What career is right for you? It certainly can feel like an overwhelming decision, whether you’re choosing a first career or considering a change. Think about it – most people spend half their waking hours on the job. The right career is one that satisfies you as well as pays the bills.
PCC offers a multitude of options in a wide range of fields such as health care; computer technology; automotive, industrial and welding technology; biological, social and physical science; advertising and graphic design. Certificates, associate degrees and transfer options are available in most courses of study. Take a look at PCC’s A-Z program listing and see what captures your interest.
If you’re not sure about your future, or you just need a little advice, make an appointment with PCC’s counseling staff at 493-7245 and let us help you figure out “What to Do.”
Pitt Community College A-Z
| PCC Credential | Gives You | Required Courses |
| Certificate and Certificate of Completion | The skills you need to move into an entry-level job | 11* |
| Advanced Certificate | Additional skills to help you move up with a promotion | 6* |
| Associate in Arts Degree/ Associate in Science Degree | The coursework you need to transfer to a four-year college | 21* |
| Associate in Applied Science Degree | The credential required or preferred by some employers for employment | 21* |
| Post-Associate Certificate | A job-specific credential that builds upon or enhances your associate degree | 5* |
| Note: If coursework from another certificate is required for an advanced certificate or post-associate certificate, this is a pre-admission requirement.
*Reflects average program length |
Area of Study |
PCC Program |
Prepares you for |
Starting Salary Range |
| Accounting | AAS Degree in Accounting
Certificates also available |
Careers in accounting firms, large and small corporations of varying types preparing financial statements, balance sheets and tax returns. | $20,800e
$32,000 |
| Advertising &
Graphic Design |
AAS Degree in Advertising and Graphic Design | Careers developing concepts and layouts for advertising materials, including ads and brochures, for ad agencies, public and private companies; self-employment. | $26,000e
$31,200 |
| Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration |
AAS Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology
Diploma or Certificate also available |
Employment with firms that specialize in installation, servicing and repair of heating and cooling systems in homes, offices and commercial buildings; self-employment.
|
$35,000e
$50,000 |
| Architecture/Drafting | AAS Degree in Architectural Technology | Para-professional careers in architectural, engineering and residential designer firms preparing working plans, detail drawings, and 3D digital presentations. | $27,800e
$37,780 |
| Automotive Systems | AAS Degree in Automotive Systems Technology
Diploma or Certificate also available |
Employment with dealerships and privately-owned garages diagnosing, servicing and repairing automobiles and light trucks.
|
$20,800e
$52,000 |
| Basic Skills Education
(now called Transitional Studies) |
Achieving College Entry (ACE) Lab
Helps students improve reading, writing, and math skills in preparation for high school equivalency and/or college entrance exams. Adult Basic Education (ABE) Provides instruction in reading, writing, and math skills in the context of work, careers, and college readiness. College and Career Connections Provides opportunity for concurrent enrollment in curriculum, continuing education, developmental and basic skills courses in order to accelerate achievement and promote success in specific career pathways. Adult High School Offers contextualized instruction designed to qualify a student for a high school diploma awarded by Pitt County Schools and Pitt Community College. Additionally, offers post-secondary training preparation and/or college entrance assistance. High School Equivalency (GED® test) Prepares adults to take the GED® test while providing instruction in career and/or college readiness. Workplace Literacy Provides industry with on-site classes to help their employees gain or improve skills and adapt to the ever-changing workplace. ESL (English as a Second Language) Provides instruction in English to speakers of other languages, transition-to-GED® test classes, and pronunciation classes in the context of career and college preparation. |
||
| Biotechnology
|
AAS Degree in Biotechnology
|
Graduates may find employment in various areas of industry and government including research and development, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, forensic laboratories, sales, and customer service. | $31,000e
$57,000 |
| Business Administration
|
AAS Degree in Business Administration
Certificate also available Associate in Arts Degree |
Employment with governmental agencies, financial institutions and large to small businesses or industry.
