Questions about JCC programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services itself. Comments or questions about the publication itself can be directed to the Marketing Department at 517.796.8416. Publisher: Editor: Writer: Graphic Design: Photography:
Fall 2012 • Volume 9 Issue 1
A publication of Jackson Community College
Cynthia S. Allen Dotty Karkheck Marilynn Fryer Ashley Banks Lisa Drake JCC Marketing Staff
JCC Board of Trustees:
Dr. Edward A. Mathein Chairman
Matthew R. Heins Trustee
John M. Crist Vice Chairman
Philip E. Hoffman Trustee
Sheila A. Patterson Secretary
Donna L. Lake Trustee
Samuel R. Barnes Treasurer
Dr. Daniel J. Phelan President
Career Choices is published twice a year. All rights reserved. No part of the material may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. It is the policy of Jackson Community College that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or handicap, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible for or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602-2504 (312) 236-0456 www.ncacihe.org
Jackson Community College 2111 Emmons Road • Jackson, MI 49201 www.jccmi.edu
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A taste of something new Culinary arts courses on the menu for Jackson and Lenawee counties
Pharmacy Technicians A vital link in today’s health care field What’s new at JCC
Explore the world around you with a career in Environmental Science
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Interview like an expert: Tips for acing the interview
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Alternative Energy degree offers opportunity for green jobs
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JCC career planning
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Filing for financial aid important for all students
Career programs @ JCC
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Get started in health care with new medical office support program
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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Asomething taste ofnew
Culinary arts courses on the menu for Jackson and Lenawee counties
by Marilynn Fryer Cook up a new career with Jackson Community College’s culinary arts and hospitality management program, now available in Jackson and Lenawee counties!
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Culinary arts professionals may work in restaurant, hospitality or institutional settings and often have a variety of responsibilities: • Supervising and coordinating the activities of food service workers or dining room employees, • planning menus, • preparing meals, • estimating daily or weekly needs, • ordering and maintaining inventories of supplies and equipment, and • keeping records of meals served. JCC’s program ladder allows students to start the program and attain skills and credentialing to put to work right away in the culinary and hospitality fields, and then continue their education toward a full associate degree. It also provides a foundation for continued culinary arts studies at a four-year college, the chef certification through the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as the NRAEF ManageFirst and the ServSafe National Certification. “Where else can you go and play with food, make it look good and be artistic, and have people enjoy it?” said Chef Corbett Day, instructor. “If you really want hands-on experience, this is definitely the program for you.” Lenawee student Jimmie Garland returned to JCC to after the factory where he worked closed. Garland has
always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, so he decided on culinary arts and hospitality management program. “I like to make people happy, and what better way to do it than with food?” Garland said. “The job opportunities are growing all the time. They employ so many people at so many different levels; I knew if I decided not to go for the full two years, I would still be able to get a job. Now I am planning to finish and get my associate degree.” Students practice their skills at several dinners prepared for community members and other special events. “Those are a lot of fun,” Garland said. “You get to know people in the program, who grow into friends. There’s a lot of group work.” Those going into food preparation need to have good basic math and communication skills, and must understand science, both for food preparation and safety issues. Career opportunities are good for both returning students looking for a second career or students right out of high school. “There are so many job opportunities now,” Day said. He shared that one student recently had six interviews in a day for positions in the mid-Michigan area. “I will compete with any of the culinary schools out there; we will offer you the same opportunities at a community college.”
Chelsey Boss recently
graduated with her associate degree in culinary arts and hospitality management and business administration, and now plans to open her own restaurant. “JCC was a great experience with very knowledgeable instructors. It’s really helped me to be more focused and determined with what I want to do,” Boss said. “I learned a lot more than I expected to and really got a lot out of it.” Boss said at first she was skeptical of her decision to attend a community college, but her experience soon changed her mind. Several friends who went off to fouryear schools have ended up coming back and going to JCC. ”I was really glad that I did make the right decision, staying close and with people that I know,” she said.
Chelsey Boss
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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Explore the world around you with a career in
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE by Marilynn Fryer
Environmental science offers opportunities as diverse as the planet itself, and a new program is taking root at Jackson Community College. Plans are for a new environmental science certificate program to begin in the fall, and a new associate degree in a year. Environmental scientists explore nature’s systems and how humans influence those systems. They may be involved in a variety of areas, such as soil conservation, water quality and
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treatment, agriculture, plant pathology, ecology, environmental engineering, biology and more. “Environmental science is one of the fastest growing science disciplines in the country,” said Professor Steven Albee-Scott, JCC’s Dr. Wilbur Dungy Endowed Faculty Chair for the Sciences. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 24 percent increase in jobs relating to environmental science over the next decade.
“It is the most rewarding science
most people can get into because it is always something new .”
To prepare for those jobs, students may choose to focus on a biotechnology emphasis, an ecology emphasis or a quantitative analysis or chemistry emphasis. Biotechnology applications may include agricultural or medical applications, ecological emphasis may include invasive plant species or pests, and a chemistry emphasis may be involved in water or soil testing. Students will have opportunities to pursue research in their areas of interest, and write about their research for possible publication. Albee-Scott encourages students in his classes come up with a project, develop a hypothesis, experiment and gather data, and write up their work. “One of my primary interests in teaching environmental science is teaching students how to use information to solve problems,” AlbeeScott said. “There are environmental Steven Albee-Scott problems they will need to evaluate and say, ‘What is the best way to solve this problem?’” Using the knowledge and abilities they develop, students will create a portfolio detailing the skills that they have acquired to show to potential employers. Their skills will be measured on three levels – basic, understanding the basic concepts; intermediate,
understanding content and processes; and mastery, synthesizing the first two levels. Students will also benefit from partnerships that will allow them to work with members of the community that are well-placed, for example the Department of Natural Resources and Consumers Energy. JCC will offer a 30-credit environmental science certificate that will prepare students for transfer to or enroll in four-year institutions as environmental science majors. An associate degree will prepare students for positions as technicians in a variety of areas, for example forestry technician, agricultural technician, conservation technician, environmental engineering technician, which can offer employment and experience to students who then want to further their education. “Further study is really recommended,” Albee-Scott said. “You work yourself into a job through an education.” Students considering a career in environmental science should possess good observational skills, be able to compare and contrast and think critically. Both are teachable skills students will practice throughout their education, Albee-Scott said. “It is the most rewarding science I think most people can get into because it is always something new,” he said. “It’s very much involved with the outdoors, which works well in Michigan.”
What is the goal?
Certificate in environmental science, 30 credits
What can you do?
Certificate will prepare you for positions as technicians in a variety of areas, assisting scientists and engineers with research; further study toward an associate degree and four-year degree recommended.
What is the job outlook?
Number of jobs relating to environmental science are expected to increase 24 percent over the coming years, faster than the average for all jobs.
How much does it pay?
Varies, between $35,000-$40,000 per year.
