Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) 2022-2023

Program Learning Outcomes are outcomes that are woven into a specific program and focus on a program’s "Big Ideas" which could align with state-wide degree requirements, or specific industry requirements.

Academic "Programs" of study lead a student to either a certificate and/or degree.

ARTS & HUMANITIES

Associate in Arts, DTA

Humanities: students will create, examine, interpret, and/or qualitatively evaluate products of human expression through the arts, language, literature, philosophy, culture, and/or religion.
Natural Sciences: Students will demonstrate knowledge, comprehension and application of scientific concepts and insights as well as employ scientific or mathematical inquiry.
Quantitative Reasoning: Students will use mathematical skills or symbolic reasoning to analyze and interpret quantitative information and draw conclusions.
Social Sciences: Students will analyze human behaviors and the products and impacts of those behaviors using social science methodologies and theoretical approaches.
Written Communication: Students will use a process to make conscious rhetorical choices to compose texts in varying situations, modalities, and genres.

BUSINESS PATHWAY

Accounting, AAS and Certificate

Demonstrate effective communications applying interpersonal and cultural awareness to business settings.
Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze and problem solve quantitative, legal, ethical, and other general business situations.
Perform accurate recordkeeping in a technology-based accounting system, including preparing individual income tax returns, compute payroll taxes, and prepare required reports.

Administrative Office Assistant, AAS

Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.
Demonstrate a 40 WPM competency with 4 or fewer errors in a 5-min timed write.
Apply appropriate rules, procedures, and guidelines needed to prepare effective business communications.

Associate in Business, DTA/MRP

Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze and problem solve in business situations.
Apply quantitative reasoning to solve accounting and financial problems that occur in business.
Examine basic legal business concepts within the business environment.

Associate in Computer Science, DTA/MRP

Demonstrate programming abilities through production of planning documents, documented working programming projects, and testing documentation.
Apply the skills and knowledge acquired through coursework to analyze issues and critically evaluate a problem, specification, or code as applied to Computer Science.
Basic Requirements: Students will use mathematics skills to analyze and interpret quantitative information and draw relevant conclusions.
Demonstrate the knowledge acquired through coursework by effectively communicating to fellow team members, the public, and members of the larger community using written, oral, and visual communication methods.
Use appropriate quantitative tools to evaluate algorithms, represent data, and document findings and code.

Automotive Service Technology, AAS

Distinguish automobile systems and their function, components, operation, and symptomatic failures.
Choose, navigate, and interpret applicable service information from appropriate industry resources.
Formulate a systematic diagnostic plan considering the following: customer concern, system operations, and test outcomes.
Evaluate proper maintenance, service, diagnostic and repair procedures.
Compile documentation of service appropriate for the customer, personal, and legal record.

Bilingual Administrative Office Assistant, AAS

Demonstrate a 40 WPM competency with 4 or fewer errors in a 5-min timed write.
Demonstrate effective communication with peers, clients and management in English and Spanish.
Apply appropriate rules, procedures, and guidelines needed to prepare effective business communications.
Understand and demonstrate proper customer service, business ethics and etiquette.

Bilingual Legal Office Assistant, AAS and Certificate

Demonstrate effective communication with peers, clients and management in English and Spanish.
Demonstrate a 40 WPM competency with 4 or fewer errors in a 5-min timed write.
Apply the appropriate procedures, terminology, and software to produce documents that are acceptable in a legal office and within the court system.
Apply appropriate rules, procedures, and guidelines needed to prepare effective business communications.
Demonstrate proper customer service, business ethics and etiquette.

Bilingual Medical Office Assistant, AAS

Demonstrate professional etiquette with peers, clients, and management.
Demonstrate effective communication with peers, clients and management in English and Spanish.
Demonstrate a 40 WPM competency with 4 or fewer errors in a 5-min timed write.
Apply appropriate rules, procedures, and guidelines needed to prepare effective business communications.
Gain working knowledge and skills needed to navigate the medical field including medical terminology, medical scheduling, billing and coding.

Business Administration, AAS-T

Demonstrate effective communications, applying interpersonal and cultural awareness to business settings.
Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze and problem solve quantitative, legal, ethical, and other general business situations.
Apply information technology tools for problem solving and decision making.
Differentiate the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling and their use in decision making and business strategy development.

