Minnesota State Community and Technical College

As a student in the Advanced Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to service and maintain commercial refrigeration equipment including walk-in coolers and freezers, supermarket refrigeration systems and ice makers. This 35-credit diploma is offered on M State's Moorhead campus.

As a student in the HVAC/R program, you will gain the skills needed to begin a career in residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, ducting, air conditioning and refrigeration. The 35-credit diploma program is offered on the M State campuses in Moorhead and Wadena.

Students completing this program will be prepared to obtain employment with architectural and engineering firms, contractors and a variety of manufacturing and distributing companies related to the construction industry. Computer-aided drafting is an important tool for the construction industry and design professions and is an important part of the Architectural Drafting and Design program. This program teaches students the principles of residential and commercial building technology, as well as the drafting skills to apply them. Students also will be enrolled in general education courses selected to complement their technical education. This degree can allow students to continue their education in a number of baccalaureate programs at four-year institutions.

Students completing this program will be prepared to obtain employment with architectural and engineering firms, contractors and a variety of manufacturing and distributing companies related to the construction industry. Computer-aided drafting is an important tool for the construction industry and the design professions and is an important part of the Architectural Drafting program. This program teaches students the principles of residential and commercial building technology, as well as the drafting skills to apply them.

The Drafting and 3D Technologies program prepares students for employment in a wide variety of engineering-related disciplines. Students are trained across multiple two-dimensional and three-dimensional software platforms to generate drawings of parts, assemblies and layouts, as well as other manufacturing and construction-related documentation specifically required by employers. The curriculum incorporates 3D printing, 3D scanning and rapid prototyping as tools for taking student designs from computer models to three-dimensional solids. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter the workforce as mechanical drafters, designers and engineering technicians.

The Drafting and 3D Technologies program prepares students for employment in a wide variety of engineering-related disciplines. Students are trained across multiple two- and three-dimensional software platforms to generate drawings of parts, assemblies and layouts, as well as other manufacturing and construction-related documentation specifically required by employers. The curriculum incorporates 3D printing, 3D scanning and rapid prototyping as tools for taking student designs from computer models to three-dimensional solids. Graduates of the program enter the workforce as mechanical drafters, designers and engineering technicians.

Students completing the Civil Engineering Technology program are prepared for employment in the civil engineering field. Civil engineering technicians plan, design and monitor construction and maintain public or private works systems with the collaboration and direction of engineers. They gather preliminary data, plan, budget, survey, design, prepare construction documents and administer contracts to provide safe and convenient facilities including highways, bridges, airports, structures, water treatment and distribution systems, and waste water collection and treatment systems. Opportunities are available with state, county and local government public works departments, as well as consulting engineering firms. Students will learn graphic communication skills, advanced surveying techniques and a variety of skills related to engineering technologies. Students also will be enrolled in general education classes selected to build a foundation for their technical courses. This AAS degree can prepare students to continue their education in a number of baccalaureate programs at four-year institutions.

The Electrical Line Worker program provides trained personnel for the power industry. Coursework provides both theory and practical hands-on experience in all phases of power line construction and maintenance. Coursework includes electrical math, national electrical safety codes, construction of overhead and underground distribution systems, conductor applications, over-voltage and over-current protection, guying and pole grounding. The 90-acre training field located near the campus provides a site for hands-on experience in pole setting. The successful graduate is eligible for employment in rural electric and municipal utilities or with private contractors.

The Electrical Line Worker Technology program provides trained personnel for the power industry. Coursework provides both theory and practical hands-on experience in all phases of power line construction and maintenance. Coursework includes electrical math, national electrical safety codes, construction of overhead and underground distribution systems, conductor applications, over-voltage and over-current protection, guying and pole grounding. The 90-acre training field located near the Wadena campus provides a site for hands-on experience in pole setting. The successful graduate is eligible for employment in rural electric and municipal utilities or with private contractors.