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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Alternative energy degree offers opportunity for green jobs
by Marilynn Fryer Interested in a job for the future? Consider Jackson Community College’s new alternative energy degree program. JCC offers an associate degree for students interested in the emerging field of alternative energy, also called green energy, renewable energy or clean energy. As the traditional “fossil fuels” that have powered our nation for decades become exhausted and Americans look to reduce their harmful greenhouse gas emissions, jobs in alternative energy are expected to increase. Students begin with a study of sustainability, broadly defined as the long-term ability of the human population to interact with the natural environment in a manner that allows both current and future generations’ access to a healthy environment. Renewable energy sources are becoming a larger part of U.S. energy generation, in particular wind and solar energy. Subsidies and
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incentives from federal, state and local governments are expected to create more growth. “Our program is very broad,” said instructor Tom Barnes. “It covers what I consider the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) Tom Barnes side, the solar thermal and geothermal energy, and the electrical side, with wind and solar.” JCC’s alternative energy degree will be a good fit for those interested in careers in these new fields, which are still in development, as well as current electricians or HVAC technicians looking to expand their knowledge and skill base. Some courses overlap with JCC’s current programs in electricity (electrician) and automotive. Barnes said the program has a strong electrical and electronic component, because every type of alternative energy has electricity associated with it. Courses and labs within the program provide students an opportunity to learn theory and skills required to design, install, operate and maintain alternative energy systems for both residential and small commercial applications. Specific topics include energy efficiency, photovoltaic (solar) systems, wind turbines, geothermal systems, solar thermal systems, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. It is
important for students interested in this field to be college-ready, with satisfactory English and math skills. The program does involve a lot of technical reading with terminology and vocabulary pertinent to the field. Mathematics and beginning algebra skills are also important. Typical job opportunities may be found with firms that produce parts, components, products, and/ or services, including installation and distribution of alternative energy systems. There are opportunities with local upstart companies involved with alternative energy, wind and solar being the biggest. Michael Finch recently became one of the first graduates to complete his associate degree in alternative energy. “I started at the college in electronic technology, Michael Finch then noticed that they had brought in that program and thought it sounded interesting, so I switched,” Finch said. “It’s all gone well. I especially liked learning about solar power, how simple it is to generate power from the sun.”
their own energy for their homes, to supplement or reduce what they have to buy. That is similar to what JCC is doing now, after installing and wiring a 10-kilowatt wind turbine at the Jackson central campus. The turbine is used for instructional purposes to teach students about wind energy, and it is generating a small amount of power for the campus.
Students may benefit personally by learning ways to create some of
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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Filing for financial aid
important for all students by Marilynn Fryer
If you are considering college, filing for financial aid is an important first step.
Financial aid is the commonly used term for money to help with college expenses. The U.S. Department of Education should be the first source to figure financial aid. Aid also comes from scholarships and grants from state governments, schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, religious groups and professional organizations. Financial assistance can be available in four forms: grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Grants and scholarships provide money that doesn’t have to be paid back. Work-study provides money you earn for work while in school. Loans are money that you borrow and pay back with interest. JCC’s financial aid director, Bryan Howard, answers some common questions about financial aid.
Q: WHO SHOULD FILE FOR FINANCIAL AID?
A: “I really think everybody should. It
takes 20-25 minutes to do the initial application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and the renewal applications are quicker than that. When determining what you may be eligible for, you don’t know until you file the form. There are also scholarships that use the need-based formula from the FAFSA.”
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Q: WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS REMEMBER Q: WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES ABOUT FILING FOR FINANCIAL AID?
A: “The first thing is making sure
students know that they need to re-file the FAFSA each year. Students don’t have to have their taxes done, they can use estimated numbers and then, once the taxes are completed, they can go back through and make corrections to the form. This help you make sure you get in for priority deadlines, and make sure you have time if you have any problems with the form that need to be fixed.”
Q: ARE THERE ANY CHANGES COMING TO THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS?
A: “They’ve made some improvements
over the past couple years to allow students to pull their data right from the IRS web site. So, if a family has their tax returns completed and accepted at the IRS, they can actually pull that information or link it back into their FAFSA, which makes the process more accurate and friendly.”
Q: WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES? A: “The College’s deadline is July 1 for
fall. The State of Michigan deadline is March 1. Again, the earlier you file, the better.”
WHEN FILING FOR FINANCIAL AID?
A: “Not answering all the questions and leaving some of the questions blank. I also think families tend to read too deeply into it or don’t really fill out what’s being asked. They tend to go into too much detail. What they ask for is what they want, and no more, no less.
“But usually the errors we find in verification are the numbers, a number is on the wrong line, or is transposed. That’s where that IRS data match really is going to help a lot of families, you can go in and pull that information directly over.”
Q: HOW CAN FAMILIES SAVE MONEY FOR COLLEGE?
A: “Saving money for college is
something that needs to happen much sooner in the process. We usually talk to students in middle and elementary schools about saving money, to gain the benefits of interest as opposed to when you have to borrow a loan and the repayment end of interest. 529s (education savings plans offered by a state, named after Section 529 of the IRS Code) are good savings plans.
There are pre-paid tuition plans at the state level that are really good. Every family is a little bit different, so it’s important to sit down and analyze what your budget is and how you can put money away. “You can adjust your budget at any point and start saving money.”
Q: ANYTHING ELSE THAT STUDENTS
SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FINANCIAL AID?
A: “I think scholarships get overlooked.
We try to talk to high school and incoming students and their families about scholarships and the fact that there are a lot of scholarships available. We want students to use caution when doing things online. National searches can be potentially dangerous if they are asking for personal Social Security numbers of bank accounts, or want a finder’s fee to help. Those are usually ones to stay away from. But there are many community organizations, the Jackson Community Foundation, JCC alone on our web site has lots of scholarships available. Again, you don’t know if you don’t try.”
File your FAFSA
www.fafsa.ed.gov
JCC Scholarships
www.jccmi.edu/ foundation/scholarships
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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Offering students another career opportunity in today’s fast-growing health care field, Jackson Community College now offers a new medical office support concentration that may be completed in as few as three semesters. This concentration in medical office support prepares students for jobs in a variety of health care settings, such as doctor or dental offices, health clinics, laboratory services, insurance companies and more. The program is a great option for individuals hoping to work in the medical field but who are not interested in the more clinical and invasive side of medicine, such as giving injections or drawing blood. It is also a great stepping-stone for those who want to work in the health care industry and hope to find a position while they continue their education. Kristin Spencer is the coordinator of JCC’s medical assistant program and created the new concentration to meet a need she has seen with students in her program. “We’ve had several students in the medical assistant program who are in their final classes before realizing that they are required to perform invasive procedures such as drawing blood and Kristin Spencer giving injections or having to assist with surgeries. We needed another option for those who want to have direct patient contact without having to perform procedures they may not be comfortable with,” Spencer said. “This concentration can also be added to any allied health or nursing program which will provide students with a wide range of health related skills.” Students completing this concentration will be ready to manage the daily office duties in a health care setting,
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such as checking in and checking out patients, answering telephones, pulling medical records, working with insurance paperwork, directing patients to the appropriate room and scheduling. They may take basic vital signs such as weight, temperature and blood pressure. Those considering this field should be friendly with good communication and customer service skills. They should be self-directed and able to multi-task, as office assistants will often juggle several responsibilities at the same time. Having a working knowledge of computers is also important, as scheduling, record-keeping and billing functions are maintained by computer. Many of the skills are common to any receptionist position. The concentration requires a minimum of 29 credits and includes classes in writing, customer service, computer technology, a variety of medical office support requirements, and some recommended electives. Students will receive training on the Electronic Health Record (EHR). The program ladders into JCC’s medical assistant or medical insurance coder-biller programs for those students who do want to continue their education. Employment of medical office support specialists is expected to increase almost 30 percent over the next several years. Wages vary greatly, from about $21,000 to $45,000 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
by Marilynn Fryer Looking for a fast-paced career in the health field with diverse opportunities? A career as a pharmacy technician may be just what the doctor ordered!
