Start here…Go anywhere! South Piedmont Community College
Fall 2013 Volume 9 • Number 1
Brawn to Brains Skills are
the future of manufacturing
See Page 4
The Right Amount of
Higher Education
You don’t have to commit to four years of
college to increase your income
See Page 6
HWY. 74
Waxhaw Hwy./HWY. 75
Monroe
N. Greene St.
Camden Rd.
US 74
US 74
Wingate
Polkton
Marshville
Wadesboro
Rt. 218
South Piedmont
Community College South Piedmont
Community College
Peachland
Horne-Town Rd.
N. Washington St.
Center for Technology
and Health Education
3509
HWY. 74 /Independence Blvd. HWY. 74
Rocky River Rd.
Old Charlotte Highway
Wesley Chapel Rd.
Weddington Rd./ HWY. 84
Waxhaw Hwy./HWY. 75
Airport Rd.
Charlotte-Monroe
Executive Airport
Mineral
Springs
Weddington Monroe
Indian Trail
Wesley Chapel
Wingate
Polkton
Marshville
Rt. 218
South Piedmont
Community College Peachland
Horne-Town Rd.
Old Charlotte
Highway Campus
4209
Waxhaw
Center for Technology
and Health Education
3509
At South Piedmont, earn a two-year degree and then transfer credits toward a four-year
degree at any of the 16 public universities and colleges (and most private ones) in
the state. Faculty who teach courses designed for university transfer have a doctorate
or master’s degree in the teaching discipline. Our curriculum faculty to student ratio
is 16:1. We’re part of the N.C. Community College System.
South Piedmont is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Here, close to home, you can earn a career-oriented Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, a college transfer Associate in Arts (AA) degree or a college transfer
Associate in Science (AS) degree. For a complete list of programs of study, check out South Piedmont A-Z on page 9.
We’re around the
corner in
We’re around the
corner in
BIG Value, Close to HOME!
Anson County
Classes are offered in Monroe, Polkton, Wadesboro and online.
Get
Started
Today!
Contact admissions: 704-272-5391 or admissions@spcc.edu
Union County
L.L Polk Campus
680 Hwy. 74
P.O. Box 126
Polkton, NC 28135-0126
Old Charlotte Highway Campus
PO Box 5041
Monroe, NC 28111-5041
4209 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
Lockhart-Taylor Center
514 North Washington Street
Wadesboro, NC 28170
Center for Technology and Health Education
3509 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
On the cover
Marie Alvarez Spittle outside of CMC Union where she
works as an emergency room nurse.
2 High School Students Succeed
Through NC Career and
College Promise
3 Transfer Advantages for
South Piedmont Community College
Graduates
4 Brawn to Brains Skills are
the Future of Manufacturing
6 The Right Amount of
Higher Education
You don’t have to commit to four years of
college to increase your income.
8 South Piedmont
Community College A-Z
Are you ready to start a career, learn
new skills or change careers?
South Piedmont Community College
has a program for you.
Read CareerFocus anytime on your mobile device, computer or
tablet at spcc.mycareerfocus.org
It’s the easy way to share
articles, access South Piedmont
Community College resources and
get on the path to a new career.
On the go?
Contact Student Services at 704-272-5300 in Polkton or
at 704-290-5100 in Monroe to learn more about programs
of study and the college enrollment process. Contact
Institutional Advancement about this publication at 704-
290-5209 in Monroe.
Publisher.............................. Stanley Sidor, Ed.D., President
Editor/Contributing Writer............................... Caroline Cate,
Director, Grants & Community Relations;
Michael McAllister,
Public Information Officer
Photographers...................Sonya Blanchard, Caroline Cate,
Michael McAllister, Jim Muldrow
Contributing Designer..................................... Roslyn Lewis
Visit South Piedmont Community
College on the Web at
www.spcc.edu
South Piedmont Community College
Board of Trustees
Kenneth Collins
Thomas L. Crooke Sr., Chairman
John N. Hendley, Secretary
Kenneth W. Horne Jr.
Harvey H. Leavitt III, Past Chairman
Cynthia Little
Donna McNair
Bill Norwood
Dr. Charles F. “Chuck” Palmer
Arthur Roos
Dr. Jerry Thomas
Dr. Fred Thompson
Jarvis T. Woodburn, Vice Chairman
Renee Nolan, SGA President
Executive Staff
Stanley Sidor, Ed.D, President
John DeVitto, Executive Vice President, Finance and
Administrative Services
Tiffany Evans, Ph.D, Vice President and
Chief Academic Officer
Elaine Clodfelter, Vice President, Student Services
Hayne White, Vice President, Institutional Advancement
and SPCC Foundation
Dan Merle, Vice President, Career Development &
Continuing Education
Career Focus is published twice a year by South Piedmont
Community College, P.O. Box 126, Polkton, NC 28135 in
partnership with Academic Marketing Services.
All rights reserved. No part of the material may be reproduced
or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage
retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.
South Piedmont Community College is an equal opportunity
institution.
© 2013 South Piedmont Community College
2
4
6
704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2013 I 1
C a r e e r F o c u s
High school juniors and
seniors! Take seated
and online college
classes. N.C. Career
and College Promise
(CCP) will help you to
jump start your college
transcript or jump
start your career.
It’s a dual enrollment educational
opportunity. The program provides
focused preparation leading
to college credit or entry-level
job credentials. Tuition is free.
Students will be responsible for book
purchases.
Juniors and seniors who attend
public high schools, private high
schools or home schools and meet
certain requirements are eligible.
South Piedmont offers CCP
pathways that are aligned with the
K-12 curriculum and Career and
College Ready Standards adopted
by the State Board of Education.
Students will be enrolled in a Core
44 College Transfer (CT) pathway
leading to completion of college
transfer credit or a Career and
Technical Education (CTE) pathway
leading to a certificate, diploma or
associate degree. For academic year
2013-2014, South Piedmont offers a
structured set of general education
courses in the CT pathways for
Humanities and Social Science,
Business and Economics, Life and
Health Sciences and Engineering
and Mathematics.
For the CTE pathway, the college
offers 22 certificates and 1 diploma.
The programs of study are:
accounting; advertising and graphic
design; business administration;
computer information technology;
criminal justice; cyber security;
early childhood education;
electrical/electronics technology;
entrepreneurship; game
development; heating ventilation,
air conditioning and refrigeration
(HVAC); human services
technology; industrial systems;
law enforcement preparation;
mechanical engineering; medical
office administration; paralegal
technology; and web technologies
fundamentals.
Eligibility criteria:
Core 44 College Transfer Pathways
• High school junior or senior.
• Weighted GPA of 3.0 on high
school courses.
• Demonstrated college readiness
on an assessment or placement
test.
Career and Technical
Education Pathways
• High school junior or senior.
• Weighted GPA of 3.0 on high
school courses or have the
recommendation of the high
school principal.
• All prerequisites met for the
career pathway.
“Career and College Promise will
save students time and money and
allow North Carolina high school
students to move forward on well-defined
pathways, not just enroll
in random college courses. It is an
efficient and effective way to further
student success.” - Scott Rawls,
President of the N.C. Community
College System.
Caroline Cate
High School Students Succeed Through
N.C. Career and College Promise
N.C. Career and College Promise is available
to high school juniors and seniors who
attend public high schools, private high
schools or home schools and meet certain
eligibility requirements.
Scott Collier
Enrollment Services Recruiter
scollier@spcc.edu
704-290-5872
Jeff Jost
Enrollment Services Recruiter
jjost@spcc.edu
704-290-5871
For more information, please contact Faith and Kaiti
offer more tips at:
What advice to you have for new CCP students?
“I was getting the college class feel. Instead of taking little filler classes
at the end of my senior year, I could continue my education into college
and not waste time. There’s a lot going on in Moodle now. So, knowing
your way around the Internet, knowing your way around MLA format—
you do have more expectations for yourself to step up to the plate. If
you need help, you’re going to have to go up to your teacher and ask for
it. It’s basically ‘just be responsible.’ It’s a good preparation for going to
college.”
Kaiti Stewart
Weddington High School ‘13
UNC-Charlotte, incoming freshman Fall 2013
Why take college courses while still in high school?
“I don’t want to take courses that won’t be necessary for me in the
future. I think it’s beneficial to take the actual courses that will
get me ahead. When you go and take these college courses you’ll be
stepping forward and helping yourself.”
‘Faith Diggs
CATA ‘13
Wingate University, incoming freshman Fall 2013
2 I Fall 2013 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 C a r e e r F o c u s
Transfer Advantages
for South Piedmont Graduates
At a community
college, you can
explore a career field
of interest as part
of your associate
degree program.
In North Carolina,
community college
students may select a pre-major
or a pathway as an area of study.
South Piedmont Community College
offers 22 such programs. In addition
to the pre-major or pathway area
of study, students take general
education courses in humanities,
fine arts, math, science, and social
and behavioral science.
This well-rounded
education is the
foundation
for transferring to a university
to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Because the classes are through a
community college, you’ll pay less.
Courses earned with an Associate
in Arts Degree (AA), an Associate in
Science Degree (AS) or an Associate
of Fine Arts Degree (AFA) at South
Piedmont are transferable to the
16 public universities in North
Carolina via a N.C. Community
College System articulation
agreement with the University
of North Carolina. Because of
this covenant, you’ll begin at the
university with junior status.
South Piedmont has many resources
available to prepare students for the
transition.
Ease into the College Experience
South Piedmont faculty generally
do not have
competing
interests, such
as research
projects
or seeking
publication.
These efforts
would distract from teaching
introductory college courses.
With the full focus of faculty, the
opportunity for personal attention
helps students to learn and to
increase their potential for academic
success.
The size of many general education
and pre-major classes at South
Piedmont is smaller than the same
classes at four-year institutions.
At South Piedmont, the student to
curriculum faculty ratio is 16:1.
Save Money
Attending South Piedmont can
provide substantial financial
savings. Tuition and fees are less
than four-year institutions. For
academic year 2013-2014, the per
credit hour cost is $71.50 for in-state
students. Studying 30 credit
hours in the year and paying the
associated fees for such items as
technology access, academic support
and student activities would cost
approximately $2,290.
That same credit load for an in-state
student would cost substantially
more at either a public university
or a private institution. By starting
and staying at South Piedmont
through completion of an associate
degree, students may save enough to
cover the tuition costs of their junior
year at a university.
South Piedmont has two campuses.
The L.L. Polk Campus in Polkton is
on Highway 74. The Old Charlotte
Highway Campus in Monroe is on
the border with Indian Trail. This
local convenience saves students
commuting costs.
Also, scholarships are sometimes
available. The SPCC Foundation
provides merit-based and need-based
scholarships as well as ones
with criteria determined by the
donor. Ask about scholarships when
applying to South Piedmont and
then again when applying to the
four-year college or university. A
student’s academic achievements
at South Piedmont can lead to
scholarship opportunities at the
transfer institution.
Transfer with Assistance
Most community colleges, including
South Piedmont, offer dedicated
assistance to help students with
the transfer process. Students
are provided with online transfer
resources and information on
transfer agreements, application
deadlines, scholarships and more.
South Piedmont invites many
representatives of four-year
institutions to visit the campuses
to speak with students about
transferring.
Boost Grade Point Average
Taking classes at South Piedmont
can help improve a student’s
grade point average (GPA). Unlike
most four-year institutions,
South Piedmont has an open-door
admissions policy, allowing students
to be accepted regardless of past
academic performance. Students
who improve their academic record
show four-year institutions that they
are serious about their education,
and the effort permits them to
meet the minimum admissions
requirements at their chosen four-year
university or college.
Transferring from South Piedmont
is a smart way to start college, save
money and achieve academic goals.
At South Piedmont, start
here. . . go anywhere!
Caroline Cate
Attending South
Piedmont can
provide substantial
financial savings.
Tuition and fees are
less than four-year
institutions.
704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2013 I 3
C a r e e r F o c u s
Brawn to
Brains
Skills are the
future of
manufacturing
While it’s true that
old-fashioned
assembly
line jobs are
dwindling, a
new kind of
manufacturing
is starved
for skilled workers. Today, more
than 60 percent of manufacturing
employees have at least some
college education, according to a
U.S. Department of Commerce
report. And a 2011 report from the
Manufacturing Institute estimates
that 600,000 skilled manufacturing
jobs are currently unfilled because
employers can’t find qualified
workers.
Tallying forecasted jobs from eight
manufacturers in Anson and Union
counties who collaborate with South
Piedmont Community College
to define relevant coursework
and training, an estimated 391
positions will need filling over the
next two years. Almost 40 will be
machinists, more than a dozen will
be technicians, and 260 will be
production.
Chris Platé, executive director
of Economic Development and
Aviation for Monroe-Union County
Economic Development, says
that Union County’s labor pool
is inherently “precision-minded”
and “detail-oriented.” Much of the
workforce has been honed from
generations of families with a
history in metals/machining or a
mechanical background derived
from an agrarian lifestyle, according
to Platé. “Being predisposed to
advanced manufacturing processes
means that with targeted training—
such as the hands-on courses
provided at South Piedmont—youth
graduating high school and men and
women wanting to retrain can ramp
up for skilled manufacturing jobs,”
he said. [The Monroe-Union County
Development Work Plan
2013-2015 can be found at
www.developunion.com.]
Technical and
Workplace Skills
Some of the modern manufacturing
jobs are technical: CNC
programmers, robotics technicians
and industrial maintenance
mechanics. Welders must learn a
range of techniques for welding a
variety of metals. And machinists
need to learn to create and use
CAD blueprints and operate lathes
and milling machines to produce
prototypes. This is intricate work.
Beyond mechanical aptitude,
problem solving skills and good
During his 32 years as a
warehouse manager with a local
textile company, Harold Lathan
had survived round after round
of layoffs as the jobs moved
overseas. So he wasn’t surprised
when it was finally his job that
went away a few years ago.
Still no job
What did surprise him was how
difficult it was to find a new job.
