Community Public Health (AA)
Community Public Health (AA)
Degree Map
Degree Map
Program Information
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Career and Transfer Resources
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Fire Science Technology (AAS)
Fire Science Technology, AAS & Certificate
The CAC Fire Science department offers courses in Fire Science, Hazardous Materials, Wildland Fire Training, and many other areas. An Associate of Applied Science Degree is available in Fire Science Technology. Certificates of Completion are available for Firefighter Operations, Driver Operator, and Wildland Operations.
Program Information
Program Information
The CAC Fire Science department offers courses in Fire Science, Hazardous Materials, Wildland Fire Training, and many other areas. An Associate of Applied Science Degree is available in Fire Science Technology. Certificates of Completion are available for Firefighter Operations, Driver Operator, and Wildland Operations.
The Fire Science Technology program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention and advancement.
At the completion of the plan of study, students with an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science will be able to
*Summarize the basic steps necessary for the investigation of fires (FSC 108)
*Pump a fire apparatus following proper procedures (FSC 117)
*Summarize water supply and explain related hydraulic formulas (FSC 118)
*Identify and explain the foundation of ethics as it applies to firefighter duties and liabilities (FSC 119)
*Describe the fire responder’s initial responsibilities upon arriving at a hazardous materials incident (FSC 129)
*Contrast and compare firefighter health and fitness to performance, productivity, and quality of life in the workplace (FSC 134)
*Explain and demonstrate overall tactical operations applied to a structural fire (FSC 140)
*Describe local and interagency relationships in the Arizona Wildland Firefighting System and roles for wildland fire suppression (FSC 180)
*Demonstrate the role and assume the responsibilities of the Incident Commander at a simulated emergency incident, following local procedures and national standards (FSC 204)
*Analyze the hazards and tactical considerations associated with the various types of building construction (FSC 208)
*Differentiate the classifications of building construction as they relate to fire investigators (FSC 209)
Contact Information
Career and Transfer Resources
Next Steps
Accreditation
Health Information Management (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.
Program Information
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?
- Apply to Central Arizona College for admission
- 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.
- Contact the Health Information Management Director for advisement and course registration: sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu OR Schedule an appointment.
- Determine which emphasis you desire: Data Management or Revenue Cycle Management
- Complete and send your HIM program application and supporting documents to sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu
- Complete HIM program prerequisites
Applications being accepted now for Fall 2024 Start.
Health Information Management Program (HIM) Application 2023 ( PDF )
Career and Transfer Resources
Next Steps
Accreditation
Program Contact
Dr. Sandra Brightwell, RHIA, FAHIMA
Director of Health Information Management
Phone: 480-677-7798
sandra.brightwell@centralaz.edu
Schedule an appointment.
Regina Kraus, MSA, RHIA, CDIP, BCSC
Professor of Health Information Management
Phone: 520-494-6621
regina.kraus@centralaz.edu
Massage Therapy (AAS)
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.
Program Information
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
Contact Information
Career and Transfer Resources
Next Steps
Medical Assistant (AAS)
Medical Assistant, AAS & Certificate
The Medical Assistant AAS Degree and Certificate programs are offered at the SMC campus. The AAS degree program is accredited by CAAHEP and is designed to prepare degree students to be eligible to take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) certification exam in addition to the American Medical Technologist (AMT) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exam while certificate program students are eligible to take the AMT or NHA certification exams upon completion of their respective programs. Graduates who pass these credentialing exams will be able to practice in the health care facility as CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA).
Graduates are expected to take one of certification exams for which they are eligible.
Program Information
Program Information
The Medical Assistant AAS Degree Program at SPC and SMC campuses is accredited by CAAHEP and is designed to prepare students to be eligible to take the AAMA Certification Exam by the completion of the program. Graduates who pass this exam will be able to practice in a health care facility as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Graduates are expected to take the CMA test after Practicum.
Student Information
Admission Application
Student Handbook
Mission Statement
To provide an intellectually stimulating and challenging environment where competency based education in Medical Assistant is focused on the needs of the patient and intended to produce competent and progressive Medical Assistant professionals of the highest caliber.
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Program Measurable Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program the students will incorporate critical thinking based on cognitive knowledge in performance of psycho motor (skills) and effective (behavior) domains in their practice as medical assistants in the following areas:
- Foundation for Clinical Practice: Provide patient care
- Applied Communications competencies
- Medical Business Practices competencies
- Medical Law and Ethics competencies
- Safety and Emergency Practices competencies
Contact Information
Career and Transfer Resources
Next Steps
Accreditation
Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS)
Medical Laboratory Technician, AAS
The Medical Laboratory Technician AAS prepares a graduate for employment in a clinical/medical laboratory. The graduate will perform routine lab testing for blood, urine, cultures, and other body fluids under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist. Other responsibilities include performing test/instrument quality control and maintenance on a daily basis, as well as evaluating test results.