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service and perform administrative duties within a pharmacy setting. Demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by more than 30 percent in the next few years, with numerous job opportunities available. JCC’s pharmacy technician associate degree program prepares students for positions in either retail pharmacy stores or hospital students in medical terminology, health mathematics, interpersonal, written and oral communication, knowledge and accuracy in dispensing and control of drugs, and use of computers. Working under the supervision of a licensed
pharmacist, pharmacy technicians are often the first line of customer service in a retail pharmacy, receiving prescription requests from customer service, operating a cash register, inventory control, counting or pouring out medicines, or traveling to pick up or transport supplies. Working hours for pharmacy technicians will vary depending on the location, with most retail pharmacies having night and weekend hours. Hospital pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so technicians will work different shifts. Pharmacy technicians earn hourly wages, and average about $13-$15 per hour. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board credential to become certified in the field.
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What’s new@JCC North campus to open for fall Jackson Community College will open its new North Campus facility this fall semester, located off I-94 near the Elm Street exit in Jackson. The Jackson Community College Foundation purchased the former Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) building in January and has leased it to JCC. Construction crews are renovating the approximately 42,000-squarefoot building, to create a facility with more than 15 classrooms, as well as support spaces and offices. Renovations will be complete on the first seven classrooms and a learning studio by Aug. 27, the start of fall classes. The North Campus location right off I-94 provides ease in access for students, with plans to offer a variety of classes, as well as student support services, continuing education and business and industry support on site. Visit www.jccmi.edu to learn about JCC’s fall course offerings at the North Campus.
State expands dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder recently signed legislation making it easier for high school students to dual enroll in both high school and college courses at the same time. Public high school students in grades 11 or 12 who were eligible could dual enroll in college courses following the 1996 Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act. With the recent approval, Senate Bill 622, now Public Act 131 of 2012, makes it easier for non-public school students to dual enroll in college courses and expands the age limit for eligibility to dual enroll; now students in ninth or 10th grades, who meet eligibility requirements, may enroll in college courses. PA 132 makes the same reforms for students wishing to take career and technical college courses. PAs 133-134 enable the state treasurer to pay the postsecondary educational or career and technical preparation institution for the courses in which non-public school students dually enroll.
US-Brasil internship program offers opportunity for international experience
Members of the US-BRASIL Connect Internship Program.
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Jackson Community College students have the opportunity to experience a foreign country firsthand with the US-BRASIL Connect Internship Program. The program creates opportunities for U.S. community college students to work as interns with Brazilian high school students interested in technical fields, mentoring and coaching them in the English language. Selected students
By expanding dual enrollment opportunities, lawmakers hope to increase access to a college education, increasingly important in today’s world. Jackson Community College welcomes any eligible high school student with the motivation to excel to attend classes. High school students should meet with their high school counselor or principal, with the aid of a parent or guardian, to discuss possible dual enrollment opportunities and responsibilities. Visit the JCC web site at www.jccmi.edu/studentservices/ registration/ to learn more.
participate in a two credit hour online course to prepare them for travel to Brazil and gain the skills needed to serve as tutors to Brazilian high school students in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. JCC interns start as online tutors with Brazilian technology students, and in the summer travel to Brazil for a four-week internship experience. To learn more about applying for the program, visit www.jccmi.edu/ academics/brazil. To learn more about US-Brasil Connect, visit http://us-brazil.org/.
You searched the job listings, you polished your résumé, and now that day has come – the job interview! Doing your homework ahead of time can help you stand out from the crowd and ace your next interview! Check out the company or organization It is important before walking in for an interview to know something about the company. What do they make or do? Who are their customers? What areas do they serve? Where do they fit in, locally and globally? “This shows that you care about the company and what they do,” said Michelle Shields, JCC career coach/ employer liaison. Shields said she urges students to do a “drive-by” beforehand for logistical purposes such as the location of the business, parking options, estimated travel time and so on, so they are not rushed at interview time.
INTERVIEW like an expert:
Tips for acing the interview to land a job by Marilynn Fryer
Look the part Always dress professionally when going for a job interview. Again, a little homework into the workplace environment can help students know what is expected regarding appropriate business attire for the prospective job. Most of the time, applicants should expect to wear a suit for the job interview, though for some technology or trades jobs it may not be necessary. A good rule of thumb, though - it is better to be overdressed than too casual.
continued on next page
continued from previous page Professional appearance goes beyond one’s clothes. Multiple body piercings and tattoos can still be a detractor in an interview. Tone down or cover up for a first impression; let the focus be on you and what you can do for the employer. Also, do not go overboard with perfume and cologne. Moreover, leave the cell phone in the car – the interview is the most important thing going on.
Share what you have to offer In a job interview, you are telling the employer what you can do for them. So be prepared to tell what you bring to the job, what skills and abilities you offer, and be able to quantify that with examples. Are you an excellent multi-tasker? Describe a time when you handled multiple projects at once. Do you have strong customer service skills? Describe how you have handled an angry customer. It may seem uncomfortable to talk about yourself, but just be honest and explain what you have to offer and why you would like the job. Stay away
from negative talk, such as a past bad job experience or a bad boss. Answer questions simply and directly, and do not tell the interviewer everything about yourself. Manage your information and the employer will trust you to manage his or her information, too. It is OK to ask some questions. Research into the business should lead to some things you would want to know. A job interview is also the opportunity for you to decide if this is a job that you really want. However, Shields advises not asking about pay in a first interview. Do research online to see what the pay range is for the position and industry. If or when a job offer is presented, then discuss wages and negotiate based on research.
Handling tough questions Be prepared to answer a range of questions about your experience in your interview. A number of web sites and books offer sample interview questions.
JCC career planning To help better meet the needs of JCC students and the community, the College has launched a new Career Planning Center for students and alumni. Located in Justin Whiting Hall near the Corporate and Continuing Education office, the Career Planning Center will help connect students with internship and externship opportunities, job
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search and application strategies, and interface with employers in the community on their personnel needs. It will offer workshops and individual guidance on cover letter and resume writing, interviewing skills, portfolio preparation and more. Visit the JCC web site for more information, www.jccmi.edu, or call 517.796.8610.
Should a question come up that is inappropriate or illegal – like, do you have children – turn it around to answer in a professional manner. For example, Shields said, someone asking about children may really be asking if you have the time for a job and will be there each day. Being able to understand the real issues that employers may be trying to address can be helpful in knowing how to respond. Feel free to ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify the question. If you have questions, meeting with a career counselor or trusted friend beforehand can help. If an interviewer asks a question and you honestly do not know the answer, never say, “I don’t know.” Ask permission of the interviewer, and state that you would like the opportunity to research the subject and get back with them. If they are asking about a certain skill, you may say that you would look forward to an opportunity to learn more about it.
Nervous about the interview? Make it work for you! Say thank you Thank your interviewer when you are finished, and if the job is something you are interested in, be sure to let them know. Be courteous and polite and thank the interviewer afterward for the opportunity. “Be sure to tell them you want the job,” Shields said. “They will want to know if you’re truly interested. If you don’t, it’s a good bet that the next person interviewing for the job, will.” When you get home, be sure to send a thank you note or letter for the interview. If you interviewed with more than one person or a team, send a note to each individual. Remember to collect business cards so you have accurate information such as spelling for names and job titles.