After all, Harold had a great
work record and had proven his
value many times. He thought he
would simply take his skills to a
new company.
Weeks of looking for work turned
into months, so after a year had
passed and still no job, Harold
knew it was time to take some
decisive steps toward getting
back to work. That’s when he
decided to strengthen his skill set
at South Piedmont Community
College.
“It was a great decision,” Harold
said, “one of my best.”
South Piedmont makes
the difference
At South Piedmont, Harold
made some good friends and
gained practical experience in
electrical and mechanical work,
HVAC repair, and more. He
earned continuing education
certificates in mechatronics, basic
electro-mechanical, and solar
installation. He also achieved
gold level Career Readiness
Certification.
Harold’s new credentials
prompted potential employers
to pay attention. Soon he was
getting interviews, eventually
landing a great position as the
facilities manager with the
Levine Museum of the New South
in uptown Charlotte in December
2011.
“This is the best job I’ve ever had
in my life,” Harold said. “And
there’s no doubt in my mind
that the certificates I earned at
South Piedmont—in electrical,
mechanical, and project
management—showed them that
I could do the job.”
Michael McAllister
There will always be
a need for workers
who can program,
manage and repair
devices.
STUDENT SUCCESS STORY
‘The best job I’ve ever had’
Harold Lathan
4 I Fall 2013 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 C a r e e r F o c u s
communication are among the
qualities that employers seek.
“Depending on a person’s goals, the
short-term training and the career
pathways we provide offer the ideal
avenue to learn cost-effectively,”
said Dr. Stan Sidor, president
of South Piedmont Community
College. In addition to the industry
skills, students learn workplace
ethics, safety, customer service,
communications, and teamwork so
that they earn Career Readiness
Certificates.
Over the last three years, 56
employers in the region have,
combined, hired 141 men and
women who’ve completed the 10-
week machining classes or industrial
maintenance/ mechatronics classes
at South Piedmont. The college has,
through collaborations with funders
and industry, combined training
in the lab with on-site experience.
B+E Manufacturing (Monroe),
Columbus McKinnon (Wadesboro),
Logic Manufacturing (Indian Trail)
and Vanguard Pai Lung (Monroe),
for example, offered internships to
South Piedmont students in 2012.
Greiner Bio-One (Monroe) will offer
apprenticeships in 2013.
“Manufacturers have a short-term
need to fill high-skill jobs and a long-term
need for a pipeline of trained
workers,” said Sidor. “Our students
are ready.”
Laura Lyjak Crawford,
Caroline Cate
Manufacturing
Careers
Welder
Median Salary: $35,920
Machinist
Median Salary: $39,220
CNC Programming
Median Salary: $45,890
Industrial Machinery
Mechanic
Median Salary: $46,270
Robotics Technicians
Median Salary: $51,220
Source: O*Net 2011
Advanced Manufacturing
Technologies
South Piedmont Community
College has an extensive selection
of equipment, including a flexible
manufacturing system. Machines
and training materials valued at
more than $3 million have been
purchased with support from Duke
Energy, Golden LEAF Foundation,
and OMNOVA Foundation.
The mechatronics machine ties
together a number of functions,
including programmable logic
controllers, pneumatics, motion
controls, hydraulics and robotics.
The robotic arm can, for example,
add bolts as a mechanical part
travels on a belt through eight
building stations.
“We train novice and experienced
people on basic machine and
systems maintenance, repair,
and troubleshooting,” said Dennis
Baucom, Director of Vocational
Trades. “Our instructors show
students how to handle electrical
wiring, motor controls, PLCs, pump
systems, and mechanical drive
systems.”
Employer needs led to the
establishment of the QuickStart
CNC Operator PLUS course. At
a cost of less than $800, this 10-
week class shows students how to
read blueprints, measure, calculate
basic and applied shop math, and
program and operate a CNC lathe
and mill.
Small class size gives students one-on-
one attention and extensive
hands-on skills practice. “We offer
short-term classes throughout
the year so that our students can
quickly get trained for jobs,” said
Baucom. “We train people right out
of high school and people looking for
a career change.”
South Piedmont offers additional
short-term classes in advanced
manufacturing. Training options
include integrated systems
technology and advanced
machining.
Credentials for Career Path
New for academic year 2013-2014
are four two-year degrees in the
field of engineering technology.
Graduates will be prepared to
assist in the design, development,
testing, troubleshooting and repair
of engineered systems. “Emphasis
across the curriculum is on the
integration of theory and hands-on
application of engineering
technology principles,” said Dr.
Maria Lander, dean of Applied
Science and Technology. With this
additional training for broad skills
and problem-solving, graduates
will have the credentials for jobs
requiring planning and supervisory
responsibilities. And, graduates will
have college credit to pursue a four-year
degree in engineering.
Caroline Cate
Training for
local jobs
“Manufacturers have
a short-term need to
fill high-skill jobs and
a long-term need for
a pipeline of trained
workers. Our students
are ready.”
704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2013 I 5
In choosing a career, it’s
important to know your
personal interests and talents,
the job outlook for occupations
matching your interests
and talents, the education
required, and the earnings
you can expect—annually and
over a lifetime.
Several recent economic
studies shed light on the
outlook for national and
local jobs, and help answer
the question, “How much
higher education do I
need?”
More job openings for
skilled workers
A 2010 study from
Georgetown University,
“Help Wanted: Projections
of Jobs and Education
Requirements through 2018,”
included these two conclusions:
• By 2018, the U.S. economy will
create 46.8 million job openings,
and 63 percent of these will
require workers with at least
some college education.
• By 2018, the postsecondary
system will have produced 3
million fewer college graduates
than demanded by the labor
market.
While 65 percent of workers with a
high school diploma and no college
experience have household incomes
placing them in the middle class or
above, completion of an associate
degree raises this proportion to 80
percent. Earning a bachelor’s degree
pushes the proportion in the middle
class or above to 86 percent.
Middle-skills jobs on the rise
One in every five jobs and nearly
half of those that pay $35,000 or
more a year are “middle-skills” jobs
that require training beyond high
school, but less than a bachelor’s
degree. These jobs include nurses,
computer support specialists, auto
mechanics, dental hygienists,
fitness trainers, heating and air
conditioning mechanics, hairstylists,
paralegals, pre-school teachers, and
medical laboratory technicians.
The Right Amount of
Higher Education
You don’t have to commit to four years of college
to increase your income
STUDENT SUCCESS STORY
Marie Alvarez-Spittle is a
motivated woman. Over the
past 12 years, she has moved
from one success to the next,
transitioning several times from
one exciting career to another.
Each time she has turned to
South Piedmont Community
College to prepare her.
While earning her bachelor’s
degree in sports medicine from
Wingate University—which
occasionally involved riding
in ambulances with injured
athletes—she became fascinated
by the work of emergency
medical technicians (EMTs) and
decided that it was a job she
wanted to do. That’s when she
discovered South Piedmont and
the program that launched her
career as an EMT.
That same professional curiosity
and passion for helping others
led her a few years later to
her next career as a firefighter
and then, several years after
that, her current position as an
emergency room nurse.
South Piedmont was there for
her to put each new goal within
reach. What do all of Marie’s
careers have in common?
Dealing with crisis: “I wouldn’t
use the term adrenaline junkie,”
she said, “but I definitely enjoy
the excitement.”
And Marie isn’t finished. She
will soon begin working on her
master’s degree with a new goal
in mind. She aims to teach the
next generation of nurses. Her
years of experience in crisis
situations, in a variety of roles,
makes her a valuable nurse, and
it will—someday very soon—
make her a valuable teacher as
well.
“Teaching will give me the
opportunity to draw on my
training and experience and
to share it with others,” Marie
said.
Michael McAllister
One Exciting Career to Another
Marie Alvarez-Spittle
C a r e e r F o c u s
One in every five
jobs and nearly half
of those that pay
$35,000 or more a
year are “middle-skills”
jobs that
require training
beyond high school,
but less than a
bachelor’s degree.
6 I Fall 2013 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 Top-paying middle-skills jobs
Sources: Help Wanted, 2010; The College Payoff, 2012; Career and Technical
Education, 2012, all from Georgetown University Center on Education and the
Workforce
Registered
nurses
Median Wage:
$52,000
Computer
programmers
Median Wage:
$59,000
Technical
Writers
Median Wage:
$56,000
Firefighters
Median Wage:
$59,000
Police
officers
Median Wage:
$56,000
Sales representatives,
wholesale
Median Wage:
$49,000
Office and administrative
support supervisors
Median Wage:
$42,000
Air traffic
controllers
Median Wage:
$81,000
Aircraft pilots and
flight engineers
Median Wage:
$84,000
Up-to-date techniques and
instruction provided by South
Piedmont Community College in
classrooms and clinical rotations
prepare men and women for
healthcare jobs. Computerized
human patient simulators,
other specialized equipment
and the community at-large are
fundamental to putting instruction
into practice.
Carolinas Medical Center-Union
houses three simulation patients.
Hospital lab technicians use them
to create medical situations for
practice.
“With the complexity of care
needed for hospitalized patients,
it’s important to try out different
scenarios,” said Joyce Long, dean of
School of Nursing. “By interacting
with our adult, child and infant
simulators, students try nursing
techniques, observe patient reaction
and then adjust care as needed.”
The simulators can speak and can
respond either appropriately or
inappropriately to medication. The
technician can make them go into
seizures or increase their heart
rate. A $362,000 grant from the
Duke Endowment in 2009 helped to
pay for the equipment.
High-Performance Imaging
Machine
With 3D and 4D capability for
obstetrics, South Piedmont’s newly
purchased Esaote MyLab Twice
system is a boon to the Medical
Sonography program.
“Our students who have experience
in medical settings recommended
this ultrasound system,” says
Alice Bradley, dean of Allied
Health. “It provides easy and fast
diagnosis. With it, our students
can learn how to read a range of
imaging, including cardiac and
musculoskeletal views.”
Wellness Fairs
Students in the Medical Assisting
and the Medical Laboratory
Assistant programs host a wellness
fair each spring. Lori Starns, an
Allied Health faculty member,
coordinates the programs.
“The fair is an educational
experience that relies on teamwork
to plan an outreach project,” said
Starnes.
Students create displays and
handouts that explain topics such as
infection control and hand hygiene,
diabetes prevention, corrective
high cholesterol measures, tips for
good oral health, ways to alleviate
asthma, breast cancer, and effects
of alcohol on the body. They
demonstrate to attendees how to do
self-exams, alter diets, and follow
personal health regimens.
“Talking with people in an
informal, informational setting
allows students to practice patient
communications,” said Starnes.
“It’s a practical way to extend the
classroom lessons.”
Caroline Cate
Nursing and
Allied Health
Patient Practice
These middle-skill jobs are quite
varied. In some you work with your
hands, some you work with logic and
numbers, and in others you work
with people.
Middle-skills jobs and
middle-class pay
In The College Payoff, labor market
economists at Georgetown University
indicate that 28 percent of workers
with an associate degree earned more
than the median earnings of workers
with bachelor’s degrees.
That’s worth repeating: Nearly 3 in
10 workers with associate degrees
earn more than half of the workers
with bachelor’s degrees. The high
earnings of registered nurses have
a lot to do with that, but it’s not just
nurses.
The economic benefit of additional
education and training over a lifetime
can be substantial.
Some postsecondary education,
even without earning a degree,
adds nearly one-quarter of a million
dollars to lifetime earnings.
An associate degree is worth over
$420,000 in lifetime earnings above
what you can expect to earn as a high
school graduate.
Add it up, and the middle looks like a
pretty nice place to be!
Craig Clagett,
Laura Lyjak Crawford
Nearly 3 in 10
workers with
associate degrees
earn more than half
of the workers with
bachelor’s degrees.
704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2013 I 7
Your College Transfer &
Workforce Training Options
College Transfer Program (School of Arts and Sciences)
Associate in Arts - Social Science Secondary Education (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly@spcc.edu 704-290-5829
Associate in Arts - Social Work (Pre-major)
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235-5448
Associate in Arts - Sociology (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
Associate in Arts - Special Education (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly, 290-5829
Associate in Fine Arts
Associate in Fine Arts – Drama Pathway new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
Associate in Fine Arts - Music Pathway new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
Associate in Fine Arts - Visual Art Pathway new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
Associate in Science - The Associate in Science (without a pre-major) emphasizes
science and/or math courses for students intending to major in a 4-year program with a science and/
or math focus.
Contact: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu, 704-290-5879
Associate in Science - Biology and Biology Education (Pre-major) new!
Contact: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu, 704-290-5879
Associate in Science - Chemistry and Chemistry Education (Pre-major) new!
Contact: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu, 704-290-5879
Associate in Science - Engineering (Pre-major)
Contact: Raymond Griffith, rgriffith@spcc.edu, 704-272-5439
Associate in Science - Mathematics (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Raymond Griffith, rgriffith@spcc.edu, 704-272-5439
Associate in Science - Mathematics Education (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Raymond Griffith, rgriffith@spcc.edu, 704-272-5439
Associate in Science - Pharmacy Pathwaynew!
Contact: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu, 704-290-5879
Accounting
Employment in accounting firms, as well as large and small corporations, preparing financial
statements, balance sheets, and tax returns. Employment opportunities: Accounting firms, small
businesses, banks, hospitals; self-employment.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Certificate
Contact: Toiya Evans, tevans@spcc.edu, 704-290-5233
Related career: Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $22,400/$34,000
Advertising/Graphic Design
Employment in graphic design with emphasis on print design, web design, multimedia design, social
media, advertising, illustration, photography, and publishing. Employment opportunities: Graphic
design studios, advertising agencies, in-house graphics, printing companies, web design, social media
specialist, publishing, and ePublishing.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Certificate
Contact: Linda M. Ward, lmward@spcc.edu, 704-290-5279
Related career: Graphic designers
	
	
	
	
	
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $24,88/$40,700
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
A career in residential and commercial maintenance and installation of heating and cooling systems.
