Northland Career Center

NORTHLAND CAREER CENTER COURSES ARE OFFERED YEAR-LONG IN DAILY 3 HOUR BLOCKS.

To learn about the application process, make an appointment in the Counseling Office.

Northland Career Center offers both morning and afternoon sessions.  Students need to check with their counselor to determine the number of credits needed to graduate and additional courses recommended.  Student selection for Northland Career Center is based on successful completion of prerequisites, good school attendance, grade point average, standardized test scores and an interest in career and technical education.  Upon successful completion of a one or two-year course, the student will receive a certificate and list of completed Standards.

 Apprenticeship:  After meeting eligibility requirements students may receive advanced placement on the beginning wage scale upon admission to one of several apprenticeship programs. 

 College Credit:  Students may earn college credit from the following 2 and 4 year post-secondary institutions: Johnson County Community College, Metropolitan Community Colleges, Missouri Western State University, Ranken Technical College, and State Technical College of Missouri. The actual credit varies from program to program.  See your counselor for more information.

 AVIATION TECHNOLOGY I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites: Junior; mechanical aptitude

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:   12th grade

Instruction will include basic concepts in aircraft blueprints/drawings, avionics, aircraft structure/composition, aircraft sheet metal and welding, aircraft systems and components, safety, and human factors.

 AVIATION TECHNOLOGY II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Completion of Aviation Technology I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

This program prepares students for continued education towards an Associate’s Degree and/or an Airframe and Powerplant Certification. Students may also enter immediate employment following their two year program.  Internship opportunities their 2nd semester of their senior year are available for qualified candidates.

 CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior; ability to read a tape measure, add and subtract fractions and calculate dimensions in feet and inches; work at various heights and lift 25 pounds; all students must shadow before applications will be reviewed. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  11th grade +

This program is competency based and teaches skills and theory related to the building trades industry.  Areas of study include framing, leveling, blueprint reading, building plans, specifications and codes, footings and foundations, and sheetrock hanging.  Each student must pass a safety test to work around hand and power tools.  The student is required to provide their own boots and clothing for working in hot and cold weather.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Construction Technology I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  11th grade +

Optional:  Twelve (12) hours of college credit is available through Missouri Western State University after completing two (2) years at NCC.  Thirteen (13) hours of college credit by exam is available through Ranken Technical College after completing two (2) years at NCC. Advanced wage scale placement is available in the Construction Apprenticeship Program.

The program provides advanced instruction on the construction of a house or building which may include areas mentioned in Construction Technology I, as well as, rough framing, grading and measuring lumber, safety, and scaffolding work.  Some commercial construction will be introduced including the use of metal studs and the differences in codes and building techniques.  The completion of Construction Technology 1 & II will provide opportunities for employment in residential or commercial construction. 

 CULINARY ARTS I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior or Senior; be able to lift 50 lb. from the floor to a table; 9th grade math level; access to the internet from home; prefer first year students in afternoon session; all students must shadow before applications will be reviewed.

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

Optional: Students may earn their ServSafe Protection Certificate through the National Restaurant Association.

The focus of study will be food service terminology, equipment identification and use, knife skills, basic food preparation, sanitation, and safety.  These skills and knowledge will lead to preparation methods for stocks, soups, and sauces.  Students will receive hands-on experience through assuming the role of steward (pot/dishwasher) and cooks' helper in the pre-preparation of meals.  An understanding of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction of fractions and decimals, percent, and volume and weight measurement is essential.  

 CULINARY ARTS II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Completion of Culinary Arts I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor; prefer second year students in morning session, which may require the use of their own transportation if school district does not provide a bus.

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Optional:  Six (6) hours of college credit by exam is available through Johnson County Community College (JCCC) after completing two (2) years of Culinary Arts. Two (2) hours of dual credit is also available through JCCC. Students may earn their ServSafe Protection Certificate through the National Restaurant Association.

Students will continue to gain hands-on experience with the preparation of daily meals consumed by students, staff, and guests.  Emphasis will be on plate presentations, preparation, and timing.  Breakfast cookery, vegetables, starches, and meats will be the focus of class work.  Students will complete a nationally recognized sanitation exam.  Successful completion of this course will prepare students for entry-level positions in full-service restaurants, hotels, and continued education in a Culinary Apprenticeship program at the post-secondary level.

 DIESEL TECHNOLOGY I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior; mechanical aptitude; all students must shadow before applications will be reviewed. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

Instruction will include a basic concept of diesel engine theory, general shop safety practices, basic hand tools, common fasteners, shop equipment, precision measuring devices, and identifying, assembling, and reassembling component parts.  Introduction to various fuel systems, cooling systems, lubricating systems, failure analysis, preventative maintenance, and electrical systems are studied and related activities performed.

 DIESEL TECHNOLOGY II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Completion of Diesel Technology I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

Optional:  Eighteen (18) hours of college credit is available through State Technical College of Missouri after successful completion of two years of Diesel Technology.

Instruction includes a study of troubleshooting and tune-up procedures.  Powertrains, air and hydraulic brakes, basic hydraulics, steering, and suspension systems are included in this course.  An introduction to welding and automotive air conditioning basic theory helps round out the students' knowledge.

 HEALTH SCIENCES I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior or Senior (This is a one or two year program); must have a Social Security number and pass state criminal background check; must not be on the state employment disqualification list; required to obtain a TB test on their own and provide documentation of results; hepatitis vaccination is encouraged; purchase uniform, name tag and wear appropriate clothing for clinical sites; knowledge in basic science and positive people skills encouraged.  Every student spends two (2) weeks at a nursing home chosen by the instructor. At the end of the first semester there is a written and performance test. If a student does not achieve a 60% on the performance test, he/she will not be recommended to return second semester. Due to the nature of off-site work behaviors, academics (students must have a “C” average or recommendation from the instructor to return at second semester), and attendance policies are strictly followed.  Second semester, students spend ten (10) weeks in clinical sites and at this point must provide their own transportation.  Students desiring to earn their CNA will work/volunteer at a long-term care facility.  Students that do not want to earn their CNA will need to find work or volunteer experience at a health care facility.  All students must shadow before applications will be reviewed. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  10th grade +

The first year of Health Sciences teaches students basic health care, CPR, anatomy, common disorders, and introduction to medical terminology. Students have the opportunity to take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) state test.  The students will also explore a variety of careers in the health field including radiology, physical therapy, veterinary, dietary, respiratory therapy, medical records, dentistry, etc., to enable students to make an informed decision about a career in health care.

 HEALTH SCIENCES II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Health Sciences I with a grade level of no lower than an 80%, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor; same prerequisites as Health Sciences I. Second semester students must find a volunteer or work experience in a long-term health care facility or health care facility of their choice and only meet in class on Fridays.  Students that receive pay for work must provide twenty (20) hours of documentation.  Students that volunteer must provide twelve (12) hours of documentation. Students must provide their own transportation second semester. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level: 10th grade +

The second year of Health Sciences will include medical terminology, school to work and enhancement of their knowledge in their chosen field.  Second semester the students will participate in a health career internship which involves four (4) days on the job and one (1) day in the classroom.  The students will be responsible for documenting their clinical internship hours for their instructor. 

HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior or Senior; recommended algebra, physics, drafting, physical science, and basic electricity.  All students must shadow before applications will be reviewed. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  College Level

This program provides competency based instruction and teaches skills and theory relating to air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating. Topics include occupational safety, hand and special tools, tubing applications, soldering, welding and brazing, basic mechanical refrigeration, EPA regulations, refrigerants, recovery, recycling and reclamation, evacuating, pressurizing, leak testing, and charging.  Fundamentals of electricity, electrical power, circuits, symbols and diagrams, transformers and relays, thermostats, electric motors, capacitors, troubleshooting ACR system electrical circuits, and ACR wiring diagrams will also be covered.  Operation and service of electrical and mechanical components will be applied to commercial and domestic systems.  The first part of a two-part program, students will develop entry-level skills for employment in a variety of related fields.

HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements and recommendation from the instructor.

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Optional:  Fourteen (14) hours of college credit by exam is available through Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC) after completing two (2) years at NCC. Twelve (12) hours of college credit is available through Missouri Western State University after completing two (2) years at NCC.  Six (6) hours of college credit is available through State Technical College of Missouri after completing two (2) years of HVAC-R.  Twenty six (26) hours of college by exam is available through Ranken Technical College after completing two (2) years of HVAC-R. Advanced wage scale placement is also available in the Pipe Fitter Apprenticeship Program.

Competency based skills and theory relating to air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating will be presented.  The ability to diagnose mechanical and electrical failure will be developed, along with extensive use of equipment and troubleshooting of domestic and commercial systems.  Domestic refrigerator, freezer, and window air conditioner service, including mechanical components and functions, electrical components and control devices, domestic ice maker, and window air conditioner service will be covered.  Psychrometrics for residential and commercial HVACR, standard and high efficiency gas fired furnaces, electrical heating and cooling systems, heat pumps, customer relations, and service operations will be presented.  Upon completion the student will have developed skills and competencies for entry level employment in related fields including commercial and residential service, as well as, continued education in the industry field.

INDUSTRIAL WELDING I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior or Senior; ninth grade math level; previous drafting classes desirable; all students must shadow before being applications will be reviewed. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

The program covers basic competencies and skills in flame cutting, fusion welding, oxygen-acetylene, and shielded metal arc welding on carbon steel.  Safety, blueprint reading, and terminology are also included to help students gain a foundation for entry-level employment.

INDUSTRIAL WELDING II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of Industrial Welding I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor.

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level: 12th grade

Optional:  One (1) hour of college credit by exam is available through Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC) after completing two (2) years. Twelve (12) hours of Dual Credit is available through Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC) after completing (2) years. Twelve (12) hours of college credit is available through Missouri Western State University after completing two (2) years at NCC.  Three (12) hours of college credit is available through State Technical College of Missouri after completing two (2) years.  Fifteen (15) hours of college credit by exam is available through Ranken Technical College after completing two (2) years of Industrial Welding. Advanced wage scale placement is also available in the Ironworkers Apprenticeship.

Competencies and skills in fabrication techniques, advanced shielded metal arc welding, plasma arc cutting, and gas tungsten arc welding on carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel are covered.  Further study of blueprint reading, welding symbols, and basic metallurgy will prepare students for the AWS (American Welding Society) certification test which is administered annually.

Industrial Welding One-Year Certificate: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Senior only; same prerequisites as Industrial Welding I.

Embedded English Credit/Year: Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

Emphasis will be placed on specific welds, welding symbols, and basic metallurgy related to the needs of the industry at that time.  Specific areas of study will be determined between the student and the instructor at the beginning of the school year.  First year seniors may earn a one-year-certificate if they meet the following qualifications:

  • C average or better for both semesters in Industrial Welding
  • C average or better in English for both semesters at NCC
  • Student is eligible for graduation at his or her home high school
  • Student meets the attendance requirements both semesters
  • NCC Exit Survey completed and turned into NCC office
  • All fines and fees paid to NCC office
  • Complete 525 of the program training hours
  • Complete General Safety based testing i.e., all auxiliary equipment e.g., Iron Worker, Portable Grinder etc., Industrial Welding General and Building Safety Tests, AWS Level I SENSE Module #2 Safety and Health of Welders Test
  • Complete performance based demonstration of the safe operation of auxiliary equipment e.g., Iron Worker, Portable Grinder etc.
  • Complete performance based testing for OAW i.e., bead on plate with & without filler metal, groove and fillet test plates
  • Complete performance based testing for Thermal Cutting Processes i.e., OAW & PAC
  • Pass Thermal Cutting academic testing i.e., AWS Level I SENSE Module #8 Thermal Cutting Processes
  • Complete academic work and performance based demonstration for the safe operation of basic welding processes i.e., GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW
  • Complete performance based testing for at least 1 selected welding process i.e., GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW
  • Pass selected welding process(es) related academic testing e.g., AWS Level I SENSE Module #4 SMAW, Module #5 GMAW etc.

IT PROFESSIONALS I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior or Senior (This is a one or two year program); keyboarding or equivalent; "minimum" academic levels in 10th grade writing and math; strong aptitude in computer applications, communications and comprehension. All students must shadow before applications will be reviewed.

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade  

Emphasis will be given to safety practices, basic diagnostics, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, microcomputer system configuration, upgrading, and customer service.  Students will perform hands-on activities with/on microcomputers, printers, monitors, exposure to operating systems new/legacy, basic local area networks (LANs), and peripheral devices.  Students will have an adequate foundation to be successful on one or both of the national Comp TIA A+ certification tests (Core/Software).  Students will learn basic networking skills (LANs, WANs, MANs, SAMs and VPNs), router configurations, cable media, binary and hexadecimal numbering, protocols, topologies, OSI Model, and TCP/IP Model.  Students will learn technical writing skills and documentation.  Due to the rigorous pace and content, it is recommended students have a strong interest and aptitude in the computer industry, have good study habits, and be able to work independently.