A job interview can be a stressful situation. How stressful depends on the person. “We define stress as the brain’s perception, appraisal and response to a specific stimulus. If something causes an individual to feel uncomfortable, we refer to it as a stressor,” said Anthony Cleveland, associate professor of psychology at JCC. “How we respond is on a continuum, some mild, moderate, severe or profound. Are you slightly uncomfortable, or so uncomfortable it significantly impacts you?” For those with mild or moderate anxiety in a job interview, learning to channel the nervous energy toward doing one’s best is key. “Anxiety is not the enemy. It’s an adaptive experience which has helped our species to survive,” Cleveland said. “Similarly in a job interview, some anxiety can help you perform your best.” Funneling the nervous energy into something productive is important, said Michelle Shields, career coach/ employer liaison at JCC’s Career Planning Center. Practicing a mock interview with a friend or family member can help. “Nervousness is good, it means you are invested. It will help if you can turn that nervousness more toward selfconfidence and poise.” If you are one of the unfortunate people who have excessive anxiety, there are some ways to learn to cope with the problem better. Counselors and psychologists use a form of cognitive behavioral therapy – how the brain and its thinking affect behavior – to help restructure
negative thoughts. Working in the safety of a therapist’s office, they could start with relaxation techniques so the person recognizes when their body is relaxed versus tense. Then, the therapist slowly begins, in the safety of the office, to expose the individual to what is stressful to them while trying to maintain the relaxed state. The therapist also helps the individual to restructure negative thoughts to something more positive. Over a course of time, the individual learns to manage the stress they are feeling so they can improve in the actual situation. “The brain is responding to a stressful stimulus in a way that is maladaptive. We teach them to respond in a way that is more adaptive,” Anthony Cleveland Cleveland said. “Someone who has an anxiety problem and is completely incapacitated by a job interview, they know they have a problem, and the quality of their life is diminished. Emotions are hard to control – we focus on those things they can control, their thoughts and behaviors. They can learn new ways to think and to manage their anxiety level, so ultimately their quality of life is improved.” JCC offers counseling and support through free social work services to students, coordinated by the Center for Student Success. Students may contact the center at 796.8415 to set up an appointment, or in Lenawee or Hillsdale counties, contact the center office.
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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FIND YOUR FUTURE!
Looking for a career that’s the right fit for you? Students at JCC have the opportunity to meet with an academic advisor prior to registration to discuss career programs. Students may also meet with faculty advisors to discuss career opportunities in their disciplines. Information in these pages is subject to change without notice. Please check the current catalog for the most up-to-date information. 3D DESIgN AND ANImATION
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
3D Design and Animation - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Careers focusing on the visual and artistic side of modeling and animation. Students prepare for entrylevel positions in digital illustration, computer-generated (CG) film and video game design industry. Emphasis is on taking a concept and turning it into reality, then packaging the concept into a portfolio piece to help land a job. Career titles include animator, renderer, concept artist, character designer, art director, modeling supervisor, texture artist/ texture painter, production assistant, compositor, editor, and many more. Also gives you: Digital animation courses that can help other programs as well, such as graphic design and web design. Average Yearly Earnings: Range from $41,710 to $77,010 depending on experience and portfolio; earnings for selfemployed artists vary widely. Freelance work also available.
Alternative Energy - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career in the emerging field of alternative energy. Courses and labs provide students an opportunity to learn theory and skills required to design, install, operate and maintain alternative energy systems both for residential and small commercial applications. Specific topics include energy efficiency, photovoltaic (solar) systems, wind turbines, geothermal systems, solar thermal systems, bio-fuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. Also gives you: Credits that may be applied to another field of study. Average Yearly Earnings: Alternative energy is an emerging field and earnings vary.
ACADEMIC SKILLS JCC offers courses that enhance your opportunities for academic and workplace success, including courses in reading, writing, problem solving and study skills.
ACCOUNTING Accounting - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Jobs with duties assigned to a beginning or junior accountant, such as verifying additions, checking audits, postings, and vouchers, analyzing accounts, and preparing financial statements. Also gives you: Credits that transfer to select four-year accounting degree programs. See a JCC advisor. Average Yearly Earnings: Bookkeeping, auditing clerk, accounts receivable/accounts payable clerk, payroll clerk, billing clerk, inventory clerk – $26,350 to $40,130
CAREER
@JCC
PROGRAMS
Accounting - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level accounting positions with bookkeeping and related services, CPA firms, and small businesses, where you’ll provide accounting skills, computer competence and office support. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in accounting. Financial Services - Concentration Prepares you for: Work in the banking and the financial services industries. Job opportunities could include beginning positions with banks, trust offices, pension and retirement firms, personal financial planning groups and investment broker houses (clerk or customer service representative). Also gives you: Credits that may be used toward a JCC associate degree.
ASSOCIATE DEGREES Associate in Arts/Transfer (minimum of 60 credits) Prepares you for: A four-year college or university program where students may elect to major in such fields as art, business, education, English, music, psychology, social work and theatre. Also gives you: Two years of transferable credits/education. Associate in Science/Transfer (minimum of 60 credits) Prepares you for: A four-year college or university program where students may elect to major in such fields as engineering, medicine, or computer science, just to name a few. Also gives you: Two years of transferable credits/education.
ART Studio Art - Certificate Prepares you for: Start in the field of studio art with this new certificate program. Courses are taught by working artists. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward a JCC associate degree. JCC offers transferable courses in drawing, design, painting, art education, and art history.
Digital Photography - Certificate Prepares you for: Get the foundational skills to expand your photography portfolio and help develop skills needed to apply to a fine arts degree program or a career in the field. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward a JCC associate degree. JCC also offers transferable courses in drawing, design, painting and art history.
AUTOMOTIVE Automotive Collision Repair - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career as an automotive body repairer, often called collision repair technician. JCC utilizes the Inter-Industry Conference on Automotive Collision Repair (I-CAR) Enhanced Delivery Curriculum, an industry standard in the field. Average Yearly Earnings: $28,500 to $49,025 Automotive Collision Repair - Certificate Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Collision, Mechanical & Electrical Components Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Collision Repair Body Technician - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Collision Repair Non-Structural Technician - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Collision Repair Structural Body Technician - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Collision Repair Refinishing Technician - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Automotive Service - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Passing state and national exams to become a certified Master Automotive Technician; the exams cover brakes, suspension/steering, engine repair, manual transmissions/drive trains, automatic transmissions, engine performance, electrical systems, and air conditioning/ heating systems. JCC meets ASE/NATEF national standards in all eight areas of automotive repair - an important statement to employers.
Also gives you: Corporate-sponsored program through Ford. Our Ford corporate-sponsored connection is called MLR, the Ford Maintenance and Light Repair network. This opens the door for employment opportunities in the corporate setting. Average Yearly Earnings: $25,875 to $47,091 Automotive Service Technology - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level jobs in the field of automotive technology where you’ll work under the supervision of an experienced mechanic, or for career enhancement if you are already in the field. You’ll develop entry-level skills in brakes, steering/suspension, engine repair, manual transmissions/ drive trains, automatic transmissions, engine performance, electrical systems, and air conditioning/heating systems. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in automotive technology. Wheel Service - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Courses include brakes, steering and suspension, and co-op.
Driveability - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree.
Driveability - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Courses include engine performance 1 & 2, electrical systems 1 and 2, heating and air conditioning systems, and co-op.
High Speed Diesel Service - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree.
Ford Service - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Courses include engine repair, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical systems and more. Powertrain - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Courses include engine repair, automatic transmission, manual transmission and drivelines, and co-op. Undercar Services - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Courses include engine repair, automatic transmission, manual transmission and drivelines, and co-op. High Speed Diesel Service - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Courses include engine repair, automatic transmission, manual transmission and drivelines, and co-op. Hybrid Vehicles - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Courses include engine repair, electrical systems and hybrid technology. Maintenance and Light Repair - Concentration Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Air Conditioning & Heating - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree.
Hybrid Vehicles - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Maintenance & Light Repair - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Powertrain - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Wheel Service - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree. Undercar Service - Skill Set Prepares you for: A coordinated set of courses to enable students to quickly achieve their specific occupational goal. Also gives you: Coursework that may be applied toward an associate degree.
