Oakland Community College

This program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree with specialization in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

The program is designed to qualify students for occupations and careers in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration, system designers, estimators, manufacturers’ representatives, equipment fabricators, application technicians, salespeople, installation mechanics, service people, maintenance mechanics and many other related skilled and semi-skilled positions.

These proficiency certificates, awarded for progress made in the CAD program, are available for all students, whether they are working toward an OCC certificate or an associate degree, or if each of these competency milestones are goals in and of themselves. These documents provide validation and some credentialing to show potential employers students’ skill levels.

These proficiency certificates, awarded for progress made in the CAD program, are available for all students, whether they are working toward an OCC certificate or an associate degree, or if each of these competency milestones are goals in and of themselves. These documents provide validation and some credentialing to show potential employers students’ skill levels.

This program leads to an associate in applied science degree with a specialization in CAD Engineering Technology. Program graduates are encouraged to transfer to one of OCC’s four-year university partners and continue their education in Engineering Technology; however, graduates are prepared for occupations and careers in engineering and manufacturing industries. Rapid Prototyping and co-op opportunities enhance their learning experience.

The CAD Engineering option focuses on design with an emphasis on concepts and applications of CAD Engineering Technologies. CAE covers subjects such as: the applications and principles of kinematics in design, concepts and techniques of finite element modeling for stress analysis / non-destructive testing, techniques and applications of solid modeling, and CNC tool path generation for CAD models.

This program leads to an associate in applied science degree with a specialization in CAD Product Design. Program graduates are encouraged to transfer to one of OCC’s four-year university partners and continue their education in Engineering Technology; however, graduates are prepared for occupations and careers in manufacturing industries. Rapid prototyping and co-op opportunities further enhance the learning experience.

The Product Design option focuses on Advanced Part Design for product development, modeling techniques, building parametric models, data organization, and design animation. This option also introduces procedures involved in tool & dies design. Students will apply knowledge of systems, software configurations and design principles in solving increasingly complex product design problems involving various manufacturing materials.

This program leads to an associate in applied science degree with a specialization in CAD Vehicle Design. Program graduates are encouraged to transfer to one of OCC’s four-year university partners and continue their education in Engineering Technology; however, graduates are prepared for occupations and careers in animation design industries. Rapid prototyping and co-op further enhance the learning experience.

The Vehicle Design option focuses on preparation for entry-level vehicle design positions using the computer as a tool in engineering, analysis, design, industrial technology, and manufacturing systems. The VDO specialization covers the principles and concepts of vehicle underbody and upper-body design, creation of assembly structures, advance modeling techniques, building parametric models, data organization, and advance surface development.

From NASCAR to solar and wind farms, from building space shuttles to bridges, welding plays an important part in today’s manufacturing world. This program leads to a Certificate in Welding Technology and prepares you to enter the occupation of welding technician. You will get the knowledge and skills to gain employment in a variety of welding occupations. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are covered, along with welding terminology, joint design, and practical applications. Classes prepare you to take the examination for the American Welding Society SENSE Level 1 (Entry Level Welder) certification.

From NASCAR to solar and wind farms, from building space shuttles to bridges, welding plays an important part in today’s manufacturing world. This program leads to a Certificate in Welding Technology and prepares you to enter the occupation of welding technician. You will get the knowledge and skills to gain employment in a variety of welding occupations. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are covered, along with welding terminology, joint design, and practical applications. Classes prepare you to take the examination for the American Welding Society SENSE Level 1 (Entry Level Welder) certification.

Automotive service technician and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.(*Bureau of Labor Statistics) Employers prefer that automotive service technicians and mechanics complete a program at a postsecondary institution.

The Automobile Servicing Associate in applied science degree is designed to prepare students for entry-level servicing operations in the automotive field. This program consists of ten specialized courses designed in accordance with the mandatory Auto Mechanic Certification tests required for state licensure. Completion of the program prepares the student to take the State of Michigan certification exams for licensing in up to eight areas of specialization.

This program provides entry-level skills in the fundamentals of vehicle detailing, surface preparation, protection and painting. A Certificate of Achievement provides documentation of the skills employers seek.

The Collision Auto Repair certificate programs offered at Oakland Community College prepare students to meet the technical skills competency standards required for employment, as identified by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF). In addition to courses designed to prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) national certification test, CAR certificate completion will earn I-CAR ProLevel One Platinum Certification in Non-Structural Repair, which meet or exceed employer expectations.