Employment opportunities: Firms that specialize in installing, repairing and servicing heating and
cooling systems and refrigeration equipment in homes, and commercial and industrial buildings.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: A. Trent Younger, ayounger@spcc.edu, 704-272-5365
Related career: Heating and air conditioning mechanic and installer
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $27,000/$37,000
South Piedmont Credential Purpose
Program of Study Certificate Demonstrates mastery of skills needed to move into an
entry-level job and awards college credits.
Program of Study Diploma Demonstrates understanding of skills to help achieve a
job promotion and awards college credits.
Associate in Arts Degree (AA) /
Associate in Science Degree (AS)
The first two years of college coursework to transfer to a
four-year college or university with junior status
Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) Degree
Associate in Applied Science
Degree (AAS)
In-depth career preparation, as well as some general
education classes, during a two-year course of study.
An AAS degree is best-suited for someone who plans to
find a job after earning the degree in a specialized area or
skill. An AS, in contrast, is intended for those planning to
transfer to a four-year university.
Career Development and Continuing
Education Certificate
Training in a chosen field that does not award college
credits, yet shows proficiency of skills.
College Credit Programs of Study A-Z
An alphabetical listing of curriculum programs of study offered by South Piedmont Community
College follows. Need more information? Search at www.spcc.edu. Have questions? Call 704-
272-5391 or email admissions@spcc.edu.
College Transfer Program (School of Arts and Sciences)
The College Transfer Program parallels the freshman and sophomore years of a four-year college or
university. At South Piedmont, students take general education courses in the areas of humanities, fine
arts, mathematics, science, and social and behavioral sciences along with pre-major transfer courses.
The NC Community College System has a Comprehensive Articulation Agreement with the University
of North Carolina (a system of 16 public universities) and other private colleges in the state. With
an Associate in Arts (AA) degree, Associate in Science (AS) degree or Associate in Fine Arts (AFA)
degree, students may transfer with junior status to these four-year institutions.
Associate in Arts - The Associate in Arts (without a pre-major) offers the most flexibility.
Students select courses tailored to their interests and their intended major.
Contact: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly@spcc.edu 704-290-5829
Associate in Arts - Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Finance, and
Marketing (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Raymond Griffith, rgriffith@spcc.edu, 704-272-5439
Associate in Arts - Criminal Justice (Pre-major)
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu,704-290-5235
Associate in Arts - Elementary Education (Pre-major)
Contact: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly@spcc.edu, 704-290-5829
Associate in Arts - English (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly@spcc.edu, 704-290-5829
Associate in Arts - English Education (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly@spcc.edu, 704-290-5829
Associate in Arts - History (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
Associate in Arts - Mass Communication/Journalism (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
Associate in Arts - Middle Grades Education (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly@spcc.edu 704-290-5829
Associate in Arts - Nursing (Pre-major)
Contact: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu,704-290-5879
Associate in Arts - Political Science (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
Associate in Arts - Psychology (Pre-major) new!
Contact: Carl Bishop, cbishop@spcc.edu, 704-290-5235
8 I Fall 2013 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 C a r e e r F o c u s
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
A career as a certified law enforcement officer in North Carolina. Employment opportunities: Municipal
police departments, sheriffs’ offices, bailiff, NC Highway Patrol, NC State Bureau of Investigation.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Kevin Ashley, kashley@spcc.edu, 704-290-5820
Related career: Police and sheriff’s patrol officer
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $28,400/$39,000
Biotechnology
in collaboration with Gaston College
Employment as research assistant to biologists or chemists, laboratory technician, instrumentation
technician, or quality assurance technician. Employment opportunities: High-tech manufacturing,
agribusiness, government, research and development, sales, customer service.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu, 704-290-5879
Related career: Medical and clinical laboratory technician
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $25,200/$38,400
Business Administration
Employment requiring fundamental knowledge of business functions and processes. Employment
opportunities: Government agencies, financial institutions, large/small businesses; self-employment.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: Fredrea Crawford-Smith, fsmith@spcc.edu, 704-290-5274
Related career: Administrative services manager
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $51,000/$82,000
Computer Information Technology
Employment with organizations that use computers to process, manage, and communicate
information. Employment opportunities: Systems maintenance, troubleshooting, support/training and
business applications design and implementation.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: Chris Johnson, c-johnson@spcc.edu, 704-272-5426
Related career: Computer user support specialist
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $29,000/$47,700
Computer Information Technology – Computer Support
Entry-level employment opportunities as a user support specialist or network administrator. Various
job titles in the field include help-desk support, technical support, end-user trainer, network support
technician, or network administrator.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Chris Johnson, c-johnson@spcc.edu, 704-272-5426
Related career: Computer user support specialist
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $29,000/$47,700
Computer Information Technology – Cyber Forensics
Employment at financial institutions, for Internet providers and software developers, as well as for
governmental agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland
Security, and state and local law enforcement agencies.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Oscar Gonzalez, ogonzalez@spcc.edu, 704-290-5232
Related career: Forensics - intrusion detection analyst
0-4 years experience/5-9 years experience: $56,166/$77,033
From sans.org 2008 salary survey, may require a bachelor’s degree or higher
Computer Information Technology – Game Development
Entry-level employment as game designer. Employment opportunities: Gaming industry as
programmer trainees and software developers.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Oscar Gonzalez, ogonzalez@spcc.edu, 704-290-5232
Related career: Video game designer
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $45,200/$75,600
May require a bachelors degree
Computer Information Technology – Microsoft Office
Entry-level employment as a Microsoft Office specialist. Employment opportunities: Business,
industry, government organizations as computer operators and software support technicians.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Patricia Johnson, p-johnson@spcc.edu, 704-272-5423
Related career: Secretary and administrative assistant
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $21,100/$31,600
Computer Information Technology Integration –
Mobile Apps Development
in collaboration with Central Piedmont Community College
Employment as programmer, tester, quality assurance analyst, engineer, and software developer.
Employment opportunities: Business and industry, including entertainment, health care, education and
government agencies.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: Kim Bateman, kbateman@spcc.edu, 704-272-5417
Related career: Software developers
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $56,000/$86,000
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree
Computer Information Technology – Mobile Apps Foundation
Employment as a mobile apps developer trainee. Employment opportunities: Business and industry,
including entertainment, health care, education, and government agencies.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Kim Bateman, kbateman@spcc.edu, 704-272-5417
Related career: Software developer
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $56,000/$86,000
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree
Computer Information Technology – Operating Systems
Entry-level employment with organizations that require operating systems administration. Employment
opportunities: Systems maintenance, troubleshooting, support/training, and OS administration.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Kim Bateman, kbateman@spcc.edu, 704-272-5417
Related career: Network and computer systems administrator
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $45,400/$72,100
May require a bachelors degree
704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2013 I 9
Criminal Justice Technology
Employment within local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, court systems, correctional
facilities, security, loss prevention, and forensic science. Employment opportunities: Police officer,
deputy sheriff, detention officer, state trooper, probation/parole officer, surveillance officer, loss
prevention specialist, crime scene tech, FBI agent, SBI agent, court clerk, private investigator, trial
court administrator, victim/witness assistant, and criminal background researcher.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: Miriam Sallee, msallee@spcc.edu, 704-290-5264
Related career: Police detective
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $33,400/$45,800
Criminal Justice Technology – Forensics
Employment at financial institutions, for Internet providers and software developers, as well as for
governmental agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland
Security and state and local law enforcement agencies.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Miriam Sallee, msallee@spcc.edu, 704-290-5264
Related career: Police detective
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $33,400/$45,800
Early Childhood Education
Teach and care for children in infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments.