Program Information
Program Information
The Medical Laboratory Technician Program (MLT) provides hands-on learning to students in areas like blood banking, clinical chemistry, and microbiology. The program prepares students to work in a clinical or medical laboratory setting. Medical Laboratory Technician’s perform tests on blood and other body fluids to aid the doctor or other healthcare providers in diagnosing a patient’s illness or condition.
The Medical Laboratory Technician Program is a 2-year Associates Degree of Applied Science. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology national certification exam (ASCP and/or AMT). This certification is recognized in healthcare organizations throughout the United States. The Medical Laboratory Technician Program sponsored by Central Arizona College Health Careers is designed to provide educational experiences which prepare the students for a professional career in the medical and clinical laboratory as a vital part of the health care team.
Student Information
Contact Information
Career and Transfer Resources
Next Steps
Program Outcomes
Accreditation
Nursing (AAS)
Nursing, AAS
Central Arizona College’s Registered Nursing Program prepares students for the medical workforce or to complete further education to specialize in clinical practice, teaching, or administration.
Nursing Program Information
Program Information
We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2025 cohort until the June 15th, 2024 deadline.
About Nursing Program
Our mission is:
- ·Teaching safe, evidenced-based practice
- ·Reaching out to a culturally diverse population within our community
- ·Understanding trends in nursing education and health care dynamics
- ·Empowering student learning through the use of innovation and technology
The program course sequence begins for new students each Fall and Spring semester. Class size is limited, making entrance into the CAC Nursing Program highly competitive. Those interested in additional information or an application to the program can attend a Nursing Information Session.
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION INFORMATION
Application and Advising Process:
- Attend a Nursing Information Session to obtain an application, which is held monthly (except summer).
- Meet with an Advisor and develop a Master Academic Plan (MAP)[PDF]; signed by an Advisor. (Bring to advising meeting unofficial copies of all your transcripts.)
- Send official transcripts to Central Arizona College’s registrar.
- Take HESI entrance exams at a Central Arizona College’s testing center .
- Meet all criteria: GPA 2.75; BIO201/202 taken within the last 5 years; Pass HESI exam, AZ LPN or LNA; Eligibility to register for ENG101 and MAT141.
Turn Application Packet in by Deadline:
- RN Traditional Track Application Points Form
- Application Advisor MAP [PDF]– signed by an Advisor
- HESI exam taken at Central Arizona College
- LNA or LPN proof
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended (including Central Arizona College)
- Bring packet to W110 at SPC campus, mail certified, or email application to nursing@centralaz.edu
Past student have used study resource: HESI A2 Practice Exam app, and Nursehub
Deadlines:
- March 1st, 6:00 pm for Fall term
- June 15, 6:00 pm for Spring term
- If the dates above fall on Friday or the weekend, the deadline date would be the following Monday
Nursing Information Session(s)
The Nursing Division is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom Nursing Information Session for our Traditional RN-AAS track or our LPN to RN Bridge track. Students who attend a ZOOM session will have an opportunity to request an application be emailed to them after the session.
June 17th, 2024
Traditional RN-AAS- Nursing Information Session
- Topic: RN- AAS Traditional Nursing Information Session Zoom Meeting (Last session before the RN-AAS traditional track June 15th application deadline)
- Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM
- No registration or sign up necessary. Meeting ID: 916 1442 4016
LPN to RN Bridge- Nursing Information Session
- Topic: LPN to RN Bridge Nursing Information Session Zoom Meeting
- Time: 11:15AM- 12:15PM
- No registration or sign up necessary. Meeting ID: 923 9727 8640
July 24th, 2024
LPN to RN Bridge- Nursing Information Session (Last session before the LPN to RN, August 1st application deadline)
- Topic: LPN to RN Bridge Nursing Information Session Zoom Meeting
- Time: 2:00PM- 3:00PM
- No registration or sign up necessary. Meeting ID: 978 4210 9247
Nursing Student Handbook [PDF]
LPN to RN Bridge
CNA Program
Contact Information
Career and Transfer Resources
Accreditation
Next Steps
Paramedicine (AAS)
Paramedicine and EMT (AAS and Certificate Programs)
Paramedic and EMT Program Information
Paramedic and EMT Program Information
As a paramedic or EMT, you will learn to evaluate a patient’s condition and administer life-saving care.
Our programs will enable you to start or advance your career path in a hospital or emergency medical services. Graduates from Central Arizona College’s program enjoy careers with fire departments, ambulance companies, government agencies, and hospitals.
