Occupational Programs and Certificates
Many students attend Southwestern Michigan College to prepare themselves for immediate employment or to advancement their career. SMC’s Occupational Programs are designed to meet the work-related needs of students and area employers in the business and industry, healthcare, information systems, education and graphic design fields.
Students receive comprehensive skill development in specialty areas of study, which provide the opportunities to:
- Enter the job force for the first time
- Make mid-career changes
- Enhance their skills
- Achieve certification within their current employment
All Associate in Applied Science degrees from SMC also meet the College’s Core Curriculum requirements, ensuring that you will gain not only the occupational skills for success, but also computer and mathematical competency, writing competency, verbal communication competency, and lifelong wellness or safety awareness.
In addition to Associate degrees, SMC offers Specialty certificates, known as a Career in 4 Months, as well as a one-year certificate option through the college’s Occupational Programs.
The following guides are based on the 2008-2009 Catalog.
Curriculum Guides for Occupational Programs and Certificates
| Program Name | Credential | Program Site |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | Associate in Applied Science Leading to a Baccalaureate Degree in Accounting through Ferris State University |
|
| Automotive Technology | Certificate Program |
|
| Automotive Technology | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Business | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology | Certificate Program | |
| Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Die Casting Technology | Certificate Program | |
| Die Casting Technology | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Early Childhood Education | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Education Paraprofessional | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technician | Specialty Credential Program | |
| Electrical Systems Technology | Certificate Program | |
| Electrical Systems Technology | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Emergency Medical Technician | Specialty Certificate Program | Web Site |
| English Proficiency | Specialty Certificate Program | |
| Executive Assistant | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Fire Science | Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Fire Science | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Graphic Design Technology | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Health Information Technology | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Information Systems | Certificate | |
| Information Systems | Associate in Applied Science Leading to a Baccalaureate Degree in Information Systems through Ferris State University. | |
| Manufacturing Systems Technology | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Medical Assisting | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Medical Assisting-Clinical | Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Medical Assisting-Office | Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Medical Billing and Coding | Specialty Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Medical First Responder | Specialty Credential Program | Web Site |
| Medical Transcription | Specialty Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Nursing Assistant (CENA) | Specialty Credential Program | Web Site |
| Nursing (LPN to RN) | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Nursing (Paramedic to RN) | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Nursing (Practical Nursing LPN) | Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Nursing (RN) | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Occupational Technology | Certificate Program | |
| Occupational Technology | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Office Assistant / Specialist | Certificate Program | |
| Paramedic | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Phlebotomy | Specialty Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Precision Production Technology | Certificate Program | Web Site |
| Precision Production Technology | Associate in Applied Science | Web Site |
| Small Business Management / Entrepreneurship | Specialty Certificate Program | |
| Social Work | Associate in Applied Science | |
| Welding Technology | Certificate Program |

