Virginia Highlands Community College

Accounting

The Associate of Applied Science Degree curriculum in Accounting is designed to prepare students to record and interpret data essential for reporting and decision-making. The program provides occupational competence for employment upon graduation.

Accounting and Information Systems Technology

This certificate program is designed to provide individuals with basic skills in accounting and computer information systems which will enable them to obtain employment immediately upon completion of the two-semester program. Occupational objectives include computerized accounting, inventory, payroll, and bookkeeping clerk.

Accounting and Related Services

Accounting and Related Services

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

Offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College. The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Advanced EMTs who can provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care. Upon completion, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification.

Advanced Mechatronics

An advanced mechatronics certificate. Students must complete the Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate prior to enrollment unless the Program Chair grants approval.

Advanced Placement to Paramedic Bridge

Offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College. This program is only available for current NR Advanced EMTs, EMT-Intermediates, and currently licensed Registered Nurses. The purpose of the curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Paramedics.

Advanced Practical Electrical Technician

An advanced electrical technician certificate. Students must complete the Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate prior to enrollment unless the Program Chair grants approval.

Advanced Precision Machining

This Career Studies Certificate is designed to provide individuals with advanced machining concepts on lathes and machining centers. Students must complete the Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate prior to enrollment.

Advanced Welding

An advanced welding certificate building on the Welding Career Studies Certificate. The prerequisite for enrollment is completion of the Basic Welding CSC courses.

Agriculture Management

Students will develop skills directly applicable to agricultural production and management.

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating

The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating curriculum is designed to provide up-to-date technical skills for employment in the growing HVACR industry. Student time is divided between classroom theory and lab projects using live equipment for troubleshooting, maintenance, and installation.

Allied Health Professions

American Sign Language

This Career Studies Certificate provides coursework in American Sign Language. All of the courses in the program will not be offered in a single semester, so students should note the pre-requisites and plan accordingly.

Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations

Applied Mechatronics

A certificate providing entry-level mechatronics skills, and the entry point to the Advanced Mechatronics certificate.

Applied Music

A two-semester program of applied music study, including ensembles, lessons, and music electives, offered within the Liberal Arts program.

Applied Theatre

A four-semester program of applied theatre study, including communication studies and theatre electives, offered within the Liberal Arts program.

Automotive Analysis & Repa

Business Administration

The Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration is designed for persons who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree in business.

Business Management & Operations

Business Operations Support

CISCO Networking

A Career Studies Certificate in CISCO Networking offered in both an on-campus track (16 credits) and a dual enrollment track (15 credits).

Clerical Studies

The Clerical Studies program is designed to train personnel for entry level office employment in a variety of industries. Since this certificate is embedded in the Office Management associate degree, students can continue their studies in that degree program with no loss of credits.

Commercial Refrigeration

An advanced refrigeration certificate. Students must complete the Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate prior to enrollment unless the Program Coordinator grants approval.

Computer & Information Science

Computerized Tomography

Offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College, with the certificate awarded by Virginia Highlands Community College. The Career Studies Certificate in Computed Tomography Imaging is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the allied health interdisciplinary team.

Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations

The Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations curriculum consists of courses in both the machining and general education areas. The program is designed to provide both theory and shop experiences of an advanced nature in the machining field. Occupational objectives include machinist, tool and die maker, machine shop supervisor, inspector, and CNC operator and programmer.

Computer Science

The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Computer Science is designed to prepare students for university transfer in the field. It is designed primarily for those persons who are interested in computer science and plan to continue study at a four-year institution.

Corrections

The curriculum in the Corrections Career Studies Certificate is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of the practitioner in the field of corrections and includes certifications in CPR and Mental Health First Aid. Students must complete the Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate prior to enrollment.

Corrections

Criminal Justice

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of the practitioner in criminal justice and to prepare students for work in the field. Upon completion of the four-semester program, the graduate will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science in Protective Services.

Culinary Arts

A cooperative Career Studies Certificate in Culinary Arts offered through dual enrollment only.

Cyber Security

A certificate program in cyber security. Upon completion of the program, the student will be awarded a Career Studies Certificate in Cyber Security.

Dental Assisting

Diesel Mechanics

Diesel Technology

The Career Studies Certificate in Diesel Technology provides successful students with the knowledge, skills and competency required for basic diesel technician positions. Graduates will be able to work in several industries requiring diesel engines including heavy machinery, farming equipment, and tractor trailers.