Please attend one of our monthly information sessions. The sessions are held online using Zoom. At the Zoom sessions, you can learn about our program and get more information on the application process.
Information sessions
5/15 (Wednesday) Program Information Session
6/20 (Tuesday) Program Information Session
7/18 (Thursday) Program Information Session
Sessions start at 4 pm and last approximately 1 hour unless noted differently
Please read the information below to learn more about our programs
Paramedic (12 months)
Our rigorous program utilizes state-of-the-art technology for a perfect mix of classroom, simulation laboratory, clinical, and field experiences. Your program will consist of over 500+ classroom hours with an additional 500+ hours of vehicular and hospital clinical experience.
The Central Arizona College Paramedic Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (www.caahep.org). The program received its first accreditation in January 2015 and completed its re-accreditation site visit in September 2018. Central Arizona College maintains national accreditation by adhering to standards established by CAAHEP and the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Professions (www.coaemsp.org).
Prerequisites for the Paramedic Program
- Have a current EMT (Basic) Certification in the state of Arizona
- At least (1) year of experience as an EMT (Basic). Please contact the Program Director for an acceptable experience
- Current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card
- DPS (Arizona Department of Public Safety) fingerprint clearance card or equivalent as determined by the EMS Program Director/Coordinator II
- Proof of Immunization to include MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) titer or vaccine; TB Skin test within the last 6 months; Tdap (Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis titer or vaccine); Varicella titer or vaccine, Influenza vaccine, and Hepatitis B series.
- 24-Hour Hazardous Materials First Responder certification (FSC129 is offered at Central Arizona College if needed). At the discretion of the EMS Director, the student can also submit proof of attendance in 8 hours of training that meets OSHA First Responder Operations level training, 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii).
- A negative 10-panel drug screening and criminal background check.
- Students are required to maintain health insurance during the program. Any injury or illness received during the program will be the responsibility of the student.
- Drivers Licence
- Please see the program MAP for more information about the academic part of the program.
- Completion of BIO160 is preferred.
- Costs final 2023-2024 Paramedic Program (Pdf)
The Paramedic program has a competitive application process. Please fill out the application at https://form.jotform.com/marcpuleo/application-paramedic-program
Once the application is completed we will contact you to schedule an interview and entrance exam.
Emergency Medical Technician – EMS125 (160 hours)
This program is your gateway into the field of Emergency Medical Services. In the program, students will learn fundamental knowledge of emergency medical procedures and techniques. The program consists of over 100+ hours of lectures, 40+ hours of hands-on lab, and 16+ hours of clinical time. The training meets or exceeds the Arizona Department of Health (ADHS) for the entry-level EMT.
All components of the program (NUR200, EMS125, and EMS125A) must be completed to be eligible to take the National Registry of EMT exam.
Prerequisites:
- Completion of NUR200 – Medical Terminology for Nursing and Allied Health Professionals (1 Credit). To sign up for our 2024 EMT course please sign up NUR200 first. This program is an 8-week, 1-credit hybrid program and you will only be required to come on campus twice during the course. Contact registration for help. If our information is under the contact information tab.
- Transfer credit may be granted if you have a medical terminology course from another accredited institution. Please contact the EMS director if you have any questions.
- Proof of reading comprehension at a 10th-grade level required by ADHS as evidenced by:
- Completion of ENG101 (from a state-credentialed college),
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or greater,
- ACT score of 22 or greater in reading,
- or a score of 80% or more on the Reading Comprehension section of the HESI exam. To take the HESI please contact our learning center using this link
- American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card.
- The student must be 18 years of age at the time of program completion to sit for the NREMT exam (students 17 years of age are encouraged to contact the EMS director before registration.
- Click on the link to view the estimated Cost of the 2023-2024 EMT Program (Pdf)
- Click here for TICKET-EMT-REGISTRATION
You will need to bring copies of the following documents to your first class and give them to your instructor.
- Immunizations Requirements (for the Pdf. click here): EMT-ImmunizationsCPR-Insurance-Requirements
- MMR, Varicella, TB (2-step), Tdap, HEP B, Flu Vaccine (current season).
- BLS Provider CPR card
- To sign up for a course at Central Arizona College use this link CPR at CAC.
- If you cannot find a CPR course at CAC that fits your schedule try this link: CPR (American Heart Association BLS) and then choose “Find a Class” In the upper left.
- Proof of Health Insurance
- EMS Packet-
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- Driver’s license (front and back)
- Proof of reading comprehension
- Signed EMT Registration Ticket
- Copy of Birth certificate
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If you have questions or need assistance with registration please go to the contacts tab above
Contact Information
Career & Transfer
Accreditation and Outcomes
Paramedic Pass Rates
Next Steps
Radiologic Technology (AAS)
Radiologic Technology, AAS
Radiologic Technology is a health care profession involving the use of ionizing radiation to generate diagnostic images in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The degree is a two-year program (six sequential semesters including summers) that prepares students for entry-level positions as radiographers.
