Occupational Education

While many courses of study at Napa Valley College prepare students for a career, the occupational education programs in this chapter prepare students for rewarding employment in as few as one or two years of full-time study. Students have the option of completing an entire program, for which they will earn an A.S. degree, or selected courses, for which they will be awarded a certificate of completion.

Napa Valley College's Occupational Education Programs keep pace with technological advances through diligent work by dedicated faculty and staff. Talented instructors regularly update their knowledge through formal and informal training. Grants help equip our technical laboratories and facilities to a state-of-the-art level. Graduates of our programs enter the job market with a marked competitive edge.

Napa Valley College provides expert career counseling and testing to measure interest and aptitudes for various degree and certificate programs. Individuals retraining for career changes and advancements will find some programs offered at night. Particular attention is given to ensure equal access into occupational programs for the handicapped, limited English-speaking, women, and new majority students.

Occupational Education Advisory Committees

In its quest to maintain excellence in career training, Napa Valley College relies upon career advisory committees, made up of leaders from business, industry, public agencies, labor and management. More than 250 dedicated men and women from the community volunteer time and expertise to work with the college to develop curricula that include the most recent knowledge and techniques. The advisory committees keep the college informed of employment trends and assist in job placement for qualified students. Information on Advisory Committees may be obtained through the Office of Instruction and Student Services.

Program Requirements

Course requirements and sequences for occupational programs are shown in the following section. Students following sequences that have been changed may complete their studies under the new patterns (Also see graduation requirements shown on the preceding pages of this catalog). Brochures on the programs are available in the lobby of Admissions and Records. Interested students should see an advisor or program coordinator.

Multicultural/Gender Studies Requirement

A multicultural/gender studies course is required to complete the A.S. Degree. To satisfy this requirement a student must take one course from AREA E of the Napa Valley College General Education (page 69 of the catalog). This requirement parallels the current requirement for the A.A. Degree with one major difference. Courses taken in AREA E for an A.S. Degree may double count for one other area of general education, where that particular course appears. All but one course for AREA E appears in at least one other area of Napa Valley College General Education. The one exception is COUN 124.

Courses that explore cross-cultural views, including male/female perspectives and contributions. Choose three units:

ANTH 121, 150, 180; CFS 140, 180; COUN 124; DRAM 115; ENGL 217; HIST 145, 150, 152; HUMA 174, 186; PSYC 128; SPEE 128

Program Area Person To See

Administration of Justice

The Associate of Science Degree in Administration of Justice is a four-semester course of study. Students are required to complete 60 units to include:  General Education, Administration of Justice core courses and Electives. All of the seven ADMJ core courses are offered each semester, four during the day and four during the evening.

Certificate programs specializing in Law Enforcement, Paralegal Studies, Public Safety Dispatch, and Wildlife Law Enforcement are also available in the Administrative of Justice Program.  To earn a certificate in one of these areas the student must complete a select group of courses identified on the next page.

A.S. Degree in Administrative of Justice

The courses required to complete the major in the A.S. Degree are:  ADMJ 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and 190. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Certificate Options

Law Enforcement

A certificate in law enforcement for non-academy graduates requires the following 15 units:

A certificate in law enforcement for academy graduates requires the successful completion of either CJT 200 or CJT 202, or the combination of CJT 203, 204 and 205.

Courses required for the law enforcement certificate may be used as electives for the A.S. Degree in Administration of Justice.

Public Safety Dispatch

A certificate in public safety dispatch requires 17 units. CJT 296 is required. An additional 3 units is required from CISA 160, CISA 165, CISA 170, CISA 186, or COMS 110.  The remaining 6 units may be selected from the following:  ADMJ 121, 122, 123, 151, 240, 241; CJT 302, (plus 2 units of Physical Education).

The administration of justice courses may be used as electives for the AS degree in Administration of Justice.

Wildlife Law Enforcement

A certificate in wildlife law enforcement for non-academy graduates requires the successful completion of ADMJ 260 and 261.

A certificate in wildlife law enforcement for academy graduates requires the successful completion of CJT 202.

Courses required for the wildlife law enforcement certificate may be used as electives for the AS degree in Administration of Justice.