AVIATION Individual Certification (non-degree) Prepares you for: Certification in private pilot, commercial pilot, instrument rating, flight instructor and instrument flight instructor.
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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Aviation Technology - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: This program for pilots includes all simulator training, flight training and appropriate ground schooling to qualify you for private, commercial, multi-engine or flight instructor certification. Aviation - transfer Prepares you for: Start at JCC, then transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree. Also gives you: More flexibility for career options. Average Yearly Earnings: The wide salary range depends on airlines and job experiences, $30,000 to $129,580.
BIOlOGY Prepares you for: JCC offers individual courses for transfer in biology, botany, microbiology, human anatomy & physiology and zoology. These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in biology, preprofessional health programs (pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.), or biotechnology. See Associate in Science on page 16.
BUSINESS Business Administration - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Broad-based occupational opportunities in business. This program allows students to customize a program of study to meet specific employment needs. Also gives you: Credits to transfer to select four-year programs. See a JCC advisor. Average Yearly Earnings: Vary greatly depending on position and location. Wages of supervisors of retail sales workers vary from $27,520 to $46,450. Business Administration - Certificate Prepares you for: Develop your knowledge of all functional aspects of the business world and prepare for employment in fields that require skills in sales presentation, negotiation, customer service, display preparation, inventory analysis and basic market research. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree. Average Yearly Earnings: Advertising sales agents - $43,480 Retail management - $35,310 General manager, companies & enterprises - $85,980 Customer service representative - $28,329
Note: What you earn will depend on the industry, work setting and level of responsibility. The career planning database lists 230 job titles that begin with the word “manager,” and this doesn’t include the jobs that require management skills but do not have the words “manager” or “management” in their title. The same is true for supervisory positions - there are hundreds listed, covering every imaginable business, industry, and work environment. To explore all the titles that might fit you, make an appointment with an advisor. Management - Certificate Prepares you for: Will build on your natural ability to get along with people and help develop your leadership potential for management roles. Also gives you: Skills that can be applied in almost any industry. Marketing - Certificate Prepares you for: Positions in retail, sales and customer service. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree. Business - Transfer Prepares you for: Transfer degree program at a four-year college or university, where you’ll further develop your communication and interpersonal skills while developing a specialty in accounting, economics, finance, management, computer information systems or some other aspect of business. Administrative Assistant - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Expanded job opportunities in office settings where technical skills in computer usage, spreadsheet and database software packages, desktop publishing and telecommunications are important, and where increased responsibilities require time management, human relations and general office skills. Average Yearly Wages: Secretaries - $29,050 Executive secretaries and administrative assistants - $40,030 Microsoft® Office® Specialist - Concentration Prepares you for: Get a foundation in the programs and systems used in an automated office setting. Also gives you: Credits that may be building blocks to an existing JCC certificate or associate degree program.
CAREER EXPLORATION JCC offers individual courses in career planning. Students attending JCC have free access to career guidance advisors, databases and other materials.
CHEMISTRY Prepares you for: JCC offers individual courses in introductory, general, organic and inorganic chemistry. These courses can be the foundation for four-year college studies in pre-professional health (pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, prepharmacy, physical therapy) and professional chemistry. See Associate in Science on page 16.
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COMMUNICATIONS Prepares you for: JCC offers individual courses in the basic communication skills so highly sought after both in relationships and in business and industry. Employers are looking for people with the ability to express themselves clearly, to speak persuasively, to think on their feet and to work well with others. These are the skills developed in courses such as the fundamentals of speaking, interpersonal communications, argumentation and debate. Many transfer students also enroll in these classes.
COMPUTER NETWORKING Networking Specialist - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Computer networking positions within many businesses and organizations. Networking involves the hardware, software and communications channels that allow computers to talk to each other. Most organizations use computer networks and need networking specialists to maintain their networks. Also gives you: Coursework prepares students for industry standard exams from CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft and others. Average Yearly Earnings: Network Administrator - $52,340 to $91,850 Help Desk Workers - $26,850 to $70,750 Networking Specialist - Certificate Prepares you for: Networking involves the hardware, software and communication channels necessary to allow computers to talk to each other. Learn the various components of computer networking. Students who pass the related core exams will be CompTIA Network+ certified and recognized as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA). Students who pass the appropriate related elective exam can also achieve the premier certifications of Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and Certified Cisco Network Administrator (CCNA). Microsoft® Networking - Concentration Network+/Security+ - Concentration Prepares you for: Work as an information technology professional with knowledge of information security within computer networks. Well-trained workers are necessary to effectively combat hackers, attacks and security threats.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING Computer Programming Specialist - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Job opportunities may include applications programmer, computer operators, information systems manager, systems analyst, and programmer. Programmers write the detailed sets of instructions computers understand and act on. Also gives you: The opportunity to focus your program in a particular discipline by choosing from a list of elective courses covering visual basic, C++, Java. Also provides courses for transfer and learning that can be applied to four-year programs. Average Yearly Earnings: Computer Programmer - $53,720 to $67,790
Microcomputer Applications - Concentration Prepares you for: A variety of positions in an automated office setting. Also gives you: Credits that may be building blocks to the Microcomputer Applications Specialist degree or certificate. Microcomputer Applications - Skill Set Computer Service Technician (A+/Network+) - Skill Set
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/CORRECTIONS/ LAW ENFORCEMENT
Computer Programming Specialist - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level computer programmer positions working with a systems analyst in an applications environment to support information processing functions. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in computer programming.
COMPUTER SYSTEMS SUPPORT Microcomputer Applications Specialist - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Assume a variety of positions in an automated office setting. Career choices that include applications specialist, data processing manager, end-user support technician and information systems associate or software specialist. You will learn to generate all types of documents, worksheets, graphic and multimedia presentations. Also gives you: Knowledge and skills that may be beneficial to a number of career fields. Average Yearly Earnings: $26,120 to $55,990 Microcomputer Applications Specialist - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level positions that provide technical support, assistance, troubleshooting, training for end-users in word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphics software. Common job titles include user support specialist, customer service representative and software trainer. As the use of microcomputers extends to most workplaces, the demand is great for specialists who can assist non-technical users with the technology. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in microcomputer application specialist. Microsoft® Office® Specialist - Certificate Prepares you for: A variety of positions in an automated office setting, such as administrative assistant and administrative support personnel. The program recognizes the increasingly important role of the microcomputer in modern business and is designed to assist students in developing skills in the use of microcomputer applications for word/information processing, record keeping and database development. Also gives you: Industry-recognized standard for measuring an individual’s mastery of “Office” automation. Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in microcomputer applications.
Corrections - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Certification to work in correctional jobs in the State of Michigan. Corrections officers are charged with safekeeping any person who has been arrested, is awaiting trial or is in a correctional institution. Also gives you: Credits to transfer to select four-year degree programs. See a JCC advisor. Average Yearly Earnings: Corrections Officers and Jailers, $31,000 to $46,779 Corrections - Certificate Prepares you for: Taking the required exams for jobs in county- and state-level correctional facilities and for advancement within state correctional facilities. Also gives you: The first of what could be many career advancements. Corrections is an advancement-oriented field, as long as you’re successful on the job, willing to continue your education and able to pass the required exams. Corrections - Skill Set Prepares you for: Students have opportunity to pursue initial study in their area of interest. Skill set allows students to apply to the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). Also gives you: Credits that may applied toward an associate degree. Law Enforcement - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career as a police officer in a city or county government agency. Police officers function to keep the peace, protect life and property, detect and prevent crime, and maintain public order through the application of the law. Average Yearly Earnings: Police officer - $49,452; Detectives - $55,952 Law Enforcement - Certificate Prepares you for: A career in law enforcement. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in law enforcement. Criminal Justice - General Transfer Prepares you for: A four-year college or university program where students may earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and work at occupations such as local, state and federal law enforcement officers, parole and probation officers, juvenile counselors and prison administrators. Also gives you: Two years of transferable credits/education. See Associate in Arts on page 16.
