The Diesel Equipment Technology Certificate of Achievement program offers both theoretical and hands-on training related to diesel equipment including diesel engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, drive trains, brake systems and suspension systems. All aspects of heavy-duty, agricultural, and transportation equipment and vehicle functions and repairs are covered. The program also prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. For students interested in an Associate degree, a Diesel major is available.

A student enrolling in the program should be mechanically inclined, have the desire and ability to work with his or her hands, enjoy working in a shop environment, and have the ability to provide clean health and DMV report prior to employment.

Technological advances and continued expansion of the Diesel Equipment industry have increased the demand for well-trained entry-level technicians both locally and state-wide. Students who complete the Diesel Equipment Technology certificate program should be able to find employment as advanced-level apprentice technicians.

Careers related to the maintenance and repair of diesel-powered or heavy-duty machinery and vehicles are plentiful in Sonoma County and the surrounding areas. Job titles are, Apprentice Mechanic, Journeyman Service Technician, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Fleet Mechanic. Job locations are varied throughout the region; construction companies, truck and bus shops, dealership shops, government fleet shops & independent repair shops are many of the over 500 employers in the area. An average of 15 to 20 job announcements for entry-level employees (current students) are announced annually in the classroom, and employers frequently visit the campus to advertise their needs.

The employment outlook is very good to excellent as the number of retirements is currently high and construction continues. As consumerism increases, thus will the need for technicians as trucks bring all of our consumed freight to Sonoma County. The specific need locally will easily equal our current enrollment.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate safe operation of hand tools, power tools and specialized diesel tools and equipment;
2. Identify major truck, construction and agricultural equipment components;
3. Diagnose major component failures and recommend repairs;
4. Perform typical major component repairs; and
5. Access and interpret Diesel service information and schematics both manually and on the computer.

Along the way toward completing the 2-year Diesel Technology certificate of achievement, students have the opportunity to earn Skills Certificates.

The Diesel Electrical/Electronics (T6) Skills Certificate trains students in the theory, design, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of heavy-duty electrical and electronic systems and prepares students to pass the T6 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Electrical/Electronics Systems Certification Exams.

Students who complete this certificate are prepared to enter the diesel trade as apprentice-level technicians specializing in electrical and electronics maintenance.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Students will be able to diagnose and repair starting, charging, chassis electrical systems and electronic engine controls.

Along the way toward completing the 2-year Diesel Technology certificate of achievement, students have the opportunity to earn Skills Certificates.

The Diesel Chassis (T4 and T5) Skills Certificate trains students in the theory, design, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of heavy-duty chassis, steering and brake systems and prepares students to pass the T4 and T5 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Brakes and Suspension and Steering Certifications Exams

Students who complete this certificate are prepared to enter the diesel trade as apprentice-level technicians specializing heavy-duty chassis, brakes and suspension.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Inspect, evaluate and repair steering, brakes, suspension and chassis electrical systems on heavy-duty trucks.

Along the way toward completing the 2-year Diesel Technology career certificate, students have the opportunity to earn Skills Certificates.

The Diesel and Heavy Duty Engine (T1 and T2) Certificate trains students in theory, design, operation, troubleshoot and overhaul of internal combustion engines and prepares students to pass the T1 and T2 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Engine Repair Certifications Exams.

Students who complete this certificate are prepared to enter the diesel trade as apprentice-level technicians specializing in engine repairs.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Diagnose and repair a heavy-duty diesel engine and modern diesel engine fuel system.

The Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement is a Year-to-Career program, accredited by the Dental Board of California. The program provides a comprehensive education in the health sciences and in clinical dental assisting as preparation to enter the field. Clinical experience is arranged in various dental offices in Sonoma County. Students do not receive wages during their clinical training period.

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Registered Dental Assisting Examination to become Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) in the State of California. Graduates receive a certificate in dental radiography, dental sealants, and 2 coronal polish certificates that are validated at the time of licensure as an RDA.

The increasing sophistication of dental treatment and infection control procedures is changing the role of the dental assistant. The position requires more technical knowledge and skill than ever before. Therefore, specialized training to the level of Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) is essential. Dental assisting requires both clinical and social skills. The RDA's primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, patient preparation, sterilization of instruments, operatory care, instrument exchange, preparation of materials, radiography and patient education. In addition to clinical responsibilities, those who prefer the business office can have administrative functions such as appointment control, records management and bookkeeping and insurance processing. The practicing dental assistant may be exposed to environmental hazards and infectious diseases including, but not limited to, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV (AIDS). Dental assistants are obliged to provide patient care with compassion and respect for human dignity and the rights of privacy and confidentiality of patients with infectious diseases.