Paralegal Studies

A certificate in paralegal studies requires 30 units. The students must complete the six core courses, PLEG 270, 271, 272, 273, 277 and 278 and four courses from the following:  ADMJ 121, 122, 125; PLEG 190, 274, 275, 276, 279; and BUSI 103. Courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better (30 units, G.P.A. 2.0).

The paralegal courses and BUSI 103, may be used as electives for the AS degree in Administration of Justice.

Associate Degree Program in Nursing

The Associate Degree Program in Nursing (ADN) is a program approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). It is designed to prepare qualified men and women to practice nursing in entry-level positions. Upon completion of the program, the student is awarded an A.S. Degree in Nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Opportunities are provided for advanced placement, transfer and challenge exam credit.

The Associate Degree Nurse is prepared to coordinate, plan and provide nursing care in hospitals and community settings.  The Registered Nurse assists patients with personal care, provides teaching and counseling to prevent illness and promote health, and performs specialized treatments and procedures.  Registered Nurses function as team leaders and direct the care provided by Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN's) nursing assistants (aides), as well as unlicensed health-care workers.

Admission Requirements:

      1. Attend one of the required mandatory information meetings (Applications are only available at information meetings).

      2. Submission of the program application once prerequisites are met.

      3. Provide proof of your High School Graduation-by official transcript or official transcript of equivalent (For example, a GED certificate; CHSPE passing score; AA/AS or higher).

      4. If your official high school or college transcripts are from other countries they must be evaluated by an International Evaluation service prior to submission of your application or you must provide Napa Valley College with an official certificate from an International Evaluator.  Forms are available in the Admissions and Records Office or the Health Occupations Department.

*ANTH 150, DRAM 115, ENGL 217, HUMA 174 or HUMA 186 will double count for the AS Degree GE requirements for Humanities and Multicultural/Gender Studies.

Students transferring 4 unit, Anatomy & Physiology or Microbiology courses from other colleges may do so.

To remain in the nursing program, a student must maintain a "C" grade or above in all required arts and science courses and nursing theory courses with a satisfactory evaluation in all clinical experiences.

Criminal Convictions:  The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) may deny licensure to any person who has been convicted of a crime.  If you have had such a conviction you should review the California Nurse Practice Act-Section 480, available at www.rn.ca.gov.

In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in Math either by test or successful completion of MATH 90 or MATH 94 or higher.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college should consult the catalog of the college or university of your choice and a Napa Valley College counselor for specific requirements.  Most BSN programs require grades of A's and B's.

Effective Fall, 2001, students must also take an Area E, Multicultural/Gender Studies course to complete the A.S. Degree. Refer to page 70 for a complete listing.

Humanities is a degree requirement.  It is not required for eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN.  Students who do not receive an A.S. Degree in Nursing probably will not be eligible for licensure by endorsement in other states.

Students are strongly encouraged to complete all corequisite general education courses while waiting for entry.

Advanced Placement Program for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)

The Advanced Placement Program for LVNs is a program approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). LVNs with a current valid California LVN license enter the ADN program in the second semester. Entry into the program is dependent upon the date they meet program prerequisites requirements and available space. Upon completion of the program, the student is awarded an A.S. Degree in Nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Opportunities are provided for transfer and challenge exam credit.

Admission Requirements

1. Attend one of the required monthly information meetings (Application forms are only available at information meetings)

2. Submission of complete Program Application once prerequisites are met.

3. Provide proof of your High School Graduation or a GED Certificate; CHSPE passing score.

4. If your official high school or college transcripts are from other countries they must be evaluated by an International Evaluation service prior to submission of your application or you must provide Napa Valley College with a certificate from the International Evaluator.  Forms are available in the Admissions and Records office.

5. Current, valid California LVN license.

*Effective Fall, 2001, students must also take an Area E, Multicultural/Gender Studies course to complete the A.S. Degree. Refer to page 70 for a complete listing.

Refer to page 76 for policies regarding the Associate Degree Program.

Non-Degree 30 Unit Option For Licensed Vocational Nurses

The 30-unit option was created by the legislature for LVN's.  Students entering this option must have a current valid California LVN license. LVN's complete 30 units of nursing & related sciences, but do not meet graduation requirements.  They can take the NCLEX-RN in California ONLY & will probably not be able to become licensed by endorsement in other states.

Physiology and Microbiology are the required prerequisites for the 30-unit option.

Refer to page 76 for policies regarding the Associate Degree Program.

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