Pensacola State College

The Medical Information Coder/Biller program provides students with the technical skills necessary to code medical diagnoses, procedures and services provided for reimbursement in a wide variety of settings including hospital, outpatient, ambulatory surgery centers, clinics and physician offices. Upon completion of the program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national credentialing examination for the Certified Coding Assistant (CCA) credential offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA; www.AHIMA.org). Upon completion of the program graduates will have the option to progress towards a two-year Associate in Science (AS) degree in Health Information Technology to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT).

The two-year degree provides a student with the technical skills necessary to prepare, analyze, and maintain health information required by the patient, health facility and public. The Associate Degree, Health Information Management Program at Pensacola State College is accredited by the Commission On Accreditation For Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM; www.CAHIIM.org). Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national qualifying examination offered through AHIMA for certification as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Health Services Management graduates work in the administrative support areas of the health field. Positions include professional duties in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms and doctor’s offices. Health Services Management professionals have little or no direct patient contact, but provide business and administrative services “behind the scenes” by managing insurance, payroll, patient admissions, billings, regulatory reports, marketing, auxiliary services and other similar administrative functions.

A two-year curriculum designed to prepare students to master clinical competencies and prepare for all of the roles of a dental hygienist. Graduates receive an Associate in Science degree in dental hygiene and are eligible to apply to sit for the state board examination in any state in which they desire to practice.

This one-year certificate program prepares the student for employment as a Medical Assistant and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

The Nursing Assistant Program consists of one class taken after one core course in the same semester. The program provides technical skill proficiency, competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, occupation-specific skills specific to patient care.

Successful completion of the program prepares students for certification for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a nursing home, in accordance with 464.203, of the Florida Statutes.

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as advanced cross trained nursing assistants (patient care technicians). This program offers a broad foundation of knowledge and skills, expanding the traditional role of the nursing assistant, for both acute and long term care settings.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Pharmacy Management expands on the curriculum of the Pharmacy Technician Applied Technology Diploma to prepare students for careers as Pharmacy Technician Specialists. Students can enroll directly into the A.S. degree program or transition from the Pharmacy Technician ATD program.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates earn an Associate in Science degree and are equipped to assume entry-level management responsibilities in a pharmacy. Graduates are prepared for employment in hospitals, long term care facilities, retail stores, drug manufacturing companies, wholesale drug houses and health maintenance organizations.

The program prepares graduates to work in both institutional and community pharmacy settings under the supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and are accountable to the supervising pharmacist who is legally responsible through state licensure for the care and safety of patients served by the pharmacy.

The Phlebotomy program trains students in the basic and supporting skills of the phlebotomist. Skills include: specimen collection by venipuncture and capillary puncture, basic anatomy and physiology, infection control, safety, and patient relations.

This program meets the requirements for taking the Phlebotomist National Certification Exam through the National Health Career Association (NHA) and the America Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The physical therapist assistant is a skilled technical health care worker who, under the supervision of a registered physical therapist, carries out a planned patient care program. Duties of the physical therapist assistant include: training patients in exercise and activities of daily living; conducting treatments utilizing special equipment; assisting in performing tests, evaluations and treatment procedures; and observing the patient’s responses and reporting to the supervising physical therapist.

Prepares the students to perform safe nursing care as a practical nurse under the direction of a Registered Nurse or a licensed physician. Entry-level skills are acquired through classroom instruction and supervised experience in the laboratory and hospital. The program completers are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.

The 23-month full-time curriculum has been designed to assist students in developing and mastering basic clinical competencies and theoretical concepts of current radiography practice. Graduates receive an AS Degree in Radiologic Technology and are eligible to sit for the national examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). ARRT certification is recognized throughout the United States. The Radiography program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182. Telephone (313) 704-5300. www.JRCERT.org

The Associate in Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography curriculum prepares the student to exercise initiative and independent judgment in the performance of sonographic examinations.

Each graduate is encouraged to pursue registry and is eligible to sit for the American Registry for Radiologic Technology (ARRT) sonography exam upon graduation. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is another national registry that graduates can qualify for by different pathways. The information packet has more information about registration.

The Surgical Technology program prepares the student to perform as a member of the surgical team who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologist, registered nurses and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during and after surgery.

The Associate in Science degree in Surgical Technology provides the student with a broad foundation in theoretical concepts and clinical competencies of current surgical practice and prepares the student to seek employment in surgical technology.

