Central Lakes College-Brainerd

This certificate program is available to students who have completed degree requirements (either two-year, four-year, or graduate) from a regionally accredited college or university and are seeking a professional peace officer’s license. The Criminal Justice Certificate is an accelerated degree that you can complete in one year. You’ll be set on a law enforcement track that will lead you to success on the POST exam. All licensing courses can be completed in less than one academic year, which allows students to enter skills and then take the state licensing exam.

Finish your Criminal Justice A.A.S. Degree in just two years with these challenging, hands-on courses. Students will get a first-hand look into the current industry technologies, methods and law enforcement practices. A fleet of new, state-of-the-art squad cars gives students a driver’s seat view into law enforcement. Because of a close partnership between area law enforcement and the college, students have a wide selection of choices for internships. With this A.A.S degree, you can pursue law enforcement careers in areas such as police officer, deputy, state patrol, conservation officer, or corrections officer.

This unique program allows students to get an insider’s look into the career of law enforcement. CLC students get in the driver’s seat of new, state-of-the-art squad cars that come with the same software that officers use on the streets today. In this eight-week program, you’ll be trained in firearms, defense tactics, using a Taser, chemical aerosol, radar and using LIDAR. After earning your Law Enforcement Skills Certificate, along with a Criminal Justice A.A.S. Degree, Criminal Justice Certificate or Natural Resources Law enforcement, you’ll be ready to take the peace officer licensing exam.

The Early Childhood Education Diploma prepares individuals to independently provide a healthy, safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment in support of families and children. The program meets current hiring standards of center-based childcare programs, Head Start, and family childcare positions. Parents, future childcare providers, early childhood teachers and special educators: the CLC child development program includes courses that enable any and all early childhood and school-age career pathways. Enjoy the hands-on experiences on campus, access to latest research, and/or convenience of online learning.

The Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree prepares individuals to independently provide a healthy, safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment in support of families and children. The program meets current hiring standards of center-based childcare programs, Head Start, family childcare, and paraprofessional job positions. Enjoy the hands-on experiences on campus, access to latest research, and/or convenience of online learning.

Professionals educated in automation technologies install and maintain complicated systems performing an array of functions through electronic equipment. Such equipment is used by power companies, manufacturers, air traffic and missile controllers to name a few organizations that depend upon transmitted communication and sophisticated monitoring devices. Minnesota career opportunities await the trained electrical and electronics repairer. Advanced manufacturing is identified as a high-demand, high-pay industry, with entry-level employment viewed as a path for advancing a career. Career titles may include: electronics repair technician, electronic testing technician. electrical and electronic installer.

The Mechatronics Diploma program prepares students for careers in electrical maintenance for the manufacturing industry. As manufacturing processes increasingly become more advanced, maintenance employees must understand robotic and automated systems to properly maintain industrial equipment. Students are introduced to the same robots, controllers, and programming languages used by manufacturing companies. The curriculum was created and is maintained by experienced technical faculty, advisory board members, and past graduates to best prepare students for employment in the industrial robotics industry.

The Robotic Human Machine Interface (HMI) Advanced Certificate is an add-on certificate for both the Robotics Automated Systems Technology A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs. HMI control panels are widely used in the manufacturing industry for operator control of robotic and automated systems. This certificate prepares students to program and interface HMI devices into robotic and automated systems.

The Robotic Manufacturing Certificate is an entry-level certificate for students seeking employment in the manufacturing industry. Industrial robotics are increasingly becoming more common in the manufacturing environment and employers need employees who can operate and setup robotic and automated production systems. This certificate prepares students to work with industrial automation.

The Robotic Offline Programming Advanced Certificate is an add-on certificate for both the Robotics Automated Systems Technology A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs. Robotic offline programming is a widely used programming process for robotics in the manufacturing industry. This certificate prepares students to use 3-D simulation software packages to create virtual robotic systems. These virtual systems are used for modeling, programming, and setup for physical industrial robotic systems found in the manufacturing industry.