The Collision Auto Repair certificate programs offered at Oakland Community College prepare students to meet the technical skills competency standards required for employment, as identified by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF). In addition to courses designed to prepare students for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) national certification test, CAR certificate completion will earn I-CAR ProLevel One Platinum Certification in Paint & Refinishing, which meet or exceed employer expectations.

In the summer semester, an EMT Academy runs for approximately six weeks, beginning just after the OCC Fire Academy ends. This program is accelerated and meets Monday through Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, followed by approximately three weeks of clinical shifts. Required courses are listed as follows and are recommended to be taken concurrently. Students must be accepted into the program and attend an orientation prior to registration. Part time academic schedules must be approved by the Program Director.

These programs are directed toward individuals engaged in the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care and to prepare the student to pass the National Registry certification written and practical exams at the EMT and Paramedic levels. Lecture, classroom demonstrations, skills practice, case studies, and actual hands on experience based on State and National standards provide the basis for the instruction. The program will provide a thorough presentation of the role of the Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic, and stresses the recognition of abnormal conditions through analysis of assessment findings and appropriate management for patients with illness or injury at the scene or during transport to a medical facility. The EMS program has options available to meet the student’s individual needs for a career in the Emergency Medical Services field or in the municipal fire service.

This 64 hour, state approved course, delivers the necessary education for first responders to provide initial care to people suffering from a variety of medical conditions. The Medical First Responder license is the first level of EMS care recognized by the State of Michigan and is typically utilized by police, public safety and security agencies as well as rural fire departments, industrial workers, life guards, and search and rescue teams.

The Corrections program provides students with an educational background in: police administration and procedures, criminal investigations, and law. Graduation fulfills the entrance requirements for the Police Academy at OCC.

This program provides an in depth study of community law enforcement and police administration. Graduates may be employed by police departments, sheriff departments, state police or federal law enforcement agencies, or seek employment with industrial plant security or private investigation agencies.

The Police Evidence program provides students with an education background in police administration and procedures, plus extensive experience in coursework relating to the criminal justice field such as criminal investigation, law and related criminal justice subjects. Students learn investigative procedures such as crime scene methods, practical techniques for collecting, preserving and handling physical evidence. Students will perform basic laboratory examinations of simulated crime evidence. Graduation fulfills the entrance requirements for the Police Academy at OCC.

The Oakland Police Academy meets all requirements for Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). Successful completion of the Academy qualifies cadets to take the MCOLES Michigan Police Officer licensing exam.

The Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program is designed to develop effective, caring, competent, high-quality early childhood education professionals. This program provides training for effective work with young children in a variety of areas and increased awareness of the sensitivities, vulnerabilities and potential of every child. The program satisfies Michigan state requirements for licensing as directors of child care centers, lead teachers in child care centers, home-based center providers, and support staff in public school early childhood programs and Head Start agencies. It also prepares students to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education thereby increasing their job potential. The program provides experiential and academic training in early childhood education through course work, fieldwork, and internships. A “C” (2.0) or better grade is required in all program major requirements and required supportive courses to qualify for graduation in the program. To enter the program, candidates must provide documentation that they meet the following requirements:

This program leads to an associate in applied science degree that gives the student an educational background for employment in the fire science area and aids persons already employed to obtain credentials for promotional opportunities. Students who satisfactorily complete the program will exhibit competency in fire safety, building construction, fire administration, hydraulics, legal issues in the fire service, and the modern threats and integration of homeland security considerations.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mental Health/Social Work (MHS) is designed to prepare students for transfer into partnering university programs and entry level employment in a range of social service careers. The program has transfer and articulation agreements with numerous university programs in Southeast Michigan. In addition, the program prepares students for entry level positions within the social work and human service fields.

The Paralegal program leads to an associate in applied science degree. The program is designed to provide the legal profession with qualified paraprofessionals who will perform legal research, aid in discovery and analyze evidence in preparation for litigation in the various court systems at the local, state and national levels.

The design of the Business Systems Analysis degree has grown from the demand on businesses to use the most current technology to solve business problems. This degree emphasizes an understanding of both business and technology processes.

Upon completion of the Business Systems Analysis degree, students are encouraged to pursue two industry certificates: Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA-level 1) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM-PP). Additionally, students are encouraged to pursue several of the Microsoft certifications.

Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) is designed for students who are seeking entry-level ICT jobs or plan to pursue more specialized ICT skills, providing comprehensive coverage of networking topics, from fundamentals to advanced applications and services. The curriculum offers the following features and benefits:

Students learn the basics of routing, switching, and advanced technologies to prepare for the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and CCNA certification exams, networking related degree programs, and entry-level careers.
The language used to describe networking concepts is designed to be easily understood by learners at all levels and embedded interactive activities help reinforce comprehension.
Courses emphasize critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and the practical application of skills.
Multimedia learning tools, including videos, games, and quizzes, address a variety of learning styles and promote increased knowledge retention.
Hands-on labs and Cisco® Packet Tracer simulation-based learning activities help develop critical thinking and complex problem solving skills.
Embedded assessments provide immediate feedback to support learning.

Security is an essential component that affects every aspect of how we use information technology. Successful protection of our data and electronic resources results from the integration of proper human actions, policies, procedures, computer software and hardware. As our dependency on technology increases, so does the importance of security for this infrastructure. Therefore, the need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals will exist for the foreseeable future.

Security is an essential component that affects every aspect of how we use information technology. Successful protection of our data and electronic resources results from the integration of proper human actions, policies, procedures, computer software and hardware. As our dependency on technology increases, so does the importance of security for this infrastructure. Therefore, the need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals will exist for the foreseeable future.

For students looking for employment as an information technology specialist, many employers prefer to see the applicant have a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering. Students who come to OCC with a bachelor's degree in a non-technical field are very successful finding information technology specialist jobs if they add the Information Technology Support certificate to their existing non-technical bachelor's degree.
Students may choose from one of three "focus areas" within the ITS certificate program. Each focus area begins with five core courses followed by four courses specific to that focus title.

The group that you fall into will influence which path you will choose to pursue within the area of information technology. Current working computer professionals are often not pursuing a degree or certificate, but instead choose a selection of our cutting edge courses in database technology and administration, network technology and administration, and computer and system support. Even though employers prefer a bachelor's degree, the demand for information technology specialists is high enough that there are some opportunities for employment for students who get our Information Technology Support associate degree.

Current working computer professionals are often not pursuing a degree or certificate, but instead choose a selection of our cutting edge courses in mobile application development, server-side web programming, enterprise programming, and game programming. Even though employers prefer a bachelor's degree, the demand for software developers is high enough that there are some opportunities for employment for students who get our Software Engineering associate degree.

The Computer Information Systems discipline at Oakland Community College has many different opportunities available for students who are interested in writing computer programs for a living. There are an abundant number of programming jobs in Michigan and across the country – jobs that pay very well.

The Culinary Studies Institute has been preparing aspiring chefs for a career in the food and beverage industry for decades. Dining at your favorite restaurants, you may be currently enjoying one of our alums’ cuisines. In the meantime, we invite you to come dine with us in one of our two restaurants we operate on campus to experience our students in training. We also hope you will join us for one of our many special events we offer the community as part of our students learning experience. You can expect the best in food and service.

Dental hygienists are important members of the dental health care team who work with dentists in the delivery of dental care to patients. Hygienists use their knowledge and clinical skills to provide comprehensive dental hygiene care for patients. They use their interpersonal skills to motivate and instruct patients on methods to prevent oral disease and to maintain oral and general health.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree and is designated as an Extended Degree Program in that students must complete a minimum of 89 or more required credit hours. The program prepares selected individuals through theory and clinical experiences to practice as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in a variety of health care settings. Successful completion of the program requirements qualifies the student to apply to write the national credential examination offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Satisfactory achievement on this examination qualifies the graduate to practice as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, (RDMS).

The certificate program is designed to prepare students for a career in health care administration. This flexible program will enable students with health care experience to supplement previous experience and develop new skills necessary for upward mobility. Graduates of this program will be prepared as nursing home administrators, nursing home administrative personnel, department heads in hospitals and administrative personnel for public and private health facilities, including ambulatory clinics and assisted living facilities.

This program leading to an associate in applied science degree is designed to prepare students for a career in health care administration. This flexible program will enable students with health care experience to supplement previous experience and develop new skills necessary for upward mobility. Graduates of this program will be prepared as nursing home administrators, nursing home administrative personnel, department heads in hospitals and administrative personnel for public and private health facilities, including ambulatory clinics and assisted living facilities.

The Medical Assisting Program (MDA) offers numerous program options including a Certificate program or an Associate Degree program. Both clinical and administrative skills are included in the course work. Upon successful completion of the Medical Assisting Certificate program, students are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistant (AAMA) certification exam. OCC students have had a 100% success rate on this exam from 2001 to present.

