Construction Degrees

Did you know there are two year degrees in construction that you can get from Maricopa County Community Colleges?

Learn the basics as well as construction planning and scheduling, design, leadership skills, problem-solving, ethics, and OSHA 30 safety.

Get the training for jobs like foreman, manager, project managers etc.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Air

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Income potential $45,280 and up

Learn about heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration     (HVAC/R) systems, electricity, electronic controls, and instrumentation, hydronics, electro-mechanical devices, and general repair.

Get Information Here

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Construction Management

Prepares graduates for a productive career in the construction industry as an owner, foreman, manager, project manager, or property manager.

Construction Managers start at $90,890

Get Information Here

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Construction Technology

Learn to apply technical knowledge and skills in carpentry or plumbing or electrical systems in residential and commercial settings

Carpenters $43,240

Construction Laborers $34,980

Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $42,260

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $55,780

Electricians $48,300

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $62,710

Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $32,220

Helpers–Carpenters $34,990

Helpers–Electricians $33,580

Helpers–Pipe layers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $32,710

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $46,790

Get Information Here

Visit our website to see what we do.

www.arizonacareerpathways.org

Call us to see if you qualify for our help.

Chris Payne

480-621-0051

Internet Technology (IT)

In the Computer and Information Technology Field of Interest, you can explore careers in gaming, programming, technology support, web design and development, cybersecurity, and more. Maricopa Community Colleges offers advanced laboratories, modern equipment, internships, and flexible and specialized classes where you will learn about computing hardware and software, web-based platforms, networks, telecommunications systems, and other innovative technology.

Degree Programs

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology (IT)

This program is designed to provide students with skills to meet information technology needs across industries.

To learn about the degree program click here

Network and Systems Administration

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Network and Systems Administration program provides students with a solid, hands-on skill set of computer, networking, and internetworking systems technology principles and desktop support.

To learn about the degree program click here

Web Design/Development

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Web Design/Development prepares students to design, create, and administer interactive and professional web sites. Courses focus on “hands-on” experience with web publishing, web graphics preparation, scripting, content management systems and e-commerce solutions.

To learn about the degree program click here

 Certificate Programs

Network and Cyber Fundamentals

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Network and Cyber Fundamentals program is designed to focus on the necessary skills required to design and secure a network including the security of various systems and network devices

To learn about the certificate click here

Network Support Technician

The Certificate of Competency (CCT) for Network Support Technician explores and studies multiple facets of IT networking. Build skills in various networking hardware and software, protocols and devices. Learn concepts needed to better understand various aspects of network functionality and troubleshooting. Utilize skills learned to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ certification.

To learn about the certificate click here

Computer System Configuration and Support, Network

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Computer System Configuration and Support, Network program is designed to prepare students for entry-level computer maintenance, help desk, and network technician jobs with an emphasis on networking

To learn about the certificate click here

Network Specialist

The Certificate of Competency (CCT) for the Network Specialist program prepares the students for both portions of the CompTIA A+ exam. In addition, the program also prepares students to sit for the CompTIA Network+ certificate exam.

To learn about the certificate click here

If you are interested in getting a degree in Internet technology, call us to see if we can help

Chris Payne, MS
Career Counselor
480-621-0051
chrisp@azcareerpathways.org

Cyber Security

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity is designed to focus on the necessary skills required to secure, protect and identify vulnerabilities in a network, including various operating systems and network devices. Emphasis is placed on developing the theoretical, legal, ethical, and practical skills needed to maintain security on mission-critical networking and server systems. The program covers a variety of information security technologies and structured languages. The Cybersecurity program also focuses on the skills needed for internationally recognized IT certifications and high demands in business, industry, and government. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity is also available.

To learn more about Cyber Security degree click here

List of Certificates

a. Cyber Security Fundamentals

To learn more about certificate click here

b. Cyber Operations

To learn more about certificate click here

c. IT Security Associate

To learn more about certificate click here

What is the difference between Cyber Security and IT security?

Cyber Security deals with protecting data from internet hacks

IT Security is the overarching process that covers how company data is handled daily.

Click here to learn more about the differences

More on IT training next week

It’s Not Too Late

It’s Time for New Year’s Resolutions.