The Robotic Vision Advanced Certificate is an add-on certificate for both the Robotics Automated Systems Technology A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs. Robotic and machine vision systems are increasingly becoming more of an integral part of robotics and automation. Vision systems are used for quality control, product location and orientation, and identification purposes.

Robotic Automated Systems Technicians are an integral part of modern manufacturing companies. Technologies such as new-generation robot controllers, sensors, and electrical control systems have created a need for highly specialized training. The Robotics Automated Systems Technology Diploma program prepares students for careers in the industrial robotic and automated manufacturing industry. The program has multiple robot and automation labs utilizing current technology with popular industrial robot models. The program is aligned with advisory board members, industrial partners, and industrial associations to deliver relevant content and instruction. Students are trained on the same robots, controllers, and programming languages used by automated manufacturing companies. The curriculum was created and is maintained by experienced technical faculty, advisory board members, and past graduates to best prepare students for employment in the industrial robotics industry.

Robotic Automated Systems Technicians are an integral part of modern manufacturing companies. Technologies such as new-generation robot controllers, sensors, and electrical control systems have created a need for highly specialized training. The Robotics Automated Systems Technology Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree prepares students for careers in the industrial robotic and automated manufacturing industry. The program has multiple robot and automation labs utilizing current technology with popular industrial robot models. The program is aligned with advisory board members, industrial partners, and industrial associations to deliver relevant content and instruction. Students are trained on the same robots, controllers, and programming languages used by manufacturing companies. The curriculum was created and is maintained by experienced technical faculty, advisory board members, and past graduates to best prepare students for employment in the industrial robotics industry. The A.A.S. Degree includes the Minnesota State Transfer Curriculum to prepare students for career advancement and articulates to other universities for additional educational awards.

In our Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Technologies Diploma you will learn how to use hand tools, power machinery, and computerized equipment. In addition, you will learn how to use lathes and mills. Our one-year diploma curriculum includes the use of computer-aided-drafting and design software. Instruction takes place in a well-equipped shop for a hands-on, practical experience.

In the Machine Tool Technology program students learn how to use hand tools, laths and mills, computer-aided-drafting and design software, power machinery, and computerized equipment. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree curriculum includes geometric tolerancing, advanced CAD/CAM, and advanced CNC milling and turning operations. Instruction takes place in a well-equipped shop for a hands-on, practical experience.

The Automotive Technology Diploma at Central Lakes College is an 11-month program that provides students with skills needed to pursue a career in any area of automotive repair. Our program and regional employers take great pride in professionalism. A dress code, attendance policy, and student conduct code are strictly enforced. Because the program is so intensive, class size is limited to ensure optimum training. The intensity of the program prepares students for the real world. A recent study conducted by the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) revealed that almost 40% of service technicians are over the age of 55, and 70% are over 45 years old. That means that there will be lots of great opportunities for young people entering the auto and truck service industry in the near future.

The Automotive Technology AAS at Central Lakes College is a 16-month program that provides students with skills needed to pursue a career in any area of automotive repair. Our program and regional employers take great pride in professionalism. A dress code, attendance policy, and student conduct code are strictly enforced. Because the program is so intensive, class size is limited to ensure optimum training. The intensity of the program prepares students for the real world. A recent study conducted by the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) revealed that almost 40% of service technicians are over the age of 55, and 70% are over 45 years old. That means that there will be lots of great opportunities for young people entering the auto and truck service industry in the near future.

The Marine and Powersports Technology Program is designed to provide the students with the knowledge and skills needed for the rapidly growing recreational and power equipment fields. Courses in the program cover all aspects of maintenance and repair, including machine overhauls, shop operation, set up, and delivery. Choose either the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Diploma. Both options are two-year programs.