The Plumbing Technology program is designed for apprentice plumbers and others entering a plumbing career. It begins with safety, tools and materials used in the industry with a strong emphasis on the Minnesota Plumbing Code and the North Dakota Plumbing Code, covering both residential and commercial installation practices and standards. An introduction to blueprints and isometric drawings will be presented, as well as backflow prevention theory and devices. Graduates will be eligible for applicable hours on their apprenticeship card.

Automotive service technicians work in an exciting and rapidly changing industry. Students in this program will receive training in the many service and diagnostic procedures necessary to maintain our nation on wheels. Students are trained in modern laboratories equipped with current service and testing equipment. Students entering this program should have good mechanical aptitude, good communication skills and the ability to read and comprehend service literature. Graduates of this program will have a variety of opportunities including driveline technician, driveability technician, alignment and suspension specialist, transmission specialist and service writer.

The automotive service technician works in an exciting and rapidly changing industry. Students in this program will receive training in the many service and diagnostic procedures necessary to maintain our nation on wheels. Students are trained in modern laboratories equipped with current service and testing equipment. Students in Automotive Service Technology have the option of choosing between diploma and AAS degree programs. Students entering this program should have good mechanical aptitude, good communication skills and the ability to read and comprehend service literature. Graduates of this program will have a variety of opportunities including drive line technician, drivability technician, alignment and suspension specialist, transmission specialist, service adviser and manager. A student with an AAS degree will be better prepared for advancement, including positions as factory and dealer representatives, management and self-employment.

The Cardiovascular Technology - Invasive program prepares the graduate to be a competent entry-level cardiovascular technologist in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skill) and affective (behavior) learning domains for invasive cardiovascular technology. Students will learn to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac, peripheral vascular, neurovascular and electrophysiological conditions using current technology, physiological and diagnostic equipment, and therapeutic procedures.

The Dental Assisting program provides the knowledge necessary for the dental assistant to assist in performing general clinical assisting and support functions, intra-oral clinical procedures, business office procedures and laboratory tasks. The curriculum includes content in general studies; biomedical, dental and clinical sciences; clinical practice; and additional intra-oral clinical functions. Certain biomedical and dental science courses offered in the curriculum are common to both Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene majors. Graduates are eligible to write the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam and the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Registration Exam.

The Dental Assisting program provides the knowledge necessary for the dental assistant to assist in performing general clinical assisting and support functions, intraoral clinical procedures, business office procedures and laboratory tasks. The curriculum includes content in general studies; biomedical, dental and clinical sciences; clinical practice; and additional intraoral clinical functions. Certain biomedical and dental science courses offered in the curriculum are common to both Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene majors. Graduates are eligible to write the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam and the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Registration Exam.

The Dental Hygiene program provides knowledge and skills to perform critical dental services that detect, prevent and treat diseases of the mouth while working as part of a dental team. Students who complete the program will leave with the skills to provide current, comprehensive dental hygiene services and may find employment in a variety of settings including private dental offices, schools, hospitals and public health clinics. Students interested in an advanced degree in dental hygiene or a related field have a number of transfer options to four-year colleges and universities. The Minnesota Board of Dentistry requires BCA and FBI criminal background checks and fingerprint analysis prior to initial licensure in the state of Minnesota.

The Limited Scope Radiography program prepares students to become competent entry-level limited scope radiographers. The limited scope radiographer works under the direction of a health care provider and communicates with and positions patients for specified types of radiography examinations. The limited scope radiographer provides quality care to patients; manipulates radiographic equipment and accessories; selects and adjusts technical factors; provides radiation protection for patients, self and others; obtains diagnostic images; performs image evaluation; and carries out activities associated with equipment quality control. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of radiography exams on patients in various health care settings.

