Polk State College

The Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Administration enables an aviation maintenance technician (AMT) to build upon technical certification training with academic skills that enhance communication and management abilities. The completion of this degree prepares the technician for employment in entry-level positions in the aviation maintenance industry, and enables the individual to seek promotional opportunities in a maintenance management position.

This certificate program covers the fundamentals of bookkeeping for those who wish to pursue a career in accounts receivable and accounts payable departments, payroll units, income tax firms, and financial services organizations. This program is also suitable for entrepreneurs who want to manage their own books. The program provides a study of the theory of double-entry bookkeeping, the practice of journals and ledgers, the preparation of payroll documents, the use of computerized accounting, and the reconciliation of banking statements. Coursework included in this certificate program can be applied toward the AS in Accounting Technology degree program.

With an associate's degree in business administration, graduates are eligible for a variety of entry-level to middle-management positions at various organizations. These may include wholesale and retail stores, service organizations, financial agencies, banks, large businesses, and government agencies. Students select one of the following specializations: management, insurance, healthcare administration, and marketing. Salaries vary based on the area of specialization and the industry.

The Logistics and Transportation Specialist Certificate Program prepares students for initial employment in Supply Chain Management and affords supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this field. The program provides students with cross-functional skills in planning, acquisition, flow, and distribution of goods and services. The courses in this program contain coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards, relevant technical knowledge, and the skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics career cluster.

The cardiovascular technology program prepares students for careers in the fast-paced, critical-thinking arena of cardiac and peripheral intervention. An invasive cardiovascular technologist is a member of the cardiac cath team that assists physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). The cardiovascular technologist’s primary role is to directly assist the physician during angioplasty and stenting, monitor a patient’s hemodynamic status during procedures, and provide professional and compassionate pre- and post-procedural patient care. Graduates will find employment opportunities in cardiac catheterization labs in hospitals and in freestanding clinics as professionally licensed health care associates.

Welcome to the diagnostic medical sonography program at Polk State College. Sonography (also known as ultrasound) is a specific imaging modality that utilizes specially designed equipment to direct high-frequency sound waves into areas of a patient’s body. Sonographers are the highly trained professionals responsible for operating the equipment that collects these images for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.

Medical coders are vital members of the Health Information Management (HIM) occupational cluster. The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate Program provides a study of the skills necessary to assess healthcare documentation and determine the appropriate classification of code assignment and sequencing in accordance with the Coding Clinic Guidelines. The codes are used for statistics, research, and reimbursement of services rendered. This program includes courses recommended by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The program curriculum contains a study of Fundamental Applications of HIM, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, specific courses on assigning International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS) codes, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, as well as a component of medical insurance and billing.

Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists. OTAs teach individuals with emotional, developmental, and/or physical disabilities new methods or techniques to perform daily activities. Additionally, OTAs may adopt a patient’s physical environment and/or tasks to maximize independent functioning. In the world of occupational therapy, “occupation” refers to purposeful activities that are used to help patients prevent, reduce and/or overcome physical, social, and emotional disabilities.

The PTA Program prepares students for careers as members of the health care team who provide direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The PTA provides treatment to patients with various diagnoses to relieve pain and/or improve function via therapeutic application of heat, cold, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, exercise, gait, and functional activity.

The radiography program provides an organized curriculum that includes courses in general education and radiological education while preparing students for careers as members of the healthcare field. A radiographer is a licensed professional who conducts medical imaging scans using radiographs, fluoroscopic screens, and other imaging modalities. These images are used by physicians in the diagnosis of disease and injury. Radiographers work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, travel agencies, and other qualified facilities.

The purpose of the Respiratory Care Program is to prepare outstanding entry-level respiratory therapists (RTs) to meet the dynamic healthcare needs of the community. The two-year Respiratory Care Program is career-oriented, and consists of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences that lead to an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care degree. Upon successful completion of the national board exam, the graduate meets the requirement to apply for a respiratory therapist state license. A respiratory state license allows the graduate to participate in a rewarding career working with individuals who may have a variety of lung and/or hear disorders.

The Child Care Center Management Certificate Program consists of coursework in leadership and administrative skills, educational programming, and financial issues associated with managing a quality child care program. This certificate program provides college-level instruction to prepare students for the managerial and administrative aspects of child care facilities. Courses from this certificate may be applied toward the Preschool Certificate, and the AS in Early Childhood Education and Management degree program.