CULINARY ARTS Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career as a professional culinarian in a restaurant, hospitality, or institutional setting. Culinary arts professionals have a variety of responsibilities that may include supervising and coordinating the activities of food service workers or dining room employees, planning menus, estimating daily or weekly needs, ordering and maintaining inventories of supplies and equipment, and keeping records of meals served. Also gives you: Provides a foundation for continued culinary arts studies at a four-year college, the chef certification through the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as the NRAEF ManageFirst and the ServSafe National Certification. Average Yearly Earnings: Chefs & Head Cooks - $29,050 to $51,540 Food preparation & serving supervisors - $22,530 to $37,290 Food service managers - $36,670 to $59,580 Culinary Arts - Certificate Prepares you for: Wide variety of positions involving food service preparation, supervision and coordination. Prepare for entry-level employment in areas of cooking, baking and food service management. Also gives you: A balance of classroom, laboratory, and work experience opportunities as well as credits that may be applied to an associate degree. Culinary Arts - Concentration Prepares you for: The culinary arts concentration is primarily designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as chefs. Also gives you: A balance of classroom, laboratory, and work experience opportunities combine in this program to provide management preparation in this challenging industry.
Web Technology – eCommerce Specialist Concentration Students will be skilled to design an eCommerce site, manage its traffic and maximize the appearance of the site in search engine results. Web Technology – eCommerce Entrepreneur Concentration Students will be skilled to assess the opportunities available to launch an entrepreneurial venture, as well as develop a plan to incorporate an eCommerce web site. Web Technology – eCommerce Manager - Skill Set Students will be skilled to manage an eCommerce site’s search engine optimization, share product files across platforms, and utilize mobile technologies and advertising campaigns to ensure optimal efficiency of the site. Web Technology – eCommerce Designer - Skill Set Students will be skilled to use open source or boxed software to build an eCommerce web site considerate of legal requirements, eCommerce concepts, and technology requirements.
ECONOMICS JCC offers individual courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
EDUCATION
Culinary Arts - Skill Set Prepares you for: Entry-level positions in the food service industry. Also gives you: This 12 credit-hour program includes classes in sanitation and safety, introduction to hospitality, culinary skills and baking.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
ELECTRICIAN
Caring for and teaching young children is a growing field which is changing greatly as more and more continues to be expected of early childhood professionals. JCC has revamped its curriculum and is launching new courses to prepare students for today’s careers.
Electrician - Associate in Applied Science Prepares You For: Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in residential construction and commercial buildings. They also work in manufacturing settings often servicing highly automated industrial processes. Electricians generally focus on either construction or maintenance, although many do both. Average Yearly Earnings: $36,360 to $62,150
Web Technology – eCommerce Professional Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Electronic commerce, or eCommerce, is the term given to the buying and selling of products or services over the Internet. Businesses looking to expand in the online global marketplace or individuals looking to make a few extra dollars will learn to combine web design, programming, search engine optimization and mobile eBusiness practices to create a secure and smooth eCommerce experience for the Internet shopper. Fall 2012 • Career Choices • 517.796.8416
Web Technology – eCommerce Consultant - Certificate Students will be skilled to consult with clients regarding their desires for an eCommerce site, as well as manage inventory through integrated database technology.
A popular transfer program at JCC, education is a field that is rapidly changing. Students pursuing either an elementary or secondary teaching certificate need to major and/or minor in subject disciplines they plan to teach. All education students should plan to take the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification: Basic Skills (reading, writing, mathematics) during the second semester of their freshman year at JCC. All colleges require successful completion of this test before acceptance into their college of education.
eCOMMERCE
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Average Yearly Earnings: Varies greatly depending on size and scope of business.
Electrician - Certificate Prepares you for: Jobs as an electrician where you may lay out, assemble, install, maintain and test electrical fixtures, apparatus, control equipment and wiring used in heating and refrigeration, lighting, power, intercommunications, air conditioning, and electrical systems of homes, factories, and other buildings.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES/ PARAMEDIC
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Emergency Medical Technology - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Positions noted above, plus it allows students to further their career in EMS or beyond in health positions such as management, education or supervision. Also gives you: Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are eligible to take the State of Michigan EMT or Paramedic exams to become licensed. Also, allows students to enter into a bachelor’s degree completion program. Average Yearly Earnings: EMT - $29,328
Electrical Basics - Concentration Completion of this program provides a solid electrical foundation for the person seeking electrical or industrial mechanic training. Also gives you: Credits that may be applied toward a concentration, certificate, or associate degree.
ELECTRONICS Electronic Technology/ELT - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Entry-level training plus potential advancement opportunities within the field. Also gives you: Credits that transfer into select four-year programs. See a JCC advisor. Average Yearly Earnings: $38,372 to $59,758 Electronic Technology/ELT - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level jobs in almost any of the electronics cluster of occupations, such as digital computer maintenance, voice and data communications, radio and TV broadcasting, and high-tech manufacturing. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in electronics technology. Electronic Technology/ Microcomputer - Associate in Applied Science Degree Prepares you for: Entry-level training plus potential advancement opportunities within the field. Also gives you: Credits that transfer into select four-year programs. See a JCC advisor. Average Yearly Earnings: Electronic equipment repair $37,800 Electronic Technology/Microcomputer - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level jobs in almost any of the electronics cluster of occupations, such as digital computer maintenance, voice and data communications, radio and TV broadcasting, and high-tech manufacturing. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in electronics technology.
Emergency Medical Technology - Certificate Prepares you for: A position as a member of a pre-hospital emergency medical team; an emergency medical technician may administer treatment for emergency care to sick and injured persons and transport them to medical facilities. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in emergency medical services. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are eligible to take the State of Michigan EMT or Paramedic exams to become licensed. Candidates are eligible to take the National Registry Exam for EMT or Paramedic leading to State of Michigan licensure. Emergency Medical Technology - Concentration Prepares you for: Employment as emergency medical caregivers. Also gives you: Credits to build toward a certificate or associate degree program. Emergency Medical Technology - Skill Set Prepares you for: Introductory positions in the emergency health field. Also gives you: Credits to build toward a JCC certificate or associate degree program.
ENGINEERING Fundamentals of Engineering - Certificate Prepares you for: Transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering, as well as entry-level work in industry as an engineering technician. JCC’s engineering curriculum is patterned on the first two years of engineering courses at the University of Michigan. Students commonly transfer to U-M, MSU, WMU, GVSU, and MTU. Students completing their Bachelor of Science degree at an accredited college or university qualify for licensure as a professional engineer. Average Yearly Earnings: Chemical - $53,370; Civil - $48,140; Mechanical - $47,900
ENGLISH
Entrepreneurship - Skill Set Prepares you for: Entrepreneurs are individuals who pursue their aspirations to own and operate their own businesses. JCC offers classes to help students learn the skills and commitment necessary to successfully operate an entrepreneurial venture, assess business climate and write a business plan. JCC offers a skill set credential which can be completed on its own, or grouped with another field for students interested in their own business. Also gives you: Credits that may be applied toward an associate degree.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Environmental Science - Certificate Prepares you for: A career as an environmental scientist in which you explore nature’s systems and how humans influence those systems. You may be involved in a variety of areas, such as soil conservation, water quality and treatment, agriculture, plant pathology, ecology, environmental engineering, biology and more. Also gives you: Credits that may be used toward a JCC associate degree or for transfer to a university. Average Yearly Earnings: Environmental science and protection technicians - $26,590 to $41,380; Agricultural technicians - $21,730 to $32,760
FRENCH JCC offers individual courses in first- and second-year French and conversational French, beginning and intermediate. Proficiency in a foreign language can enhance your job opportunities. Transfer students may consider taking foreign language as some four-year colleges recommend two years of it regardless of your field of study.
