Career Training 

Description:   

Computer skills are your ability to use computer software and hardware starting from basic, general, to highly specialized skills. Currently, the number one computer skill employers want to see on an applicant's resume under computer skills is Microsoft Office Word software. 

Career Outlook: 

• According to BalanceCareers (March 2020), for written-word communications in business, Microsoft Word is the system of choice. 

Certification Earned: 

• Microsoft Office Specialist Word certification (Successful completion of Microsoft Word 2 prepares students to sit for this certification exam)

Important Class Information: 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your Instructor or Student Success Coach to get enrolled in the next class

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

Description:   

Medical Administrative Assistants perform administrative functions within a medical facility using their knowledge of medical terminology and administrative applications. This role combines both direct and indirect patient care duties with administrative skills and interpersonal abilities. 

Career Outlook: 

• Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants is #9 on Arizona’s Top 100 Fastest-Growing Occupations listing and in 2018 projected to grow by 43% over the next ten years until 2028. Adding an average of 382 new jobs opening per year added to just AZ job market. 

• Average Yearly Salary in Arizona: $36,344 

Certification Earned: 

• Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Medical Administrative Assisting from Phoenix College!         

Career Pathway Option: 

• Students will earn 18 college credits towards a post-secondary (two-year) degree or Medical Assistant certification! 

• Option to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS) exam and become a certified MAA!    

Important Class Information: 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your College and Career Navigator to learn more about this program and the next available start date!

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

*Disclaimer: Funding is dependent on the completion of the co-enrollment process with ARZIONA@WORK

Description:   

Designed to provide students with an introduction to the entrepreneurial process. Courses include a history of entrepreneurship and its impacts on society, business start-up opportunities, creating a preliminary business plan and securing a healthy financial future. 

Career Outlook: 

• According to Career Explorer (2021), employment prospects for entrepreneurs are subjective and vary among industries and demographics. 

• Phoenix ranks No. 7 among U.S. cities with the most startups (According to the U.S. Census Bureau, May 2021)

Certification Earned: 

• Certificate Of Completion (CCL) In Entrepreneurial Studies Level 1  From Rio Salado College 

Career Pathway Option: 

•  10 College Credits Towards a Post-secondary (two-year) Degree! 

Important Class Information: 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your College and Career Navigator to learn more about this program and the next available start date!

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility  is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

*Disclaimer: Scholarship funding dependent on approval requirements

Description:   

This program prepares learners to work in construction, repair, maintenance and related contracting fields and guarantees an interview upon completion. The curriculum and hands-on worksite experience, emphasizes work-ready skill sets in management, leadership, motivation, oral and written communications, problem solving, planning and scheduling, cost awareness and production control, sustainability, time management, and OSHA safety. This program reinforces common construction skills to include use of tools, adherence to safety and codes, and reading construction drawings.

Career Outlook: 

• The number of publicly posted positions is about 757 jobs per month in Maricopa County. (ARIZONA@WORK Construction Sector, 2022)

• Average Yearly Salary in Arizona: The average Construction Worker salary in Arizona is $37,955 as of January 27, 2022. (salary.com)

Certification Earned: 

• Earn a certificate (CER) in electrical, framing/carpentry or plumbing while advancing your education in the Applied Technology field of interest. Certificates are stackable allowing you to earn certifications in all three areas. One area enrollment at a time.   

Career Pathway Option: 

•  16 credits total co-enrollment with South Mountain Community College (SMCC)

Important Class Information: 

• This program is offered exclusively at Rio Salado College's South Mountain Community College location. 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your College and Career Navigator to learn more about this program and the next available start date!

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

*Disclaimer: Funding is dependent on the completion of the co-enrollment process with ARZIONA@WORK

Description:   

This program explores the basic skills used in metalworking, manufacturing, and industrial production. Students will learn basic safety techniques, sheet metal work, oxy-fuel cutting, multiple welding processes, plasma cutting, and much more. Learners are trained for the job-seeking process through industry tours and job application sessions. Students can earn college credits through this WEST-MEC course which can be for an AAS in welding.