Business Management, AAS and Certificate

Demonstrate effective communications, applying interpersonal and cultural awareness to business settings.
Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze and problem solve quantitative, legal, ethical, and other general business situations.
Apply information technology tools for problem solving and decision making.
Examine core marketing principles and their use in decision making and developing business strategy.
Differentiate the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling and their use in decision making and business strategy development.

Business Management, BAS

Demonstrate effective communications, applying interpersonal and cultural awareness to business settings.
Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze and problem solve quantitative, legal, ethical, and other general business situations.
Apply information technology tools for problem solving and decision making.
Examine core marketing principles and their use in decision making and developing business strategy.
Differentiate the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling and their use in decision making and business strategy. development

Business Marketing Certificate

Demonstrate effective communications, applying interpersonal and cultural awareness to business settings.
Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze and problem solve quantitative, legal, ethical, and other general business situations.
Apply information technology tools for problem solving and decision making.
Examine core marketing principles and their use in decision making and developing business strategy.

General Office Assistant Certificate

Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.
Demonstrate a 40 WPM competency with 4 or fewer errors in a 5-min timed write.
Apply appropriate rules, procedures, and guidelines needed to prepare effective business communications.

Information Technology General, AAS

Apply current industry standards to plan, coordinate, and apply technology-based solutions to personal or organizational challenges.
Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.
Perform computer system and network installation, troubleshooting, and problem resolution for users and organizations.

Information Technology Computer User Certificate

Apply current industry standards to plan, coordinate, and apply technology-based solutions to personal or organizational challenges.
Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.

Information Technology Network Administrator, AAS

Apply current industry standards to plan, coordinate, and apply technology-based solutions to personal or organizational challenges.
Configure and manage network equipment and servers.
Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.
Perform computer system and network installation, troubleshooting, and problem resolution for users and organizations.

Information Technology Networking Systems, BAS

Analyze and develop recommendations for information systems administration in accordance with best practices and standards, legal and regulatory requirements, and ethical and social considerations including respect for privacy and intellectual property.
Demonstrate effective communications, applying interpersonal and cultural awareness to business settings.
Develop successful and respectful relationship with clients, co-workers, managers, and stakeholders, applying a wide range of adaptive and effective communication skills to convey complex technical concepts.
Understand the place of information technology in an organization environment including alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Information Technology Support Specialist, AAS

Apply current industry standards to plan, coordinate, and apply technology-based solutions to personal or organizational challenges.
Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.
Perform basic computer system and network installation, troubleshooting, and problem resolution for users and organizations.

Legal Office Assistant, AAS

Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.
Demonstrate a 40 WPM competency with 4 or fewer errors in a 5-min timed write.
Apply appropriate procedures, terminology, and software to produce documents that are acceptable in a legal office and within the court system.

Medical Office Assistant, AAS

Demonstrate professional etiquette and communication with peers, clients, and management.
Demonstrate a 40 WPM competency with 4 or fewer errors in a 5-min timed write.
Students will apply appropriate rules, procedures, and guidelines needed to prepare effective business communications.
Gain working knowledge and skills needed to navigate the medical field including medical terminology, medical scheduling, billing and coding.

HEALTHCARE PATHWAY

Dental Hygiene, BAS

Demonstrate to entry level proficiency, the full legal scope of dental hygiene practice in Washington State.
Conduct professional activities and develop professional relationships in responsible ways.
Employ evidence based decisions as health care providers guided by ethical principles and core values of the Dental Hygiene profession.

Medical Assisting, AAS and Certificate

Demonstrate competent entry-level clinical medical Assisting skills that are based on the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor learning domains set forth by MAERB curriculum and includes the full scope of Medical Assisting practice in Washington state.
Demonstrate competent entry-level administrative medical Assisting skills that are based on the affective, cognitive and psychomotor learning domains set forth by MAERB curriculum.

Medical Billing & Coding, Certificate

Demonstrate the ability to code and bill accurately according to professional and regulatory guidelines to optimize reimbursement.
Perform administrative skills utilized by medical billing and coding professionals in medical facilities.
Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviors appropriate to a member of the health care team.