Employment opportunities: Preschools, childcare programs, Head Start, public and private schools,
recreational centers.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: Sharon Little, s-little@spcc.edu, 704-272-5399
Related career: Preschool teacher
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $16,800/$22,500
Electrical Systems Technology
Employment installing and maintaining electrical/electronic systems found in residential, commercial,
and industrial facilities. Employment opportunities: On-the-job trainee or apprentice assisting in the
layout, installation, and maintenance of electrical/electronic systems. (Graduates who successfully
complete the required apprenticeship are prepared to take the state electrical contracting license
exam.)
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: George Kouvaris, gkouvaris@spcc.edu, 704-290-5265
Related career: Electrician
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $27,200/$38,100
Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic Bridge
Prospective students who have at least 3,000 paid hours as a paramedic, and have completed the
BTLS or PHTLS, ACLS, PALS, Health Provider CPR certification, and hold national certification are
eligible to apply to the EMS Bridging program. Those students who have completed a formal EMS-Basic
and EMS-Paramedic course may also earn college credit for their Continuing Education course
work. Employment opportunities include ambulance services, fire and rescue agencies, air medical
services, specialty areas of hospitals, industry, educational institutions, and government agencies.
School of Allied Health
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: Tony Shires, tshires@spcc.edu, 704-290-5817
Related career: Emergency medical technician and paramedic
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $21,200/$31,200
Entrepreneurship
Employment in your own business. Employment opportunities: Self-employed business owner.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: Sam Spencer, sspencer@spcc.edu, 704-272-5425
Entry salary range: Varies according to type and success of business
General Education
The Associate in General Education curriculum is designed for the academic enrichment of students
who wish to broaden their education, with emphasis on personal interest, growth and development.
School of Arts and Sciences
South Piedmont Credential: Associate Degree in General Education
Contact: Joyce Long, j-long@spcc.edu, 704-290-5281
Human Services Technology
Family and child assistance programs, rehabilitation services, youth services, services for aging,
programs for developmentally disabled. Employment opportunities: Employment doing direct service
delivery work in social service agencies.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma
Contact: Fedder Williams, f-williams@spcc.edu, 704-290-5877
Related career: Social and human services assistant
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $19,300/$27,000
Human Services Technology-Substance Abuse Certificate
Employment as substance abuse counselor, DWI counselor, residential facility worker. Employment
opportunities: Substance abuse counselors work with physicians, nurses, social workers, mental
health counselors and police in courts, schools, correctional facilities and treatment facilities.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Fedder Williams, f-williams@spcc.edu, 704-290-5877
Related career: Social and human services assistant
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $19,300/$27,000
Industrial Systems Technology
Graduates should be able to individually, or with a team, safely install, inspect, diagnose, repair, and
maintain industrial process and support equipment. Upon completion, graduates should be prepared
to sit for industry-recognized certification exams, which demonstrate job readiness to employers.
Responsibilities may include inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, and diagnosing industrial systems.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: Dr. Maria Lander, mlander@spcc.edu, 704-290-5267
Related career: Industrial machinery mechanic
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $28,600/$43,400
Infant/Toddler Care
Graduates should be prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate infant/toddler
programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and
child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Early Head Start
programs, and other infant/toddler programs.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: Diploma
Contact: Sharon Little, s-little@spcc.edu, 704-272-5399
Related career: Preschool teacher
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $16,800/$22,500
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Employment designing, manufacturing, operating, and maintaining mechanical systems and processes
such as engines and control systems. Employment Opportunities: Work in manufacturing facilities,
including aerospace and energy.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Certificate
Contact: Dr. Leo Maganares, lmaganares@spcc.edu, 704-290-5890
Related career: Mechanical engineering technician
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $34,100/$48,900
Mechatronics Engineering Technology new!
Graduates should be qualified for employment in industrial maintenance and manufacturing roles
that can include assembly, testing, startup, troubleshooting, repair, process improvement, and
control systems. Upon completion, graduates should be prepared to sit for Packaging Machinery
Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) mechatronics or similar industry-recognized certification exams,
which demonstrate job readiness to employers.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: Dr. Maria Lander, mlander@spcc.edu, 704-290-5267
Related career: Mechatronics engineer
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $49,000/$85,000
May require a bachelor’s degree
Medical Assisting
Employment as a multi-skilled healthcare professional performing administrative, clinical, and
laboratory procedures. (Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical
Assistants Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants.) Employment
opportunities: Physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, health departments, hospitals.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma
Contact: Lori Starnes, lstarnes@spcc.edu, 704-290-5825
Related career: Medical assistant
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $21,500/$28,700
10 I Fall 2013 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Employment performing routine medical laboratory testing and office tasks. (Graduates may apply to
take AMT certification exam to become a Medical Laboratory Assistant.) Employment opportunities:
Physicians’ offices and hospitals.
School of Allied Health
South Piedmont Credential: Certificate
Contact: Lori Starnes, lstarnes@spcc.edu, 704-290-5825
Related career: Medical and clinical laboratory technician
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $25,200/$38,400
Medical Office Administration
Employment performing administrative and support functions in medical and other healthcare
facilities. Employment opportunities: Medical and dental offices, hospitals, insurance companies,
laboratories, medical supply companies, other healthcare-related organizations.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Certificate, Medical Insurance Coding Diploma or
Transcription Certificate
Contact: Sarah K. Jordan, SJordan@spcc.edu, 704-290-5858 or Geanetta Agbona,
GAgbona@spcc.edu, 704-272-5442
Related career: Medical secretary
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $21,900/$29,300
Medical Sonography
Employment as a medical sonographer or ultrasound technologist. (Graduates are eligible to
take examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.)
Employment opportunities: Hospitals, physicians’ offices, mobile services, educational institutions.
School of Allied Health
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: Alice Bradley, abradley@spcc.edu, 704-290-5832
Related career: Diagnostic medical sonographer
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $48,900/$62,600
Nursing-Associate Degree
A healthcare career as a nurse. [Graduates of this program are eligible to take the National Council
of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.]
Employment opportunities: Hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices,
community agencies.
School of Nursing
South Piedmont Credential: AS
Contact: Joyce Long, j-long@spcc.edu, 704-290-5281
Related career: Registered Nurse
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $42,300/$58,000
Nursing-Practical
Providing nursing care to children and adults. [Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN,
which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).] Employment opportunities:
Hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities.