Program Information
Program Information
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology is a 2-year program that prepares students for entry-level positions as radiographers.
Program Details:
- The Program is 6-sequential, 16-week trimesters including summers.
- The program accepts 25 students to start once per year in the Spring Trimester.
- There is NO waiting list for the program, acceptance is selective based on a point value system.
- Students must complete the General Education Requirements with a 3.0 GPA prior to beginning with the cohort in January.
- Students MUST have at least 8 credits completed to apply for the Radiologic Technology Program.
- NOTE: The more courses the student has completed, the more points the student will accumulate (see selective admissions point system)
- Students MUST have at least 8 credits completed to apply for the Radiologic Technology Program.
- The Radiography program is academically rigorous in nature, involving science, math, anatomy and technical aspects of Radiologic Technology.
- The program is a traditional day-shift style program where classes and clinical practicums are held typically between the hours of 7a-5p.
- There are no evening or online Radiology courses available.
- The program is based on 40 hours per week, classes are held at the Superstition Mountain Campus and clinical practicums are held at affiliated hospitals in the valley.
- Students are required to complete approximately 1800 practicum hours within the 2 years.
- Students should expect to drive as our clinical sites are spread throughout the valley.
- Students will not be expected to drive anywhere that is more than a 1.5 hours from their home.
- Program staff make effort to place students close to home when possible.
Graduates of the program are eligible to:
- Receive an AAS degree in Radiologic Technology.
- Sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination (ARRT).
- Apply for an Arizona license to practice radiography – CRT (Certified Radiologic Technologist).
General Education Requirements:
The program recommends that you reach out to advising@centralaz.edu for assistance in choosing coursework that aligns with programmatic requirements.
- Written Communications (3 credits)
- ENG101 or ENG102
- ENG107 or ENG108
- Oral Communications (3 credits)
- COM100 or higher
- This requirement may be overridden by the radiology director if the student has
already obtained a Bachelor’s degree.
- Mathematics (3 credits)
- MAT121 or higher
- Intermediate Algebra or higher course
- Students transferring to Northern Arizona University to complete the Bachelor of
Science in Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy program or students transferring
to another Arizona state public university must complete MAT15+ or higher course
where MAT12+ is a prerequisite to satisfy the relevant Arizona General Education
Curriculum (AGEC-A) and transfer requirements.
- Arts and Humanities [HU] (3 credits)
- ANY Arts and Humanities course will satisfy this requirement
- examples include: ART, HMC, LIT, MHL, PHI, THE, etc.
- Recommend meeting the Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Awareness Areas
and Literacy (if exempt from CRE101) with choice if transferring to Northern Arizona
University to complete the Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Imaging and
Therapy program or to complete the AGEC-A transfer requirements for an Arizona
public state university
- ANY Arts and Humanities course will satisfy this requirement
- Social and Behavioral Science [SB] (3 credits)
- ANY Social and Behavioral Science course will satisfy this requirement
- Examples include: AGS, AJS, ASB, ECN, HIS, PSY, SOC, etc.
- PSY101 (Introduction to Psychology) is required for students planning to transfer to
Northern Arizona University to complete the Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic
Medical Imaging and Therapy program
- BIO201 Anatomy and Physiology I AND BIO202 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits each)
- A pre-requisite of BIO156 Introductory Human Biology OR BIO181 General Biology I is
required
- A pre-requisite of BIO156 Introductory Human Biology OR BIO181 General Biology I is
Information Sessions:
- Attend an Information Session
- Please email kayla.davis@centralaz.edu or bethany.harvey@centralaz.edu to be added to the distribution list and attend our virtual information session.
- The meeting invite will be sent out the day before the meeting.
- Information Session Dates and Times:
- 8/1/24 @ 4pm *cancelled*
- 9/5/24 @ 4pm
- 10/3/24 @ 4pm
- 11/7/24 @ 4pm
- 12/5/24 @ 4pm
- 1/9/25 @ 4pm
- 2/6/25 @ 4pm
- 3/6/25@ 4pm
- 4/3/25 @ 4pm
- 5/1/25 @ 4pm
- 6/5/25 @ 4pm
- No information sessions are held in July/ August to accommodate the interview process.
Important Documents:
Application Process Overview
Contact Information
Career and Transfer Resources
Accreditation
Program Effectiveness Measures
Next Steps
Nursing pathway with Concurrent Enrollment to NAU
Nursing pathway with Concurrent Enrollment to NAU
Degree Map
Degree Map
Program Information
Contact Information
Career and Transfer Resources
Next Steps