Early Childhood Development, Infant and Toddler Care

A one-semester program in early childhood development focused on infant and toddler care. Students who complete this certificate are also eligible to pursue the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Early Childhood Development, Special Needs

A one-semester program in early childhood development focused on special needs. Students completing this certificate will have the ability to complete the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Education

The Associate of Science degree in Education is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in education at a four-year institution.

Electrical Electronics

Electrical Technology

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Technology is designed to prepare students for employment upon graduation as electrical technicians. Instruction includes the theoretical concepts and practical applications as they pertain to industry needs. Specializations are available in Mechatronics and Energy Technology.

Electrical Technology - Specialization in Energy Technology

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Technology - Specialization in Energy Technology is designed to prepare students for employment upon graduation as electrical technicians with emphasis on installation, power distribution, controls, programmable controls, mechanical systems and the maintenance of industrial machinery. Occupational objectives include basic electrician, power systems technician, and solar power technician.

Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Technology specialization in Mechatronics is designed to prepare students for employment upon graduation as electrical technicians with emphasis on automation controls, programmable controls, mechanical systems and the maintenance of industrial machinery. Occupational objectives include industrial maintenance technician, automation technician, and maintenance supervisor.

Electrician

Electricity

The Certificate program in Electricity is designed to prepare the student for full-time employment as an electrician immediately upon completion of the program. A student who completes the program is capable of performing the job skills normally expected of beginning electricians working with a licensed electrician.

Emergency Medical Services Technology - Paramedic

Offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College, with the degree awarded by Virginia Highlands Community College. The purpose of this curriculum is to produce competent entry-level Paramedics who can provide the highest level of out-of-hospital care. Upon completion, students will be eligible for National Registry testing and certification.

Emergency Medical Technician

Offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College, with the certificate awarded by Virginia Highlands Community College. This Career Studies Certificate leads to entry-level employment opportunities in the field of Emergency Medical Services.

Emergency Medical Technician - Plus

Offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College, with the certificate awarded by Virginia Highlands Community College. This Career Studies Certificate leads to entry-level employment opportunities in the field of Emergency Medical Services.

Energy Technology

Engineering

This program is designed to provide the first two years of general engineering education common to most engineering majors at universities in the US. It will prepare a student to transfer to a four-year school and begin classes in a declared major, and to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.

Fire Science Technology

Foundations of Criminal Justice

The curriculum in the Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of the practitioner in criminal justice and serves as the entry point for the college's other criminal justice certificates.

General Engineering Technology

General Studies

The Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) is a one-year college program in which all courses are transferable and satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any Virginia public institution of higher education. The UCGS consists of seven course blocks, and students must earn a grade of C or better in each course taken.

General Studies

The Associate of Science degree in General Studies is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree at a four-year institution.

Health Info Coding Special

Health Information Tech

Health Sciences

This program is designed to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and beyond to continue their education in exercise science, health professions, and pre-professional programs. Majors are available in Kinesiology and Public Health.

Health Sciences

This program is designed for those individuals interested in entering the health professions. It enables students to acquire an academic foundation to continue their education in one of the health programs.

Health Sciences - Major in Kinesiology

This program is designed to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and beyond to continue their education. Students will be prepared to study for a career in exercise science, health professions and pre-professional programs.

Health Sciences - Major in Public Health

This program curriculum is designed for students seeking to pursue a transfer degree in a Public Health-related field. Students are introduced to public health principles, practices, and policies, and gain an overview of public health systems globally, social determinants of health, health disparities, and health education and promotion.

Horticulture Production

The certificate's purpose is to provide the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions in horticulture. It is also appropriate for personal growth and development.

Horticulture Technology

Horticulture is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Agricultural & Natural Resources Technology industry. Graduates are prepared for managerial and supervisory level positions in animal and crop production, natural resource management, landscape design and installation, greenhouse and nursery management, and related industries. A specialization in Business and Entrepreneurship is available.

Horticulture Technology - Specialization in Business and Entrepreneurship

The Horticulture Technology Specialization in Business and Entrepreneurship program is designed to prepare students for employment or ownership in the horticulture industry or a related field. Students develop skills applicable to nursery and garden center management along with interpersonal and business management skills.