School of Nursing
South Piedmont Credential: Diploma
Contact: Joyce Long, j-long@spcc.edu, 704-290-5281
Related career: Licensed Practical Nurse and Licensed Vocational Nurse
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $31,900/$41,500
Paralegal Technology
Employment performing routine legal tasks and assisting with substantive legal work under the
supervision of an attorney. Employment opportunities: Private law firms, governmental agencies,
banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: David Broome, dbroome@spcc.edu, 704-290-5862
Related career: Paralegal and legal assistant
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $25,800/$39,000
School-Age Education
Employment working with children in elementary through middle grades in diverse learning
environments. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs
in school-aged environments. Employment opportunities: Pre-schools, child-care programs, Head
Start, public and private schools, public and private agencies, recreational centers
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma, Certificate
Contact: Sharon Little, s-little@spcc.edu, 704-272-5399
Related career: Teacher assistant
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $17,600/$22,100
Continuing Education Classes
(non-college credit)
Career Development and Containing Education offers short-term, low-cost classes, seminars,
conferences and on-site customized training. Learn workplace and work site skills that develop
proficiencies needed for jobs. Explore careers to confirm your interest in an area before committing to
a curriculum program of study. Develop a hobby or skill that can be the foundation for starting a small
business. Vocational and professional classes run throughout the year. Find the Continuing Education
class schedule and register at: www.spcc.edu/cce/register/. Class costs vary and materials may need
to be purchased. Many classes provide a certificate of completion. Have questions?
Call 704-290-5100 or email SPCCConEdSupport@spcc.edu.
Activity Coordinator
Learn to plan daily activities for older adult residents of assisted living and long-term care facilities
and coordinating volunteer programs. Those who complete the class are state-qualified to be
employed.
Auto Body Repair
More than 50 courses are available that lead to I-CAR Alliance national certification. This program is
approved by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Job placement assistance is provided. Employment
opportunities include auto dealerships or franchised independent garages as well as self-employment.
Contact: Bob Winfrey, rwinfrey@spcc.edu, 704-272-7554.
Computed Tomography
This course educates radiologic technologists, radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologists
in the post-primary practice of computed tomography. Upon completion, students may be eligible to
sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist post-primary in Computed Tomography.
Contractors’ Exam Review
Prepare to take the N.C. Residential or Commercial Contractors’ Exam given by the N.C. Contractors’
Licensing Board so that you’re ready to work in residential and commercial construction.
Emergency Medical Technician
Learn how to administer first aid treatment and transport sick or injured persons as a paid or
volunteer member of an emergency medical team, facilities. Employment opportunities include
ambulance services and fire and rescue agencies.
Contact: Kim Gilmore, kgilmore@spcc.edu, 704-290-5240.
Fire Fighter Training
Basic and continuing training provided in cooperation with local municipal and volunteer fire
departments prepares you to work or volunteer in a municipal fire department. Students must be a
member of a fire department to take training. Contact: Chris Yates, cyates@spcc.edu, 704-290 5816.
HVAC Skills
This air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology class teaches skills needed for entry-level
HVAC technician positions.
Contact: Trent Younger, tyounger@spcc.edu, 704-272-5365.
Simulation and Game Development
in Collaboration with Central Piedmont Community College
Employment as designer, artist, animator, programmer, database administrator, tester, quality
assurance analyst, engineer, and administrator. Employment opportunities: Entertainment industry,
health-care industry, engineering, forensics, education, NASA, and government agencies.
School of Applied Science and Technology
South Piedmont Credential: AAS
Contact: Oscar Gonzalez, ogonzalez@spcc.edu, 704-290-5232
Related career: Video game designer
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $45,200/$75,600
May require a bachelor’s degree
Therapeutic Massage new!
Work in direct client care settings to provide manipulation, methodical pressure, friction and kneading
of the body for maintaining wellness or treating alterations in wellness throughout the lifespan.
Employment opportunity: massage therapist
School of Allied Health
South Piedmont Credential: AAS, Diploma
Contact: Alice Bradley, abradley@spcc.edu, 704-290-5832
Related career: Massage therapist
Estimated starting salary/median salary: $24,800/$40,400
704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Fall 2013 I 11
Intro to Therapeutic Massage
Discover what you’ll study in the college-credit Therapeutic Massage program. This short introductory
course provides explanations of the various types of massage as well as pre-requisites for the School
of Allied Health program. Experience and give a mini-massage.
Intro to Robotics new!
Learn how to operate programmable machines. Prepare for jobs in manufacturing facilities as a
robotics technician.
Program Contact: Dennis Baucom, dbaucom@spcc.edu, 704-290-5222.
Inspection School
North Carolina guidelines for state auto inspections are taught in this two-part class on Vehicle Safety
and OBD (Emissions). Following 8-16 hours of training, state inspectors will be present to verify that
students are qualified to inspect automobiles. (Some counties do not require emissions inspections).
Re-certification of current inspectors is also part of the classes.
iPad for Beginners
Come learn the basics and helpful hints on how to use an iPad’s default apps including iTunes. Learn
about the camera, file sharing, finding useful apps from the app store, finding free sources for movies,
and much more. Leave saying to yourself: “I didn’t know an iPad can do that!”
Masonry new!
Learn the commercial and residential masonry trade so that you’re ready to work with contractors or
as a self-employed subcontractor.
Program Contact: Dennis Baucom, dbaucom@spcc.edu, 704-290-5222.
Mechatronics
Learn installation and repair of manufacturing equipment and automated machinery. Get prepared to
work in manufacturing facilities or as a field service technician.
Contact: Russell Carpenter, rcarpenter@spcc.edu, 704-246-0964.
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
You’ll be ready for employment as a Medical Coding and Billing Specialist upon satisfactory
completion of online medical courses and a passing grade on the American Academy of Professional
Coders exam. Find work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes and at coding consulting
companies.
Medication Aide
This 24-hour course meets the training requirements necessary for current N.C. Nursing Assistants
seeking certification as an N.C. Medication Aide. Students who successfully complete the course are
eligible to take the Medication Aide Examination to qualify for listing on the North Carolina Medication
Aide Registry.
Contact: Debra Griffin, dgriffin@spcc.edu, 704-290-5217.
Medical Administrative Assistant
This class provides training to work in medical offices and hospitals.
Multimedia Designer
Learn how to create multimedia projects. Prepare for a job as an animator, social media blogger,
photographer, videographer, eBook publisher or mobile app developer.
Notary
This 7-hour class prepares the student to be commissioned as a Notary Public in North Carolina. The
state test is given at the end of the class. Students must be at least 18 years old, live or work in North
Carolina and be a high school graduate or have earned a GED. To become a full-fledged notary, the
student will need to submit an application to the Secretary of State and take an oath of office in the
presence of an elected official.
Contact: Jennifer Yates, j-yates@spcc.edu, 704-290-5819.
(Certified) Nursing Assistant II
Learn to provide personal care and perform basic nursing skills for patients of all ages. This 8-15
week course includes 49 hours of classroom instruction, 70 lab hours, and 40 hours of clinical
experience. Upon successful completion, the student will be eligible to test for N.C. Certification
through the instruction and testing service Pearson Vue. After passing the test, students will be
registered with the N.C. Division of Facility Services, Nurse Aide Registry. Graduates find work in
private homes, patient care facilities, and home health agencies.