Again

January is a time for new beginnings.  It makes us think about our lives, what we want out of life and where we want to go in the future.

The big problem with setting resolutions is that most of us keep up the resolution for a few weeks and then we forget about the resolution, and we are back to our same old habits.

These days, however, there are a few different variations that may help with actually keeping the resolution.

The same old way

make a list of resolutions like, lose weight, get more exercise, eat healthier, etc.

The problem:

Most people have high expectations.  They make firm goals that they won’t be able to keep long term and they fall by the wayside after a few weeks. 

A Vision Board

These are kind of fun.  You get poster board, magazines or print out pictures off the internet. You pick out all the things that you want to have out of life.  Pick out pictures that show what you want out of life.  A new job, a new home, places you want to travel, personal growth, spiritual growth, social growth, health goals. The thought process behind vision boards is that once you have made the vision board, it is in your subconscious, and you will achieve those things subconsciously.

This is actually a great way to plan for the new year. Subconsciously we continue to work on the things from the vision board, and somehow things work out.

Pick a Word

This is kind of an interesting way to make a resolution.  You pick a word for the year.  Something that expresses where you want to go in life. This one word can guide you through smaller goals and desires throughout the year.  It also is more flexible for making changes throughout the year.

Example: Pick the word respect. 

Respect for yourself.  You can make goals to take better care of yourself.  Eat healthier, exercise, get the rest you need, keep doctor appointments to keep yourself healthy.  This doesn’t have to be a strict goal but can change throughout the year.  So you can start out with eating healthier and going to doctor to take care of yourself.  After that has become a habit, then you can choose your next thing.

Respect for others.  This can mean being kinder to others, help others, allow others the chance to be themselves.  Be considerate of their thoughts and ideas.

With 2022 ahead of us.  You should pick a way to start the new year in a way that will give you a new beginning.   

If your goal this year is to be able to get a better job and support your family, give us a call.

Arizona Career Pathways

Chris Payne, MS – Career Counselor

C: 480-621-0051
chrisp@azcareerpathways.org

https://arizonacareerpathways.org/

The Season for Giving

     During the Christmas Season out thoughts turn to others.  We are all in the mood to give to others.  Our love, our time, our money.   We spend our time looking for the best gift for loved ones. We give gifts of clothing, food, and toys for children.  We are all in the mood for helping and giving to others.  As we finish one year and start a new one, let us not forget the joy of giving. 

Giving

     Arizona Career Pathways is a local non-profit organization that concentrates on helping low income families get the education needed to raise them out of poverty and help them to support their families.  We partner with several local organizations; Maricopa County Community Colleges District and Valley Interfaith Project to reach this goal.  We focus on 2 year degrees that will give students a decent starting wage.  These degrees include Nursing, X-ray technicians, Phlebotomy, Dental Assisting and Computer Technology just to name a few.  Our part is to help with things not covered by financial aid.  We pay for classes that might not be covered, fees for certifications, gas money and other things to help students to meet that goal of finishing their degree and supporting their families.

Helping Others

     It is a new year.  Tax season is upon us, and Arizona Career pathways is a qualified charitable organization which makes your donation to us, tax deductible.  Donations can be taken off your taxes up until March 15th.  Your donation to us will help us support more students, helping them to be able to take care of their families themselves.  By helping families increase their income, it also helps our community with increased economic activity which helps other businesses in the area.  Lowers the need for public assistance and increases the annual tax revenue.

     Help us help them by donating on our website today.

Arizona Career Pathways

Finding a job in 2021

Times have changed.  Life has changed.  Finding a job has changed.

Times have changed. Life has changed. Finding a job has changed.

How do you find a job in 2021?

Of course there are the normal ways like using job search sites, Linked in and other networking sites.  Knowing how to use these sites, will help you in finding a job.

Forbes has a lot of information about how to use LinkedIn and how to use key words in your resume to get job interview.  I won’t cover that here since they do a great job of explaining that.

Forbes

What I would like to talk about here is ways that are different in locating jobs in 2021.

Make a Plan

Set aside the time to look for employment. 

This is something important and needs to be given the right amount of time to get it done.  Planning the days and times you will spend looking for a job puts it in as a priority.  In your life.  If you have a family and are trying to schedule it in around work, taking care of children, fixing meals etc., you might need some help.  Get the help of friends and family to take care of some of these things so that you can concentrate on your job search.