The RDA can find employment in private dental practice, specialty dentistry, hospitals, clinics, and dental schools. Career mobility includes opportunities in dentistry, dental office management, dental public health education, product sales, promotion, and teaching. Employment opportunities for graduates of community college Dental Assisting Programs are excellent and licensed RDA's are in great demand. Students interested in advancing in the field may wish to pursue further studies to become dental hygienists.

Licensure Note:
The Dental Board of California (DBC) may deny licensure for crimes substantially related to the practice of dental assisting. This includes convictions involving sex crimes, drug crimes (including DUI), and crimes of violence. It is the responsibility of the student to present sufficient evidence of rehabilitation prior to licensure.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Graduates of the dental assisting program will be able to make ethical decisions, and demonstrate problem-solving abilities through independent and critical thinking; and
2. Graduates will be able to assist a dentist in all phases of diagnosis and treatment of patients, including restorative and cosmetic procedures, endodontic procedures, orthodontic, pediatric, and surgical procedures.

The Dance: Foundations Skills Certificate will give the student dancer an opportunity to present validation of their time, effort, and talent in dance. This certificate encompasses learning, performing and excelling at the choice of a dance genre.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate achievement in modern, jazz and ballet dance skills, in both the studio and production aspects of dance;
2. Display the skills and techniques necessary for employment as instructors, choreographers, and/or performers; and
3. Apply the craft and aesthetic qualities of dance orally, practically, and in writing.

The Dance: Choreography and Performance Skills Certificate will give the student dancer an opportunity to present validation of his or her time, effort, and talent in dance. The certificate encompasses teaching, performing, and the choice of a dance style.

Choreography and Performance are often the necessary foundation to succeed at higher levels of other dance styles. Dancers work on posture, placement, and general movement skills. These are performed at the barre, center floor and across the floor. Flexibility, strength, and balance are strived for in an environment requiring great discipline.

The student who receives the Dance: Choreography and Performance Skills Certificate will have a better opportunity to obtain employment at dance studios and recreational classes, or work as a choreographer with community or school plays.

More information about the Dance program can be found on the Dance page on the Athletics Department website.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate proficiency in dance form, in both the performance and production aspects of dance;
2. Display the skills and techniques necessary for employment as instructors, choreographers, and/or performers; and
3. Apply the craft and aesthetic qualities of dance orally, practically, and in writing.

The Cybersecurity: Network and Systems Security Administration Certificate of Achievement provides a course of study that prepares students to implement and administer a secure Information Technology (IT) environment. As a significant upgrade to the traditional IT Administrator role, it is foundational to further study in the cybersecurity field. This certificate focuses on the requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) to securely maintain Microsoft Systems and Cisco networks, including the ability to learn and manage other vendor platforms.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate ability to work as a team member in an information technology group which designs, evaluates, tests, installs and maintains corporate computer systems and networks.
2. Communicate clearly and professionally as an Information Technology (IT) professional, in written and verbal formats.
3. Apply basic knowledge of secure computer networks and systems in assisting individuals and organizations with IT services and solutions.

The Culinary Arts: Restaurant Management Certificate of Achievement program is designed to train individuals in all aspects of restaurant management. Successful students will be prepared to work in a variety of managerial roles in restaurants, hotels, catering companies and other similar food service businesses. Students will complete an internship at a local restaurant after successfully completing all coursework.

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. Employ proper restaurant operations procedures to ensure compliance with safety and sanitation regulations;
2. Use basic math skills to accomplish cash management, labor, and food and beverage costing;
3. Develop employee professionalism in a restaurant setting;
4. Implement industry-standard human resource practices conforming to federal and state wage and labor laws;
5. Employ industry standards relating to service, sales, and alcoholic beverage service;
6. Apply human resource principles to manage a restaurant staff; and
7. Employ the diversity of cultural influences and values related to a professional culinary environment.

The Culinary Arts: Restaurant Dining Room Service Skills Certificate program was created in response to the Sonoma County restaurant industry's pressing need for properly trained guest service staff. This certificate will provide short-term intensive training to equip students with skills including table service, banquet service, wine service, food and wine pairing, host/hostess duties, point of sale system, and maintenance of front house operations. This certificate can be completed in one 8-week block.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Demonstrate station organization, storage, menu comprehension, and sanitation principles as they apply to food and beverage operation;
2. Determine career options in dining room service;
3. Exercise appropriate dining room management and customer service techniques; and
4. Demonstrate the importance of local and seasonal produce in the professional food industry.