SPCC School of Nursing Contact: Debra Griffin, dgriffin@spcc.edu, 704-290-5217.
REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning)
The NC REAL program is a six-week course that uses situational learning exercises to help students
create a business plan of their own.
Contact: Lisa Rolan, lrolan@spcc.edu, 704-993-2424.
Residential Framing new!
Learn construction and repair of residential housing. Get prepared to work on a crew for residential
construction or work self-employed.
Program Contact: Dennis Baucom, dbaucom@spcc.edu, 704-290-5222.
Solar and Wind Energy
Get fundamental knowledge of installation and component functions. Prepare for jobs in residential
and commercial installation, systems maintenance, troubleshooting, system design, sales, and
customer service.
Contact: Dennis Baucom, dbaucom@spcc.edu, 704-290-5222.
Sonography Shadow
Prepare for entry into the Medical Sonography program with this 64-hour blended class. (Some class
meetings are seated on campus and some are online.) Learn how to properly scan through many
hours of hands-on practice. Visits from practicing sonographers and others in Allied Health will help
prepare the student for the college-credit Medical Sonography program.
Short-Term Computer Training
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re an advanced user, keep current on computer skills. Come
learn Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MS Office Overview or QuickBooks.
Welding
Get a fundamental knowledge of various types of welding including MIG, TIG and stick welding
methods so that you can work in industrial maintenance or fabrication.
Contact: Dennis Baucom, dbaucom@spcc.edu, 704-290-5222.
Small Business Center: Referrals and Resources for Entrepreneurs
The Small Business Center, located at the Old Charlotte Highway Campus/Building A in Monroe and
at the Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro, provides many resources for entrepreneurs and small
businesses, including one-on-one confidential business counseling, workshops and seminars that
will jump start your startup or help you continue to thrive. The objective of the Small Business Center
Network (SBCN) is to increase the success rate and number of viable small businesses in North
Carolina by providing high quality, readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small
business owners which will lead to job creation and retention. All of our services are free!
Contact: Lisa Rolan, Director of the Small Business Center, lrolan@spcc.edu, 704-993-2424 (Monroe),
704-272-5453 (Wadesboro). More information is at: www.spcc.edu/cce/sbc/
Career Cruiser: Classes and Coaching
Our mobile classroom is a one-stop shop for career counseling, resume preparation and job search
assistance. Equipped with smart board, satellite access and 13 computers, the Career Cruiser makes
weekly stops in Anson County and Union County. No appointment is necessary.
See the schedule at www.spcc.edu or contact Toby Carpenter, tcarpenter@spcc.edu, 704-475-5846.
HRD Classes: Front Door to College
Human Resources Development (HRD) classes help men and women explore interests, aptitudes and
readiness for careers and higher education. Classes are fee-waived for people who are unemployed or
underemployed. Most classes meet for a few hours a day for two weeks. Gain workplace skills while
waiting for other continuing education or curriculum classes to start. Explore career fields.
Get the schedule at: www.spcc.edu/cce/hrd/.
Or contact Linda Kappauf, lkappauf@spcc.edu, 704-290-5215.
Online Learning: Set Your Time and Place
Classes from The Learning Center, Career Step, ProTrain and ed2go foster personal and professional
growth. For example, the six-week ed2go online classes are project-oriented and teach skills such
as creating web pages, taking digital photographs, using Microsoft Office, speaking Spanish, using
medical terminology and more.
Register at: www.spcc.edu/cce/onlinelearning/
12 I Fall 2013 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300
Apply Online.
At www.spcc.edu click “Apply.”
There’s no cost to apply. South Piedmont uses the online College Foundation of
North Carolina form.
Send High School (and Any College) Transcripts.
Send your “official” high school transcript (or GED) and any college
transcripts to South Piedmont in a sealed envelope from the institution. Forms
to be given to your school are at www.spcc.edu and at Student Services offices
on both campuses.
Take the Placement Test.
Call the South Piedmont Testing Center at 704.272.5391 and select
option 3.
All first-time students need to take the Accuplacer College Placement Test
(CPT), which will determine the classes available to you.
View Online Orientation.
From www.spcc.edu, click “Student Resources” and then “Orientation.”
If you prefer or need to take orientation in person, please send an
email request to counselors@spcc.edu.
This welcome message explains admissions and how to pay tuition. It also
provides an overview of services included with tuition such as access to
libraries, academic counseling, advising and student government. It’s a
25-minute video. Answer a few questions at the end of the video and let South
Piedmont know that you’ve watched it and are ready to register.
Register.
Visit either our Old Charlotte Highway Campus in Monroe or our L.L.
Polk Campus in Polkton to register.
Attend an “arena registration” session prior to semester start to confirm your
program of study and sign up for classes. “Arena registration” dates are posted
at www.spcc.edu.
step1
step2
step3
step4
step5
Five Steps to
Successful Enrollment.
New Students: Here’s Your Enrollment Checklist
South Piedmont Community College has an open-door policy. Admission is open to
all persons who are at least 18 years old or who are high school graduates. Funding
to pay tuition may come from the student, private sources, federal or state grants,
scholarships, or Veterans Affairs benefits.
Before selecting curriculum classes (in person), first apply (online) and then take the
placement test (in person). Follow these 5 steps to enroll in college-credit classes:
Questions? admissions@spcc.edu 704-272-5391
Note: Tuition rates and fees are available at www.spcc.edu. Search “tuition.”
Concurrent to enrolling at South Piedmont, consider if you need financial aid.
Apply online for federal financial aid at www.fafsa.gov. There’s no fee to apply
for financial aid. If you have questions, contact finaid@spcc.edu.
Follow these steps for Fall, Spring and Summer registration.
The most up-to-date class schedule
is always available at:
www.spcc.edu
South Piedmont Community College
P.O. Box 126
Polkton, NC 28135
Art
South Piedmont i offer an Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree Fall 2013. Students
may select among drama, music or visual art s. Students may take classes as
humanities and fine arts general education requirements or as electives, depending on their degree
requirements. Ask about fine arts classes when you register or when you meet with your academic
advisor. For information about the AFA degree, please contact Carl Bishop, Chair, Department
for the Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences at cbishop@spcc.edu.
Start here. . . Go anywhere!
Drama
Music
Visual
Art
Start here and transfer to a four-year university
to pursue a career in drama as an
Start here and transfer to a four-year university
to pursue a career in music as an
Start here and transfer to a four-year university
to pursue a career in visual arts as an
audio engineer s digital editor s musician s music composer s music teacher
music producer s music therapist s songwriter s sound technician
advertising/publication illustrator s art librarian s art preservationist s art teacher
filmmaker s gallery/museum curator s potter s sculptor s set designer
acting teacher/coach s drama teacher/coach s actor s arts manager s casting agent
director s playwriter s screenwriter s set/costume/lighting designer s set/costume/lighting builder
pathway
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POSTAL CUSTOMER
NON PROFIT ORG.
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PAID
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MARKETING SERVICES