Workforce Education Programs
Associate of Applied Science Degrees and Workforce Certificates
The following approved programs are intended to prepare the student for employment upon completion or to further the vocational and technical skills of those already employed. Some of the curricula as listed lead to certificates of completion, while others lead to the Associate of Applied Science Degree. The student is encouraged to determine his or her educational goal and pursue the curriculum that leads to that goal. Faculty advisors will assist the student at registration to select the program that is appropriate for the student’s educational objective. These programs are not planned with transfer as the desired objective, but some of the courses may be accepted by senior colleges if the student desires to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a later time.
Students who wish to pursue a degree or certificate in a workforce education program should declare a major in one of these areas: AASN, welding technology, machining technology, vocational nursing, cosmetology, EMT, or early childhood development. To declare a major, students should consult with an advisor or instructor in the program of interest.
The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) is a joint project of the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Education. The purpose is to encourage a high-performance economy with high-skill, high-wage employment. This project has produced a list of SCANS skills that were determined to be needed in present-day occupations. All workforce education programs at Ranger College teach SCANS skills. The SCANS skills include foundational skills of reading, writing, mathematics, listening, and speaking. Also included are the competencies of allocating resources, acquiring and using information, interpersonal skills, understanding and designing systems, and using technology.
Participation in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Ranger College may involve the use of specialized equipment, tools, chemicals, and processes that carry inherent risks of injury. By enrolling in CTE courses (including but not limited to Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Welding, and Machining), students acknowledge and accept these risks and agree to:
- Follow all safety rules, procedures, and training provided by faculty and staff.
- Use protective equipment and clothing as required.
- Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or injuries to the instructor.
While Ranger College provides instruction, supervision, and equipment intended to promote a safe learning environment, the College cannot eliminate all risks inherent in these activities. Students are responsible for exercising reasonable caution and adhering to safety standards at all times.
Enrollment in a CTE program constitutes acknowledgment of these risks and agreement to hold Ranger College harmless from claims arising out of participation, except where such claims are the direct result of the College’s negligence.
Note: Allied Health programs (e.g., Nursing, EMT) may have additional liability and clinical participation requirements outlined separately in program-specific handbooks and clinical agreements.