Quinsigamond Community College

This one-year program is for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) seeking advanced placement into the evening associate degree program to prepare the LPN for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, home and community health agencies. Upon successful completion of the Nurse Education - Advanced Placement LPN associate degree program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program also prepares students for further study at four-year colleges and universities.

The Nurse Education program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, home and community health agencies. Upon successful completion of the Nurse Education associate degree program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program will also prepare students for further study at four-year colleges and universities.

The Nurse Education program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, home and community health agencies. Upon successful completion of the Nurse Education - Evening associate degree program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program also prepares students for further study at four-year colleges and universities.

Practical Nurse Education prepares students with skills and education that will enable them to become an effective licensed practical nurse (LPN). The Practical Nursing Certificate will prepare the graduate to assume an entry-level position in the field or pursue additional education. Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, doctor’s offices, clinics, extended care facilities, home and community health agencies. Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The program also prepares students for further study at two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

The Healthcare - Practical Nursing program offers certified LPNs the opportunity to prepare for QCC’s nursing programs. Students will also be well-prepared to attend our nurse education program and transfer to a bachelor institution in science-based nursing program. This program educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

The Computer Information Systems - Health Information Option will prepare students to work in various health-related industries, such as hospitals, clinics, insurance, etc. The program curriculum provides hands-on computer experience in spreadsheet, web development, data communication, database development and management, basic programming, and systems analysis and design. Additional courses include medical law and ethics, medical coding, medical billing and insurance, and electronic health records. The Cooperative Work Experience is a requirement in this program and provides an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge to practical work experience. Career opportunities for the Health Information Option may include positions as medical records and health information technicians and entry-level database support specialists.

The Dental Assisting Certificate program prepares graduates to perform a wide range of patient care duties in the dental office. Dental assistants support dentists by obtaining necessary health history information, maintaining patient comfort during examinations, providing necessary instruments and materials to the dentist during surgical procedures, taking radiographs, and casting impressions. The dental assistant manages a variety of office-related duties including scheduling and confirming appointments, updating patient records, generating bills, following third-party payments, and ordering supplies and materials. A significant increase in demand for dental services over the next three to five years suggests strong employment opportunities in this field.

The curriculum provides students with the theoretical content and pre-clinical and laboratory experiences necessary to develop the competence and ability to make judgments regarding intra-oral, chair-side, and laboratory procedures. Courses in business office procedures and basic computer usage are also included. In addition, students will be required to complete a series of clinical rotations arranged by QCC in a variety of general and specialty dental practices. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination in order to achieve the Certified Dental Assistant designation.

The Dental Hygiene Program prepares students to enter the profession of dental hygiene. At Quinsigamond, students receive a thorough background in the sciences and dental hygiene subjects. They learn and practice their clinical skills in a modern, on-campus dental hygiene clinic.

Dental hygienists are members of the dental health care team who provide preventive oral health services, including dental health education, health promotion, oral prophylaxis, dental x-rays, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, and preliminary patient examinations. As licensed health care professionals, dental hygienists promote total health through maintenance of optimum oral health.

The goal of the Medical Assisting Certificate is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

The Nursing Assistant Certificate educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

The Nursing Assistant - Direct Entry Certificate educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree program prepares students as generalist with a broad exposure to delivery models and systems for entry-level employment as a Certificated Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant practices under the supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Program graduates are eligible to apply for certification by examination from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Upon successful completion of the examination, the graduate is eligible to apply for state licensure, required for practice.

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to prepare for a career as a certified pharmacy technician. The program will prepare the graduate to assume an entry-level pharmacy technician position in a variety of contemporary settings, including, but not limited to, community, hospital, home care and long-term care settings. Students learn various duties a technician may perform, as well as communication skills and aspects of assisting the pharmacist. Students will also perform 135 hours of externship at a local pharmacy to get practical instruction in this field.

The Pharmacy Technician - Direct Entry Certificate provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to prepare for a career as a certified pharmacy technician. The program will prepare the graduate to assume an entry-level pharmacy technician position in a variety of contemporary settings, including, but not limited to, community, hospital, home care and long-term care settings. Students learn various duties a technician may perform, as well as communication skills and aspects of assisting the pharmacist. Students will also perform 135 hours of externship at a local pharmacy to get practical instruction in this field.

The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certificate educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals, clinics, and outreach/home sites.

