Excavator machinery at construction site

Heavy Equipment Operator (AAS)

/in /by

Heavy Equipment Operator (AAS)

Heavy Equipment Operator, AAS & Certificates



In this hands-on program, students will be operating motor graders, scrapers, front end loaders, bull dozers, water trucks, dump trucks, belly dump trucks, backhoes, excavators and other specialized equipment. The equipment in our fleet gives the student a feel for up-to-date equipment and for older equipment still used in the industry.

(AAS) Degree Map
HEO I Certificate Map
HEO II Certificate Map

Program Information

In this hands-on program, students will be operating motor graders, scrapers, front end loaders, bulldozers, water trucks, dump trucks, belly dump trucks, backhoes, excavators and other specialized equipment. The equipment in our fleet gives the student a feel for up-to-date equipment and for older equipment still used in the industry.

  • Heavy Equipment Operator A.A.S. Degree
  • Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate

Health Information Technology (AAS)

Health Information Management (AAS)

/in /by

Health Information Technology (AAS)

Health Information Management, AAS



The CAHIIM accredited Health Information Management (HIM AAS Degree program prepares students with the knowledge and technical skills necessary for managing and improving the quality of information within the healthcare delivery system with an emphasis on Data Management or Revenue Management. The degree focal points are the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) entry-level competencies.

(AAS)
Degree Map

Program Information

The Health Information Management Program (HIM) prepares students for a career in the expanding arena of healthcare meeting the cutting edge of technology. Registered Health Information Technicians (RHITs) are HIM professionals who work to ensure the quality of health records and health care data by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. They use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data to improve patient care and control healthcare costs. In addition, RHITs may specialize in specific HIM functions such as revenue cycle management, data management, research, or software development.

 Accepted students will start the program as part of a cohort in the fall semester.  After completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the RHIT and CCA exams offered by AHIMA.

How do I get started?

  1. Apply to Central Arizona College for admission
  2. You may be required to take a college placement exam and/or bring with you a copy of your unofficial transcript from an accredited college.
  3. Contact the Health Information Management Director for advisement and course registration: sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu OR Schedule an appointment.
  4. Determine which emphasis you desire:  Data Management or Revenue Cycle Management
  5. Complete and send your HIM program application and supporting documents to sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu
  6. Complete HIM program prerequisites

Applications being accepted now for Fall 2025 Start.

Health Information Management Program (HIM) Application ( PDF )

HIM Program Checklist ( PDF )

HIM Handbook

Program Contact

Sandra Brightwell

Dr. Sandra Brightwell, RHIA, FAHIMA
Director of Health Information Management
Phone: 480-677-7798
sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu
Schedule an appointment.

Regina Kraus Image

Regina Kraus, MSA, RHIA, CDIP, BCSC
Professor of Health Information Management
Phone: 520-494-6621
regina.kraus@centralaz.edu

Business (ABUS) Program/Pathway

Business (ABus)

/in /by

Business (ABUS) Program/Pathway

Business, ABUS



Business pathway suits students who plan to transfer to the university to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business-related areas, such as Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Human Relations, Marketing and Public Administration.

(Abus) Degree Map

Program Information

A vast array of careers awaits you with a degree or certificate in the field of business or commerce.  A degree in business leads to careers in Accounting, Consulting, Commerce, Business Administration, e-Business or e-Commerce, Finance, Marketing and Management.  Some people with a business administration degree will choose to work in private retail or wholesale businesses while others will select government work.  Fierce competition is expected for highly competitive and peak-earning positions such as management consultant or business analyst.

No matter where you choose to work, your business degree or certificate brings you to the eye of hiring employers.  It provides you with the flexibility to move among small or large firms.  Your skills combined with your education allows you to keep pace in today’s rapidly evolving business world.  Completion of a business educational program helps you maintain a higher employability status and propels advancement in a broad scope of industries.

CAC offers two pathways in business degrees.