Nursing, DTA/MRP

Coordinate safe, quality, evidence-based, client-centered care in a variety of health care settings to diverse client populations across the lifespan.
Engage in clinical reasoning to make client-centered care decisions and to function within the complex health care environment.
Integrate quality improvement processes that improve client care.
Master collaboration and teamwork with members of the inter-professional team, the client, and the client's support persons.
Integrate information management principles, techniques, systems, and client care technology that communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making.
Master management, legal, and ethical guidelines in practice as a professional nurse.

Pharmacy Technician, AAS and Certificate

Apply quality assurance practices that promote patient centered care throughout the medication use process.
Demonstrate proper processes and procedures for preparing and dispersing various medications.
Explain Federal and Washington State laws governing pharmacy practice and the requirements for licensure of a professional pharmacy technician.
Identify the most prescribed drugs and common over the counter medications used in the United States today.
Demonstrate correct processes and procedures for accurate medical billing and reimbursement. (AAS only)

Practical Nurse Certificate

Provide safe, quality, evidence-based, client-centered nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings to diverse client populations across the lifespan.
Engage in clinical reasoning to make client-centered care decisions and to function within the complex healthcare environment.
Integrate quality improvement processes that improve client care.
Collaborate as part of the inter-professional team, the client, and the client's support persons.
Participate in information management principles, techniques, systems, and client care technology that communicate, manage knowledge, and mitigate error and support decision-making.
Adhere to management, legal, and ethical guidelines in practice as a professional practical nurse.

Radiologic Sciences, AAS

Demonstrate appropriate positioning skills and radiation safety practices on various exams.
Demonstrate the ability to perform imaging exams on various patient types using foresight and sound reasoning to adapt to patients with special considerations.
Formulate necessary technical factor adjustments while differentiating between errors on radiographic images.
Synthesize information that is available to them.
Employ effective communication while following the structure of an assignment.
Employ communication effectively with peers.

Surgical Technology, AAS

Apply knowledge of Surgical Technology fundamentals by successfully participating in the national Certified Surgical Technologist Examination.
Demonstrate competency of Surgical Technology skills in both general and specialty surgical procedures.
Exhibit professionalism while completing tasks within the field of surgical technology, adhering to a code of ethics and values as taught within the program.
Demonstrate effective communication skills with all members of the healthcare team in the perioperative environment to serve diverse patient populations.

Veterinary Technology, AAS

Summarize the knowledge necessary to function within the scope of the practice of a Licensed Veterinary Technician.
Develop appropriate decision making in providing excellent patient care, as an entry-level veterinary technician.
Demonstrate clinical competence through successful completion of essential clinical skills as required by the program.
Model professional behavior and clinical communication skills in order to responsibly contribute to the veterinary healthcare team.

SOCIAL SCIENCES & EDUCATION PATHWAY

Early Childhood Education, AAS and Certificate

Plan, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum and equitable teaching practices for young children.
Analyze evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment strategies that reflect a culturally responsive and universal design for learning.
Identify the multidimensional strategies and responsibilities of early childhood educators using culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
Outline strategies to build collaborative partnerships with colleagues, families, community members, and organizations in order to support the early care education of young children.

Early Childhood Education, AAS-T

Plan, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum and equitable teaching practices for young children.
Analyze evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment strategies that reflect a culturally responsive and universal design for learning.
Identify the multidimensional strategies and responsibilities of early childhood educators using culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
Outline strategies to build collaborative partnerships with colleagues, families, community members, and organizations in order to support the early care education of young children.
Analyze the central concepts, foundational theories, and intellectual frameworks of education and teaching.

Early Childhood Education, AAS-T to Washington State University

Plan, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum and equitable teaching practices for young children.
Analyze evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment strategies that reflect a culturally responsive and universal design for learning.
Identify the multidimensional strategies and responsibilities of early childhood educators using culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
Outline strategies to build collaborative partnerships with colleagues, families, community members, and organizations in order to support the early care education of young children.