The two year, full-time limited-access program prepares students to perform entry-level skills as a Veterinary Technician. Skills are mastered through classroom instruction and supervised laboratory instruction. Students will be assigned to a clinical work site throughout the program. The core courses of the program begin in August of each year. Prior to starting core courses students must have completed the following general education courses: ENC 1101 (English Composition I), MAC 1105 (College Algebra) and ZOO 1010 (General Zoology with ZOO 1010L General Zoology Lab) or BSC1010 (Principles of Biology with BSC1010L, Principles of Biology Lab), PHI 2600 (Ethics), and DEP 2004 (Human Growth/Development) or PSY 2012 (General Psychology).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the manufacturing career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the manufacturing career cluster.

The 18 credit hour certificate is the Technical Core to our Engineering Technology A.S. program. The Engineering Technology Support Specialist certificate has been defined to align with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council’s (MSSC). MSSC skill standards define the knowledge, skills, and performance needed for manufacturing workers. After completing the Technical Core and the General Education requirements, students should be prepared to pass the MSSC – CPT Certified Production Technician (CPT) Certification.

Completion of the requirements for this certificate provides a head start in this technical field as a CNC operator. There are many employment opportunities in the local and regional area in this field. While working on these core courses, an individual may also choose to co-op to gain valuable working experiences while learning.

This technical certificate utilizes four essential core courses used in the Mechanical Design & Fabrication AS degree. The CNC Machinist Certificate reflects the culmination of those learned skills and proficiencies that allow a student to set-up and operate CNC machinery and turning centers at the entry level. The core courses provide training on a Haas VF-2 Mill, a Haas TL-1 Lathe, and on a CNC plasma cutter. Complete the requirements for this certificate to get a head start in the field as a CNC Machinist. There are many employment opportunities in the local and regional area in this field of study.

Introducing and expanding skills related to digital design, modeling, and manufacturing related to first and small quantity production runs will be emphasized. The focus is on computer design and automation tools to create initial and custom parts. Occupational skills developed in this program will prepare students to join the workforce in areas such as rapid prototyping, digital manufacturing, industrial design, product design, mechanical drafters, technicians, or detailers in various specialized areas of industry that use CNC machining, CAM, and additive or digital manufacturing technologies. This program also upgrades skills with supplemental training for persons previously employed in manufacturing occupations. At the conclusion of this training, students will be prepared to sit for the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA), Professional, (CSWP), and SME’s Additive Manufacturing certification exams.

The Mechanical Design & Fabrication specialization prepares students for careers in CNC machining, mechanical design, and metal fabrication. The program offers unique technical skills and opportunities for employment in local and regional industries. The coursework provides the basis for employment in a variety of manufacturing areas some of which include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Computerized Machining (CNC), Production Welding; and Metal and Composite Fabrication. Industry standard software taught in this program includes AutoCAD, PlasmaCAM, MasterCam, and SolidWorks. A major objective of this program is to teach proficiency in CNC programming, set-up, and operation of CNC machining and turning centers to prepare students for employment in this high demand industry. To accomplish this task, the lab is equipped with Haas CNC milling and turning machining centers, Camtech CNC gantry router, CNC plasma cutting, metal fabricating, and welding equipment. Additional skills taught include precision measuring and Rapid prototyping using an EMS 3D printer.

The Mechanical Designer / Programmer Certificate reflects the culmination of those learned skills and proficiencies that allow a student become proficient in 3D mechanical design with the use of Solidworks and Inventor. Students have the opportunity to acquire certifications in MasterCam 2D & 3D toolpath processes and programming. At completion students should be prepared to take the Solidworks certificate exam. Students will process their designs on various Haas machining centers. There are employment opportunities as a Mechanical Designer in the local and regional areas. While working on your classes you may choose to co-op to gain valuable working experiences as you learn.

Graduates from the Electronics Aide program typically work in manufacturing, electric maintenance, or the installation and repair of electronic equipment. They may be employed at the entry level at industrial/manufacturing sites, in homes, in businesses, or even in the automotive industry.

The Electronics Engineering Technology Program provides students with the fundamentals of electronics that will prepare them as technicians in a variety of fields including computer technology, networking, instrumentation, and biomedical. Selected specialty courses are available to provide detailed instruction in these technical areas. The content includes but is not limited to DC circuits, AC circuits, solid-state devices, analog circuits, digital fundamentals, and circuits. Integrated into this content will be communications skills, employability skills, safe and efficient work practices, use of circuit diagrams and schematics, and soldering.

