Career Technical Education

Shelton State Community College offers career technical programs designed to prepare students for today’s workplace. A student may begin a career/technical program any semester and upon completion of requirements, receive the Associate in Applied Science Degree or a Certificate. The Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded to students who complete the requirements of a specific career or professional program of study. These programs of study range from 60 to 76 semester hours with a portion of the programs designed to ensure competency in oral and written communication, critical thinking, computer literacy, mathematical principles, and/or scientific reasoning. The core of the program contains courses designed to teach the necessary skills that are required to enter a career field. Additional information regarding programs of study in technical fields can be obtained from this catalog or the specific technical advisor, who is available to assist students in the advising and registration process.

Long-term certificates are awarded in most programs where the Associate in Applied Science is offered, as well as other career fields where the AAS degree is not offered. Long-term certificates vary in length from 30 to 60 semester hours depending on the choice of career fields. The general education component of the certificate program contains, as a minimum, three semester hours each in written composition, mathematics, computer literacy skills, and speech. In general, long-term certificates contain most, if not all, of the technical career courses that are required in the AAS degree.

Short-term certificates are available in most career fields where AAS degrees and/or long-term certificates are offered. The short-term certificates vary in length from nine to 27 semester hours and are designed to allow the student to acquire basic technical skills in a short amount of time. Only minimal academic education requirements are included.

Essential Functions of Educational Programs

Essential functions and academic requirements are defined for educational programs at the College. These functions and requirements are on file in the Offices of the Dean of Academic Services, The Dean of Technical Services, and the Office of the Dean of Student Services.

Health-Related Careers

Shelton State Community College offers opportunities for students to enter a variety of health-related careers; preparation varies from two semester certificate curricula to longer programs of study. Some programs may be completed at Shelton State Community College while others require enrollment at other institutions within the Alabama Community College System. All of the programs share high standards and excellent opportunities for employment and service in the medical field. Detailed descriptions for Allied Health Linkage programs, Emergency Medical Technician programs, Nursing programs for Associate Degree Nurses, Practical Nurses, and Nurse Assistant/ Home Health Aides are provided below. For additional information about other health related careers, contact the Assistant Dean of Allied Health Services, 205.391.2457.

Allied Health Linkage Programs

In Cooperation with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama

Shelton State Community College has a linkage program in cooperation with Wallace State Community College (WSCC) in Hanceville, Alabama, in various fields of allied health. Students complete academic coursework at Shelton State Community College and then apply to transfer to the professional phase of the program at Wallace State Community College. Students who complete the program are awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree or Certificate from Wallace State Community College. Acceptance into the clinical phase is on a competitive basis as students throughout the state compete for available positions. Students should contact the Shelton State Community College Linkage Counselor, 205.391.2273, for more information on academic course work available at Shelton State Community College.

The student is also advised to contact the Wallace State Linkage Coordinator, 256.352.8041, during the first semester at Shelton State Community College to ensure program requirements are fulfilled. Students are also encouraged to visit the Health Division page at www.wallacestate.edu/programs/health for further information.

In Cooperation with Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama Associate in Applied Science

Physical Therapy Assistant

Shelton State Community College offers a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) linkage program in cooperation with Jefferson State Community College (JSCC) in Birmingham, Alabama. Students complete academic coursework at Shelton State Community College and then apply to transfer to the professional phase of the program which is offered at Jefferson State Community College. Interested students should submit an application for admission to Jefferson State as soon as they begin classes at Shelton State Community College. The PTA program also requires a separate application. Acceptance to the program is through Jefferson State. Application to Jefferson State and the PTA program at Jefferson State does not guarantee admission to the PTA program. Class size for the PTA program is limited, and qualified students are ranked for admission based on GPA in prerequisite courses. After acceptance, students transfer to Jefferson State to complete the PTA courses and clinical education requirements for the degree.

The PTA program at Jefferson State Community College offers two program tracks. The Online Track allows students to take PTA lecture courses online and is designed for those students who need flexibility in their schedule. The Traditional Track is designed for those students who benefit from being in the classroom for lecture and lab courses. Students who complete the program will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science from Jefferson State Community College. Students should contact the Shelton State Community College Linkage Coordinator, 205.391.2959, for more information about academic coursework available at Shelton State Community College. Students may contact the Jefferson State program director, 205.520.5995, or visit the program’s Web site, www.jeffstateonline.com/PTA, for application and additional information.

Veterinary Technician

Shelton State Community College offers a Veterinary Technician program (VTP) through a linkage program in cooperation with Jefferson State Community College (JSCC) in Birmingham, Alabama. Students complete academic coursework at Shelton State Community College and then apply for admission to the professional phase of the program which is offered at Jefferson State Community College. The Veterinary Technician program at Jefferson State is taught online and clinical application is conducted in approved veterinary hospitals and/or facilities. Interested students should submit an application for admission to Jefferson State as soon as they begin classes at Shelton State Community College. The VTP also requires a separate application. Acceptance to the program is through Jefferson State. Application to Jefferson State and the VTP program at Jefferson State does not guarantee admission to the VTP. Class size is limited, and qualified students are ranked for admission based on a priority system which evaluates educational background, work experience, and references from veterinarians and educators. Students should contact the Jefferson State program advisor at 205.856.8551 or the program’s Web site at www.jeffstateonline.com/VetTech.

The Veterinary Technician program at Jefferson State Community College is in the process of seeking accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Students should contact the Shelton State Community College Linkage Coordinator, 205.391.2959, for more information about academic coursework available at Shelton State Community College.

Respiratory Therapy Program

Shelton State Community College is in the process of developing a new Respiratory Therapy Program. The goal is to admit students to the new program in Spring 2011. Students interested in seeking admission to the new program Spring 2011 should review the following information: