Professional Licensure
HCC Programs that Customarily Lead to Licensure or Certification
In compliance with U.S. Departments of Education and federal regulations, Highland Community College provides information pertaining to the professional licensure and certification for all relevant programs. Professional licensure requirements may vary state to state so HCC encourages students to communicate changes with their advisors to make sure they can confirm they remain on track for licensure requirements per their state guidelines.
Business
Business Technology
Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of business settings, including corporate, medical, and legal offices.
Certifications: Students may work toward Microsoft Office Specialist certifications in Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word, with opportunities to pursue Microsoft Master Certification to further enhance employability.
Computer Support Specialist
The Computer Support Specialist program combines hands-on training in networking, repair, and programming with preparation for top industry certifications:
- CompTIA A+ (end of second semester)
- CompTIA Net+ (end of fourth semester)
- Optional Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam
Certifications: Students in the Computer Support program are eligible to earn Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) CompTIA A+ Core 1, Core 2, Network+, Server+, Security +, and Cloud+ certifications.
Early Childhood
The Early Childhood certificate provides academic study and hands-on experience that encourage a reflective approach to early childhood responsibilities. This program provides a good foundation in developing appropriate curriculum, creating classroom environments that meet children’s developmental needs, and working effectively with parents and families.
Certifications: Students will be prepared to pursue a CDA (Child Development Associate) after completing this program.
Transportation
Most students complete this certificate in the 4th semester.
Auto Collision
The Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, reconstruct and finish automobile bodies, fenders, and external features.
Certifications: Students in the Auto Collision program complete OSHA10 training and are eligible to earn the I-Car Certification Refinish Technician Pro-Level One and Non-Structural Technician Pro-Level One certifications. They may also take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry-Level Collision Repair & Refinishing certification tests in the areas of Mechanical and Electrical, Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair, Painting and Refinishing, and Structural Analysis and Damage Repair.
Automotive Technology
Students in the Auto Technology program complete OSHA 10 training and are eligible to earn the Automotive Service Excellence ASE Entry Level student certifications Automobile certification tests. These tests can be thought of as the first step in building a career as a service professional. This program gives students the technical instruction and hands-on/live work experience necessary for ASE certification.
Diesel Technology
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers entry-level Medium/Heavy Truck certifications. Toward the end of the program students will take the ASE Entry-Level Certification tests. ASE Entry Level Certification can be thought of as the first step in building a career as a service professional.
Certifications: Students in the Diesel Technology program complete OSHA10 training and are eligible to take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck certification tests in the areas of Brakes, Diesel Engines, Electrical/Electronic Systems, and Suspension & Steering
Construction
Construction Technology
Students in this program gain practical, hands-on experience through a variety of construction projects. Instruction covers all phases of construction, allowing students to build skills from foundational concepts through finishing techniques.
Certifications: Students in the Construction Technology program complete OSHA10 training and may earn certifications from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) General Carpentry I and II
Electrical Technology
The Electrical Technology program prepares students with a strong foundation in electrical theory and practical application. Coursework covers AC and DC fundamentals, motor controls, and residential, commercial, and industrial wiring methods.
Certifications: Students who successfully complete the Electrical Technology program earn their OSHA 10 certification and, upon gaining the required work experience, become eligible to register for the Journeyman Electrical Exam. The Journeyman Block exam requires students to have two years of work experience and education can count for one of those years.
HVAC/Plumbing
The HVAC & plumbing shop offers a variety of up-to-date equipment and trainers to prepare for a career as a technician. Full-time students can expect to complete this program within nine-months. While enrolled in the program students will take the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 exam and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification tests. The NATE exam consists of the core and one specialty area.
Certifications: Students in the HVAC program are eligible to take the EPA Section 608 Certification exam, OSHA10 training, and the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Core exam, along with one NATE specialty certification.
Additional Licensing & Permits
License/permits are also obtained through the City. For example, working within the Topeka area? Review the Topeka Licensing Information for how to obtain a license/permit to work in that city. Requirements may vary by location.
Medical/Nursing
Allied Health
Allied Health at HCC includes:
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Basic
- Home Health Aide (HHA)
Medical Assistant
Students complete an externship prior to graduation demonstrating knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Successful completion of this program enables the graduate to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.
Certifications: Students who successfully complete the Medical Assistant program are eligible to register for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam.
Practical Nursing
Students will obtain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in passing the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Certifications: Students who successfully complete the Practical Nursing program are eligible to register for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) certification exam.
Associate Degree in Nursing (LPN to RN Bridge)
The program enables qualified LPN’s to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the entry level registered nurse. Through a series of courses that build upon the knowledge and experience of the LPN, the program encourages critical thinking skills, ethical principles, and legal practices of professional nursing established in the Kansas Nurse Practice Act. Successful completion of this program enables the graduate to take the national licensure examination (NCLEX-RN ®) to become a registered nurse.
Certifications: Students who successfully complete the Associate Degree Nurse program are eligible to register for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) certification exam.
Medical Coding
This AAS degree requires 65 semester credit hours and is designed to prepare students to take the national Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) exam administered by the America Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