GENERAL STUDIES JCC offers an Associate in General Studies degree that can be adapted to a student’s needs and interests. To earn this associate degree, you will need to earn a minimum of 60 credits.
GEOGRAPHY JCC offers individual courses in world, regional, physical, and U.S. and Canadian geography.
GERMAN JCC offers individual courses in elementary German. Proficiency in a foreign language can enhance your job opportunities. Transfer students may consider taking foreign language as some four-year colleges recommend two years of it regardless of your field of study.
JCC offers individual courses in technical and business writing, basic writing, creative writing, writing fundamentals, communication skills, journalism, composition, Shakespeare and literature, including poetry, drama, short story, novel and children’s literature, as well as African-American and world literature. Offerings also include courses on women’s role in society, film appreciation and courses in the humanities.
Looking for more information? E-mail us at careerchoices@jccmi.edu
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
HISTORY
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Visual Communication/Graphic Design - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Staff positions and freelance assignments where you might design product packages, publications, book covers, annual reports, magazines, advertisements, trade publications, and more. You will have to blend creativity and computer savvy with resourcefulness and people skills. Art studios, agencies, and magazines are among the employers you could work for. An associate degree can also prepare you for potential job advancement. Also gives you: Credits for transfer to select four-year programs. See a JCC advisor. Average Yearly Earnings: $42,400
JCC offers courses in African-American and twentieth-century history, as well as courses in western civilization, ancient history, and the history of the U.S. See Associate in Arts on page 16.
MATHEMATICS
Medical Assistant - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Work as a multi-skilled health care practitioner performing medical, administrative and clinical assisting. Your responsibilities may include working as a secretary/receptionist, preparing medical charts and reports, handling patient billing and taking vital signs. Upon completion the student is eligible to take the AAMA exam to become a certified medical assistant. Also gives you: Coursework and skills that may serve as a step toward other health careers. Average Yearly Earnings: $18,000 to $36,840
JCC offers math courses to support career programs and transfer programs. Courses include preparatory learning, including basic mathematics, algebra and intermediate algebra; business mathematics; and general transfer, including probability and statistics, pre-calculus, discrete mathematics, calculus I, II and III, and differential equations.
Medical Assistant - Certificate Prepares you for: Work as a multi-skilled health care practitioner performing medical, administrative and clinical assisting. Your responsibilities may include working as a secretary/receptionist, preparing medical charts and reports, handling patient billing and taking vital signs.
MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
EKG Technician - Skill Set Prepares you for: EKG technicians specialize in electrocardiography, or EKG testing. EKGs measure and record heart action and rhythm by graphically tracing electrical activity occurring during heartbeats. Technicians attach electrodes to the patient’s chest, arms and legs, and then manipulate switches on an EKG machine to obtain a reading. Also gives you: Coursework and skills that may serve as a step toward other health careers. Average Yearly Earnings: $24,800 to $31,600
Visual Communication/Graphic Design - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level positions where you might design product packages, publications, book covers, annual reports, magazines, advertisements, trade publications, and more. The program is also beneficial to students who already have degrees in other fields and are interested in design skills only. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in visual communication.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS JCC offers individual courses in cardiovascular training, such as golf, weight training and aerobics, which can be transferred to fulfill the physical education requirements in some four-year degree programs. JCC also offers courses in stress management, stress management for parents, and wellness.
HEALTH MANAGEMENT Health Management - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career in the business and administrative areas of health care. Health managers may handle day-to-day operations of various departments in large facilities, or handle daily operations in smaller facilities such as nursing homes or clinics. Also gives you: Credits to transfer to select four-year programs. See a JCC advisor. Average Yearly Earnings: $48,300
HUMANITIES JCC offers individual courses that can transfer to four-year institutions, fulfill core requirements in a JCC associate degree program and enrich your understanding of the human experience. See Associate in Arts on page 16.
Manufacturing Tech/Machining - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career in the increasingly technical area of manufacturing and/or production machining. Also gives you: Many of the courses in this curriculum coincide with Jackson Area Manufacturers Association Academy of Manufacturing Careers Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training certificate program, making this an ideal continuation after completion of your journeyman’s certificate. Average Yearly Earnings: Machinists - $20,000 to $40,000 Manufacturing Tech/Maintenance - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career in the areas of manufacturing and/or industrial maintenance. Also gives you: Many courses in this curriculum coincide with Jackson Area Manufacturers Association Academy of Manufacturing Careers Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training certificate program, making this an ideal continuation after completion of your journeyman’s certificate. Average Yearly Earnings: Machinists - $20,000 to $45,000 Manufacturing Tech/Tool Room - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Career in the increasingly technical area of manufacturing tool room operations. Also gives you: Many of the courses in this curriculum coincide with Jackson Area Manufacturers Association Academy of Manufacturing Careers Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training certificate program, making this an ideal continuation after completion of your journeyman’s certificate. Average Yearly Earnings: Machinists - $20,000 to $45,000
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Fall 2012 • Career Choices • 517.796.8416
Medical Office Support - Concentration Prepares you for: Positions where you provide administrative support in various health care settings such as hospitals, medical offices or outpatient clinics, insurance companies and other private and public healthcare settings. Also gives you: Credits that may be applied toward a medical assistant degree or other health career option.
MEDICAL INSURANCE CODING/BILLING Medical Insurance Coder Biller - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Careers in the increasingly complex world of insurance coding and billing. Medical billers and coders communicate between medical offices, patients and insurance companies. By assigning letters and numbers to diseases, injuries and medical procedures, they speed up the process of payment and ensure that records are correct. Also gives you: Coursework and skills that may serve as a step toward other health care careers. Average Yearly Earnings: $28,030 Medical Transcriptionist - $32,052 Medical Record Technician - $30,610 Medical Insurance Coder Biller - Certificate Prepares you for: Entry-level careers in the increasingly complex world of insurance coding and billing. Each time a patient sees a healthcare professional, coder billers assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure. Physicians, hospital and clinics employ medical coders and billers’ personnel to submit claims for reimbursement.
Also gives you: Graduates of JCC’s program are eligible to apply to write the state licensing exam (NCLEX-PN) required to become a practical nurse (LPN). Average Yearly Earnings: $29,680 to $56,010
OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES Occupational Studies - Associate in Applied Science Prepare you for: A skilled trades position with increasing opportunities. This degree program is designed for those with apprenticeship or journeyman credentials in a skilled trade who are looking for a college degree.
MUSIC JCC offers individual courses in voice, stage presence, small instrumental groups, music theory and music appreciation. Students who qualify can study and perform with the JCC Concert Choir, Broadway Revue or Jackson Community Concert Band.