The Radiologic Technology program prepares individuals to perform various radiologic procedures. The radiologic technologist instructs and positions patients, manipulates radiographic equipment, adjusts exposure factors, provides radiation protection for patient and self, develops radiographic images, evaluates the quality of finished radiographs and carries out activities associated with quality control. The student radiologic technologist carries out these functions under the supervision or upon the direction of a registered radiologic technologist. Graduates of the Radiologic Technology program are eligible for the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of this exam qualifies the graduate as a Registered Radiologic Technologist.

The Medical Administrative Assistant AAS program prepares students to work in a variety of medical settings, handling all types of administrative duties for private practices, hospitals and clinics. This program offers a broad foundation of knowledge and skills, expanding the traditional role of the medical secretary through the addition of liberal arts classes as preparation for leadership roles. Graduates of this program are highly trained office specialists who are prepared to accept responsibility for the coordination of medical office functions and patient billing processes. Successful medical administrative assistants have excellent communication skills and exhibit a high degree of professionalism. All courses in the program incorporate the skills needed for employment in the medical administrative assistant profession.

The Medical Coding and Insurance diploma program prepares students in many of the procedures associated with billing for medical services. Students receive training in medical billing processes including patient account management, diagnosis and procedure coding, and medical insurance claim completion and processing. The program focuses on coding and insurance procedures for the medical office. Medical coding involves using nationally recognized coding systems to classify procedures and diagnoses related to medical treatment. The codes provide information that is used in insurance claims processing. Many different types of insurance programs are handled in the medical office. Students are trained in claims processes of many insurance programs/plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, profit and nonprofit third-party payers, workers compensation packages and disability coverage. Graduates of the program may be eligible to take several of the national coding certification exams. Courses in the program incorporate the skills needed for employment in the coding and insurance departments of medical facilities.

Medical office assistants are highly trained office specialists who participate in the coordination of medical office functions including patient appointment scheduling, telephone communications, medical record maintenance, medical transcription and patient billing processes. Successful medical office assistants have excellent communication skills and exhibit a high degree of professionalism. All courses in the program incorporate the skills needed for employment in the medical office assistant profession.

This program prepares individuals to work in a medical office setting. Medical receptionists greet patients, arrange appointments and provide informational services to patients. They possess excellent communication and technology skills. This position requires an excellent command of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, as well as expertise in medical office procedures.

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals educated for both administrative and clinical duties within clinics, physicians' offices and other health care organizations. The program requires mastery of knowledge and skills to positively affect patient care. The program culminates with a 225-hour clinical experience under the direct supervision of a physician.

Medical laboratory technicians perform a wide range of routine laboratory procedures associated with blood and body fluid analysis. In cooperation with affiliate health care facilities, the college offers a two-year hybrid program (online lectures, campus-based labs) for training medical laboratory technicians. The curriculum includes general education, science, medical laboratory technician courses and a 16-week clinical experience at an affiliate health care laboratory. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam. The majority of Medical Laboratory Technology graduates work in hospital and clinic laboratories. Graduates may articulate to a four-year institution to receive a bachelor of science degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

The Phlebotomy Technician program provides students the training necessary for employment and advancement in the health care field. Upon satisfactory completion of the classroom training at the college, each student is assigned to an affiliating clinical site for five weeks of daytime phlebotomy clinical experience. During this period, the student performs phlebotomy and other related procedures under the direct supervision of a medical laboratory technician or technologist. Graduates of the one-semester Phlebotomy Technician program are eligible to take the Board of Certification examination of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

The Practical Nursing program prepares the student to practice within the scope of the practical nurse. The student is taught to use the nursing process in the maintenance of health and prevention of illness, the observation and nursing care of individuals experiencing changes in health status and the administration of prescribed medication and treatments. The student will receive supervised learning experiences in caring for individuals in a variety of health care settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and physician clinic settings. Practical Nursing graduates may apply to take the National Council Licensing Exam-PN (NCLEX-PN) following graduation. Individuals entering the program must pass the background check required by the Minnesota Human Services licensing division and an annual National Background Check. The Practical Nursing program is offered on the Moorhead campus. The Minnesota Board of Nursing has officially approved the Practical Nursing program at M State.

