Northwest State Community College

Computers play a part in nearly all phases of our life today. Businesses and governmental agencies, large and small, require trained computer specialists. The computer programming degree prepares computer programmers and computer operators to work with a wide variety of computers and languages used by area employers. Emphasis is placed upon business-oriented computer languages. Programming and practical applications of business data are stressed. In the laboratory, hands-on experience is provided using the Internet

The Computer Science Engineering Technology program prepares graduates for the field of computer science with a comprehensive understanding of computer hardware and software at the machine and system level. The program combines curriculum in electronics and computer programming addressing both hardware and software aspects of computer design and applications. The design aspect places emphasis on computer structures, computer architectures, microcomputer systems, digital design, and computational applications. The applications part of the program includes a general knowledge of computer operating systems, utilization of software in engineering technologies, low- and high-level programming techniques, and the use of mathematical algorithms.

The Cybersecurity and Network Administration major provides the skills and training necessary to install and maintain networks using Microsoft and Linux Operation Systems. Students will also receive training in security penetration testing as well as securing networks using intrusion prevention systems and firewalls. The program provides students with training in a current programming language. Material in the major aligns with and helps to prepare students for industry standard certifications from organizations such as CompTIA and Microsoft.

Qualified administrative professionals are the backbone of the workplace, providing valuable support and insight that help keep offices running smoothly. If you’re considering a career in office administration, Northwest State has the training you need.

Medical support employees work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical settings. They may transcribe dictation, prepare medical records or charts, schedule appointments, handle correspondence, prepare bills and process insurance forms. In addition to a good background in keyboarding, accounting, and computers, there is a need for expertise with medical terminology and familiarization with medical references. Strong communication skills are also important in dealing with patients in stressful situations.

Policies regarding the Law Enforcement Academy are available in the Academy Student Handbook. All students entering the program must adhere to the regulations within the handbook as well as the division’s Substance Abuse Policy. Tattoos are not considered part of professional appearance and must be covered whenever you are in the practicum setting or professional role.

This degree is designed to prepare students for careers in the criminal justice field as well as prepare them for future academics and training. Students will become familiar with the components and processes of the criminal justice system as well as study the areas of law, corrections, investigations and procedures at a more comprehensive level. Students will also examine social and criminal justice issues through multiple perspectives

Northwest State’s human services program is a 2-year, associate degree program that includes both classroom and hands-on learning experiences. Graduates who successfully complete the program are qualified to apply for the Registered Social Work Assistant credential, which prepares them for entry-level employment in the human services field. Graduates may also choose to transfer their credits into a bachelor’s degree program.

The paraprofessional education degree program prepares individuals for instructional teacher assistant positions in pre-K to grade 12 settings. The program was developed to meet the Ohio Department of Education standards for the Paraprofessional Associate License. This license meets the “No Child Left Behind” guidelines for “highly qualified” paraprofessionals. The curriculum integrates classroom and field experiences to provide the student with the opportunity to apply skills and techniques with multiple age groups.

The early childhood development (ECD) degree program prepares individuals for teaching positions in child care facilities, Head Start centers, and pre-schools as well as provides professional training for in-home childcare providers. The curriculum integrates classroom and field experiences to provide the student with the opportunity to apply skills and techniques in fostering the young child’s social, emotional, physical, creative and cognitive growth.

Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) is a comprehensive electrical technologies program that prepares graduates for employment as skilled technicians, or for pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology. The EET program provides a foundation of electrical and electronics theory and practice applicable to a variety of subject areas including, but not limited to, alternative energy systems, automation and control, and electric drive technology. A focus on laboratory experience gives students the technical hand skill and problem solving insight to employ solutions in the field. The curriculum includes algebra-based courses with emphasis on applied science and engineering. Students in the EET program have opportunity to participate in applied research and testing activities to supplement coursework.

The CAD/CAM graduate will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Students completing the associate degree are qualified to play a support role to the engineering professionals in industry preparing blueprints, layouts, bills of materials, manufacturing and product support documentations. The CAD/CAM major will also prepare the student to interpret designs and to design components and tooling used in manufacturing and to operate production machines and program CNC machines, using G codes and state-of-the-art CAM software

This program combines foundational curriculum from the Mechanical Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology programs. Graduates from this program will gain a solid foundation in the principles of mechanics, mechanical systems, electrical concepts, and electronics through comprehensive curriculum and laboratory experiences.

This degree will focus on learning experiences for students that will prepare them with the technical skills to work within diverse technological fields within manufacturing and industrial environments.

The machinery of modern industry consists of mechanical devices - levers that move, wheels that spin and cogs that must mesh. The Mechanical Engineering Technology degree is designed to train students in technology based, entry-level occupations related to the mechanical and manufacturing engineering fields. Graduates will be able to assist engineers and other professional staff engaged in plant and facilities maintenance and other plant engineering and management functions. All aspects of industry are dependent on the production and reading of drawings to convey information.