Criminal Justice, AAS

Describe the purpose and responsibility of each tier of the Criminal Justice System (police, courts, corrections).
Summarize Criminal Justice theories and the CJ system (police, courts, corrections) as it impacts our lives and in a global community.
Explain jurisdiction as this involves police, courts, and corrections.
Demonstrate professionalism, (to include verbal and written skills) appropriate for a Criminal Justice Professional.
Interpret ethical principles as they relate to the Criminal Justice profession.

Criminal Justice, AAS-T (Heritage University)

Describe the purpose and responsibility of each tier of the Criminal Justice System (police, courts, corrections).
Summarize Criminal Justice theories and the CJ system (police, courts, corrections) as it impacts our lives and in a global community.
Explain jurisdiction as this involves police, courts, and corrections.
Demonstrate professionalism, (to include verbal and written skills) appropriate for a Criminal Justice Professional.
Interpret ethical principles as they relate to the Criminal Justice profession.
Social Sciences PLO: Students will analyze human behaviors and the products and impacts of those behaviors using social science methodologies and theoretical approaches.

Criminal Justice, AAS-T (Central Washington University)

Describe the purpose and responsibility of each tier of the Criminal Justice System (police, courts, corrections).
Summarize Criminal Justice theories and the CJ system (police, courts, corrections) as it impacts our lives and in a global community.
Explain jurisdiction as this involves police, courts, and corrections.
Demonstrate professionalism, (to include verbal and written skills) appropriate for a Criminal Justice Professional.
Interpret ethical principles as they relate to the Criminal Justice profession.
Social Sciences PLO: Students will analyze human behaviors and the products and impacts of those behaviors using social science methodologies and theoretical approaches.

Paraeducator, AAS and Certificate

Identify evidence-based strategies to support educational outcomes.
Apply the concepts of professionalism and ethical practice to the educational setting.
Evaluate strategies to support a positive and safe learning environment.
Examine effective Communication and teamwork in the educational setting.
Analyze strategies that support cultural competency in an educational setting.

Substance Use Disorder Studies, AAS and Certificate

Identify diagnostic criteria, apply assessment skills, and describe scientifically validated models of substance use disorder treatment.

Identify the behavioral, psychological, physical health, and social effects of psychoactive substances on the person and their significant others.
Explain the potential for medical and mental health conditions to coexist with substance use disorder.
Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, regulations, and ethical codes of the substance use disorder treatment profession.
Practice in an internship the eight addiction counselor practice dimensions: clinical evaluation; treatment planning; referral; service coordination; counseling; client, family, community education; documentation; professional and ethical responsibilities. (AAS only)

Teacher Education, BAS

Explain how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
Use understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
Collaborate with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
Explain the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and create learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
Explain how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Explain and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
Plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
Explain and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner.
Seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

STEM PATHWAY

Associate in Science, AS-T Track 1

Humanities: students will create, examine, interpret, and/or qualitatively evaluate products of human expression through the arts, language, literature, philosophy, culture, and/or religion.
Natural Sciences: Students will demonstrate knowledge, comprehension and application of scientific concepts and insights as well as employ scientific or mathematical inquiry.
Quantitative Reasoning: Students will use mathematical skills or symbolic reasoning to analyze and interpret quantitative information and draw conclusions.
Social Sciences: Students will analyze human behaviors and the products and impacts of those behaviors using social science methodologies and theoretical approaches.
Written Communication: Students will use a process to make conscious rhetorical choices to compose texts in varying situations, modalities, and genres.

Associate in Science, AS-T Track 2

Humanities: students will create, examine, interpret, and/or qualitatively evaluate products of human expression through the arts, language, literature, philosophy, culture, and/or religion.
Natural Sciences: Students will demonstrate knowledge, comprehension and application of scientific concepts and insights as well as employ scientific or mathematical inquiry.
Quantitative Reasoning: Students will use mathematical skills or symbolic reasoning to analyze and interpret quantitative information and draw conclusions.
Social Sciences: Students will analyze human behaviors and the products and impacts of those behaviors using social science methodologies and theoretical approaches.
Written Communication: Students will use a process to make conscious rhetorical choices to compose texts in varying situations, modalities, and genres.