The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education and Management Program allows teacher candidates to earn two Polk State professional certificates and satisfy eligibility requirements to apply for two State of Florida credentials.

The Preschool Certificate Program provides college-level coursework in child development, the preschool curriculum, the classroom environment, adult-child interaction, parent relationships, and other areas of child development associated with preschool children. The curriculum provides a study of the skills and information necessary for students to design a developmentally appropriate environment and curriculum for preschool children. Program courses may be applied toward the Child Care Management Certificate and the AS in Early Childhood Education and Management degree program.

The Correctional Officer Crossover Training to Florida CMS Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program provides a curriculum of study for individuals currently employed as correctional officers in local and state agencies, who want to obtain job-related training at the entry level for a position in law enforcement. The curriculum is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, in accordance with Florida Statutes. This program requires enrolling individuals to be physically and mentally strong, fair-minded, and constantly alert.

Upon completion of the program, the student must pass the Florida State Officer Certification Exam before receiving provisional certification. This certification is required for employment as a law enforcement officer in local, county and state law enforcement agencies.

Criminal justice careers range greatly and include professions that span from law enforcement and corrections officer, probation and parole, crime scene technicians, crime pattern analyst, and evidence technicians. Despite the different work environments, the demand for criminal justice professionals is expected to rise throughout the next decade.

The Curriculum Management System (CMS) Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Program provides job-related training at the entry level to candidates for law enforcement officer positions. The curriculum is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, in accordance with Florida Statutes. This program requires enrolling individuals to be physically and mentally strong, fair-minded, and constantly alert.

Upon completion of the program, the student must pass the Florida State Officer Certification Exam before receiving provisional certification. This certification is required for employment as a law enforcement officer in local, county, and state law enforcement agencies.

Criminal justice careers range greatly and include professions that span from law enforcement and corrections officer, probation and parole, crime scene technicians, crime pattern analyst, and evidence technicians. Despite the different work environments, the demand for criminal justice professionals is expected to rise throughout the next decade.

The Florida CMS Correctional Basic Recruit Training Program provides job-related training at the entry level to candidates for correctional officer and detention deputy positions. The curriculum is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, in accordance with Florida Statutes. This program requires enrolling individuals to be physically and mentally strong, fair-minded, and constantly alert.

Upon completion of the program, the student must pass the State Officer Certification Exam before receiving provisional certification. This certification is required for employment as a correctional officer in either county or state correctional institutions.

Criminal justice careers range greatly and include professions that span from law enforcement and corrections officer, probation and parole, crime scene technicians, crime pattern analyst, and evidence technicians. Despite the different work environments, the demand for criminal justice professionals is expected to rise throughout the next decade.

Welcome to the Polk State College emergency medical services (EMS) program. The intent of the EMS program is to ensure that its participants receive adequate training and instruction to begin an enjoyable career in the out-of-hospital emergency medicine field. This fast-paced environment offers career opportunities for many different types of health care providers.

The emergency medical responder (EMR) is a first-tier EMS care provider that provides initial, hands-on emergency care until the next level of EMS provider arrives on the scene. EMR students are trained in all facets of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), according to the most current guidelines from the American Heart Association, as well as various other basic life support (BLS) measures.

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a member of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team delivering out-of-hospital emergency care under the direction of an emergency physician. EMTs are a mainstay with public health and community service agencies, operating emergency vehicles that respond to emergency rescue calls and other life-threatening situations. The EMT's primary responsibilities are to safely care for victims of accidents or sudden illnesses by stabilizing the patients and then safely transporting them to the hospital emergency department.

The Paramedic Certificate Program provides a study of the information, skills, and techniques necessary to implement safe, effective, and appropriate care as an entry-level paramedic. Additionally, the program focuses on the professional demeanor necessary for the role.

The Associate in Science degree in Fire Science Technology is designed to allow fire service or fire protection professionals to enhance their technical competencies and prepare for career advancement. The program emphasizes scientific understanding of fire hazards and their control, effective operating procedures at fires and other emergencies, and preparation of students for leadership and managerial positions.

Whether you focus on Computer Systems or Business Analysis or another area that interests you, Polk State College’s comprehensive Computer Systems and Business Analysis program can help put you on the right path to pursue your educational and career goals. Our faculty members are experienced teachers and professionals in their fields who help ensure that the education you receive is engaging, practical, and focused on the skills that are most important in the IT job market.