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the manufacturing career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the manufacturing career cluster. The content includes but is not limited to DC circuits, AC circuits, solid-state devices, analog circuits, and digital circuits. Integrated into this content will be safe and efficient work practices, use of circuit diagrams and schematics, soldering, and laboratory practices. This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the skills required to enter a variety of fields within the Electronics industry.

The Manufacturing Automation Specialist Certificate reflects the skillset required for graduates to contribute to maintenance and operation of automated manufacturing system. The program covers basic electronics, electric motors and the control of electric motors to include variable speed AC drives, as well as, how to troubleshoot basic electric motor circuits. It also includes the basic fundamentals of process control and the control of industrial processes with an industrial computer including ladder logic programming in Programmable Logic Controllers and position and movement programming in Industrial Robotic Arms.

Upon completion of this technical program, the student will be able to install, maintain and troubleshoot general robot systems and simulations. The content also includes Program Logic Controller (PLC) programming and basic electronics competencies as identified by the electronics industry. Individuals are prepared in the areas of Robotic Applications, Modeling and Simulation, and Virtual Reality Environment. Graduates of this technical program will be prepared to enter advanced training and education in specialized Robotics and Simulation related fields.

This post-secondary adult vocational program prepares students for entry as a class B level welder. Students applying for this program are expected to have completed an Applied Welding Technology course, or have significant experience in the welding field. The program uses a combination of theoretical, simulation and hands on instruction. Strong emphasis is placed on safety as well as specific welding techniques and skills in an effort for students to obtain industry certifications. Students successfully progressing through the program will earn Welder Level 3 Certification issued by National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and are prepared to test to become certified through the American Welding Society. The full program is designed to be completed in 750 clock hours. Students are responsible for supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) and basic hand tools that are standard in the welding profession.

This post-secondary adult vocational program prepares students for entry level work in the welding field in both the manufacturing and construction sectors. The program uses a combination of theoretical, simulation and hands on instruction. Strong emphasis is placed on safety as well as specific welding techniques and skills in an effort for students to obtain industry certifications. Students successfully progressing through the program are prepared to take National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) welding certification exams as well as test to become certified through the American Welding Society. The full program is designed to be completed in 1050 clock hours. Students are responsible for supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) and basic hand tools that are standard in the welding profession.

The Architectural Design and Construction Technology program is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on training while exploring broad issues such as planning, management, finance, technical and product skills, safety and environmental issues within the architectural and construction industry. Attaining these skills qualifies the student to work for companies such as engineering firms, contractors’ or architects’ offices, building construction administration, facilities planning and management, or self-employment in the construction industry. The program emphasizes skills such as architectural drafting using AutoCAD, cost estimating, material selecting, specification writing, and building information management (BIM).

This program offers entry-level electrical skills required by the construction industry. Electricians install electrical systems in structures; they install wiring and other electrical components, such as circuit breaker panels, switches, and light fixtures, and they follow blueprints, the National Electrical Code® and state and local codes. Completers of this program earn a Florida Vocational Certificate in Electricity. The program is also nationally certified by The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

This program prepares students for entry-level employment in the HVAC industry. HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. The HVAC industry is made up of skilled professionals, known as HVAC technicians, who install and maintain HVAC systems found in residences, commercial buildings, office buildings, schools, hospitals, and retail establishments. Air quality, temperature control, humidity regulation, refrigeration, heating, and other aspects of climate control are all handled by the HVAC systems.

The Mechanical Design & Fabrication specialization prepares students for careers in CNC machining, mechanical design, and metal fabrication. The program offers unique technical skills and opportunities for employment in local and regional industries. The coursework provides the basis for employment in a variety of manufacturing areas some of which include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Computerized Machining (CNC), Production Welding; and Metal and Composite Fabrication. Industry standard software taught in this program includes AutoCAD, PlasmaCAM, MasterCam, and SolidWorks. A major objective of this program is to teach proficiency in CNC programming, set-up, and operation of CNC machining and turning centers to prepare students for employment in this high demand industry. To accomplish this task, the lab is equipped with Haas CNC milling and turning machining centers, Camtech CNC gantry router, CNC plasma cutting, metal fabricating, and welding equipment. Additional skills taught include precision measuring and Rapid prototyping using an EMS 3D printer.

