Timing is everything, and now is the time to apply to programs in cosmetology, EMT and medical assisting programs at Southwest Colorado Community College.
Spring semester classes begin Jan. 13.
The cosmetology program will start a cohort class in the spring semester. Students who were not accepted into the program this fall will probably be eligible because Accuplacer test scores have been adjusted.
Meanwhile, the medical programs have new cohorts of students each fall semester. But prerequisites have to be met first, and potential EMT, paramedic and medical assisting students are urged to complete those prerequisites this spring semester to be ready for the program in fall 2014.
The training enables students to pass licensing or certification exams.
Cosmetology
The program offers an associate’s degree as well as a number of certificates – hairstylist, nail technician, and esthetician. Students learn haircuts, coloring, perms, manicures, pedicures, facials and skin care. Program coordinator Brenda Maez can be reached at (970) 564-6273 and Brenda.Maez@pueblocc.edu.
EMT/paramedic
Emergency Medical Services now has a full-time coordinator, Troy Salazar, who was an EMS instructor at Pueblo Community College in Pueblo.
The EMT Intermediate program is taught in Durango, and its 99 training level increases skills in pre-hospital care. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training is included. SCCC also has Training Center certification through the Colorado Division of Fire Safety and is now able to offer Emergency Medical Responder courses that result in state certification.
The paramedic program provides students with skills in pre-hospital care with advanced EMS training topics. Students also receive ACLS, PALS and trauma certifications. It consists of 45 credit hours over four semesters.
For questions concerning EMS education, schedule an advising appointment with Troy Salazar at 970-247-2929, ext. 7206, or at Troy.Salazar@pueblocc.edu
Medical assisting
This program was developed because of nation-wide demand, including openings at Four Corners region hospitals, and projected 31 percent growth in the next decade. It prepares students to work in the front office of a medical practice and perform clinical duties such as drawing blood, giving injections and performing lab tests.
The certificate program can be completed in three semesters and includes an internship. Prerequisites also can be taken in the summer, and qualifying students can test out of two of them. For information, contact Dianne Doerfer at (970) 564-6212 or Dianne.Doerfer@pueblocc.edu.