ACTC Offers Over 100 Career Options

Thinking about college this fall? Ashland Community and Technical College offers more than 120 certificate, diploma and degree choices for people seeking new careers or university transfer.

Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) Degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university for a Bachelors Degree.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree is intended primarily for students who plan to work in the field as soon as they graduate. Diplomas and certificates, which can usually be completed in one to two years, focus on skills for entry-level jobs in specific industrial, manufacturing, health or public service fields.

For information on a specific program listed below, go to the web site at: ashland.kctcs.edu/academics and click on Programs of Study.

Transfer Programs

Students can prepare for transfer into more than 100 bachelor degree programs at four-year colleges and universities. ACTC graduates with an AA or AS Degree can transfer to their chosen institution as a junior.

ACTC also offers a pre-engineering curriculum for students who plan to transfer for a bachelor's degree in chemical, civil, mechanical or other engineering fields.

General education courses for transfer programs are offered at the College Drive and Technology Drive campuses. For more information, contact Professor Dan Bailey, Coordinator of Academic Advising/Transfer, email: danny.bailey@kctcs.edu.

Agriculture

These new certificate programs are taught at the Technology Drive Campus.

The Agricultural Technician program introduces farming tools, techniques and knowledge that can be used on a family farm or in a wide variety of jobs on commercial farms and agriculture-related businesses.

Nursery Production prepares students for entry level jobs in gardens, greenhouses and nurseries. Courses for the certificate focus on plant production and management skills.

Business/Education

These programs are centered at the Technology Drive Campus, although courses are also offered at College Drive.

Business Administration graduates are prepared for careers in business operations. Choices include an AAS Degree with options in Accounting, Finance, Management and Real Estate as well as two diplomas and five certificates.

Information Technology (IT) students are prepared to work with computer network environments. Choices include certificates, Cisco and Microsoft Networking Tracks and an AAS Degree with the Network Administration option.

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education students are prepared for employment in preschools, early intervention programs, Head Start, and healthcare and recreation centers. Choices include an AAS Degree, a diploma and five certificates.

Office Systems Technology graduates are prepared to work in an office environment of people, processes, and technologies. An AAS Degree with Administrative and Medical Administrative options, three diplomas and three certificates are offered.

Health Care

Health care programs are centered at the College Drive Campus, although some courses are also offered at the Technology Drive Campus.

Health Science Technology prepares students for entry-level careers in healthcare or for a smooth transition to an Allied Health or selective admission nursing program.

Associate Degree Nursing students learn to provide and manage client care. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Pharmacy Technology students learn to perform technical functions under the direction of a Registered Pharmacist. A Pharmacy Technician diploma and Community Pharmacy Assistant certificate are available.

Practical Nursing students learn to perform practical nursing functions under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. The diploma program graduates are prepared to take the national exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Respiratory Care-Advanced Level is an AAS Degree consortium program with Morehead State University and Maysville Community and Technical Colleges Rowan Campus. Graduates are eligible to take the national Certified Respiratory Therapist board exam.

Surgical Technology graduates earn a diploma and are eligible to take the national Surgical Technologist exam administered by the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist.

Industrial / Manufacturing / Construction

The following programs are offered at the Technology Drive Campus.

Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) students learn to install and service heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Choices include a diploma and four certificates.

Chemical Operator and Power Plant Operator graduates are prepared for entry-level technician positions in chemical, petrochemical, refining and power industries. These options are in the Applied Process Technologies Program.

Computer Aided Drafting and Design students learn to transform the design and engineering specifications and instructions into complete and precise drawings. Two diplomas and three certificates are offered.

Construction Technology students prepare for employment in commercial and/or residential construction. Options include a Construction Carpenter diploma and five certificates.

Electrical Technology students prepare for entry-level positions in industry and the building trades. Credential choices include an Industrial Electrician Diploma and three certificates.

Industrial Maintenance students are trained to fill multi-skilled positions in factories, hospitals, hotels, and other business/industry settings. Options include an Industrial Maintenance Technician Diploma and four certificates.

Lineman Technology prepares students for entry-level lineman/technician jobs in the power industry.

Machine Tool Technology students learn to set-up and operate computer controlled and mechanical machines for small machine shops or manufacturing industries. CNC Machinist and Machinist diplomas and three certificates are available.

Welding Technology graduates are prepared for welding occupations in business and industry. Choices include a Combination Welder diploma and nine certificates.

Public Services

Appalachian Studies is a certificate program that offers a multi-discipline, cross-cultural look at the people, traditions and creative output of the region.

Cosmetology graduates are eligible to take the cosmetologist licensing exam administered by the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetology. Options are a Cosmetologist diploma or certificate and an Apprentice Cosmetology Instructor certificate.

Criminal Justice is for students seeking entry-level jobs or current employees who wish to advance their skills. The AAS Degree in Criminal Justice has options in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Security and Loss Prevention.

Culinary Arts students prepare for careers in culinary arts, catering or institutional food service. Choices include three AAS degrees, three diplomas and six certificates.

Fire/Rescue Science Technology offers an AAS Fire Chief Degree, a Fire Chief Diploma, three certificates and Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) certification.

Transportation

Transportation programs are offered at the Roberts Drive Campus.

Automotive Technology graduates are prepared for entry-level technician jobs in auto repair, maintenance and servicing. Choices include an Automotive Technician diploma and seven certificates.

Diesel Technology students learn to repair, rebuild and maintain construction equipment, agriculture equipment, or medium and heavy trucks. Three diplomas and 13 certificates are available.