Mountain Empire Community College

The Medical Office Specialist program is designed to prepare individuals for administrative support positions in medical offices. Individuals currently employed in medical office positions will also benefit from the program. The program includes courses that provide the knowledge and skills necessary for effective job performance in entry-level medical office administrative support positions.

The Health Information Management (HIM) degree provides students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills required to perform a variety of specialized duties in a non-clinical healthcare setting. Graduates may seek positions as medical records technicians, coders, health information specialists, and similar designations.

The Medical Office Coding & Procedures certificate is designed to provide entry-level skills for individuals preparing for employment in the health care industry as medical coders, medical office assistant, medical secretaries, insurance billing specialist, or medical records technicians.  The curriculum provides basics in medical, diagnostic and procedural terminology and coding, medical office procedures and the reporting of data to third party payers, insurance companies and government agencies for reimbursement.

The Medical Receptionist Career Studies Certificate prepares individuals for entry-level responsibilities in the health care environment. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in transcribing and interpreting the physician’s dictation into diagnostic test results, operative reports, referral letters, and other medical documents; greeting and scheduling patients and visitors, using patient accounting software for patient record creation/maintenance, and contemporary medical office procedures.

This career studies certificate prepares individuals for entry-level responsibilities in the medical records/healthcare environment. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in accurately compiling and maintaining medical records of patients, reviewing medical records for completeness, using patient accounting and application software.

The Career Studies Certificate in Computed Tomography Imaging is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the allied health interdisciplinary team. Upon completion of the curriculum (and successful completion and documentation of all required clinical competencies as set for by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists), the student is eligible to apply to take the National Registry examination leading to advanced certification as a Registered Radiographer in CT by the ARRT.

Provide students with the theory, skills, laboratory and clinical experience to perform as entry-level dental assistants. Prepare students for employment in dental offices, hospitals, corporations, specialty dental clinics and the public health setting. Prepare students for the Dental Assistant National Board NELDA certification exam.

The Career Studies Certificate in Mammography Advanced Studies is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the allied health interdisciplinary team. Upon completion of the advanced studies curriculum (and successful completion and documentation of all required clinical competencies as set for by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists), the student is eligible to apply to take the National Registry examination leading to advanced certification as a Registered Radiographer in Mammography by the ARRT.

Graduates of the radiography technology program are prepared to contribute as members of the allied health team, care for patients under the supervision of qualified physicians, and meet requirements for ARRT certification. This program is being provided through an innovative, cooperative agreement with Southwest Virginia Community College. Students will register at MECC for their general education course requirements and register through SWCC for their program courses. The educational experience will be comprised of both classroom instruction and clinical rotations for completing required competency objectives. Classroom instruction incorporates interactive video-teleconferencing between classroom locations. The A.A.S. degree will be awarded by Southwest Virginia Community College. The cooperative Radiologic Technology Program at Southwest Virginia Community College is dedicated to serve students from southwest Virginia and east Tennessee. The Program will provide a quality educational experience in the art and science of radiologic technology and help the students succeed, both academically and clinically, as entry-level radiographers. It is the Program’s aim to provide a sound foundation for our students towards building a rewarding professional career, and an opportunity to qualify as a valued contributing member in the healthcare team for our region.

The Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum is a concentrated course of study and coordinated practice designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to join the medical field as a contributing health professional. The Associate Degree program prepares students for employment as Medical Laboratory Technicians. Upon satisfactory completion of program requirements, the student is eligible to take a national registry examination for certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician and is eligible for employment in a variety of medical and scientific laboratory settings. The program is fully approved by the State Council of Higher Education and the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).This program is being provided through an innovative, cooperative arrangement between Wytheville Community College and Mountain Empire Community College. Students will register at MECC for their general education course requirements and register through WCC for their program courses. However, all course offerings and clinicals will be provided on the MECC campus and at regional healthcare facilities. The AAS degree will be awarded by Wytheville Community College. Opportunities for Employment Opportunities for MLTs include employment at hospital clinical laboratories, reference and industrial laboratories, pharmaceutical firms, independent clinical laboratories, service agencies, physicians’ offices, clinics, government agencies, research institutions and the armed forces.

Provide students with theory and laboratory experience required for employment in acute care, long-term care, and assisted living healthcare institutions. Prepare students to take the Virginia Board of Nursing Certified Nurse Aide exams. Provide employers with competent, entry-level CNAs.

The mission of the MECC Practical Nursing program is to facilitate the health of the community. This mission is accomplished through nursing education, leadership, scholarship, and innovative nursing practice. The foundation of these goals is lifelong learning, responsiveness to changing healthcare needs, generation and dissemination of new knowledge, and service to the public and the profession.

Graduates of the program are prepared to qualify as contributing members of the health care team who will care for patients under the supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist. The goals of the occupational therapy team are to develop, restore, or maintain adaptive skills in individuals whose abilities to cope with daily living are threatened or impaired by disease, injury, developmental disability, or social disadvantage. This program is offered in partnership with Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) and degrees will be conferred from SWCC.

Provide students with advanced theory and laboratory experience required for employment in acute care and retail pharmacies. Prepare students to take the Virginia and/or national certification exam(s). Provide employers with competent, entry-level pharmacy technicians. Provide students with exposure to the latest technology and devices being used.

Provide students with advanced theory and laboratory experience required for employment in healthcare facilities. Prepare students to take the NPA (National Phlebotomy Association) certification exam. Provide employers with competent, entry-level phlebotomists. Provide students with exposure to the latest technology and devices being used.

The two-year program is designed to prepare the student with the philosophical, theoretical, and clinical knowledge to become a trained technical health care worker who can assist the physical therapist in meeting the physical therapy needs of the public. These needs include, but are not limited to, improving patient mobility, relieving pain, lessening the functional limitations that occur as a result of physical disability. The profession of physical therapy also includes health and wellness promotion, public education, and injury and disability prevention. Students may register at MECC for their general education course requirements and apply to the WCC Physical Therapist Assistant Program for admission according to the procedure outlined below. Students will be totally responsible for transportation to and from the college(s) and the health agencies utilized for clinical experiences. The A.A.S. degree will be awarded by Wytheville Community College. Employment opportunities for the licensed Physical Therapist Assistant include positions in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care agencies, rehabilitation centers, school systems, and private practices. Graduates work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to provide such interventions as exercises, massage, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction, or ultrasound. They also record the patient’s response to treatment and report this to the supervising physical therapist. Employment settings include: outpatient clinics, acute care hospitals, long-term care and skilled care facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health care agencies, contracting agencies and corporations, and school systems. Patients range in age from newborn to the elderly, with age- and developmental stage-specific concerns.

The mission of the Mountain Empire Community College Respiratory Therapy Program is to provide competent advanced-level respiratory therapists who demonstrate professionalism while providing excellent care. It will provide the graduates with comprehensive skills to meet the employment needs of health care providers within the MECC service region, the commonwealth, and the nation.

The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent, entry-level Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians who can service the community with advanced life support care via the Emergency Medical Services infrastructure.  Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent, entry-level Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians who can service the community with advanced life support care via the Emergency Medical Services infrastructure.  Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Paramedics who can provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification. This credential leads to Paramedic licensure or certification in Virginia and most other states.

The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level EMTs who can provide basic out-of-hospital care. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification. This credential leads to EMT certification in Virginia and most other states.

The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level EMTs who can provide basic out-of-hospital care. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification. This credential leads to EMT certification in Virginia and most other states.

The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Paramedics who can provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care. Upon completion of the program EMT Intermediates will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification. This credential leads to Paramedic licensure or certification in Virginia and most other states.

This program is designed as an introduction to the field.  The curriculum is designed to provide entry-level competencies documented by Virginia’s Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. These competencies include health, safety and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, appropriate child observation and assessment, partnering with families and community, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications and professional development curriculum.  Additionally, this program provides the necessary CPR training for young children desired by many employment agencies.

This program is designed as an introduction to the field, specializing in infant and toddler care.  The curriculum is designed to provide entry-level competencies documented by Virginia’s Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. These competencies include health, safety and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, appropriate child observation and assessment, partnering with families and community, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications and professional development curriculum.  Additionally, this program provides the necessary CPR training for young children desired by many employment agencies.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Correctional Services is to prepare individuals for carers in the criminal justice and Corrections occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields.

The career studies certificate in Corrections Management and Supervision is designed for individuals in management and leadership positions in criminal justice and Corrections occupations. It focuses on critical problem solving and ethics and leadership skills

The Police Science degree is to prepare individuals for careers in the criminal justice and related occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields.