This program prepares students for employment or advanced training in a variety of pipe occupations by focusing on broad, transferable skills, and stressing the understanding of all aspects of the plumbing industry. Topics include pipe fitting, plumbing tools, types of valves, DWV (drains, waste, and venting), and potable water treatment leading to entry-level positions within the plumbing industry. Plumbers install, maintain, and repair many different types of pipe systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. For example, some systems move water to a municipal water treatment plant and then to residential, commercial, and public buildings. Other systems dispose of waste, provide gas to stoves and furnaces, or supply air conditioning.

The Career Certificate in Commercial Vehicle Driving prepares students for licensure and employment into the trucking industry. This 320 clock hour program uses a combination of theoretical, simulation, and hands-on instruction. Each student is strongly encouraged to consult an advisor or counselor prior to course registration.

The Computer Information Technology program prepares students by giving them a basic understanding of voice and data networks in their foundation courses. Typical job titles include computer repair technician, system administrator, network engineer, network security specialist and telecommunications specialist.

The Cyber Forensics Associate of Science program will assist the student in development of skills required to identify, obtain and move forward needed electronic evidence through the evidence chain of custody.

This program covers a broad expanse of technological concepts and provides individuals with the skills required to implement effective and comprehensive information security controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and information systems.

Coursework includes securing network technologies and operating systems, security management, and industry best practices.

The Computer Information Technology program prepares students by giving them a basic understanding of voice and data networks in their foundation courses. Typical job titles include computer repair technician, system administrator, network engineer, network security specialist and telecommunications specialist.

The Electronics Engineering Technology Program provides students with the fundamentals of electronics that will prepare them as technicians in a variety of fields including computer technology, networking, instrumentation, and biomedical. Selected specialty courses are available to provide detailed instruction in these technical areas. The content includes but is not limited to DC circuits, AC circuits, solid-state devices, analog circuits, digital fundamentals, and circuits. Integrated into this content will be communications skills, employability skills, safe and efficient work practices, use of circuit diagrams and schematics, and soldering.

The Computer Information Technology program prepares students by giving them a basic understanding of voice and data networks in their foundation courses. Typical job titles include computer repair technician, system administrator, network engineer, network security specialist and telecommunications specialist.

The Computer Information Technology program prepares students by giving them a basic understanding of voice and data networks in their foundation courses. Typical job titles include computer repair technician, system administrator, network engineer, network security specialist and telecommunications specialist.

The Computer Information Technology program prepares students by giving them a basic understanding of voice and data networks in their foundation courses. Typical job titles include computer repair technician, system administrator, network engineer, network security specialist and telecommunications specialist.

Our computer programming degree focuses on helping the student develop the necessary skills that are essential to understanding computer systems, applications, and technology by providing a strong programming foundation while at the same time emphasizing specific career fields such as programmer, web developer, game developer, software testers, software designers, etc. The program also enables students to learn computer programming languages such a, Java, C++, C#, Visual Basic and PHP.

This program prepares students for employment as a computer programmer trainee, a systems analyst trainee, microcomputer specialist and software application technicians. It also provides supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this area.

Students earning the Crime Scene Technician certificate are eligible to sit for the certification examination offered through the International Association of Identification (IAI). Persons earning IAI Certification can serve in positions including, but not limited to, Crime Scene Technician, Crime Scene Photographer, Fingerprint Classification Specialist, Crime Lab Assistant/Investigator, Latent Print Examiner, and Property and Evidence Staff. While the Crime Scene Technician certificate is a stand-alone program open to all students, this certificate also enhances employment opportunities for students earning the LAW-AA and/or LAW-AS degree. Entities employing persons with IAI Certification include, but are not limited to, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, State Attorneys’ Offices, Public Defenders’ Offices, Medical Examiners’ Offices, law firms and insurance firms.

Crime Scene Investigators are charged with collection, inventory, and documenting evidence found at a crime scene. It is their job to testify in court as to its probative value and link to the defendant or defendants.

The Criminal Justice Technology program is open to all students. The program provides an opportunity to prepare for a law enforcement or corrections career. Also currently employed practitioners can increase their knowledge and help develop their professional competence.

The Cyber Forensics Associate of Science program will assist the student in development of skills required to identify, obtain and move forward needed electronic evidence through the evidence chain of custody.