The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician - Direct Entry Certificate educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals, clinics, and outreach/home sites.

The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Certificate educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals, clinics, and outreach/home sites.

The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician - Direct Entry Certificate educates individuals to work in various aspects of healthcare, including hospitals, clinics, and outreach/home sites.

The Radiologic Technology associate degree program prepares students to serve the local community as medical imaging professionals by meeting program-specific goals:

Demonstrate clinical competence.
Exhibit professional and ethical behaviors.
Utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Employ effective written and oral communication skills.

The Respiratory Care associate degree program prepares students for a career as advanced level respiratory care practitioners. Graduates of this program are eligible to attempt the credentialing examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Upon successful completion of this process, graduates receive the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

The Surgical Technology associate degree program is designed to prepare the beginning practitioner to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide services in the operating room in the role of surgical technologist as part of the surgical team. Instruction includes components of the basic sciences, operating room policies and procedures, safe patient care, operating room techniques, surgical procedures, and clinical practice.

This program is for paramedics seeking advanced placement into the evening associate degree program to prepare the paramedic for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, home and community health agencies. Upon successful completion of the Nurse Education - Advanced Placement Paramedic associate degree program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program also prepares students for further study at four-year colleges and universities.

The Emergency Medical Technician Certificate prepares the student for a career as an emergency medical technician. Emergency medical technicians are important members of the healthcare team.

This program prepares the student, upon successful completion of the Massachusetts EMT-Basic exam, to practice at the EMT-Basic level; it provides supervised classroom and laboratory training. Students in this program will be required to complete approximately 160 hours of intensive lecture and laboratory materials. Upon successful completion of the didactic and lab components of this program, the student will be eligible to take the certification examination for EMT-Basic of the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services.

The goal of the EMT Paramedic Certificate is to prepare competent entry-level emergency medical technician-paramedics to serve in career and volunteer positions throughout the Commonwealth and neighboring regions.

The goal of the Paramedic Technology associate degree program is to prepare competent entry-level emergency medical technician-paramedics to serve in career and volunteer positions throughout the Commonwealth and neighboring regions.

The Criminal Justice associate degree program provides students with a broad academic background in the area of criminal justice and the opportunity to develop the skills needed for pursuing a public service career in policing, corrections, courts, probation, parole, federal agencies, the private sector, or transfer to a four-year institution.

The Criminal Justice associate degree program provides students with a broad academic background in the area of criminal justice and the opportunity to develop the skills needed for pursuing a public service career in policing, corrections, courts, probation, parole, federal agencies, the private sector, or transfer to a four-year institution.

The QCC Law Enforcement Certificate was developed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association (MPCA) to have a better-educated and more professional workforce. The certificate credits are directly applicable to an associate degree in criminal justice.

The Direct Support Certificate is designed for community support workers who work in programs funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS); it serves as a pathway for career development and advancement for non-degree workers in the field. Graduates are prepared to transfer into the Human Services associate degree program.

The Human Services Certificate prepares students for entry-level career positions in a wide variety of human service occupations; it also serves as a pathway for career development and advancement for non-degree workers in the field. Graduates are prepared to transfer into the Human Services associate degree program.

The Human Services associate degree program prepares students for a career as an entry-level human service practitioner; it also serves as a pathway for career development and advancement for non-degree workers in the field of human services. Graduates are prepared to transfer to a four-year program.

The Early Childhood Education Certificate provides students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills training necessary for working with typical and atypical children from birth through eight years old.

The Early Childhood Education program prepares you for responsible positions in the field of early care and education or for careers in other child-related areas. As a graduate, you will be qualified for career opportunities in Early Education and cares as a lead teacher and, depending upon experience, as an assistant director or a director. During the course of study, you will develop professional competencies and knowledge of the philosophy of early childhood education through exposure to theory and practice. Practical experience will be provided through weekly off-campus field placements and at the Children’s School in the Quinsigamond’s Child Study Center. You will gain a basic knowledge of the growth and development of young children, and an understanding of their learning processes in carefully planned environments.

The Early Childhood Education Birth through Eight Years Old Certificate provides students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills training necessary for working with typical and atypical children from birth through eight years old.

The Early Childhood Education - Birth through Eight Years Old Option prepares students for responsible positions in the field of early education and care or for careers in other child-related areas. Graduates will be qualified for career opportunities in early education and care as a lead teacher and, depending upon experience, as an assistant director or a director in a variety of early education programs. Students are also prepared for transfer to a four-year institution.

