PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROGRAMS
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
Barbering
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
Early Childhood Care & Education
Horticulture
For up-to-date program offerings, please refer to the Albany Technical College website at www.albanytech.edu/areas-of-study
Albany Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate of Applied Science Degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Albany Technical College.
DEGREE
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE
ABUSE COUNSELING
The Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling degree program provides students with the educational coursework to become an addiction counselor. Students are prepared to provide group counseling, case management, and career advice to substance abusers and their families. The program offers training in drug, alcohol, crisis intervention, and courses in psychology and communication.
The combination of treatment and support to help people break out of the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction is an important and meaningful career choice structured through rehabilitation programs throughout every state. Assisting a client to overcome a substance abuse situation and seeing those mental and emotional breakthroughs is at the heart of good counseling.
Some of the activities that may be associated with Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling may include screening, assessment, assistance in treatment planning, referral, service coordination, individual counseling, group counseling, family and community education, and documentation.
Addiction may not be limited to alcohol and drugs. Eating disorders and behavioral problems like gambling addiction could be areas of focus. Counselors work with those who struggle with addiction, listen to their problems, and often use methods that they have learned to assist people toward recovery.
The job requires a large amount of patience and compassion. Good listening skills are critical. Being able to communicate, putting people at ease, and creating trust as recommendations of the proper treatment plan are discussed. Counseling can be a challenging and rewarding job.
EMPLOYMENT
Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling graduates will have the ability to work in various positions related to human services such as rehabilitation and social work. Many work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service agencies, and state and local governments. They generally work full time, and some work nights and weekends.
DIPLOMA
BARBERING
Providing hair care services to the client to enhance their appearance is a challenging, creative, and rewarding career choice. A barber’s job includes shampooing, trimming, cutting, and styling hair. Some barbers will offer scalp treatments, fit hairpieces, and provide shaving for their clients. Barbering is a guaranteed recession-proof business because, after all, hair never stops growing.
The job offers flex hours, and it is a trade that can have opportunities to open your own business if that is what you prefer. Some graduates choose to rent a chair in an established business and use that time to build up a client base. Others work as mobile barbers, going out to meet their clients on location.
Some people opt to rent a chair in a salon and build up their client base, choose to work as a mobile barber or open up their own barbershop.
Barbers meet and interact with people from all walks of life, complete with exciting stories to tell. As a barber, you meet people every day, which is perfect if you love people. Playing a part in making people look their best usually comes with happiness and positive reactions from clients. There is an added benefit to being a barber too, and that is the confidence created in the men who are clients. Good barbers will see the business grow.
This profession is not location specific. Work can be found anywhere in the world. There is always a demand for good barbers. Obtaining your diploma at Albany Technical College means that you will receive training in safety, sanitation, hair treatment and manipulations, haircutting techniques, shaving, skincare, reception, sales, and management.
The curriculum meets the state licensing requirements of the Georgia State Board of Barbering. The program graduate receives a Barbering diploma and is employable as a barber, salon/shop manager, or salon/shop owner.
Currently, all barber licensing in Georgia falls under the Georgia Board of Barbers. Georgia barber licenses must be renewed every two years on or before the license expiration date. Georgia Barber License Requires: Master Barber – 1500 Hours OR 3000 Hours Apprenticeship (18+ Months), Barber Instructor – Barber License + 750 Hours
JOB OUTLOOK
Barbering as an industry is growing. Overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2030. About 85,300 openings for barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirees.
Barbering
DIPLOMA
Cosmetology
CERTIFICATES
Cosmetology Instructor Training
EstheticIan
Nail Technician
COSMETOLOGY
Cosmetologists offer a wide range of beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling of hair. In addition, the Cosmetology program trains individuals to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces.
The Cosmetology program emphasizes specialized training in safety, sanitation, state laws, rules, and regulations, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, skin, hair, and nail diseases and disorders, hair treatments and manipulations, hair shaping, hair styling, artificial hair, braiding/intertwining hair, chemical reformation and application, skin and nail care, hair coloring, hair lightening, reception, sales, management, math, reading, writing, interpersonal relations development, computer skills, employability skills, and work ethics.