The Medical Assisting Program (MDA) offers numerous program options including a Certificate program or an Associate Degree program. Both clinical and administrative skills are included in the course work. Upon successful completion of the Medical Assisting Certificate program, students are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistant (AAMA) certification exam. OCC students have had a 100% success rate on this exam from 2001 to present.

An Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist to provide skilled treatment to individuals of all ages with physical, developmental, social and emotional problems. OT Assistants help these people achieve the independence necessary to perform the activities of daily living.

The Physical Therapist Assistant works within a physical therapy service under the supervision of a professional Physical Therapist. The student assists the Physical Therapist in performing selected procedures relating to the use of therapeutic exercise, applying heat and cold, performing measurements for various assistive devices (crutches, canes, etc.), instructing and motivating patients and families, testing gross muscle strength and measuring joint range of motion.

The Radiologic Technology program leads to an associate in applied science degree and is designated as an extended degree program in that students must complete a minimum of 73 or more required credit hours. The program prepares selected individuals through theory and clinical experiences to practice safely and ethically as a Radiologic Technologist in a variety of health care settings. Successful completion of the program, fulfills the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) educational requirement necessary to apply to take the national credentialing examination offered by the ARRT. Satisfactory achievement on this examination qualifies the graduate to practice as a Certified and Registered Radiologic Technologist, R .T. (R).

This program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree and is designated as an Extended Degree Program in that the student must complete a minimum of 73 or more required credit hours.

The Associate Degree Surgical Technology Curriculum leads to an associate in applied science degree and is designated as an extended degree program in that the student must complete a minimum of 73 or more required credit hours. A graduate may be employed at a hospital operating room, surgical center or private office setting. Successful completion of the program requirements qualifies the student to take the National Certification Examination for the Surgical Technologist.

Doctors of Veterinary Medicine are charged with the care and treatment of animals, but with the increasing demands made on their time, veterinarians have come to rely on skilled veterinary technicians to assist them in their work. As part of a professional team, veterinary technicians work under the supervision of the veterinarian in office, hospital, laboratory and zoological settings. They perform a variety of tasks, allowing the veterinarian to concentrate on diagnosis and treatment.

This program provides students with comprehensive instruction to gain the knowledge and skills to work as a graphic designer, art director or multi-media professional. Instruction begins with core design training of the elements of design such as color, values, balance, proportion, texture and the fundamentals of typography. Students will learn how to use design skills to create “real-world” projects such as trademarks, avatars, promotional materials, digital imagery and advertising campaigns. Software training is a critical component along with developing cognitive skills to assist in thinking conceptually. The overall goal is to provide students with the education that will assist them in creating a world-class portfolio.

In an ever-more visual and digital job market, a picture today is likely worth a lot more than 1,000 words. The Oakland Community College program in photographic technology can help you add value to images by sharpening your critical eye and visual skills, either through an associate in applied science degree or a certificate in photo technology.

This program provides professional and technical experience in still black and white, color and digital photography. Emphasis is on developing skills necessary for graduates to be employed as photographers, photographic assistants and lab technicians in business, industry, advertising, journalism, medical institutions, studios and schools. Graduates may also be self-employed as professional photographers and retailers.

The Computer Information Systems discipline at Oakland Community College has many different opportunities available for students who are interested in designing Websites for a living. This certificate emphasizes front-end Web design skills, which is an excellent skill set to possess in a demanding market.

The Machine Tool Technology program is designed to emphasize the concepts of manually operated and computer-driven metal cutting machinery. Instruction will include cutting principles, programming techniques, computer controls, and computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool operations. In addition, the interfacing of automated equipment with computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) systems will be addressed.

The Machine Tool Technology program is designed to emphasize the concepts of manually operated and computer-driven metal cutting machinery. Instruction will include cutting principles, programming techniques, computer controls, and computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool operations. In addition, the interfacing of automated equipment with computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) systems will be addressed.

The Robotics/Automated Systems certificate is intended for individuals who have earned a previous degree or have significant work related experience in manufacturing technology.

Robotics/Automated Systems Technologies prepare students for employment in advance manufacturing and for emerging technologies.

A robotics technologist applies traditional electro-mechanical skills with knowledge of programming, controls, and networking to mechatronics concepts as related to robotic systems. Individuals in the field of robotics apply logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of approaches to problems, or to alternative solutions for innovations in technology leading to development of new applications and markets for robotics.