The Digital Media Technology Program at Polk State College provides students with a strong foundation that empowers them to adapt and respond to changing trends in web technologies, graphic design, and audiovisual communication. This program allows students to engage in practical, hands-on projects using the latest technologies, software, and equipment to produce cutting-edge projects that communicate effectively and persuasively. Students in the program gain the digital media skills and techniques necessary for success.

The courses offer a comprehensive curriculum that explores artistry, creativity, theories of good design, universal principles, balance, symmetry, lighting, composition, and visual and aesthetic appeal. Students apply communication formats, effective messaging, audiovisual communication, page-layout techniques, and storytelling to increase interactivity and usability in interface design, as well as address marketing concerns and business principles.

The Web Production Certificate provides students with a strong foundation in digital media that empowers them to adapt and respond to changing trends in web technologies. This program allows students to engage in practical, hands-on, realistic projects using the latest technologies, software, and equipment to produce cutting-edge projects that communicate effectively and persuasively.

The Associate of Science in Network Systems Engineering Technology provides students with the skills needed to enter the network infrastructure industry. This program consists of 60 credit hours of which 17 hours are general education and 43 hours are program core courses. The program curriculum focuses on providing candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, administer and maintain computer network infrastructures across a variety of industries including product manufacturing, transportation, telecommunications and business management.

Students in the program learn digital media skills and techniques necessary for success. The courses offered represent a comprehensive curriculum that explores artistry, creativity, theories of good design, universal principles, balance, symmetry, lighting, composition, and visual and aesthetic appeal. Students learn communication formats, effective messaging, audiovisual communication, storytelling, interactivity, usability, interface design, marketing concerns, and business principles. Targeted projects and extensive training allows students to increase expertise and improve technical skills for web development, video production, and graphic design. The course curriculum trains participants to work effectively within a team, cope under pressure, communicate well, improve soft skills, and use creative problem solving to exceed the needs of clients or any organization that hires them.

The Graphic Design Certificate provides students with a strong foundation in digital media that empowers them to adapt and respond to changing trends in the design space. This program allows students to engage in practical, hands-on, realistic projects using the latest technologies, software, and equipment to produce cutting-edge projects that communicate effectively and persuasively.

A certificate in Graphic Design may be completed in one or two semesters and is composed of five 3-credit hour courses.

The Electrical Distribution Technology Program is for students seeking careers in the field of electric utility distribution. It prepares students for employment as utility electrical line workers, or for related work in private industry-owned and industry-operated electrical distribution systems. Workers in this industry are employed by public power, cooperative, or municipal utilities, or privately owned systems such as the mining industry or electrical distribution contractors.

The program is broad in scope, employing industry-recognized levels of training progression and performance objectives. This program requires students to be employed with an electrical utility company that has an articulation agreement with Polk State College. Students receive articulated credits for the Engineering Technology: Power (ETP) courses listed below during the semester in which they graduate.

The Associate in Science in Engineering Technology degree with the Advanced Manufacturing Specialization prepares the student with skills in production processes, quality systems, and maintenance awareness for modern manufacturing processes, safety, and automation (including Programmable Logic Controls). It provides the graduate with the requisite proficiencies in instrumentation, device networking, and systems functions required by today's manufacturing processes. Process improvements, including total predictive maintenance, lubrication technology, vibration, and alignment, as well as quality work practices utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, are also emphasized in the curriculum. This program is designed to develop the technical skills and management competencies needed to advance efficient and effective performance strategies within advanced manufacturing entities.

The Engineering Technology Support Specialist Certificate prepares individuals for initial employment as engineering support specialists or engineering technicians in various specialized areas. Additionally, it provides supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. This certificate program is the core of the Engineering Process Technology degree program. Credits earned toward this certificate can also be applied to the Associate in Science in Engineering Technology degree.

The Engineering Technology Program prepares the student with skills in production processes, quality systems, and maintenance awareness for modern manufacturing processes, and safety. It emphasizes the development of proficiencies related to Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer Numerical Control (CNC), digital manufacturing (3D printing), and systems functions required by today's manufacturing processes. Process improvements, including total predictive maintenance, lubrication technology, vibration, and alignment, as well as quality work practices are emphasized in the curriculum. This program develops the technical skills and management competencies needed to advance efficient and effective performance strategies within advanced manufacturing entities.