Plastics is one of the fastest growing manufacturing Industries today. This program was developed in response to the industry demand in northwest Ohio for employee training and student education in plastics manufacturing. Students will receive specialized training in thermoplastic materials, injection molding and plastics testing. Graduates will also be skilled in various processes such as blow molding, extrusion and thermoforming.

This program emphasizes industry recognized project management techniques and processes with core tracks for Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering Technology.

The industrial maintenance technician not only troubleshoots and repairs the most highly advanced industrial equipment, but is responsible for the layout and installation. This individual will be versed in electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, pipefitting, welding, machine repair, and installation as well as motor control systems, PLC control systems and instrumentation control networking.

The machinery of modern industry consists of mechanical devices - levers that move, wheels that spin and cogs that must mesh. The Mechanical Engineering Technology degree is designed to train students in technology based, entry-level occupations related to the mechanical and manufacturing engineering fields. Graduates will be able to assist engineers and other professional staff engaged in plant and facilities maintenance and other plant engineering and management functions. All aspects of industry are dependent on the production and reading of drawings to convey information.

An environment that is very fast-paced and dynamic requires human resource professionals who are able to help manage a productive and efficient workforce. The human resource professional is a critical member of the management team and has direct responsibility for managing employee relations, wage and salary administration, benefits, as well as contract negotiations

Medical assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory settings, such as physicians’ offices, clinics, and group practices, performing administrative and clinical procedures. This program will prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Students who are interested in the MLT program must enroll at Marion Technical College (MTC) while attending Rhodes State College. Students will participate in distance education formats, such as live video conferencing, web casting, pod casting and other distance modalities. Students must take at least 25 credit hours of their general education classes at Rhodes State. Medical Laboratory Technician courses are offered in a blended format, using the distance education and live laboratory sessions at Marion one day a week. Clinical education experiences may be available in the local area and will be arranged during the last quarter in the program. Upon successful completion of the program, students received an Associate’s Degree from Marion Technical College. The program is designed to teach students how to collect and process specimens, perform basic analytical tests, monitor quality control and solve medical laboratory problems. Students in the program receive instruction in classroom sessions, lab practices and clinical experiences.

The Associate Degree Nursing program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate competency in providing nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings and for employment as a registered nurse. The four semester program incorporates face to face and online coursework, labs, and clinical to prepare the student to function as a member of the healthcare team. Students must meet all admission criteria prior to being admitted to the nursing program. After meeting admission criteria, students are given the first available seat in the nursing program. Policies regulating the nursing program are available in the Student Nurse Handbook. For admission criteria, see the division’s page on the college website.

An occupational therapy assistant treats patients using purposeful and meaningful activities. The treatment is holistic including focus on the patients’ physical, cognitive and psychological abilities. Occupational therapists (OT) and occupational therapy assistants (OTA) aid individuals of any age to gain skills needed to participate in productive, satisfactory and meaningful living. Under the supervision of an occupational therapist, an assistant can treat clients with cognitive, physical, emotional and/or developmental disabilities in a variety of healthcare and other settings. After successfully completing an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, the graduate is eligible to take the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapy Assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a COTA. In addition, most states including Ohio require licensure to practice; however, Ohio and most other state licenses are based on passing of the NBCOT exam. After achieving licensure, the individual will be a COTA/L.

The Radiographic Imaging curriculum includes general studies, basic courses and technical courses. The technical component of the curriculum includes either a traditional classroom or distance education format as well as campus laboratory practice and clinical education. The distance education format is available to qualified students enrolled at our partner institutions, which are Clark State Community College and Northwest State Community College. These courses will be archived and available 24/7 via the Rhodes State course management system. Every attempt will be made to assign distance education students to clinical rotations within their geographical area. Laboratory experiences for the distance education students will be held at the Rhodes State Campus. The Radiographic Imaging Program provides a structured approach to the technical skills necessary to safely administer radiation to patients while providing physicians with optimal diagnostic information. The program offers variable completion options that allow students to graduate as soon as all classes and clinical requirements are met. A minimum of five semesters is required for the A.A.S. degree. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree from Rhodes State College and is eligible to take the examination in radiography of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Graduates of the program find employment as radiographers in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices and mobile units, as well as numerous specialty fields including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and vascular procedures. In addition, radiography is considered the foundation for careers in diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. Graduates may also qualify for job opportunities with commercial firms and (once advanced academic credentials are obtained), may compete for faculty appointments in radiography education as well as radiology administration positions.

Skillful providers of respiratory care are in increasing demand. Respiratory Care Practitioners are prepared to administer pulmonary care under the direction of licensed physicians. Their tasks involve the administration of medical gases, medications by inhalation, pulmonary drainage and positive pressure breathing treatments. Knowledge of special life-support equipment and methods of monitoring the critically-ill patients are required of respiratory care practitioners. Individuals educated as respiratory care therapists must complete a minimum of two years of education. Upon completion of the Respiratory Care Program at Rhodes State College, graduates are eligible to sit for the national board exams to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

The visual communication-graphic design degree prepares students for a variety of positions utilizing computer graphics and imaging skills. Graduates are prepared to produce public relations materials including print, video, and electronic media.