The Information Technology Specialist program will prepare graduates by introducing them to a wide variety of emerging technologies they will encounter in the workplace. Subjects covered include computer troubleshooting and repair, basic networking, operating systems, supporting common end user applications, as well as soft skills like oral and written communication, and customer service. The curriculum is delivered using currently released industry software including OS, NOS, and applications. This program teaches skills needed to work for companies with small to mid-size help desks or large corporate user support centers. Instructors are industry certified professionals with years of experience in the classroom and industry.

IT specialists are in high demand. The Information Technology Specialist Program will prepare graduates by introducing them to a wide 0076ariety of subjects in information and emerging technologies they will encounter in the field. Subjects covered include computer troubleshooting and repair, basic networking, operating systems, supporting common end user applications, as well as soft skills like oral and written communication, and customer service. The curriculum is delivered using currently released industry software including OS, NOS and applications. This program teaches skills needed to work for companies with small to mid-size help desks or large corporate user support centers. Instructors are industry certified professionals with years of experience in the classroom and industry.

The Computer Network Administration Diploma program is an exciting track offered by Central Lakes College. Coursework includes general networking technologies, network troubleshooting, operating system technologies, disaster recovery, computer repair, and security fundamentals. This program covers an overview of networking technologies that graduates can expect to work with in small to mid-size organization settings and delivers curriculum using current industry software, including Operating System (OS), Network Operating System (NOS) and other applications. CLC’s information technology (IT) instructors are industry certified professionals with multiple years of experience in their respective disciplines both in the classroom and in industry.

The Computer Network Administration Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program is an exciting track offered by Central Lakes College. Coursework includes general networking technologies, network troubleshooting, operating system technologies, disaster recovery, computer repair, and security fundamentals. This program covers an overview of networking technologies that graduates can expect to work with in small to mid-size organization settings and delivers curriculum using current industry software, including Operating System (OS), Network Operating System (NOS) and other applications. CLC’s information technology (IT) instructors are industry certified professionals with multiple years of experience in their respective disciplines both in the classroom and in industry.

This program is designed to teach students to become proficient and expert users in the Microsoft Office Suite of application programs including Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Students will learn desktop application operating skills to meet globally recognized standards, along with advanced skills using Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

The Culinary Arts program prepares individuals for exciting careers in many culinary environments. Students learn all aspects needed to be successful in the industry, from food safety and sanitation to cooking techniques, flavors, and presentation. Students completing the program will earn the ServSafe Food Manager certificate.

The Dental Assisting Diploma program is designed to educate students on ways to control and prevent dental disease, as well as teach patients preventive dental care. Training is provided in chairside skills and MN State expanded functions. Fall and spring semesters are on-campus, and the nine-week summer session provides internships in dental facilities and private dental practices. This education prepares students to take the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board Exam) and the DASLE (Dental Assistant State Licensure Exam) required for certification and licensure as a dental assistant. A certified and licensed dental assistant becomes a member of the dental team.

The Dental Assisting Program is designed to educate students on ways to control and prevent dental disease, as well as teach patients preventive dental care. Training is provided in chairside skills and MN State expanded functions. Fall and spring semesters are on-campus, and the nine-week summer session provides internships in dental facilities and private dental practices. This education prepares students to take national and state written examinations required for certification and registration as dental assistants. A certified registered dental assistant becomes a member of the dental team.

This 16-credit certificate is specifically designed to help students obtain an entry-level, rewarding position in a healthcare facility assisting patients in scheduling and preregistration. Students may be asked to research medical records and contact patients for follow-up appointments to ensure quality patient care and continuity in their healthcare maintenance plans. The certificate allows for students to complete an onsite practicum with a local healthcare facility.

The 31-credit Healthcare Administrative Specialist Diploma program prepares students to assume duties in the healthcare field including patient service representative, registration, scheduling, and release of information. Graduates of the diploma program will be able maintain accuracy and completeness of the patient record as defined by organizational policy and external regulations and standards, apply policies and procedures for access and disclosure of personal health information, and apply confidentiality and security measures to protect electronic health information.