The first is the Associate of Business (ABUS) transferable degree (60-64 credits) into State University Business Programs.  The Associate of Business (ABUS) Degree suits students who plan to transfer to the university to earn a baccalaureate degree in Business-related areas, such as Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Human Relations, Marketing and Public Administration.

The other is the Business Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree (64 credits) which, if completed, will also transfer all credits to a university, but will be evaluated depending on the program you select at the University.  The A.A.S. does not contain all the Arizona General Equivalency Curriculum (AGEC) and the higher math requirements of the ABUS degree.  See more details in each degree to compare course contents and possible transfer programs.  This A.A.S. degree allows you to stack a specialty certificate or courses, such as Accounting, Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management or Computer Information Science certificate courses towards its fourteen elective credit requirements.  If you plan accordingly, you could earn a certificate within the A.A.S. Business degree to become more marketable.

Two smaller certificates, one in Business (18 credits) and another in Management (24 credits) are also available and credits stack towards the Business A.A.S. degree.  Completing the certificate portion of a degree offers immediate employability in a shorter period of time and provides basic business skills for entrepreneurship ventures.  Students often feel more rewarded after earning a college graduation certificate and then advance to complete the additional degree requirements.  Individuals who already possess a degree, but desire to change career paths, may complete a certificate to enter business employment.

Faculty


PROFESSOR MARK BUENAFE
Division Chair
Professor of Economics
Phone: 520-494-5383
mark.buenafe@centralaz.edu


DR CHRISTOPHER DEMALINE
Lead Faculty
Professor of Business & Accounting
Phone: 480-677-7778
christopher.demaline@centralaz.edu


PROFESSOR GAYLE HARO
Professor of Business
Phone: 520-494-5403
gayle.haro@centralaz.edu

peter kotrodimos

PROFESSOR PETER KOTRODIMOS
Professor of Economics and Business
Phone: 520-494-5312
peter.kotrodimos@centralaz.edu


PROFESSOR THOMAS CLEMENT
Professor of Business
Phone: 520-494-6444
thomas.clement@centralaz.edu

Chemistry pathway (AS)

Chemistry pathway (AS)

/in /by

Chemistry pathway (AS)

Chemistry pathway (AS)


The Chemistry pathway with an AS degree is for the student seeking a bachelor’s degree in chemistry


Students will discover principles of laboratory science and build foundations in organic and inorganic chemistry. Additionally, students will complete a broad array of math and science transferrable coursework in preparation for university transfer.

(AS) Chemistry Map

Program Information

The Chemistry pathway with an AS degree is for the student seeking a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Students will discover principles of laboratory science and build foundations in organic and inorganic chemistry. Additionally, students will complete a broad array of math and science transferrable coursework in preparation for university transfer.

Faculty/Staff

Dr. Wayne Pryor, Geology & Astronomy Faculty

Wayne Pryor, PhD
Science Division Chair
Professor of Astronomy & Geology
SPC  S-217
520.494.5351
Wayne.Pryor@centralaz.edu

Dr. B. Jagadish - Chemistry Faculty

Bhumasamudram Jagadish, PhD
Professor of Chemistry
SPC S-232
520.494.5026
B.Jagadish@centralaz.edu

Dr. Clark Vangilder, Physics Professor

Clark Vangilder, PhD
Professor of Physics
SPC  S-219
520.494.5324
Clark.Vangilder@centralaz.edu

Yegor Timofeyenko
Professor of Chemistry
STC D-108
480.677.7845
yegor.timofeyenko@centralaz.edu

Fine Arts-Music pathway (AA)

Fine Arts – Music (AA)

/in /by

Fine Arts-Music pathway (AA)

Fine Arts – Music, AA & Certificate



The Fine Arts AA Degree prepares students to transfer to a university BA, BFA or Bachelors of Teaching in Fine Arts degree programs. Those planning to continue on at the university level may need to take additional foreign language courses to complete their degree.