Hotel Motel Management

Industrial Maintenance

Industrial Supervision

A short-term certificate covering human relations, principles of management, business law, marketing, public speaking, and industrial safety for supervisory roles in industry.

Industrial Technology

Information Systems Technology

The Associate of Applied Science program is designed to provide a broad base of information systems and computer software experience, which prepares graduates for employment in the field. A specialization in Networking is available.

Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking

This Associate of Applied Science program is designed to provide a broad base of information systems and computer networking experiences, which will prepare the graduate to enter the work force upon graduation. Occupational objectives include network administrator, help desk technician, and computer support specialist.

Instrumentation

Law Enforcement

The curriculum in the Law Enforcement Career Studies Certificate is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of the practitioner in law enforcement and includes certifications in CPR and Mental Health First Aid. Students must complete the Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate prior to enrollment.

Liberal Arts

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Arts is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree at a four-year institution. Majors are available in Art, Music, and Theatre.

Liberal Arts - Major in Art

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Arts - Major in Art is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in pursuit of an art degree at a four-year institution.

Liberal Arts - Major in Music

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Arts - Major in Music is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in pursuit of a music degree at a four-year institution. Although the major emphasis in this curriculum is music, the curriculum also includes courses in mathematics, science, and social sciences.

Liberal Arts - Major in Theatre

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Arts - Major in Theatre is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in pursuit of a theatre degree at a four-year institution. Although the major emphasis in this curriculum is theatre, the curriculum also includes courses in mathematics, science, and social sciences.

Liberal Arts & Sciences, General Studies and Hum

Machine Technology

Mammography

Offered in cooperation with Southwest Virginia Community College, with credits awarded by Virginia Highlands Community College. The Mammography Advanced Studies curriculum is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the allied health interdisciplinary team. Upon completion, the student is eligible to apply to take the National Registry examination leading to advanced certification as a Registered Mammographer by the ARRT.

Management

The Associate of Applied Science Degree curriculum in Management is designed primarily for persons who seek full-time employment in management positions in business, industry, and government.

Medical Assisting

This program will prepare individuals to serve as medical assistants in various medical office settings. The program provides essential technological and practical knowledge required to perform patient clinical skills, and training experiences in nearby medical offices are provided.

Medical Coding Specialist

The Medical Coding Career Studies Certificate program serves as a gateway into one of the fastest growing segments of the healthcare industry.

Mental Health Services, Other

Mental Health Services, Other

Mental Health Services, Other

Networking Fundamentals I

This certificate prepares students with introductory IT knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent and defend against threats to information and information systems. It can be followed by the Networking Fundamentals II certificate and ultimately can lead to the AAS in Information Systems Technology - Specialization in Networking.

Networking Fundamentals II

A second-level networking certificate. Students must complete the Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate prior to enrollment.

Nurse Aide

This program is designed to prepare the student for a career in the nursing field, focusing on the improvement and enhancement of quality of life for long-term care residents. Students who successfully complete HCT 101 and HCT 102 will be eligible for the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification exam.

Nursing

The VHCC Nursing Program follows the Virginia Community College System common curriculum as mandated for all VCCS nursing programs. Four tracks are offered: Traditional Day (69 credits), LPN to RN Transition Day (58 credits), Part-time Evening/Weekend (69 credits), and LPN to RN Transition Part-time Evening/Weekend (58 credits).

Office Management

The Associate of Applied Science Degree curriculum in Office Management is designed to prepare persons for full-time employment immediately upon graduation in a variety of workplace environments. Students receive instruction in business communications, word processing, records management, spreadsheets, presentation software, computerized accounting, and meeting planning.

Phlebotomy

The Career Studies Certificate in Phlebotomy is a one semester 16-credit program designed to prepare personnel who collect and process blood and other specimens.

Practical Electrical Technician

A two-semester certificate providing entry-level electrical technician skills, and the entry point to the Advanced Practical Electrical Technician certificate.

Practical Nursing

The 12-month certificate curriculum in practical nursing is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the health team providing safe and competent nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN leading to licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Precision Machining

This program is designed to provide individuals with manual machining concepts, blueprint reading and inspection procedures. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared for employment as a manual lathe or mill operator.

Precision Metal Working

Pre-Pharmacy Science

The Career Studies Certificate in Pre-Pharmacy Science is designed to provide access to additional scientific course credit necessary to prepare for pharmacy school admission.