NURSING Nursing - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career as a registered nurse. The registered nurse (RN) of today and the future is not only caring and compassionate but must have sound mathematical, scientific and technological skills in order to make responsible and ethical clinical judgments, carry out evidence-based interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of care. RNs are responsible for coordinating individual client care as well as the health care team or system. They are partners in care with a multitude of other health care providers. RNs are teachers, communicators, coordinators, delegators and members/leaders of a health care team. There are two admission dates; one in August and one in January each year. Graduates of JCC’s program are eligible to apply for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination, (NCLEX-RN) which is required to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN). Also gives you: RNs have tremendous flexibility in their careers - they can work full-time or part-time, in a variety of settings, in many different roles virtually anywhere in the world. Average Yearly Earnings: $42,720 to $69,280 Nursing LPN to ADN - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: This program is specifically designed for the licensed practical nurse who is interested in advancing their career and becoming a registered nurse (RN). By continuing their education, upon program completion, graduates will have a wider range of job opportunities. One class is admitted each fall. Practical Nursing - Certificate Prepares you for: Practice as a licensed practical nurse. The LPN assesses, plans for, implements and manages patient care at the direction of the registered nurse. LPNs are employed in a variety of settings with the majority working in long-term care facilities. Job tasks examples are patient assessment including taking vital signs, administering medications, providing bedside care and performing procedures. Class is admitted in March, or late winter. There is only one admit per year.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Pharmacy Technician - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A position as a pharmacy technician, someone who helps licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service and perform administrative duties, in a retail or hospital pharmacy. Upon successful completion, students are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam, a national certification exam. Also gives you: Credits that may be applied to further study. Annual Year Earnings: $22,776 to $33,030
POlITICAl SCIENCE JCC offers individual courses in introductory political science. It is often a field chosen by transfer students who plan to go on to study government or law. See Associate in Arts on page 16.
PhIlOSOPhY JCC offers individual courses in introductory philosophy and logic. See Associate in Arts on page 16.
PhYSICS JCC offers individual courses in astronomy and three levels of physics. Astronomy and conceptual physics serve as introductory courses and are useful for those individuals needing a general laboratory science elective for their associate’s degree or are pursuing a career in elementary education. College physics is one of the foundation courses necessary for students who will be pursuing a four-year degree in a pre-professional career, such as architecture or health (pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, physical therapy, or chiropractic). University physics is designed for students who will transfer to a physics or engineering program (mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, or computer) at a four-year institution.
PROCESS TECHNOLOGY Process Technology - Concentration Prepares you for: Jobs involving planning, analyzing and controlling production in a variety of process industries. Duties involve maintaining a safe work environment, controlling, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, analyzing, evaluating and communicating about data concerning the process.
PSYChOlOgY
SONOgRAPhY
JCC offers individual courses in introductory psychology, social psychology, educational psychology, introduction to counseling, child psychology, abnormal psychology and human sexuality. Specialization begins after transfer and continues as you do graduate work.
General Sonography - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career as a sonographer, where one uses high frequency sound waves to create cross-sectional images of a patient’s anatomy. Sonographers explain the medical scanning procedure to patients, position them for scanning, scan and collect image data, and work with the imaging physician as a team to interpret the image scan. Also gives you: JCC has one of fewer than 200 programs in the U.S. accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This program leads to ARDMS certification in diagnostic medical sonography. Average Yearly Earnings: $52,570 to $73,680
RADIOgRAPhY Radiography - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A radiologic technologist, or radiographer, is someone who administers x-rays to patients in order to help provide diagnosis of possible pathology. A radiographer also works together with the radiology physician in order to perform certain radiological examinations. Some radiologic technologists go on to specialize in areas like CT, MRI, mammography and other complex areas of imaging. Also gives you: Graduates of the JCC radiography program will be eligible to write the national board exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Upon successful completion of the national board exam the successful graduate will have the initials R.T.(R) after their name. Average Yearly Earnings: $42,710 to $63,010
RESPIRATORY CARE Respiratory Care - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career in an allied health profession whose practitioners focus on diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary disorders and diseases. A respiratory care practitioner can be instrumental in assisting a physician in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide spectrum of disorders affecting the heart and lungs, and specializes in the application of scientific knowledge and theory to practical, clinical problems of respiratory care. A respiratory care practitioner is qualified to assume primary clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including responsibilities involved in supervision of respiratory technician functions. Also gives you: The program provides the student with the knowledge and experience that will qualify her/him to take the required NBRC examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Average Yearly Earnings: $42,430
Cardiac Sonography - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career as a cardiac sonographer, also known as an echocardiographer. Cardiac sonographers are specially trained to operate ultrasound equipment to obtain diagnostic images and hemodynamic information of the heart (echocardiogram). Cardiac sonographers and physicians work as a team during the echo procedure to accurately integrate data for optimal diagnosis. Also gives you: : Graduates of JCC’s CAAHEP accredited program are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) - Adult Echocardiography Certification exams and, if successful, use the credentials RDCS AE (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, Adult Echocardiography). Average Yearly Earnings: $62,010 Vascular Sonography - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: A career as a vascular technologist -which is a sonographer who specializes in ultrasound images of veins and arteries. A vascular sonographer works closely with the vascular surgeon to formulate a diagnosis and assist with the treatment plans. (Vascular sonography is a secondadmit program; students with necessary prerequisites may now apply by May 31 for a fall start.) Also gives you: JCC has one of only 45 programs in the U.S. accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). It is one of three accredited online programs. This program leads to ARDMS certification in vascular technology. Average Yearly Earnings: $66,768 and hourly rate is $32 (according to SDMS salary report)
SCIENCES Pre-Professional Science - Certificate Prepares you for: Transfer to a four-year university as science majors or pre-professional students (pre-veterinary, pre-medical, pre-dental, physical and occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician’s assistant, etc.). Certificate graduates could also find work as laboratory technicians. Average Yearly Earnings: $20,000 to $30,000
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SOCIAL WORK JCC offers individual courses in principles of sociology, family relationships, criminology, minority groups in America, social problems, women in a changing society and juvenile delinquency. To become a social worker, you must transfer and continue on for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
SPANISH JCC offers individual courses in first- and second-year Spanish and conversational Spanish, beginning and intermediate. Proficiency in a foreign language can enhance your job opportunities. Transfer students may consider taking foreign language as some four-year colleges recommend two years of it regardless of your field of study.
THEATRE Theatre Performance - Certificate Prepares you for: A firm base of performance classes (practice and theory) which can be considered as a strong preparation for any college or university program offering a BA or a BFA in General Theatre or Theatre Performance. Also provides a broad understanding of what is required of an actor should the student wish to go practice the art of acting. Also gives you: Credits that may be used toward an associate degree and further study.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS JCC offers individual courses in telecommunications that may lead to work in the field or transfer for further study at a fouryear college or university.
WEB DESIGN Multimedia Web Design - Associate in Applied Science Prepares you for: Jobs that require a well-rounded experience in all aspects of multimedia web page design to build user-friendly and engaging websites. Average Yearly Earnings: $40,000 to $70,000 Multimedia Web Design - Certificate Prepares you for: Jobs that require a well-rounded experience in all aspects of multimedia web page design to build user-friendly and engaging websites. Also gives you: Credits that can be used toward JCC’s associate degree in visual communications.
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1 Central Campus 2111 Emmons3Road 1 Jackson, 2 MI 49201 517.787.0800
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2 4 North Campus 3000 Blake Road Jackson, MI 49202 517.796.8425
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Downtown Center 5 113 W. Michigan Avenue 3 Jackson, MI 49201 6 2 6 517.750.6850 4
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JCC Jackson Flight Center Reynolds Municipal Airport 3610 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI 49202-1811 517.787.7012
5 Clyde LeTarte Center, Hillsdale 3120 W. Carleton Road Hillsdale, MI 49242 6 517.437.3343
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6 JCC @ LISD TECH 1376 N. Main Street Adrian, MI 49221 517.265.5515