(AA) Music Emphasis Degree Map

Program Information

The Visual, Fine & Performing Arts Department at Central Arizona College offers an Associates of Arts in Music Performance & Education. The music program offers a variety of music history, theory, and performance classes intended to produce well-rounded musicians ready to enter the workforce. All students take piano class, private lessons and music theory, and also participate in performance ensembles: Choir, band, orchestra, handbells and guitar. Students are encouraged to participate in individual and small group recitals, master classes, and guest lectures.

Where will a Music degree take you?

The Music Concentration prepares students for careers in music. After receiving an A.A. degree, students can continue on to achieve a B.M. or B.A. in many diverse areas, including music education, music performance, music theory, music therapy, ethnomusicology, and composition. Our music degree program includes training in practical musical areas that hone skills for a variety of future job opportunities. With a music degree in hand, you may find yourself working as a band, choir or orchestra teacher, a performer, a church musician, a music therapist, a conductor, a music historian or more!

Software Development (AAS)

Software Development (AAS)

/in /by

Software Development (AAS)

Software Development



The Software Development Program has two emphases: Computer Programming and Web Development. Both tracks focus on the programming skills necessary to prepare students for a career in the fast growing software industry or to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

AAS Degree Map
Software Development
Certificate Map
Programming
Certificate Map
Software Development
Certificate Map
Database Technician

Program Information

Computer Technology is an exciting and ever-changing field of study that is central to the functioning of all aspects of our society, business, government and our personal lives interconnected via the Internet. We are now seeing the convergence of entertainment, telephone, and business systems with common underlying digital platforms. Mobile and wireless connection options are increasing, along with options to access applications and data storage options through the cloud.

Keeping computer systems and resources functioning with the latest technology benefits, and designing future computer systems is a job category that is generating new jobs. Brad Smith, the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Microsoft reports a need to fill thousands of jobs in the areas of computer engineering and software development (Wall Street Journal, 10/19/2012). The demand for qualified employees with skills in network design and management, programming, business application utilization, and website development is outpacing the available pool of trained potential employees. Central Arizona College is providing Computer Technology classes to address this need in four program areas.

Faculty


PROFESSOR ANDRES GONZALEZ
Professor of Computer Technology
Phone: 480-677-7844
andres.gonzalez@centralaz.edu


PROFESSOR RUI ZOU
Professor of Computer Technology
Phone: 520-494-5387
rui.zou@centralaz.edu


LINDA FRIEDEL
Instructional Specialist II
Phone: 520-494-5342
linda.friedel@centralaz.edu

Political Science pathway (AA)

Political Science pathway (AA)

/in /by

Political Science pathway (AA)

Political Science pathway, AA



The political science pathway allows students to specialize in the study of the organization and behavior of people, groups, and institutions which make up our governments and larger political system. This pathway is designed to assist students who wish to transfer to the university as a Political Science major and prepares them for a variety of careers.


Degree Map

Political Science Faculty

Pipe Welding Student

Pipe Welding (AAS)

/in /by

Pipe Welding (AAS)

Pipefitting/Pipe Welding Technology, AAS & Certificates



Prepares students for employment as an entry level pipe welder/fitter with an array of career opportunities within the industry. Topics include pipe welding processes of shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, pipe fabrication, and trade math. A typical graduate seeks employment in power generation, cross-country pipeline, pressure vessel fabrication, process piping, and related maintenance and construction industries.

(AAS) Degree Map
Fundamentals of Pipe Welding Certificate Map
Pipefitting/Pipe Welding Certificate Map

The Pipefitting/Pipe Welding Program emphasizes steel welding. However, all students are expected to become proficient welders on nonferrous materials such as stainless steel alloys. The primary focus is on stick electrode welding and fitting skills. Students train on SMAW (stick electrode), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), as well as related tools and equipment common in the field. Students qualify for NCCER Pipefitting Certification in addition to AWS, API and ASME welder qualification certification requirements.

