Northwestern Connecticut Community College

The Technology Studies – Industrial Technology Option associate degree program prepares students primarily to transfer to complete a B.S. degree in automotive, construction management, environmental safety, electrical engineering, manufacturing and energy. Graduates will receive a background in mathematics, science, and general education courses for transfer into a four-year program. Careers in this field include jobs in industrial design, occupational health and safety, sustainable energy generation/transmission, lean manufacturing analysis, and laser technicians.

Students will acquire background and skills to enable them to work with digital machines from microprocessors to microcomputers to mainframe systems configured in Local Area and Wide Area Networks. Students will learn the logical and physical technologies associated with hardware, software, connectivity and project design planning.

The growth of the Internet and the expansion of the World Wide Web (the graphical portion of the Internet) have generated a variety of occupations related to the design, development, and maintenance of Web sites and their servers. For example, webmasters are responsible for all aspects of a Web site, including performance issues such as speed of access, and for approving the content of the site. Internet developers or Web developers, also called Web designers, are responsible for day-to-day site design and creation.

The experience and training in the Computer Systems Technology courses will begin to prepare students for the core and elective computer industry network certification examinations such as the national Computer Technology Industry Association (Comp TIA) A+ and Network+ certification examinations.

The Technology Studies – Data Science Option associate degree program prepares students primarily to transfer to complete a B.S. degree in Data Science or Technology Management. Graduates will receive a background in mathematics, science, data literacy, programming, and general education courses for transfer into a four-year program. Consultation with a faculty advisor is strongly recommended.

This program is designed to be a career-oriented program that provides students with the necessary knowledge to gain employment in the field of Criminal Justice. Program course work will allow an opportunity for students to transfer to a four-year institution. Students will participate in applied learning through in-class, hands-on assignments as well as practicum/fieldwork at Criminal Justice sites. With the aid of the required courses, our program students have been successful in finding employment in their chosen field.

The Early Childhood Education program is a National Accredited Program from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs as well as for immediate employment in programs such as preschools, child care centers and Head Start. Students receive experiences by observing and teaching in a variety of early education environments. These experiences enable the student to implement the theory received in the college classroom in a practical hands-on setting. A required field trip may be planned each semester.

The Human Services certificate is a career program designed for students seeking to develop skills necessary for employment in the field of Human Services. All courses transfer to the Associate Degree in Human Services. The student is provided with the knowledge and experience needed for immediate employment as a paraprofessional in a variety of positions in casework, probation, mental health, geriatric counseling, welfare, mental retardation and other settings which require similar skills.

The Digital Media Option is designed to equip students with a sound foundation in the aesthetics, terminology, vocabulary, technical skills and design concepts of digital media production. Program coursework focuses on time based media and internet communication design. The demand for visual artists with competency in the digital environment is growing at a breakneck pace. The program will be of value to students wishing to attain entry level positions in web design firms, video production companies and internet media agencies or transfer to four year programs in New Media, Media Arts and Motion Graphics.

Northwestern’s Graphic Communication Design Option is designed to prepare students for transfer and career opportunities in the field of graphic design. The program encompasses design for both print and the web. Students working in this field go on to work in corporate graphic design departments, design studios, advertising agencies, commercial and photographic studios, fashion, marketing and media buying organizations, video and digital media promotion departments, newspapers and publishers, signage and environmental design businesses, internet design studios.

Northwestern’s Graphic Design Program aims to provide the student with entry level graphic design skills. All courses are applicable to an Associate Degree. Northwestern’s graphic design students learn the principles and processes of graphic design while working in up-to-date computer graphics and photography studios. They develop a portfolio of original works of graphic design, computer illustration and desktop publishing.

The Electrical Power Technology Pathway is articulated with Bismarck State College (BSC) and provides access for individuals interested in career pathways into the transmission and distribution sectors of the energy industry, by offering online Electric Power Technology classes to students enrolled in the Connecticut Community College System (CCCS). The Electric Power Technology (EPTP) at BSC is an instructor-led, online program that provides students with a core set of skills and competencies and a broad knowledge of the industry. The partnership between CCCS and BSC provides CCCS students with a seamless and efficient way to enroll in ELPW/ENRT technical courses through BSC, while completing core educational courses. Upon successful completion of the two year (four-semester) program, students will earn an Associate in Technology Studies degree.

The Technology Studies – Engineering Technology Option associate degree program prepares students primarily to transfer to complete a B.S. degree in civil, mechanical, manufacturing, composite, or computer engineering technology. Graduates will receive a background in mathematics, science, and general education courses for transfer into a four-year program. Careers in this field include jobs in quality control of industrial products, electrical system testing and diagnostics, computer modeling of essential infrastructure, robotic technology, and remediation of environmental hazards. A grade average of “B” with no grade less than “C”, and completion of the full program is required for continuation as a junior in CCSU’s School of Technology or at Charter Oak.

The Health Information and Reimbursement Specialist Certificate program is designed to prepare students for entrylevel positions in health information and reimbursement management in physician’s offices, hospitals, ambulatory care centers, health insurance companies, and other allied health venues. The healthcare industry is facing significant changes in how providers and insurers generate, maintain, and communicate documentation related to medical records, insurance, coding, and financial reimbursement. Specialized training in this field will provide graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively as an integral member of the healthcare team and enhance career opportunities for those currently employed in related positions.

The Health Information Management program provides students with an understanding of healthcare administration, information technology and the uses of healthcare data. It is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions dealing with health information management in physician’s offices, hospitals, ambulatory care centers, health insurance companies, health departments, and other allied health venues. Health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security utilizing paper and electronic systems. Job descriptions and duties vary with the size and type of facility in which they are employed.

The mission of the NCCC Medical Assisting certificate is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants who are knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate individuals cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties used in the variety of outpatient healthcare facilities.

Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC) is the sixth community college to offer the Connecticut Community College Nursing Program (CT-CCNP). The CT-CCNP is an innovative associate degree with common nursing programming and a four-semester curriculum designed to prepare registered nurses to function in the professional role utilizing current standards of nursing practice. In addition, students within the program have the same admission and policy standards, which allows for greater student flexibility. NCCC’s nursing program is unique in that it offers students an accelerated 18 month course of study consisting of four consecutive semesters.

The Associate Degree in this AVMA fully-accredited program will prepare students for immediate employment in veterinary offices, biological research facilities, drug and feed manufacturing companies, and in the animal production industry. The objective of this program is to provide the classroom, laboratory, and field experience that will prepare students to be job entry-level competent in all of the above, with a special focus on companion animal medicine and practice. The NCCC Veterinary Technology Program promotes graduate success through a combination of challenging studies, extensive on-site hands-on learning opportunities, affiliations with off-site veterinary clinics, and continued emphasis on the need for lifelong learning.