Agribusiness, AAS and AAS-T

Cultivate skills needed to meet various agriculture career responsibilities.
Practice basic business management principles in an agriculture context.
Develop a business plan that applies agriculture production principles .
Apply workplace safety.
Conduct scientific inquiry, data analysis and reporting on agriculture commodity production.
Demonstrate problem solving and professional communication skills to meet workplace responsibilities. (AAS only)
Apply interpersonal communication, cultural awareness, quantitative reasoning, and problem solving skills to agricultural workplaces. (AAS-T only)

Agricultural Sciences, BAS

Design a business plan and various industry Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Practice communication and ethical leadership skills for the diverse Agribusiness workplace, including appropriate communication with internal and external groups, and managing conflict.
Sustainably manage business operations (including record keeping for compliance, labor, and safety) and resources (supplies, water, time, people, and crops) of the agricultural system.
Evaluate the important processes that are a part of running an agriculture business, including recruitment and management of employees, design and process efficiency of equipment for employee and food safety, customer satisfaction of the final product, and the implementation of new technologies.
Collect and critically evaluate data related to production and quality, financial statements, market trends, and research for the Agribusiness sector.
Implement safety measures for personnel and food products, including state, federal, and international food safety and compliance programs.

Civil Engineering Technology, AAS

Apply the knowledge of CAD (computer aided design) to formulate or design engineering systems.
Apply general and engineering-specific concepts and methodologies to identify, analyze, and solve engineering problems.
Apply the knowledge of basic survey concepts to measure, analyze and solve survey problems.
Demonstrate knowledge, comprehension and application of engineering concepts and insights as well as employ scientific or mathematical inquiry.

Engineering Technology, Certificate

Apply the knowledge of CAD (computer aided design) to design and solve engineering problems.
Apply general and engineering-specific concepts and methodologies to identify, analyze, and solve engineering problems.
Apply the knowledge of basic survey concepts to measure, analyze and solve survey problems.

Food Technology, AAS

Develop a plan for the control of common pests and pathogens in agricultural commodities both in the field and post-harvest.
Apply food safety and workplace safety principles in an agriculture context.
Select post-harvest care principles that are commodity appropriate and fiscally sustainable.
Demonstrate problem solving and professional communication skills to meet workplace responsibilities.

Land Survey & Construction Design Technology, AAS

Apply the knowledge of CAD (computer aided design) to formulate or design engineering systems.
Apply general and engineering-specific concepts and methodologies to identify, analyze, and solve engineering problems.
Apply the knowledge of advance survey concepts to measure, analyze and solve complex survey problems.
Demonstrate knowledge, comprehension and application of engineering concepts and insights as well as employ scientific or mathematical inquiry.

Production/Pest Management, AAS

Conduct field scouting operations including pest identification, crop monitoring, and soil testing.
Develop a crop management plan.
Practice crop production principles including pest and pathogen management (both pre and post harvest), irrigation, crop nutrition and soil management, and cultivation and harvest practices of various agricultural commodities.
Apply workplace safety in an agricultural context.
Conduct scientific inquiry, data analysis and reporting on agriculture commodity production.
Demonstrate problem solving and professional communication skills to meet crop management responsibilities.

Vineyard Technology, AAS and AAS-T

Practice efficient grape production procedures that accounts for seasonal timing in specific vineyard operations.
Investigate canopy and crop load management in relation to pruning and irrigation methodology.
Identify insects and diseases and their impact in the vineyard.
Produce appropriate safety and compliance records while following all safety protocols.
Model management skills that would be used to supervise vineyard personnel, including providing their training for safety and work requirements.
Develop a vineyard business management plan.
Apply interpersonal communication, cultural awareness, quantitative reasoning, and problem solving skills to agricultural workplaces. (AAS-T only)

Winery Technology, AAS

Generate quality wines using processes that include fermentation management, adjustments to the juice/wine, racking and transferring juice/wine, utilizing filtration methods, and maintaining barrels.
Use and maintain equipment necessary to winery operations.
Manage accurate record keeping and reporting of wine production for state and federal compliance regulations in addition to health and safety programs such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration/Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.
Perform lab analyses and sensory evaluations of wines as quality assurance practices.
Supervise winery personnel, including providing their training for safety and work requirements.
Develop a winery business management plan.