The Associate in Arts Degree will prepare students to transfer into Business Administration at a four-year college/university. |
$21,000e
$34,000 |
| Computer Information Technology
|
AAS Degree in Computer Information Technology
Diploma and Certificates also available |
Positions include technical support technicians for computer systems maintenance and troubleshooting, technical support for software products, user support and training, and business applications design and implementation. | $24,900e
$70,900
|
| Computer
Programming |
AAS Degree in Computer Programming
Certificates also available |
The Computer Programming curriculum prepares individuals for employment as computer programmers and related positions through study and applications in computer concepts, logic, programming procedures, languages, generators, operating systems, networking, data management, and business applications. | $38,400e
$75,000 |
| Computer-Integrated Machining | AAS Degree in Computer Integrated Machining
Diploma or Certificates also available |
Jobs in industrial and metalworking machinery and equipment manufacturing as computer numeric controlled (CNC) and conventional machine tool operators. | $29,120e
$41,600
|
| Construction | AAS Degree in Building Construction Technology
Diploma also available |
Provides overview of the building construction industry. Includes general construction, blueprint reading, construction estimating, and building code. | $20,800e
$43,300 Managers: $35,150-$56,320 |
| Cosmetology | Cosmetology License | Knowledge and job skills needed to work in a full-service salon or to start your own business. | $18,000e
$30,000 |
| Criminal Justice
|
AAS Degree in Criminal Justice Technology
Associate in Arts Degree |
Positions within local, state and federal law enforcement, corrections and security as a police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer and loss prevention specialist.
The Associate in Arts Degree will prepare students to transfer into Criminal Justice at a four-year college/university. |
$32,000e
$38,000
|
| CT Scans
(Computed Tomography) |
Diploma in Computed Tomography & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CT/MRI) Technology Certificates also available |
Individuals entering this curriculum must be registered or registry eligible radiologic technologists by the ARRT. This curriculum prepares individuals to use specialized equipment to visualize cross-sectional anatomical structures and aid physicians in the demonstration of pathologies and disease processes.
|
$38,260e
$75,547
|
| Dental Office Administration | AAS Degree in Office Administration with concentration in Dental Office Administration | Program prepares graduates to work in a dental office and focuses on dental terminology, dental office software, dental insurance, accounting and billing and dental coding. | $22,880e
$31,200 |
| Detention Officer | Detention Officer Training Certificate | Entry-level jobs with Statewide Sheriff’s Office | $24,500e
$34,000 |
| Echocardiography | Echocardiography Diploma | Associate in Allied Health or bachelor’s in any major is required for entrance into this one-year diploma program. Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers perform ultrasounds (high frequency sound waves to image internal body structures) specific to the heart. | $38,260e
$52,830
|
| Education | AAS Degree in Early Childhood Education
Diploma or Certificate also available Infant/Toddler Care Certificate Associate in Arts Degree |
Positions in public, private, church-affiliated and corporate child care centers working with children age 0 to 12 as administrators, lead teachers, teacher assistants and as after school coordinators/staff. Also, various positions as teacher assistants in public and private school age programs.
The Associate in Arts Degree will prepare students to transfer into Special Education, Middle Grades, and Elementary Education at a four-year college/university. |
Child care teachers/assistants:
$15,485-$22,685 Child care administrators: $22,880-$31,200 Public school teacher assistants: $19,770e |
| Electrical Systems Technology (formerly Electrical/ Electronics Technology) |
AAS Degree in Electrical Systems Technology
Diploma or Certificate also available |
Electricians – Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, fixtures, and electrical control systems. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. Preparation for licensed electrician.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial – Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls. |
Electricians
$27,451e $41,636 Electrical and Electronics Repairers $32,837e $48,336 |
| Electronics
Engineering Technology
GeneralSystems Automation |
AAS Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology
Certificates in Basic Electronics, Computer Technology, and Automation Technology |
Electronic-engineering technicians help engineers to design, build, repair and redesign components of electronics equipment. Technicians may specialize in various areas of electronics, such as computers, industrial applications, biomedical servicing, automation/robotics programming, telecommunications, and much more. Job titles for this field range in name from engineering assistant, electrical or electronic technician, maintenance technician, field service technician, and other electronic specialist names. Students may select from an emphasis pick list of electronic courses including general, systems, communications and automation. | $34,000e
$72,000 |
| Emergency Medical Science
|
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) & EMT-PARAMEDIC (offered through Continuing Education and Community Development Division) |
Paid and volunteer positions as a first responder for fire and rescue services in Pitt county. Positions with emergency medical service agencies providing advanced life-saving services. | $18,910e
$25,760 |
| Engineering | PCC offers Associate in Applied Science Degrees in four specialty areas: Architectural Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology. A University transfer Pre-Engineering AS degree is also available. See these individual listings for further information. |
||
| Entrepreneurship | AAS Degree in Entrepreneurship | The Entrepreneurship curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and the skills necessary for employment and growth as self-employed business owners. | Unlimited Potential |
| ESL (English as a Second Language | English as a Second Language (ESL) – Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced
Teaches language skills to limited English speakers for use in the home, the workplace, or in an educational setting. |
||
| Foreign Language | PCC regularly offers college credit courses in French, Spanish, and American Sign Language. Spanish for the Workplace and Introduction to Spanish are offered for students in non-transfer degree programs such as health care or business. A foreign language lab provides a place and resources for students to practice their new language skills.