Central Arizona College Welding shops are equipped with state of the art cutting and welding equipment, including computerized plasma cutting machines for plate and pipe. Students are trained in a jobsite setting using specialized pipefitting tools and equipment in a real-world environment common to the industry.

Note:

NCCER= National Center for Construction Education and Research

AWS= American Welding Society

API= American Petroleum Institute

ASME= American Society of Mechanical Engineers

SMAW= Shielded Metal Arc Welding

GMAW= Gas Metal Arc Welding

GTAW= Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Massage Therapy (AAS)

Massage Therapy (AAS)

/in /by

Massage therapist.

Massage Therapy, AAS & Certificate



The Massage Therapy AAS Degree includes 735 hours of basic curriculum which prepares individuals for entry-level positions performing massage therapy in a variety of settings. With additional classes in general education and expanded medical courses, students may attain an AAS in Massage Therapy with a 1140 hour certificate. This program includes relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, massage therapy for special populations and spa treatments and hydrotherapy. Included in the program is a Chiropractic Assistant certification program. Additional topics include physiotherapy, body mechanics, acupuncture, anatomy, pathophysiology, business skills, and complementary and alternative medicine.

Central Arizona College is the only massage therapy school in the East Valley that offers an AAS in Massage Therapy. CAC Massage Therapy staff have relationships with massage spas and other employers to assist graduates with making employment connections and building lifelong careers.

(AAS) Degree Map
Certificate Map

Program Information

Central Arizona College is dedicated to providing students with an affordable, industry driven education in Massage Therapy.  Our programs focus is to teach massage modalities to enhance health and wellness.  People seek Massage Therapy for a variety of reasons- to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain and promote overall health and wellness.

Here at CAC, you will be studying to be a healthcare professional who provides massage therapy.  The Massage Therapy AAS Degree includes 1140-hours of basic curriculum which prepares individuals for entry-level positions performing massage therapy in a variety of settings.  With additional classes in general education and expanded medical courses, students may attain the AAS in Massage Therapy with a 735 -hour certificate. This program includes relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, massage therapy for special populations and spa treatments and hydrotherapy. Included in the program is a Chiropractic Assistant certification program. Additional topics include physiotherapy, body mechanics, acupuncture, anatomy, pathophysiology, business skills, and complementary and alternative medicine.

Central Arizona College has adopted a Guided Pathway model.  The Massage Therapy program at Central Arizona College follows the Arizona Board of Massage Therapy guidelines.  CAC requires all students on a Visa or students whose first language is not English to submit a passing score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Test prior to receiving director approval to pursue the Massage Therapy AAS degree. TOEFL examination results must be submitted prior to director approval.

Apply Here: Student Information Packet

Massage Therapy Application Packet

Culinary Arts (AAS)

Culinary Arts (AAS)

/in /by

Culinary Arts (AAS)

Culinary Arts Certificates



The Culinary Arts Certificate provides training in basic and advanced culinary skills and includes practicum experience within a commercial kitchen. Several degrees and certificates can enhance job skills and increase employment possibilities. The Culinary Arts program prepares students for positions as professional chef, cooks, and entry level management. Arizona is one of the top tourism states in the nation offering many exciting places to work upon completion of a Culinary Arts or Hotel and Restaurant Management certificate or degree program. Through hands on lab work and lecture classes, students will gain a practical real world understanding of the Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management industry.

(Culinary Arts I) Certificate Map
(Culinary Arts II) Certificate Map

Next Steps

Admissions
Financial Aid
Advising
Course Placement Options
Registration

Faculty

amanda potts

CHEF AMANDA POTTS
Professor of Hotel and
Restaurant Management
and Culinary Arts
Phone: 520-494-5222
amanda.potts@centralaz.edu


CHEF JAYME ACCALIA
Professor of Culinary Arts
Phone: 520-494-5491
jayme.accalia@centralaz.edu