Radiography

The Radiologic Technology Program is a consortium of Southwest Virginia Community College and Virginia Highlands Community College providing a quality educational experience in the art and science of radiologic technology. Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists national board examination.

Radiography

Radiologic Technology

Refrigeration

An entry-level refrigeration certificate within the HVACR program, and the prerequisite for the Commercial Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate.

Retail Management

Designed for the retail industry, the Career Studies Certificate in Retail Management provides successful students with the knowledge, skills and competency required for future success in a retail management career.

Science

The Associate of Science degree in Science is best for students who will be seeking transfer to pursue a baccalaureate degree in biology, chemistry, and related scientific fields. Majors are available in Biology, Chemistry, Medical Lab Science, Mathematics, and Natural Resources.

Science - Major in Biology

The Associate of Science Degree - Major in Biology is best for students who will be seeking transfer to pursue a baccalaureate degree in biology. Upon satisfactory completion of the four-semester program described, the graduate will be awarded the Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Biology.

Science - Major in Chemistry

The Associate of Science (AS) Degree Program in Science with a Major in Chemistry is designed primarily for those scientifically oriented persons who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a baccalaureate degree in chemistry or a related field.

Science - Major in Mathematics

The need for individuals with strong mathematical skills is expected to continue to grow as government and businesses emphasize the use of big data and analytics. The Associate of Science Degree with a Major in Mathematics is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

Science - Major in Medical Lab Science

The Associate of Science Degree - Major in Medical Lab Science is best for students who will be seeking transfer to pursue a baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science. Upon satisfactory completion of the four-semester program described, the graduate will be awarded the Associate of Science Degree in Science - Major in Medical Lab Science.

Science - Major in Natural Resources

Offered within the Horticulture & Natural Resources Program, this four-semester transfer curriculum prepares students for employment in the agriculture and horticulture industry or a related natural resources field. Students develop skills in crop production along with interpersonal and business management skills.

Small Business Management

A short-term certificate providing the knowledge and skills needed to start and operate a small business.

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

This career studies certificate is designed to prepare participants to skillfully fly and maintain a small unmanned aerial system and to earn the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate. The curriculum uses program-related electives from fields such as IT, science, agriculture, horticulture, electricity, and criminal justice.

Social Health Services

Social Health Services

Social Sciences

The Associate of Science degree in Social Sciences is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree at a four-year institution. Majors are available in Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology.

Social Sciences - Major in Psychology

The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Social Sciences with a Major in Psychology is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in pursuit of a social sciences degree at a four-year institution. Although the major emphasis in this curriculum is psychology, the curriculum also includes courses in mathematics and science.

Social Sciences - Major in Social Work

The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Social Sciences with a Major in Social Work is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in pursuit of a social work degree at a four-year institution.

Social Sciences - Major in Sociology

The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Social Sciences with a Major in Sociology is designed to provide the courses in general education for the student who plans to complete a baccalaureate degree in pursuit of a social sciences degree at a four-year institution. Although the major emphasis in this curriculum is sociology, the curriculum also includes courses in mathematics and science.

Solar Energy Technology

The Certificate in Solar Energy Technology is designed to prepare students for employment upon graduation as technicians to install solar power generation systems. The program contains twenty-five credits in electrical technology and energy technology courses.

Substance Abuse Counselor-Assistant

This program prepares students to assist in the delivery of substance abuse counseling services. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded a Career Studies Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling Assistant.

Supervision and Management

The supervision and management program is designed to train personnel for full-time employment upon completion of the course requirements. The curriculum also furnishes the student the option to transfer into the AAS degree in Management.

Technical Studies

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies is designed to provide a broad foundation of general education and technological knowledge, along with a concentration in a technical field that will prepare the graduate to enter or advance in technical fields upon graduation. One or two existing certificates or career studies certificates may be combined with additional courses to create a coherent plan of study.

Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Victim Advocacy Assistant

The Career Studies Certificate in Victim Advocacy Assistant is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of practitioners in the victim services field.

Visual Art

A two-semester program of study in the visual arts offered within the Liberal Arts program.

Web Design and Development

Web Design Manager

Welding

This program is designed to provide students training in blueprint and symbols reading, SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared for employment as a basic welder and will also obtain the OSHA 10-hour General Industry certification.