The Police Science degree is to prepare individuals for careers in the criminal justice and related occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields.

The Environmental Science student will take course work from a wide array of natural resource offerings.  This will prepare the student to work in all areas of environmental science related jobs.

Forest Science students will take course work from a wide array of natural resource offerings.  This will prepare the student to work in all phases of forest science from monitoring, managing, and protecting forest areas, harvesting timber, and producing primary and secondary wood products.

The career studies certificate in Law Enforcement Management and Supervision is designed for individuals in management and leadership positions in criminal justice and Law Enforcement occupations. It focuses on critical problem solving and ethics and leadership skills.

The Police Science degree is to prepare individuals for careers in the criminal justice and related occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields.

The Legal Office Assisting Certificate is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position in a legal office setting. Students will gain basic skills in word processing, telephone reception, ethics, and professionalism. Specialized legal courses are complemented by several general education courses. The Legal Office Assisting Certificate is a milestone for students who plan to pursue the Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science degree.

The Paralegal Studies program is designed to prepare individuals to work in a legal office environment. The program provides training in the general processes of American law and the knowledge and skills to perform specific legal tasks under the supervision of an attorney. In addition, the program helps prepare individuals for paralegal certification exams.

The Police Science degree is to prepare individuals for careers in the criminal justice and related occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields.

The Police Science degree is to prepare individuals for careers in the criminal justice and related occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program is designed to provide the job skills necessary for employment a beginning electrician or as a HVAC service technician. Special emphasis is placed upon the installation and repairing of residential and commercial air conditioning units. The program is offered during the day and on a part time basis in the evening.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate is designed to provide the job skills necessary for employment aa an entry level HVAC service technician. Special emphasis is placed upon the installation and repairing of residential and commercial air conditioning units.

Graduates of the Energy Technology program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level HVAC/Electrical technician in both commercial and residential fields. These fields include leading edge technologies such as geothermal, solar PV installation, and solar thermal systems. Graduates will find employment in various industries and service sectors as HVAC technicians or electricians.

Graduates of the Energy Technology HVAC Emphasis Career Studies program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level HVAC technician in both commercial and residential fields. These fields include leading edge technologies such as geothermal, and solar thermal systems. Graduates will find employment in various industries and service sectors as HVAC technicians.

The Building Construction Electrical program is designed to provide the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level electrical technician. Special emphasis is placed upon the installation and repairing of residential electrical distribution Systems.

The purpose of the Electrical Career Studies Certificate is to help students gain knowledge and experience for gainful employment in the trade of electricity.

Graduates of the Energy Technology program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level HVAC/Electrical technician in both commercial and residential fields. These fields include leading edge technologies such as geothermal, solar PV installation, and solar thermal systems. Graduates will find employment in various industries and service sectors as HVAC technicians or electricians.

Graduates of the Energy Technology Electrical Specialization program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level electrician in both commercial and residential fields. Course work includes a strong emphasis in electrical technology with related courses in computer applications, quality control, teamwork and communication.

Classes offered in the Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major program will introduce you to architectural and mechanical design that will prepare you to work as a drafts person. Approximately one-half of the courses taken are in drafting and design technology. Students will also take courses in related areas and general education. MECC utilizes CADD operations extensively. Micro-Station PC, AutoCADD, and 3D software programs are available. These programs are the most widely used in industry in our service area. Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major classes are available to evening students.

Classes offered in the Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major program will introduce you to architectural and mechanical design that will prepare you to work as a drafts person. Approximately one-half of the courses taken are in drafting and design technology. Students will also take courses in related areas and general education. MECC utilizes CADD operations extensively. Micro-Station PC, AutoCADD, and 3D software programs are available. These programs are the most widely used in industry in our service area. Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major classes are available to evening students.

Classes offered in the Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major program will introduce you to architectural and mechanical design that will prepare you to work as a drafts person. Approximately one-half of the courses taken are in drafting and design technology. Students will also take courses in related areas and general education. MECC utilizes CADD operations extensively. Micro-Station PC, AutoCADD, and 3D software programs are available. These programs are the most widely used in industry in our service area. Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major classes are available to evening students.

