state regulatory agency. This course will address leadership styles, motivation, communication, problem solving and discipline issues.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate ethical leadership and supervision practices in a public safety environment;
2. Explain legal responsibility regarding proper implementation of policy and procedures.

The Law Enforcement Certificate of Achievement provides students with fundamental knowledge of the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on law enforcement agencies.

The courses required by the Certificate are courses that are also required for an AS-T degree in Public Safety. Students can complete the Certificate and start their careers while continuing to work towards an AS-T degree in Public Safety. Completion of the requirements in this certificate can also apply to the Corrections Certificate of Achievement and the Juvenile Justice Certificate of Achievement.

Job openings in the law enforcement field are excellent. Due to increased emphasis on law enforcement and homeland security, numerous positions have been developed. Many local, state and national departments are expanding their opportunities.

Employment may be found with a variety of state, local, and federal agencies. Law Enforcement jobs with the federal government typically require a 4-year degree. State and local agencies prefer, if not require, a 2-year degree. Students completing the requirements of The Law Enforcement Certificate.

For students interested in an Associate degree, an Administration of Justice major is available. Students may also wish to further their education in the law enforcement field by transferring to a four-year university to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Some of the requirements in this certificate also apply to the Corrections Certificate of Achievement.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of mission, goals and legal premises that govern the criminal justice system;
2. Use investigative skills to gather, analyze and assess information to recommend an outcome that is consistent with established laws and guidelines;
3. Observe and evaluate the actions and the behavior of offenders to formulate a course of action consistent with the laws, policies and practices that govern law enforcement; and,
4. Apply the principles of proper law enforcement techniques as they relate to the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime.

The Juvenile Justice Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work in entry-level positions in the field of juvenile justice.

The courses required by the Certificate are courses that are also required for an AS-T degree in Public Safety. Students can complete the Certificate and start their careers while continuing to work towards an AS-T degree in Public Safety. Completion of the requirements in this certificate can also apply to the Corrections Certificate of Achievement and the Law Enforcement Certificate of Achievement.

Occupations relevant to this professional certification include juvenile probation officers; juvenile correctional counselors/youth supervisors; youth group counselors; and police officers who work with domestic violence, youth, or family cases. This program can also provide a foundation for the field of juvenile probation, which usually requires a Bachelor's degree.

The rising incidence of youth e being processed as delinquent is creating an increased need for more professionals in the justice system. There is a strong labor market for those skilled in working with youth and families.

Certification Note:
Some public safety positions have legal requirements and background qualifications. Certain criminal violations may disqualify a candidate for certification. Contact the Public Safety Department for more information.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of mission, goals and legal premises that govern the criminal justice system;
2. Use investigative skills to gather, analyze and assess information to recommend an outcome that is consistent with established laws and guidelines;
3. Evaluate actions and behavior of offenders in a theoretical, cultural, and social context to formulate a course of action consistent with the goals of the juvenile justice system; and,
4. Demonstrate the skills required for the documentation and assessment of information obtained during interactions with and supervision of offenders.