Career and Technical Education Programs
Richland Community College strives to provide educational opportunities to enable individuals to become contributing members of the workforce. The workplace has changed with new work hours and work patterns due to improved telecommunications and computer technologies. Over 65% of new jobs will require post-secondary education and training below the baccalaureate level, and 75% of the current workforce needs training. The information supply available doubles every five years.
The mission of the career and technical education programs at Richland is to provide students the opportunities to choose, prepare for, and advance in their careers and vocations. This mission is accomplished by integrating technical education and academic education to provide the skills and education needed for living in a global society, competing in the workforce, and being receptive to lifelong learning.
A number of the career and technical education programs are articulated with four-year institutions to allow for the completion of a four-year degree in an additional two years if desired. To meet the broad range of student objectives, Richland Community College offers several types of instructional programs:
Basic Certificate
A Basic Certificate is an award for satisfactory completion of a series of courses totaling 30 semester credit hours or less. Those programs that have only a basic certificate are designed to provide the necessary skills to obtain an entry-level position. For programs that have a basic certificate as part of a degree, the certificate is an award for satisfactorily completing a series of courses. Certificates less than 16 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid.
Advanced Certificate
An Advanced Certificate is awarded for satisfactory completion of a series of courses or curriculum totaling 30-50 semester credit hours. This certificate is designed to provide the technical skills that would prepare an individual for initial employment in the job setting or for those currently employed and in need of advanced study.
Associate in Applied Science
An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is an award for the satisfactory completion of a prescribed curriculum of 60 semester credit hours or more intended to prepare individuals for employment in a specific field. It also serves those persons already employed in the field who desire to improve their competencies and achieve an associate’s degree. A number of the AAS degrees have been articulated with four-year institutions for completion of a Bachelor’s degree.
Programs of Study Offered