College of the Ouachitas

This program prepares students to become certified in network design, installation, management, and repair of networks. Students learn important protocols associated with networking such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, ISDN, OSPF, IGRP, EIGRP and Point to Point Protocol. Router configuration, LAN switching and segmentation are also studied. Students who complete the Cisco Networking Academy I, II and III should be prepared to take the CCNA Certification Exam (Cisco Certified Networking Associate).

Students in this program will develop a working knowledge of network administration, e‐mail, the Internet, voice mail, network operating systems, network security, network applications, and basic knowledge of microcomputer installation and repair and the operation of a variety of software packages. Graduates may enter the workforce as a network manager, database administrator, hardware support specialist, software specialist, or as a specialist in the area of microcomputer sales and service.

The Associate of Applied Science degree, Technical Certificates, and Certificates of Proficiency are designed for employment purposes, and it should not be assumed that the degree or the courses in these programs can be transferred to another institution. While some institutions do accept some courses in A.A.S. programs, the general rule is that courses in A.A.S. degrees are not accepted in transfer toward bachelor's degrees unless that degree has been articulated with that specific institution. Students to whom transfer is important should get assurances in writing in advance from the institution to which they wish to transfer.

This certificate prepares students with the necessary tools in programming to enhance their abilities to manage and support network administration. Programming skills in Visual Basic, ADO.NET, and SQL Server give networking students an edge in managing networks.

This program prepares students to troubleshoot computer and interface circuits, test and repair digital equipment, and test and repair computer hardware.

This certificate prepares students to effectively safeguard and secure a network against hackers, intruders and anyone trying to gain access to a network that is not authorized to do so.

This program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement or corrections or for individuals already employed in the field of criminal justice who seek to enhance their educational credentials and strengthen their performance skills. This program is offered completely online. Some Criminal Justice classes may be offered in traditional classroom settings.

Students that are pursuing a career with the Arkansas Department of Corrections may choose to take the Correctional Specialist Courses – CCSP as electives for the Criminal Justice Degree. Internship for CCSP students will be done at the Ouachita River Correctional Facility.

This program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement or corrections or for individuals already employed in the field of criminal justice who seek to enhance their educational credentials and strengthen their performance skills. This program is offered completely online. Some Criminal Justice classes may be offered in traditional classroom settings.

Students that are pursuing a career with the Arkansas Department of Corrections may choose to take the Correctional Specialist Courses – CCSP as electives for the Criminal Justice Degree. Internship for CCSP students will be done at the Ouachita River Correctional Facility.

Students who complete the Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education will have received training for entry level positions in a childcare setting.

Students who complete the following courses will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency and will be eligible to take the Child Development Associate (C.D.A.) Exam. The C.D.A. exam is a national credential awarded through the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. for persons who work in the child care field.

The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education provides education and training for persons employed or entering the child care profession who will be working with infants through preschool children. The Associate of Applied Science degree, Technical Certificates, and Certificates of Proficiency are designed for employment purposes, and it should not be assumed that the degree or the courses in these programs can be transferred to another institution. While some institutions do accept some courses in A.A.S. programs, the general rule is that courses in A.A.S. degrees are not accepted in transfer toward bachelor's degrees unless that degree has been articulated with that specific institution. Students to whom transfer is important should get assurances in writing in advance from the institution to which they wish to transfer.

The Electrical Apprenticeship program is not open to the general public. Students entering this program must be an apprentice in an approved electrical contracting business and be in the fourth year class.

The Electrical Apprenticeship program is not open to the general public. Students entering this program must be an apprentice in an approved electrical contracting business and be in the third year class.

ASUTR’s welding program introduces the student to basic welding techniques as well as the tools, materials, and equipment used in SMAW (STICK), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained from hands‐on activities using various types of metal. This program prepares students for employment in various industries such as construction, fabrication, plant maintenance, the automotive industry, and more.

ASUTR’s welding program introduces the student to basic welding techniques as well as the tools, materials, and equipment used in SMAW (STICK), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained from hands‐on activities using various types of metal. This program prepares students for employment in various industries such as construction, fabrication, plant maintenance, the automotive industry, and more.

ASUTR’s welding program introduces the student to basic welding techniques as well as the tools, materials, and equipment used in SMAW (STICK), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained from hands‐on activities using various types of metal. This program prepares students for employment in various industries such as construction, fabrication, plant maintenance, the automotive industry, and more.

ASUTR’s welding program introduces the student to basic welding techniques as well as the tools, materials, and equipment used in SMAW (STICK), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained from hands‐on activities using various types of metal. This program prepares students for employment in various industries such as construction, fabrication, plant maintenance, the automotive industry, and more.

ASUTR’s welding program introduces the student to basic welding techniques as well as the tools, materials, and equipment used in SMAW (STICK), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained from hands‐on activities using various types of metal. This program prepares students for employment in various industries such as construction, fabrication, plant maintenance, the automotive industry, and more.