Make a schedule 

Sit down and decide what steps to take in looking for a job.  Do you need to redo your resume?  Do you need to spend time searching on job boards?  Which job boards are best for your type of job?  Certain jobs often post jobs on specific job boards.  Know where to locate the type of jobs you are looking for.

Set a time 

Decide how much time you can spend each day.   Decide what you will do during that time to accomplish what you need to do. i.e. build resume, search job boards, research companies.

Maricopa County has places to get help with writing a resume or getting help with interviewing.  One of our partners Arizona at work has a list of classes and events that they hold to help you. 

Arizona @ Work

Today in 2021 looking for a job has changed a lot.  Here are some ways to find employment in 2021.

Education

   Sometimes education can help you in getting better jobs with better pay and benefits.  There are many 2 year degrees that will give you the education you need to get a decent paying job.  Degrees in nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting, medical imaging and computers will give you the knowledge you need to get a decent paying job.

Experience 

One way to get your foot in the door is to have job related experience.  This can be done through internships, volunteer work and shadowing someone who has the job you want.

Networking 

Today it is important to get to know people in the area where you want to work.  This can be done through researching the companies you would like to work for.  Locate them on sites like LinkedIn where you can get to know people who work there and may be able to give you information about the company. Join professional groups in your area of expertise. Also keeping in contact with classmates or people you meet while doing your training can help.

LinkedIn

Coworkers

Friends

Job Fairs

Job fairs are a good place to get in touch with potential employers.  I have noticed that there are many companies doing virtual job fairs.  This gives you the opportunity to get online and see what the company is all about. 

Company Websites 

Banner Health

Honor Health

Dignity Health

Mayo Clinic

Abrazo

Valleywise health

Job Boards

Nursing job sites:

Nurse.com

NursingJobs.com

NurseRecruiter.com

ZipRecruiter.com

Tech  Job sites:

Indeed.com

ZipRecruiter.com

X-ray technician:

Indeed.com

ZipRecruiter.com

GlassDoor-Scottsdale

GlassDoor-Phoenix

2 Year Degrees that Pay Well

2-year degrees and certificate programs

Maricopa Community Colleges

Great wages without experience.

Medical

Respiratory therapists – Avg $61,330 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Care

See Degree

Occupational therapy assistants and aides – Avg-$59,200 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Occupational Safety and Health Technology

See Degree

Physical therapist assistants and aides – Avg $48,990 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in the Physical Therapist Assisting

See Degree

Nuclear Technicians– Avg $84,190 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nuclear Medicine Technology

See Degree

Phlebotomy Technician – Avg $36,320 per year

Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Phlebotomy

See Certificate Program

Nursing– Avg $75,330 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing

See Degree

CNA – Avg $30,830 per year

Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Nurse Assisting

See Certificate Program

EMT– Avg 36,650 per year

 Certificate: 16-week long training course qualifies you for state EMT-B certification

See Certificate Program

Radiology

Radiation Therapists– Avg $85,560 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology

See Degree

Diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists, technicians, and vascular technologists– Avg $68,750 per year   

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

See Degree

Radiologic technologists– Avg $62,280 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology

See Degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist – Avg 63,710 per year

Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

See Certificate Program

Radiologic and MRI Technologists– Avg $63,710 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology

See Degree

Dental

Dental hygienists– Avg $76,220 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene

See Degree

Computers

Web developers– Avg $73,760 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Web Design/Development

See Degree

Computer support specialists– Avg $54,760 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology (IT) program

See Degree

Mechanical

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians – Avg 64,310 per year

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Aircraft Maintenance Technology

See Degree

Law

Paralegals and legal assistants– Avg 51,740 per year 

Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal

See Degree

If you need help getting through any of these programs contact us.

Chris Payne, MS
Career Counselor
480-621-0051
chrisp@azcareerpathways.org

Phlebotomy

What does a phlebotomist do?