The college’s Continuing Education and Economic Development Division also offers conversational Spanish for travel and for various work environments; classes can be taught on the jobsite. |
||
| Gerontology | AAS Degree in Human Services/ Gerontology Concentration
Certificate also available |
Prepares students to specialize in direct service delivery work to older adults and their families. The curriculum provides both theoretical and applied models for understanding issues of aging. | $20,904e
$34,491 Experienced managers: $25,000-$37,330 |
| Health Information Technology | AAS Degree in Health Information Technology | Professionals holding the RHIT credential are health information technicians who:
Ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. Use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs. Often specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research. RHITs may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information, such as hospitals, office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance firms, and health product vendors. |
$35,000e
$52,000 |
| Healthcare
Business Informatics |
AAS Degree in Healthcare Business Informatics
|
Prepares you for employment as database/data warehouse analysts, technical support professionals, informatics technology professionals, systems analysts, networking and security technicians, and computer maintenance professionals in the healthcare field. | $25,000e
$60,000 |
| Healthcare
Management |
AAS Degree in Healthcare Management Technology
Certificates also available |
Positions planning and managing a healthcare organization. Entry-level and supervisory job opportunities exist in hospitals, medical offices, long-term care facilities and insurance companies in the billing, collections and expense reduction areas. | $27,000e
$32,000 Office managers: $31,936-$40,386 |
| Horticulture | AAS Degree in Horticulture Technology | Employment opportunities in nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, landscape operations, gardens, and governmental agencies.
Graduates should also be prepared to take the North Carolina Pesticide Applicator’s Examination. |
$24,000e
$31,200
|
| Human Services | AAS Degree in Human Services Technology
Diploma also available |
Jobs available for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and educational services. | $20,904e
$34,491 Experienced managers: $25,000-$37,330 |
| Human Resources | AAS Degree in Business Administration: Human Resources Management
Certificate also available |
Entry-level positions in administration, personnel, training, and other human resources development areas in small-to-large businesses and industry. | $18,500e
$24,500
|
| Industrial Maintenance & Safety | This series of courses offered by the Continuing Education and Community Development Division are frequently taught on demand at the jobsite for various industries. Courses that meet the standards of the North Carolina Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program include Industrial Electricity I & II, Industrial Electronics, Electronic Process Control, Electronic Motor Drives, Programmable Logic Controls and Programmable Logic Controls. Gain entry-level skills for managing hotel/motel operations. | ||
| Industrial Management | AAS Degree in Industrial Management Technology | Positions such as front-line supervisor, engineering assistant, production planner, inventory supervisor, mid-level management, logistics, or quality control technician. | $30,000e
$45,000 |
| Industrial Systems | AAS Degree in Industrial Systems Technology
Diploma or Certificate also available |
Technician positions in manufacturing businesses maintaining industrial equipment. Options are available to specialize in HVAC, machining or welding. | $20,670e
$50,000 |
| Law Enforcement | Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (BLET) | Entry-level jobs with local and state law enforcement agencies. | $24,500e
$40,500 |
| Legal Office Administration | AAS Degree in Office Administration –Legal
Certificate also available |
Administrative support positions in legal or government-related offices with focus on legal terminology, legal office procedures, and legal transcription. With appropriate work experience, this program prepares students for certification as a Professional Legal Secretary (PLS). | $24,000e
$36,000 |
| Mammography | Mammography Certificate
Must be ARRT certified in Radiologic Sciences |
The Mammography curriculum provides registered radiologic technologists the didactic and clinical experience necessary to become registered mammographers.