The Fire Science Certificate prepares students for a career or promotion within fire and emergency service organizations. Students are also prepared for careers in the private sector, which include fire investigation, fire engineering, suppression/alarm systems maintenance, emergency management and hazard analysis.

The Fire Science associate degree program prepares students for a career or promotion within fire and emergency service organizations. Students are also prepared for careers in the private sector, which include fire investigation, fire engineering, suppression/alarm systems maintenance, emergency management and hazard analysis.

The Automotive Technology associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become professional automotive technicians and fill the need of area dealerships and independent repair facilities. The program trains students in all eight areas of automotive repair to prepare students to become ASE Master Technicians. The program builds a foundation of knowledge allowing graduates to adapt to new technology and grow as an employee. The program also provides the opportunity to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in a related field of study.

The Automotive Technology associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become professional automotive technicians and fill the need of area dealerships and independent repair facilities. The program trains students in all eight areas of automotive repair to prepare students to become ASE Master Technicians. The program builds a foundation of knowledge allowing graduates to adapt to new technology and grow as an employee. The program also provides the opportunity to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in a related field of study.

The Database Certificate is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for career opportunities in entry-level database design, management, or administration. This certificate is ideal for adult students re-entering college or for students who are currently in the workforce and want to update their skill sets. The curriculum may be completed in one academic year, depending on the student’s background in computer applications. Courses in general computer applications and basic programming are combined with basic database development tools and approaches through the use of Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL. At the completion of this certificate, students will be able to manipulate data in complex RDBMS structures. This certificate is for anyone who wants to understand basic database design and implementation technologies in today’s workplace.

The Web Applications Certificate is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for career opportunities as an entry-level web developer or web administrator. This certificate is ideal for adult students re-entering college or for students who are currently in the workforce and want to update their skill sets. The curriculum may be completed in one academic year, depending on the student’s background in computer applications. Courses in general computer applications and basic programming are combined with basic web development tools and approaches through the use of HTML structures, Javascript, and CGI. At the completion of this certificate, students will be able to manage complex web applications in today’s rapidly-changing Internet world. This certificate is for anyone who wants to understand today’s web applications, development, and technology.

The Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Computer Support Option is designed to meet the demand of computer support middle skills in business and industry, while focusing on the technical and human aspect of providing computer support. This program pulls from multiple areas of computer-related programming at QCC and is “stackable” from the QCC Personal Computer Specialist Certificate.

The Help Desk Technician Certificate prepares graduates to work in the information technology field as an entry-level computer support specialist, such as a help desk technician or desktop specialist. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, employment of computer support specialists and/or help desk technicians is expected to increase by 12% from 2014 to 2024.1 Demand for these workers will result from the increased use of IT and digital communications technology at home and in the business environment. Computer support specialists or help desk technicians “provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some, called computer network support specialists [technical support specialists], support information technology (IT) employees within their organization. Others, called computer user support specialists [help-desk technicians], assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.”1

The Personal Computer Specialist Certificate prepares graduates to work in the information technology field as computer support specialists with an emphasis on personal computer/desktop management and support. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 12% from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations.1 Demand for these workers will result from the increased use of IT and digital communications technology by individuals and organizations. As technology becomes more complex and prevalent, a greater level of support will become essential to users and their employers. A personal computer specialist has “responsibility for analyzing, managing, supervising, or performing work necessary to plan, design, develop, acquire, document, test, implement, integrate, maintain, or modify systems for solving problems or accomplishing work processes by using computers” in a desktop or personal computer environment.2

The Cyber Security Certificate is designed to prepare graduates to work in the information technology field as computer support specialists with an emphasis in cyber security. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 18% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.1 Demand for these workers will result as organizations and individuals continue to adopt the newest forms of technology. As technology becomes more complex and widespread, support specialists will be needed in greater numbers to implement technology solutions and resolve the technical problems that arise. Businesses, especially, will demand greater levels of support, as information technology has become essential in the business environment. “We lead Internet-connected, digital lives. From our desks and homes to on the go, we work, learn, and play online. Even when we are not directly connected to the Internet, our critical infrastructure - the vast, worldwide connection of computers, data, and websites supporting our everyday lives through financial transactions, transportation systems, healthcare records, emergency response systems, personal communications and more - impacts everyone. Cybersecurity is the mechanism that maximizes our ability to grow commerce, communications, community, and content in a connected world.”2

The Computer Systems Engineering Technology - Cybersecurity Option is designed to meet the demand of cybersecurity professional skills in business and industry, while focusing on the technical and human aspect of cybersecurity. This program meets the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education framework (including knowledge, skills, and abilities).