Career Outlook: 

• The number of publicly posted positions is expected to continue to grow in the next ten years with a current 106,125 job postings. (ARIZONA@WORK Job Search- Welding, 2022)

• Average Yearly Salary in Arizona: The average salary in Arizona is $46,970 as of 2021. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• Careers that a student could pursue after receiving their certification(s) are: Structural welder, welding supervisor, manufacturing welder, certified welding inspector, ironworker, pipefitter, sheet metal worker; welders help repair and maintain buildings, highways and bridges. There are different work environments right from indoors to working while on scaffolding.

Certification Earned: 

• After completion of the welding classes, successful candidates will be prepared to seek one or more certifications like the NC3 Snap-On- Precision Measuring Angles and Rulers and the OSHA 10. 

Career Pathway Option: 

•  16 credits total co-enrollment with South Mountain Community College (SMCC)

Important Class Information: 

• This program is offered exclusively at West-MEC locations. 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your College and Career Navigator to learn more about this program and the next available start date!

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

*Disclaimer: Funding is dependent on the completion of the co-enrollment process with ARZIONA@WORK

Description:   

Nanotechnology is where science, engineering and technology meet—at the nanoscale. This science can be used in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, biology, chemistry, and more. 

This Semiconductor Manufacturing program is designed to provide education and training for employment in various nanotechnology settings from space exploration to finding new ways to treat cancer or develop the next microchip for tech products. 

Click to learn more about What is Nanotechnology? 

Career Outlook: 

• Nanotechnology and semiconductor technicians earn a national median salary of $40,500 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Certification Earned: 

• Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Nanotechnology and Manufacturing Level 1 from Rio Salado College 

Career Pathway Option: 

• 11 credits total with Rio Salado College

• Level 2 certificate of completion and an Associates Degree program available

Important Class Information: 

• This program is offered in a hybrid format. Two courses require in-person lab days and the rest of the courses are offered online. 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your College and Career Navigator to learn more about this program and the next available start date!

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

Description:   

Technology and Cybersecurity careers are growing faster than any other industry in Arizona.* Learn the necessary skills required to secure, protect and identify vulnerabilities in a network, including various operating systems and network devices.  (*Pipeline AZ)

The Cybersecurity program also focuses on the skills needed for internationally recognized IT certifications and high demands in business, industry, and government. 

Career Outlook: 

• Computer Network Support Specialists earn a national median salary of $60,110* 

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators earn a national median salary of $79,670*

• Information Security Analysts earn a national median salary of $101,570*

*All stats provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021)

Certification Earned: 

• Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Cybersecurity Fundamentals from Rio Salado College 

Career Pathway Option: 

• 24 credits total with Rio Salado College

• Apply credits to an Associate in Applied Science in Cybersecurity available at Rio Salado College

Important Class Information: 

• This program is offered in a hybrid format with a few classes having in-person lectures and labs for hands-on practice. 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your College and Career Navigator to learn more about this program and the next available start date!

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

Description: 

• Designed to provide additional career training pathways in any field of interest that align with Rio Salado College's current education and training programs. Adult Education students are able to pursue stackable credentials toward a career in a high demand industry while at the same time earning the required credits in a currently offered degree program at Rio Salado College. 

Steps to get started:

• Talk with your location's College and Career Navigator to start the Bridge Program and Scholarship Application process. You can schedule a virtual 1:1 by clicking here

Featured programs available to explore: 

• Risk Management & Insurance

• Desktop Support Networking

• General Business

• iOS or Android App Development

Important Class Information: 

• Students can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week in and out-of-class assignments and class instruction 

How to Get Started: 

• Talk with your College and Career Navigator to learn more about this program and the next available start date!

*Disclaimer: Program eligibility is dependent on academic readiness and regular and consistent attendance status in HSE/GED Prep or ESL/English Language Classes. 

*Disclaimer: Scholarship funding dependent on approval requirements