The Building Construction program is designed to provide the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level construction technician. This program is designed to be flexible and meet industry needs as they arise. This program is not offered continuously and admission is by permission only.

Graduates of the Technical Studies Welding program are trained in the job skills necessary to enter employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum.  Course work includes a strong emphasis in welding technology with related courses in computer applications, quality control, teamwork, and communication.

The certificate in Welding is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum. Technical courses and shop experience comprise the majority of the program. The remaining courses are in related subjects and general education.

The Welding operator career studies certificate in Welding is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum. Technical courses and shop experience comprise the program.

The Welding operator career studies certificate in Welding is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum. Technical courses and shop experience comprise the program.

The Computer Networking Technology student will take course work in network infrastructure and internet-working devices, network operating systems and network management.

The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Computer Software Specialist is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as computer professionals trained in a variety of cutting-edge software packages. General and specialized computer courses with an emphasis in programming and database applications are complemented by general education courses. Students will participate in a comprehensive program that includes both classroom and lab instruction, along with a work-based learning experience or a comprehensive computer project.

The Associate of Arts & Sciences degree programs are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program. The courses in this program are specifically selected for ease of transfer to most four-year colleges and universities. Following the prescribed coursework in this program will result in graduation with the Associate of Arts & Science degree (AA&S). Students should consult with their advisors to ensure that they select general electives that best prepare them for the specific requirements of their intended transfer college or university programs of study. This degree plan is closely aligned to local universities and colleges. Please see your advisor for specific guidelines

The Software Development I Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as software developers who can create and test business-oriented software applications. The curriculum includes general and specialized computer courses focusing on programming and database applications. This certificate includes both classroom and lab instruction.

The Software Development II Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as software developers who can create and test business-oriented software applications.  The curriculum includes general and specialized computer courses in advanced level programming with an emphasis on systems analysis and project integration. 

The Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce with essential cybersecurity training to help plan and implement an organization’s information security, install security hardware and software, monitor networks for security breaches, respond to cyber-attacks, and gather evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber-crime. The training focuses on the strategies, techniques, and defense mechanisms required to mitigate global cyber threats. This certificate includes both classroom and lab instruction.

The Manufacturing Technology major is a broad-based curriculum that prepares students for a variety of technical positions within a manufacturing company. The company that hires the graduate, teaches the special skills and knowledge needed to be successful within the company.

The Electromechanical Technology Specialization of the Computerized Manufacturing Technology program trains students in various electrical, electronic, and mechanical components of systems and upon successful completion, awards the Associate of Applied Science Degree. Emphasis is on programmable logic controllers, motor controls, piping systems, valves, and related components, and process controllers. Computer skills and teamwork are also emphasized.

The Mechatronics Technology career studies program is designed to provide the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level mechatronics technician.

Graduates of the Energy Technology Electrical Emphasis Career Studies program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level Electrical technician in both commercial and residential fields. These fields include leading edge technologies such as Solar PV and storage.

The Industrial Maintenance Certificate Program is intended to meet the increasingly sophisticated maintenance needs of institutions, businesses, and industries. As systems become more computerized and complex, new maintenance skills are needed to keep machines at peak performance. With a broad-based approach touching on a cross-section of technical skills, the Industrial Maintenance Certificate Program provides entry level skills for these emerging industry needs. The Certificate Program can also provide significant retraining skills for individuals who have a technical background but want additional employment opportunities.

The Machinery Maintenance career studies program is designed to provide the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level industrial Maintenance. This program is designed to be flexible and meet industry needs as they arise.  

Graduates of the Energy Technology program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level HVAC/Electrical technician in both commercial and residential fields. These fields include leading edge technologies such as geothermal, solar PV installation, and solar thermal systems. Graduates will find employment in various industries and service sectors as HVAC technicians or electricians.

Graduates of the Energy Technology program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level HVAC/Electrical technician in both commercial and residential fields. These fields include leading edge technologies such as geothermal, solar PV installation, and solar thermal systems. Graduates will find employment in various industries and service sectors as HVAC technicians or electricians.

Graduates of the Energy Technology program are trained in the job skills necessary for employment as an entry level HVAC/Electrical technician in both commercial and residential fields. These fields include leading edge technologies such as geothermal, solar PV installation, and solar thermal systems. Graduates will find employment in various industries and service sectors as HVAC technicians or electricians.