Course work includes clinical rotations to mammography facilities, breast anatomy/physiology, patient preparation/education, mammographic procedures, interventional procedures, image analysis, mammographic instrumentation, physics, quality control, and quality assurance. |
$46,592e $72,217 |
| Marketing | AAS Degree in Business Administration: Marketing and Retailing
Certificate also available |
Career opportunities within manufacturing, retailing, and service organizations in the areas of marketing, retailing, merchandising, selling, advertising, computer technology, and management.
|
$21,600e
$31,366 |
| Mechanical Engineering | AAS Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Certificate also available |
Employment opportunities in mechanical design, manufacturing, fabrication, research, and development and service industries assisting in the design, development, testing and repair of mechanical equipment.
|
$28,600e
$44,500 |
| Medical Assisting | AAS Degree in Medical Assisting
Certificate also available
|
Prepares multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical, and laboratory procedures. Employment opportunities include physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, health departments, and hospitals.
Students in the certificate program only receive training in clinical (no administrative and no laboratory training). |
$19,000e
$31,000
|
| Medical Dosimetry | Medical Dosimetry Diploma (advanced degree within the Radiologic Sciences program – Must be ARRT certified in Radiation Therapy, have a bachelor’s degree, and 1 year experience as a therapist) |
The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to work in the care of cancer patients as medical dosimetrists. The curriculum provides instruction to enable the participant to become a member of the radiation oncology team. | $70,000e
$85,000
|
| Medical Sonography
(Ultrasounds)
|
AAS Degree in Medical Sonography | Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform ultrasounds, which utilize high frequency sound waves to image internal body structures. Medical Sonographers may find employment in clinics, physician’s offices, mobile services, hospitals, and educational institutions. | $38,260e
$52,830
|
| Medical Office Administration | AAS Degree in Medical Office Administration
Diploma or Certificate also available |
Skills include medical terminology, information systems, office management, medical coding, billing and insurance. Prepares individuals for employment in medical and other health-care related offices. | $18,500e
$25,420
|
| MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) |
Diploma in Computed Tomography & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CT/MRI) Technology Certificates also available |
Individuals entering this curriculum must be registered or registry eligible radiologic technologists by the ARRT. This curriculum prepares individuals to use specialized equipment to visualize cross-sectional anatomical structures and aid physicians in the demonstration of pathologies and disease processes. | $38,260e
$75,547
|
| Networking Technology
|
AAS Degree in Networking Technology
Certificates also available |
The Networking Technology curriculum prepares individuals for employment supporting network infrastructure environments. Emphasis is placed on the implementation and management of network software and the implementation and management of hardware such as switches and routers. | $38,000e
$58,000
|
| Nuclear Medicine | AAS Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Diploma also available |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists learn clinical procedures utilizing radioactive materials, operation of imaging and counting instrumentation, and laboratory procedures. | $36,629e
$49,000
|
| Nursing | Associate Degree Nursing | Opportunities to work in a diverse health career that helps to prevent illness, treat the sick and injured in various health-care settings. | $36,930e
$46,370 |
| Nursing Assistant | CNA Level I and II (offered through Continuing Education and Community Development Division) |
Entry-level positions in hospitals, home health agencies, doctor’s offices, skilled nursing facilities, and other health-care settings caring for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. | $14,040e
$27,040 |
| Occupational Therapy | AAS Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | Assist clients receiving occupational therapy services for conditions which interfere with activities of daily living. May work in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term/extended care facilities, sheltered workshops, schools, home health programs, and community programs. | $36,300e
$54,140
|
| Office
Administration
|
AAS Degree in Office Administration
Diploma and Certificate also available |
Administrative support positions and computer applications with additional focus on records management, business communication and office systems management. This program prepares students to sit for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam. | $18,500e
$30,500
|
| Paralegal | AAS Degree in Paralegal Technology
Paralegal Technology Post-Baccalaureate Diploma also available |
Careers working under the supervision of attorneys conducting probate work, public records searches, drafting and filing legal documents. | $28,516e $44,803 |
| Polysomnography
(Sleep Study) |
AAS Degree in Polysomnography
Certificate also available |