Typically, phlebotomists are responsible for:

Drawing blood and bandaging after blood is drawn

Measuring and recording blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and oxygen levels

Maintaining patient records

Cleaning, preparing and sterilizing equipment

Sending blood, urine, and fecal samples to the lab for testing

Other duties include:

Making sure that all equipment is properly sanitized before it is used to collect blood.

Accurate labeling, proper storage and careful transport are also key responsibilities.

The phlebotomist also must observe strict safety protocols to avoid direct contact with the blood. Many infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis, can be transmitted through blood contact. Even the slightest distraction can lead to a “needlestick” injury and possible infection.

How to become a Phlebotomist:

Step 1: Make a High School Diploma or its Equivalent

Step 2: Complete a NAACLS authorized Phlebotomy Training Program in Phoenix, Arizona

  • training program includes study in anatomy, blood collection procedures, proper storage and handling of blood samples and safety precautions.
  • Long term phlebotomy certification programs are performed at a college or a technical school and can vary from 3 to six month. Short term phlebotomy accreditation programs can range from 4 weeks to twelve weeks. Anything much shorter than a four-week course will not offer the correct education to go into the field.

Step 3: Get Phlebotomy Certification and Licensure in Phoenix, Arizona

  • Phlebotomy accreditation can not be earned solely online. While you can complete 80% of the education book portion online, you can not get licensed and go into the phlebotomy field without getting the appropriate blood draws. Phlebotomy requires the medical professional to work straight with patients and perform venipunctures. You need to complete the laboratory part or phlebotomy externship to practice in the field.
  • Phlebotomy certification can not be made online only. While you can finish 80% of the education book part online, you can not get licensed and get in the phlebotomy field without getting the proper blood draws. Phlebotomy needs the medical professional to work directly with clients and carry out venipunctures. You should complete the lab portion or phlebotomy externship to practice in the field.

Phlebotomy certification needs prospects to have:

  • Graduated from an acceptable phlebotomy training program
  • Have completed at least 1,040 hours of phlebotomy work experience
  • Have successfully passed their  phlebotomy certification exam
  • Hospitals, Health Care Clinics, Laboratories, and Screening Centers usually prefer to work with phlebotomists who hold a national phlebotomy certification credential.

Prospective phlebotomists can search for employment at:

  • Hospitals  Acute-Care Facilities
  • Hospital-Based Clinics
  • Hospital-Based Emergency Centers
  • Health Department Clinics
  • Community Health Centers
  • School-Based Clinics
  • Prison Health Clinics
  • Dialysis Centers
  • Screening Centers
  • Physician Offices
  • Home Health Care Insurance Companies
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Mobile Vans for Blood Donations
  • Free-Standing Surgical Centers
  • Laboratories
  • Lab Collection Sites
  • Drug Screening Agencies
  • Mobile Mammography Units

The typical pay for a qualified phlebotomy technician in 2018 was $34,480 annually with a competitive hourly wage of $16.58 per hour.

X-Ray Technician

How do I become an X-ray technician?

X-Ray Technician

Duties:

Involves using sophisticated imaging equipment to photograph parts of the human body.

Usually specialize in a particular examination technique

Assist oncology teams in delivering radiation therapy to cancer patients

Assisting physicians by producing images of diagnostic quality

Explaining the imaging process to patients

Positioning patients and equipment correctly

Adhering to the principles of radiation protection

Maintaining a working knowledge of equipment functionality

Processing images

Keeping patient records

Where do they work?

Hospitals

Physicians’ offices

Clinics

Diagnostic imaging centers

Temporary staffing agencies

Mobile units.

How much do they make?

Average salary for a radiologic technologist in Arizona

around $63,821 per year.

Where do you get training?

There are several places within Maricopa community colleges to learn this skill

Here is a list of the colleges and what they offer.

How to get certified:

You must attend a program accredited by Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) . 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

The Maricopa Community Colleges are certified.

Maricopa Community Colleges

After completing the course work, you are eligible to apply for admission to the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

How can we help?

If you are interested in this profession and need help, please contact us.

Arizona Career Pathways

Visit us at: Arizona Career Pathways.org

or call us at: 480-621-0051

References:

https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/radiologic-technologist

https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/entrepreneur/salary/arizona/

https://www.maricopa.edu/degrees-certificates/health-sciences/radiologic-technology-3582-aas

www.jrcert.org