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A COSMETOLOGIST
All states require hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates are required to graduate from a state-approved cosmetology program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
The curriculum meets state licensing requirements of the State Board of Cosmetology. Program graduates are employable as a cosmetology salesperson, cosmetologist, salon manager, or a salon owner. We admit both Ability to Benefit (ATB) and High School Dual Enrollment students.
ESTHETICIAN
Estheticians are trained to help maintain healthy skin and are not medical healthcare providers. They perform cosmetic skin treatments. Estheticians, also called skin care therapists, perform facials, superficial chemical peels, body treatments, and waxing.
An esthetician attends an esthetics program and is licensed to provide the following: Specific skin condition treatments, custom skin care routine recommendations, skin mapping, facials, hair removal, exfoliation, and skin peels. They can also become certified to provide additional services like lash extensions or microdermabrasion in many states.
NAIL TECHNICIAN
Nail Technicians are beauty specialists whose occupation is to shape and style a person’s nails. Treatments include manicures and pedicures, as well as cleaning and filing nails and applying overlays or extensions. A student will be trained to clean, file, and groom fingernails and toenails. This may include trimming and removing cuticles, moisturizing the skin of the hands and feet, removing dead skin in both areas, and a light massage to improve circulation and relaxation.
Nail professionals can add on acrylic nails, gel coverings, or a silk strengthener. After these treatments, the nails can be polished, a French manicure can be added, or a decorative airbrush design applied. Technicians can also use small jewelry and decals to enhance the final look.
DEGREE
Culinary Arts
DIPLOMA
Culinary Arts
CERTIFICATES
Culinary Professional Assistant Food Production Worker
CULINARY ARTS
The Culinary Arts program is designed to teach students classical preparations and strong fundamental techniques for a rewarding career inside the kitchen. Students learn slice, dice, and chop in a professionally equipped kitchen. Baking, grilling, sautéing, pastry creation, garnishing, menu planning, and kitchen safety are also covered throughout the course of the program. Chef instructors will help train the senses, guiding students through an incredible range of tastes and flavors, from herbs and condiments to vegetables and meats. Students will evolve through the development of culinary techniques such as knife skills, dry and moist heat cooking methods, sauce making, restaurant service simulations, pastry and baking and more.
Chefs, head cooks, and food preparation and serving supervisors hire, train, and supervise staff, prepare cost estimates for food and supplies, set work schedules, order supplies, and ensure that the food service establishment runs efficiently and profitably. Additionally, these workers ensure that sanitation and safety standards are observed and comply with local regulations. Fresh food must be stored and cooked properly, work surfaces and dishes clean and sanitary, and staff and customers safe from illness or injury to avoid being closed by the health department or law enforcement.
Graduates who are current practitioners will benefit through enhancement of career potential. Entry-level graduates will be prepared to pursue diverse opportunities in the culinary field as cooks, bakers, or caterers/ culinary managers
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A CHEF OR HEAD COOK
Most chefs and head cooks learn their skills through work experience. Others receive training at a community college, technical school, culinary arts school, or 4-year college. Some learn through apprenticeship programs.
Paraprofessional Program Administration
Exceptionalities DEGREE SPECIALIZATIONS
DIPLOMA
Early Childhood Care and Education
CERTIFICATES
Child Development Specialist
Infant/Toddler Child Care Specialist
Early Childhood Care and Education
Basic Certificate
EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE & EDUCATION
The Early Childhood Education Care and Education program prepares you for a rewarding career teaching children in the preschool age. Early childhood educators are responsible for caring for and educating young children. The areas of study within this career focus on both the cognitive and social development which includes various activities that engage a students abilities to flourish.