Polysomnographic technologists perform sleep studies. A sleep study is a comprehensive assessment of a person’s sleep patterns, including the effects of various medications, physical and psychological ailments, and/or any sleep related disturbances, such as sleep-disordered breathing. | $35,000e
$40,000
|
| Positron Emission Tomography (PET) | Diploma in Positron Emission Tomography | Positron Emission Tomography Technologists learn clinical procedures utilizing radioactive materials, operation of imaging and counting instrumentation, and laboratory procedures. | $40,629e
$50,000
|
| Radiation Therapy | Radiation Therapy Diploma (advanced degree within the Radiologic Sciences program – Must be ARRT certified in Radiography) |
Therapists work with doctors, physics and nurses to deliver a prescribed dose of radiation to cancer patients. | $50,000e
$70,000
|
| Radiography | AAS Degree in Radiography | Employment as a radiologic technologist taking X-rays in hospital and medical clinic settings. | $30,000e
$43,680 |
| Real Estate | Real Estate Certificate (offered through Continuing Education and Community Development Division) | Courses offered in preparation for the North Carolina Real Estate Broker Exam. Jobs available renting, buying and selling property on a commission basis. | $20,840e
$43,680 |
| Respiratory Therapy | AAS Degree in Respiratory Therapy | Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic testing, treatment, and management of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. | $40,500e
$63,230 |
| Simulation and Game Development
|
AAS Degree in Simulation and Game Development | This curriculum provides a broad background in simulation and game development with practical applications in creative arts, visual arts, audio/video technology, creative writing, modeling, design, programming and management. | $37,000e
$80,000 |
| Small Business | The college’s Small Business Center is a vital source of information for individuals in Pitt County who want to start a business or expand their existing small business. Free seminars and classes on a wide variety of issues are scheduled weekly. Free one-on-one counseling from an experienced entrepreneur is available on an appointment basis. Access to reference materials, including books and videos, is available at no charge. Call 493-7625 for complete information. | ||
| Substance Abuse | AAS Degree in Human Services Technology/ Substance Abuse Concentration
Certificate also available |
Positions as substance abuse counselors, mental health technicians, residential facility employees, and community workers. | $20,904e
$34,491 Experienced managers: $25,000-$37,330 |
| Therapeutic Massage | AAS Degree in Therapeutic Massage
Diploma also available |
Therapeutic Massage therapists provide basic massage, deep tissue massage, and clinical therapies to promote wellness, relieve stress, and/or reduce and relieve muscular aches and pains. Opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, health departments, home health, medical offices, nursing homes, spas, health and sports clubs, and private practice. | $30,000e
$35,000
|
| Therapeutic Recreation Assistant | AAS Degree in Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
|
This program prepares students to plan, implement, and document therapeutic recreation interventions in agencies serving people with developmental disabilities, psychiatric or mental health issues, and other rehabilitation needs. | $20,904e
$37,898 Experienced coordinators: $22,857-$46,371 |
| University Transfer | Associate in Arts Degree
Associate in Science Degree Associate in Science Pre-Engineering Degree Associate in Fine Arts Degree |
PCC offers AA and AS degrees for transfer to four year institutions. A completed AA/AS degree, with a grade of C or better in all courses, guarantees students admission with junior status to one of the 16 NC Universities. The Associate in Arts Degree will prepare students to transfer into business, education, criminal justice, and most liberal studies areas. The Associate in Science Degree will prepare students to transfer into biology, chemistry, math and most other programs that require higher levels of mathematics and science.
The Pre-Engineering Associate in Science degree prepares students to transfer to four-year Engineering programs. Some fields of engineering include civil, systems, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, bioprocess, agricultural, textile, and industrial. The Associate in Fine Arts Degree will prepare students to transfer into creative fields, such as painting, ceramics, wood working, sculpture, metals work, textiles, weaving or photography. Additional career paths could include art education or art therapy. |
|
| Web Technologies
|
AAS Degree in Web Technologies
Certificate also available |
Prepares students to develop and maintain web sites and web servers; use web programming languages and web editing software to design and develop web pages and web sites for use on multiple devices; and utilize web databases to provide interactive content. | $36,600e
$60,100
|
| Welding | AAS Degree in Welding Technology
Diplomas or Certificates also available |
Provides the students with the opportunity to learn how to use the four Basic Welds Processes, along with such metals as Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum. Prepares students to work in welding shops and fabricate metal products (i.e., structural steel and pipe welding) and repair equipment. | $21,590e
$47,000 |
| Sources:
http://www.acinet.org http://www.cfnc.org http://www.nchealthcareers.com
|