The Surgical Technology program prepares competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains. Graduates will have the entry-level knowledge to assist surgeons and be active members of the surgical team. Throughout the perioperative experience, students will demonstrate proficiency in surgical asepsis with the preparation and use of surgical equipment, instruments and supplies while employing an understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and microbiology.

This 12-credit certificate will prepare students to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and also the CompTIA Network+ certification. The coursework includes Cisco semesters 1-4. Skill development covers LAN/WAN networking technology and concepts, networking math, networking media, router configuration, switching, VLANS, routing protocols and WAN links and services. The instructor will evaluate computer skills necessary to enter this certificate program. Students should have good reading and study skills, basic computer literacy and awareness of the Internet. Prior experience with computer hardware, binary math and basic electronics is desired but not required. Background in cabling is beneficial. Upon completion of this certificate the student will be able to take the Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+ certification exams offered though VUE or Prometric testing centers.

This program prepares students for careers in support, maintenance, and administration of database management systems in a wide variety of market segments. Students will learn how to implement security measures while performing database administration tasks, generate database-driven reports to support business intelligence, apply ethical and security practices in handling data, establish interconnectivity of databases and web services, use testing and debugging methods, devise backup and recovery measures in a database environment and learn the software development life cycle. This program teaches students the skills and knowledge for occupations such as database administrator, database analyst, data analyst or database support specialist.

This program provides the programming skills needed in computer application development, database management, computer systems and data communications. Students learn to design, write, code, document and implement computer programs for various computer platforms. They learn at least one operating system, one command-level language, one database management system and other high-level programming languages. The program prepares students to design and develop computer software systems and to design information management systems. It includes the study of languages, software design, information flow and processing. Students study the design of mathematical and simulation models and large-scale programs used for processing and retrieving information.

The Web Design Certificate provides students with the opportunity to use creative and technical skills to create customer-friendly websites using the most sophisticated tools currently available. Students will gain a strong understanding, appreciation and practical knowledge of the processes involved in building successful, visually appealing websites.

This certificate is designed for individuals looking to add technical skills in IT security. A person earning this certificate will develop skills to manage and secure the Linux operating system, develop and query an information database, and create simple scripts. Areas of cybersecurity focus include vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, perimeter defense, incident response and applying security measures to reduce risk of a security breach. Content included in the certificate will prepare students for the CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCENT certifications.

This program provides the skills to support and maintain information technology (IT) systems including overall computer knowledge, networking skills, application software and IT security. Students will gain hands-on experience working with routing and switching, server virtualization and private cloud computing environments. Students will explore the concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities, attack vectors and exploits while analyzing known security incidents. Students will write policies and apply policies and recommended security framework controls and countermeasures to decrease risk. Courses in this degree program prepare students for the CompTIA Security + and Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certifications.

This program prepares students for careers in support, maintenance, and administration of database management systems in a wide variety of market segments. Students will learn how to implement security measures while performing database administration tasks, generate database-driven reports to support business intelligence, apply ethical and security practices in handling data, establish interconnectivity of databases and web services, use testing and debugging methods, devise backup and recovery measures in a database environment and learn the software development life cycle. This program teaches students the skills and knowledge for occupations such as database administrator, database analyst, data analyst or database support specialist.

This program prepares students to work in information technology. Students learn to select appropriate systems, create necessary solutions, apply existing systems, integrate a variety of systems and administer systems. This career program prepares students to fill a variety of roles within the information technology field.

The Web Design Certificate provides students with the opportunity to use creative and technical skills to create customer-friendly websites using the most sophisticated tools currently available. Students will gain a strong understanding, appreciation and practical knowledge of the processes involved in building successful, visually appealing websites.

Students interested in a criminal justice career other than law enforcement may enroll in the Correctional Officer certificate program. The certificate program is designed to provide pre-employment education for the student who desires a position as a correctional officer. The program also provides continuing education for employed correctional officers.

The Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for careers in law enforcement. M State's Criminal Justice program has been designated a Professional Peace Officer Education Program by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. Students seeking a career in law enforcement will be prepared for and offered the opportunity to complete all educational and practical requirements necessary to apply for peace officer licensing. The internship program provides students with comprehensive training to develop additional skills in critical thinking, communications and practical application. Criminal Justice faculty have extensive academic and practical experience within the field. Students seeking an AS in Criminal Justice are required to declare that intention prior to the second semester of coursework.

This program includes coursework in child development for ages birth through 8, behavior guidance, children with special needs, development of environments and curriculum for infant/toddler, preschool- and primary school-age children, and the role of the paraprofessional, as well as on-site experiences in a variety of programs. Graduates will independently provide a healthy, safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment in support of families. Child development courses in combination with general education courses comprise the 60-credit degree program for students. The program meets the educational requirements for assistant teacher and paraprofessional in an educational setting as well as assistant teacher and teacher in a child care setting and/or family child care provider, and group family child care provider (based on program) as listed in Minnesota Department of Human Services Rule Numbers 9502 and 9503. Work experience, in addition to educational coursework, is required by Rule 3 for teacher positions in licensed child care facilities. Individuals with any prior record of child maltreatment or crime of violence will not be allowed to participate in lab or field experience coursework.

This certificate program includes coursework in child development (birth through age 8), behavior guidance, development of environments and curriculum for young children, and relationships with families, as well as on-site experiences in a variety of programs.

The Paralegal program provides graduates with a strong legal foundation that prepares them to work under the supervision of an attorney. Students will gain knowledge in the areas of criminal law, civil law, family law, real property law and estate planning. Communication and critical thinking skills combined with real-world application will provide students with the legal knowledge and technical competencies needed for a successful legal career. Students will gain a strong background in legal research and writing using electronic research programs. Graduates of the program find successful careers in legal firms, corporate offices and nonprofit and government organizations.

The Culinary Arts diploma program provides students with the opportunity to learn hands-on in a working food service environment. The core program is designed to educate individuals seeking career opportunities in hotels, restaurants, clubs and institutional food service facilities. Students will hone and apply their craft in team-oriented settings by preparing a variety of classic, modern and global menu items. In addition, special events will provide students with experience in planning and executing themed catered functions for large groups. Areas of study include baking and pastry, hot food preparation, butchery, cold kitchen/pantry, a la carte, safety and sanitation, culinary nutrition, kitchen math and measurements, knife skills, operating commercial equipment, food ingredient identification and product evaluation.

Clark’s Diesel program prepares students for entry-level positions in the diesel technician trade and has kept with industry changes through new and improved training in basic electronics and electrical systems.

With a mixture of in-class instruction and hands-on training

Clark’s Diesel program prepares students for entry-level positions in the diesel technician trade and has kept with industry changes through new and improved training in basic electronics and electrical systems.

With a mixture of in-class instruction and hands-on training

Graphic design is a highly competitive and rewarding career for those with a talent and/or interest in graphic communication. The Graphic Design certificate program focuses on the integration of technology with graphic design to train students to create communication materials such as branding, brochures, web interface design, magazine layout and other forms of visual communication. The 30-credit certificate is targeted specifically at advanced students, students possessing an advanced degree or students who have professional experience in a creative field. It is a two-semester fast-track curriculum with the intent of building on students' existing skill sets and experience or accommodating the advanced students' accelerated goals for employment.

Graphic design focuses on the integration of digital technology and graphic design to create communication materials for print, multimedia and online production. Students develop creatively and technically as they learn skills in the principles of design and related software, as well as production methods and specifications for a variety of industry products. Students are trained to be task-oriented by learning to meet deadlines, solve problems and work efficiently, along with learning industry expectations and best practices. They also are trained in the methods of compiling and presenting a personal portfolio of their work in both print and online forms to assist in the job search for entry-level employment.