The Criminal Justice Technology program is open to all students. The program provides an opportunity to prepare for a law enforcement or corrections career. Also currently employed practitioners can increase their knowledge and help develop their professional competence.

The Criminal Justice Technology program is open to all students. The program provides an opportunity to prepare for a law enforcement or corrections career. Also currently employed practitioners can increase their knowledge and help develop their professional competence.

Early Childhood Education is concerned with the education, guidance and daily care of young children. Early Childhood professionals plan and implement activities that stimulate children’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. Completion of the program prepares students to teach in or to operate a child care center, preschool program, or a home child care center. Students will gain insight into working with children from birth through age 8. Course components focus on all aspects of early childhood including curriculum development, behavior management techniques, and forming partnerships with parents and the community.

The CHD-CT Child Development and Early Intervention Technical Certificate is a 36- college credit program designed to prepare students as entry level teachers in a child care or pre-school program. Upon completion of this program, students will have earned their FCCPC along with Pre-K and Infant/Toddler specialization certificates. This program is composed of selected college credit courses offered within the AS Early Childhood degree program and will count toward that degree. Selected credits will count toward the Early Childhood Teacher Pre-Primary AA program. Please contact the program coordinator for advising.

The Pre-K College Technical Certificate is a 12 college credit program designed to provide students with the skills needed to design developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children and enable them to begin careers as early childhood education caregivers with a preschool specialization. Additionally, the courses can be transferred into appropriate technical certificate programs within Early Childhood or can be used in either the AS or AA Early Childhood degree programs. Please contact the program coordinator for advising.

The Baby-CT College Technical Certificate is a 12 college-credit program designed to provide students with the skills and information needed to design a developmentally appropriate environment and curriculum for infants and toddlers. This program is composed of selected college-credit courses offered within the AS and AA Early Childhood degree programs and will count toward those degrees.

The EMS-AS degree program completes the academic progress of a graduate of an Emergency Medical Technician Program and a Paramedic Certificate with 16 hours of general education courses.

Minimum requirements for eligibility to the program include high school diploma or GED, satisfactory scores on Nelson Denny Reading; documentation of unencumbered current Florida EMT Certification, and a current CPR card from one of the following:

American Heart Association BLS provider
American Red Cross Professional Rescuer
American Safety and Health Institute CPR Pro

The program is designed to provide an opportunity for persons interested in pre-hospital emergency care to become skilled in basic emergency care to save lives and reduce injury. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of EMS, has approved Pensacola State College as a training center for EMT and Paramedic programs.

The four semester certificate program is designed to provide those responsible for pre-hospital emergency care the opportunity to become skilled in advanced life support measures.

A paralegal is a person qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work, for which a lawyer is responsible. (American Bar Association (ABA) and National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) definition). Although the terms legal assistant and paralegals were used in the past interchangeably, today the term paralegal connotes one with specialized training such as graduation from Pensacola State’s Paralegal Studies program.

The certificate program is designed for students and current culinary and restaurant managers which desire skill enhancement for this industry.

Certification integrates Pastry and Culinary Skills with actual restaurant experience, for both front and back of the house.

This program in Culinary Management prepares individuals for careers in the many widely varied areas of the culinary industry. The Culinary Management program provides the student with a unique combination of comprehensive theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. The program is carefully structured to meet the requirements of American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission. Students will master the fundamentals of culinary production in an environment that builds teamwork while gaining practical individualized experience.

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in hospitality and tourism-related positions in the food and beverage management area. Possible job titles include Assistant Hospitality Manager, Catering/Sales Service Representative, Food and Beverage Specialist, and Hospitality Manager. Skills emphasized in this program include hotel staffing operations, legal issues affecting the hospitality industry, liability and risk management, set up and control maintenance, energy consumption management, planning and maintaining of purchasing and receiving procedures, customer service, and human relations.

Graphic artists may advance to assistant art director, art director, design director, and in some companies, creative director of an art or design department. Some may gain enough skill to succeed as a freelancer or may prefer to specialize in a particular area. Others decide to open their own businesses.

The Law Enforcement Administration ATC is for the student with an interest in increasing his or her knowledge in this field. Admission requires an associate degree from a regionally-accredited college. The preferred academic pathway into this program is the Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology. An applicant from any other academic pathway should contact the Department of Business to review their academic preparation for this program.