The Network Associate Certificate prepares graduates to work in the information technology field as an entry-level network specialist, such as a network administrator or network associate. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, employment of network systems and data communications analysts is expected to increase by 8% from 2014 to 2024, which is average for all occupations.1 Demand for these workers will result from the increased use of IT and digital communications technology at home and in the business environment. A network associate has “the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks”, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.2

The Electronics Technology Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of electronics. Students also build a foundation of core electronics skills and knowledge that form the basis for further study in electronics, mechatronics, photonics, or biomedical instrumentation.

The goal of the Electronics Engineering Technology - Mechatronics Option is to prepare students for careers as mechatronics technicians. Mechatronics technicians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair a wide range of computer-driven automated equipment and/or robotic systems. They must understand basic electronics, mechanics, computer interfacing, and software. These skills are vital to the success of advanced manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Technology Certificate is designed to introduce the principles of engineering and manufacturing. The program prepares students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to the identification and resolution of production problems in the manufacture of products. The student will gain basic knowledge of material properties and identify a variety of production processes to assist in a production environment. Along with enhanced computer skills, the student will be able to communicate effectively in a manufacturing environment and use industry standard software to operate as an entry-level manufacturing/engineering technician.

The Manufacturing Technology associate degree program is designed to prepare graduates to enter the field of advanced manufacturing. Students will gain an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, as well as the quality systems in place in modern industry. Using safe working practices, students will learn to operate and maintain a variety of production equipment. Since there is a strong focus on applied mathematical and scientific knowledge in advanced manufacturing, students will obtain an advanced understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems. Use of PCs, communication skills, CNC machine tools, and CAD/CAM software will allow successful graduates to enhance their ability to add value to any manufacturing environment. Graduates will be able to apply lean principles and automation techniques to improve process and product efficiency and quality.

The goal of the Applied Manufacturing Certificate is to prepare highly skilled technicians and front-line supervisory personnel for the advanced manufacturing workforce. This program encourages graduates of the Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) apprentice program to continue their education. The program has been designed to incorporate credentials earned through the MACWIC credentialing system, provide some college credit for successful competency development, and build on students’ knowledge and skills to further their education.

The goal of the Manufacturing Technology - Applied Manufacturing Option is to prepare highly skilled technicians and front-line supervisory personnel for the advanced manufacturing workforce. The Applied Manufacturing Option is specifically designed to serve as an associate degree completion program for applicants who meet the criteria for admission to the program and have demonstrated successful completion of Manufacturing Advancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC) Level 4.

The CNC Technologies Certificate is designed to prepare graduates to enter the field of advanced manufacturing specifically as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operator/programmer. Students will gain an understanding of CAD/CAM systems and the conventions of blueprint reading, safety, metrology, quality, and machine operations. Using safe working practices, students will learn to operate, set up, and program Haas CNC equipment along with other production machines. Graduates will be able to apply sound mathematical principles to solve manufacturing problems.

The QCC Foodservice Management Certificate is a proud participant in the National Restaurant Association’s Management First program. Students can earn simultaneous credentialing with the National Restaurant Association.

The goal of the Hospitality and Recreation Management program is to provide business academics in an entrepreneurial, experiential setting that provides graduates of the Hospitality and Recreation Management - Foodservice Management Option the confidence, knowledge, and skills to successfully advance the area’s Hospitality and Recreation Industry.

The QCC HVAC/R program will provide successful graduates with the skills needed to enter the HVAC/R field as an entry-level technician who can install, maintain, and repair a wide variety of HVAC/R equipment. Graduates of the QCC Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Certificate will also possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will ensure the safe and energy-efficient operation of HVAC/R equipment.

The Computer Aided Design Certificate is intended to prepare successful graduates to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working engineering drawings and in support of mechanical and industrial engineers and related professionals. Students gain knowledge in manufacturing materials and processes, mechanical drafting, electro-mechanical drafting, basic metallurgy, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, blueprint reading, and technical communication. Upon completion, the student will be able to use a variety of industry standard CAD programs and apply quality practices to perform as a CAD technician.