Diploma graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers and Head Start programs. Degree graduates have qualifications to be employed in Georgia Pre-K programs and elementary school paraprofessional positions.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATION CENTER
Albany Technical College has an on-campus Child Development Demonstration Center where childcare services are provided from infants to pre-k. Early Childhood Care and Education students are able to work one-on-one in a fully accredited daycare setting throughout the course of the program. The integral goal of our Demonstration Center is to provide a setting for Early Childhood Care and Education students to gain and demonstrate their knowledge obtained from the course competencies, so that they will be efficient as educators. The Child Development Demonstration Center is dedicated to addressing the emerging individual physical, social, cultural, cognitive, literacy and developmental needs of children in an all-encompassing and supportive environment guided by dedicated professionals and the aspiring in-service teachers they are training.
The Child Development Demonstration Center is licensed by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
General Horticulture
Landscape Management
Floral Management
DIPLOMA
SPECIALIZATIONS
General Horticulture
Landscape Management
Floral Management
CERTIFICATES
Floral Assistant
Garden Center Technician
Horticulture Pesticide Applicator
Landscape Design Technician
Landscape Specialist
Nursery/Greenhouse Technician
Sustainable Urban Agriculture Technician
HORTICULTURE
Environmental horticulturists provide solutions necessary to achieve aesthetically pleasing, functional, and environmentally sound outdoor spaces. They also design and manage private and public landscapes, such as golf courses, botanical gardens, and parks. In addition, they may develop the entrepreneurial skills necessary to successfully operate a nursery, garden center, tree care, landscape design, and build or landscape management firm. Three specializations are offered in the Horticulture program - General Horticulture, Landscape Management and Floral Management.
Graduates of the Horticulture program will find career opportunities in a multitude of fields in the green industry. Emerging demand for environmental solutions and green technologies will position our students for careers in a wide variety of areas including: landscape design and construction, sports turf management, retail and wholesale nursery and garden center management; golf course superintendence, arborists, plant propagation, landscape project management, landscape management, landscape estimating, green industry account management, irrigation design and water resource management, or landscape business management and entrepreneurship.
ADMISSIONS TESTING
ATC uses the Accuplacer-Next Generation exam for measuring proficiency in reading, writing and math. Applicants must achieve minimum admissions scores on the exam as specified in the program state standards or acceptable scores on a statistically validated test such as the SAT or ACT. Program-specific entrance scores are a minimum requirement, and higher scores may be required. Reasonable accommodations are made during testing for those who need them. (The examiner should be notified prior to testing.)
FINANCIAL AID
ATC offers several types of financial assistance to help qualified applicants pay for their education. Funds are available through the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study and the Georgia HOPE programs. Students may also receive assistance through the Job Training Partnership Act, operated by the Georgia Department of Labor, or the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Sufficient financial assistance is available to provide the opportunity for eligible students to attend college. Grant and scholarship programs operate on an award-year beginning in August and ending in July. Students must apply or re-apply each year to receive or continue to receive financial aid.
THE FOCUS
IS ON OUR STUDENTS
We measure our success by your success.
Albany Technical College (ATC) is a public two-year institution committed to providing higher education and life-long learning opportunities that promote self-sufficiency, economic development, and community growth and sustainability. ATC prepares students and graduates to meet dynamic and evolving workforce needs, utilizing industry-driven teaching and learning approaches including traditional, online, and customized business solutions. ATC offers over 200 certificate, diploma and associate degree programs designed to provide students with the most marketable skills for the fastest-growing fields and professions. We stand behind that promise by providing a warranty for all our graduates. Any graduate who does not meet the program standards will be re-educated at no cost to the graduate or to the employer.
Albany Tech is charged with providing education opportunities to the residents, businesses and industries within a seven-county service delivery area. These counties include Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Lee, Randolph and Terrell. Today, more than 3,000 full-time students are enrolled in credit programs per semester. Another 2,500 are enrolled part-time and in seminars, continuing education courses, teleconferences and customized business training. All of our graduates receive job placement services from our Career Services department. The result? Ninety-eight percent of our graduates are employed.