The 60-credit Healthcare Administrative Specialist Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program graduate is prepared to assume duties in the field including basics of ICD and CPT coding, reimbursement methodologies, quality assessment, legal, accreditation, and electronic health record systems. In addition to the diploma skills, graduates of the A.A.S. program will be able to use and maintain electronic applications and work processes to support healthcare business procedures, workflow, and reform; identify and prevent fraud and abuse while maintaining corporate compliance including HIPAA and HITECH; conduct analysis to ensure the documentation in the health record supports the diagnosis and reflects the patient’s progress, clinical findings, and discharge status; and to support physician reimbursement and revenue cycle management.

The Practical Nursing Diploma program prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing. Course requirements include a wide variety of clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. Graduates join the healthcare team as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) upon successful completion of the licensing requirements.

The Diesel Electrical and Electronic Systems Technician certificate program provides the student with training for becoming an entry level diesel electrical/electronics systems technician. The topics presented include diesel shop safety and tool use

The Diesel Equipment Technology diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel equipment service and repair profession. Learning opportunities enable students to develop academic

The Diesel Electrical and Electronic Systems Technician certificate program provides the student with training for becoming an entry level diesel electrical/electronics systems technician. The topics presented include diesel shop safety and tool use

The Diesel Equipment Technology diploma program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the diesel equipment service and repair profession. Learning opportunities enable students to develop academic

Graphic Designers are a key component in promoting people, corporations and products to consumers. We work in many areas from print/production design, website/social media design, motion graphics and animation design. Designers go through a process of conception, creation and communication of visual effects in all aspects of advertising. We offer instruction using the latest in today’s technology and innovative techniques for this career field. We help connect students to challenges of exciting, creative, and rewarding career opportunities. We “Design It.” In the Graphic Design Program, students will take visual ideas from initial concept through creative and technical development and, ultimately, to a final form that is ready for production. Various tools are used, from hand tools for illustration to the latest computerized aids. We focus on projects modeled with industry realities, relevant to high-impact, effective communication.

Graphic Designers are a key component in promoting people, corporations and products to consumers. We work in many areas from print/production design, website/social media design, motion graphics and animation design. Designers go through a process of conception, creation and communication of visual effects in all aspects of advertising. We offer instruction using the latest in today’s technology and innovative techniques for this career field. We help connect students to challenges of exciting, creative, and rewarding career opportunities. We “Design It.” In the Graphic Design Program, students will take visual ideas from initial concept through creative and technical development and, ultimately, to a final form that is ready for production. Various tools are used, from hand tools for sketches to the latest computerized aids. We focus on projects modeled with industry realities, relevant to high-impact, effective communication.

Graphic Designers are a key component in promoting people, corporations and products to consumers. We work in many areas from print/production design, website/social media design, motion graphics and animation design. Designers go through a process of conception, creation and communication of visual effects in all aspects of advertising. We offer instruction using the latest in today’s technology and innovative techniques for this career field. We help connect students to challenges of exciting, creative, and rewarding career opportunities. We “Design It.” In the Graphic Design Program, students will take visual ideas from initial concept through creative and technical development and, ultimately, to a final form that is ready for production. Various tools are used, from hand tools for sketches to the latest computerized aids. We focus on projects modeled with industry realities, relevant to high-impact, effective communication.

Central Lakes College Videography is designed to simulate the experience of an actual production environment. Students produce authentic videos for actual clients who are in pursuit of video content. The curriculum has an emphasis on learning in a lab-based environment. We believe learning is enhanced by frequent repetition of basic filmmaking procedures. That’s why students at CLC write, shoot and edit content every week, using the latest technology in equipment and software. Our goal is simple: prepare students for entry-level careers in media – which includes television, filmmaking, corporate communications, webcasting and social media content.

The Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance Program is a unique program offered in Minnesota. The program includes courses in both maintenance and operation of heavy construction equipment. Incorporated into the program is the opportunity to “fast track,” which includes attending summer session and completing the program with a fourth semester paid internship in industry. Students learn skills necessary to service and maintain a fleet of heavy equipment. Opportunities exist using simulators to improve skills in truck driving and operation of equipment. Students are given real life projects in the operations field, experiencing hands-on training with dozers, scrapers, graders, backhoes, wheel loaders, excavators, skid steers and trucks. Experienced faculty share their knowledge and experience from industry with the next generation of heavy equipment operators. T

The Machine Operations Diploma program at Central Lakes College provides a comprehensive foundation to get you started as a technician suited to work in any industrial plant where precision, efficiency, and safety are valued. You will learn skills in electronics, mechanical systems, and troubleshooting to become qualified to repair and maintain computerized equipment. Instruction takes place in a state-of-the art shop for a hands-on, practical experience. The diploma you earn from CLC will signify your competency is skills necessary for multiple career opportunities.

The Robotic Welding Advanced Certificate is an add-on certificate for both the Robotics Automated Systems Technology A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs. Robotic welding is a widely used process for fabrication in the manufacturing industry. This certificate prepares students to use robotics for the welding process.

The Robotic Welding Certificate instructs students in welding cell safety devices, blueprints, and symbols. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be skilled in manual and robotic Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) welding processes, welding procedures, and creating and editing robotic welding programs.

The Robotic Welding Advanced Certificate is an add-on certificate for both the Robotics Automated Systems Technology A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs. Robotic welding is a widely used process for fabrication in the manufacturing industry. This certificate prepares students to use robotics for the welding process.

The Robotic Welding Certificate instructs students in welding cell safety devices, blueprints, and symbols. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be skilled in manual and robotic Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) welding processes, welding procedures, and creating and editing robotic welding programs.

The Welding and Fabrication program is designed to create a foundation of skills and knowledge, leading to a career in welding and fabrication. Instructors bring a wealth of industry experience and professionalism to the program. The welding lab is state-of-the-art, and the area is spacious, clean and well-ventilated, and features the latest equipment for a superior training environment. At CLC, welding students are prepared with techniques that will elevate their skill set above the average student. CLC students develop skills in welding processes, cutting processes, metallurgy, fabrication, blueprint reading, and math. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take welding certification and job entry tests.

The Welding and Fabrication program is designed to create a foundation of skills and knowledge, leading to a career in welding and fabrication. Instructors bring a wealth of industry experience and professionalism to the program. The welding lab is state-of-the-art, and the area is spacious, clean and well-ventilated, and features the latest equipment for a superior training environment. At CLC, welding students are prepared with techniques that will elevate their skill set above the average student. CLC students develop skills in welding processes, cutting processes, metallurgy, fabrication, blueprint reading, and math. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take welding certification and job entry tests.

The Welding and Fabrication program is designed to create a foundation of skills and knowledge, leading to a career in welding and fabrication. Instructors bring a wealth of industry experience and professionalism to the program. The welding lab is state-of-the-art, and the area is spacious, clean and well-ventilated, and features the latest equipment for a superior training environment. At CLC, welding students are prepared with techniques that will elevate their skill set above the average student. CLC students develop skills in welding processes, cutting processes, metallurgy, fabrication, blueprint reading, and math. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take welding certification and job entry tests.

The Welding and Fabrication program is designed to create a foundation of skills and knowledge, leading to a career in welding and fabrication. Instructors bring a wealth of industry experience and professionalism to the program. The welding lab is state-of-the-art, and the area is spacious, clean and well-ventilated, and features the latest equipment for a superior training environment. At CLC, welding students are prepared with techniques that will elevate their skill set above the average student. CLC students develop skills in welding processes, cutting processes, metallurgy, fabrication, blueprint reading, and math. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take welding certification and job entry tests.