ASUTR’s welding program introduces the student to basic welding techniques as well as the tools, materials, and equipment used in SMAW (STICK), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained from hands‐on activities using various types of metal. This program prepares students for employment in various industries such as construction, fabrication, plant maintenance, the automotive industry, and more.

The Associate of Applied Science degree, Technical Certificates, and Certificates of Proficiency are designed for employment purposes, and it should not be assumed that the degree or the courses in these programs can be transferred to another institution. While some institutions do accept some courses in A.A.S. programs, the general rule is that courses in A.A.S. degrees are not accepted in transfer toward bachelor's degrees unless that degree has been articulated with that specific institution. Students to whom transfer is important should get assurances in writing in advance from the institution to which they wish to transfer.

Mechatronics integrates electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and information technology and computer control systems into a single discipline that crosses most of the traditional boundaries of a skilled technician. Mechatronics technicians need a broad understanding of how mechanical and electrical energy is produced, controlled and utilized. The Mechatronics program is designed to teach a core set of technical skills that are applicable in a wide variety of settings.

Mechatronics integrates electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and information technology and computer control systems into a single discipline that crosses most of the traditional boundaries of a skilled technician. Mechatronics technicians need a broad understanding of how mechanical and electrical energy is produced, controlled and utilized. The Mechatronics program is designed to teach a core set of technical skills that are applicable in a wide variety of settings.

Mechatronics integrates electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and information technology and computer control systems into a single discipline that crosses most of the traditional boundaries of a skilled technician. Mechatronics technicians need a broad understanding of how mechanical and electrical energy is produced, controlled and utilized. The Mechatronics program is designed to teach a core set of technical skills that are applicable in a wide variety of settings.

Mechatronics integrates electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and information technology and computer control systems into a single discipline that crosses most of the traditional boundaries of a skilled technician. Mechatronics technicians need a broad understanding of how mechanical and electrical energy is produced, controlled and utilized. The Mechatronics program is designed to teach a core set of technical skills that are applicable in a wide variety of settings.

Medical Coding is a 31 -credit hour program offering specialized training in the review of medical documents for the assignment of ICD-9-CM and CPT codes used for medical billing and insurance purposes. All credit is applicable to the AAS Medical Office Administration Degree. Graduates are trained to be medical coding associates and are prepared to take the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam.

Medical Office Administration is a 30-credit hour certificate program. All credit is applicable to the AAS Medical Office Administration Degree. Graduates are trained for entry-level medical office positions such as receptionists and office clerks.

Certificate of Proficiency Program Description: Medical Office Administration Certificate of Proficiency is a 9-credit hour program designed to provide students with minimum knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in the healthcare setting.

Medical Office Administration is a 64- or 66-credit hour program offering specialized clinical and administrative skills required to coordinate office functions in a healthcare setting. This program is approved by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Association of Allied Health Professionals. Graduates are prepared to take the Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) examination. Graduates are prepared for positions such as medical transcriptionists, medical assistants, medical coding associates, and medical office administrators.

Medical Terminology Certificate of Proficiency is a 10-credit hour program designed to provide students with knowledge of medical terminology and an introduction to human anatomy and the functions of organ systems.

The Practical Nursing (PN) program is designed to prepare students for employment in the health care field and for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The 12-month program admits students twice a year in January and May. Class size is limited to 50 students in Malvern and 20 students in Sheridan. All students accepted into the Practical Nursing Program will be required to have state and national criminal background checks and will pay all associated fees before set deadline. Conviction of certain crimes may make the applicant ineligible to attend certain clinical sites. If any clinical site denies student access for any reason, the student will not be allowed to progress through the program. Random drug screening may be utilized at any time during the course of the program at the student’s expense. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) may refuse to issue or shall revoke the license of any person who is found guilty of or pleads guilty of or nolo contendere to any offense listed in 17-87-312 of the Act 1208 of 1999 (see ASBN website for more information at http://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov).

Students spend time in the classroom and in clinical experiences. Practical Nursing students are prepared for giving direct and primary nursing care under the immediate supervision of the clinical instructor, staff nurse, and/or physicians in the cooperating clinical facilities. Clinicals are completed in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Clinical practicum is planned to provide students with varied experiences; therefore, students may have a portion of their clinical experience at facilities in many surrounding areas.

Truck driving is one of the “high demand occupations” listed with the Arkansas Department of Labor. Department of Labor statistics indicate that prospects for employment in the area of truck driving are excellent. This program prepares students for entry-level positions as commercial drivers and focuses on basic information about trucks and their operation. Students in this course will be taught industry regulations, trip planning, atlas usage, hours of service, and driver safety. Upon completion of the program students will be tested by State Police or a third party tester for their Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).