IT PROFESSIONALS II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites: Successful completion of IT Professionals I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Optional:  Three (3) hours of college credit is available through Metropolitan Community Colleges after completing two (2) years at NCC. Students may also earn up to nineteen (19) hours through credit by exam at MCC.  Twelve (12) hours of college credit is available through Missouri Western State University after completing two (2) years at NCC.  Six (6) hours of college credit may be earned through State Technical College of Missouri after completing two (2) years. Twenty nine (29) hours of college credit by exam is available through Ranken Technical College after completing two (2) years of IT Professionals. 

Curriculum will enhance skills and knowledge obtained in IT Professionals I and continues working with networking to complete national CompTIA Net+ certification.  Upon completion of Network +, students will have the basic knowledge to be successful with the national CompTIA Network + certification. Students will experience hands-on tasks in configuration, setup, and troubleshooting networks (routers, switches, hubs, servers, bridges, media, and software).  Most of the practices will utilize technical support, customer service, and employability skills. Students will learn technical writing skills, documentation, and diagram analysis.

LAW ENFORCEMENT/CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior or Senior with a good high school disciplinary record and an interest in science and a general understanding of algebra/geometry concepts. Student must have an interest in law and the social rule. All students must shadow before applications will be reviewed. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  10th grade +

LE/CSI provides an introduction to the criminal justice system with emphasis on crime scene investigation.  Topics covered are crime scene and accident investigation, professional ethics and leadership, US Constitutional Law, and Missouri Criminal Code.  The class is designed for those interested in pursuing careers in law, public safety, corrections, security, and crime scene investigation.

LAW ENFORCEMENT/CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of LE/CSI I with a grade level no lower then a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from instructor.

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  10th grade +

Optional:  Five (5) hours of college credit is available through Metropolitan Community Colleges after competing two (2) years of LE/CSI.

LE/CSI II provides second year students with a more in depth understanding of the criminal justice system and how it is applied to the everyday work force with an emphasis on crime scene investigation.  Students will learn US Constitutional Law and its applications to the criminal justice system as a social rule. 

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites: Junior or senior, ninth grade math level, mechanical aptitude

Text Reading Level: 12th grade

This two-year program allows students to earn dual credit towards an Associate’s Degree and/or certification in a variety of areas related to the manufacturing industry (For example; CAD, CNC, HVAC, Industrial Electrical, Industrial Maintenance, Major Appliance Technology, Millwright, Welding and more). Cutting edge technology has changed the way products are manufactured in the United States and abroad. These changes have increased the need for specialized careers in the development and maintenance of the computers/machines that produce the goods we use on a daily basis.  This program is located at the Metropolitan Community College Business & Technology Center and utilizes variety of lab space and equipment to assist students in choosing the manufacturing career that is right for them. Internship opportunities during the 2nd semester of a student’s second year are available for the qualified candidate.

TEACHING PROFESSIONS I: 3 Credits

Prerequisites:  Junior or Senior; must have a Social Security number; background check through Family Care Registry; required to obtain a TB test on their own and provide documentation of results.  In order to work off-site, it is highly recommended that students have their own transportation. Due to the nature of off-site work behaviors, academics (students must have a “C” average or recommendation from the instructor to return at second semester), and attendance policies are strictly followed.  All students must shadow before applications will be reviewed. 

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

This course offers on-sight training and the opportunity for off-sight training and observation of students at licensed child care centers, preschools, and local public schools through the 8th grade. The instructor will try to place first year students at an observation site near their home school. Students can earn 169 hours of observation time.  Activities will include lesson planning and implementation.  Coursework includes: child development, child health, safety, nutrition, learning environments, approaches to learning, CPR & First Aid training, and employability skills. 

TEACHING PROFESSIONS II: 3 Credits

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Early Childhood Careers I with a grade level of no lower than a C, good disciplinary record at NCC and home school, meet attendance requirements, and recommendation from the instructor; same prerequisite as Early Childhood Careers I.

Embedded English Credit/Year:  Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level:  12th grade

Optional:  Twelve (12) hours of Dual Credit is available through Missouri Western State University after completing two (2) years at NCC. 

This course offers on and off-sight training and an opportunity to apply skills and observe students in licensed child care facilities, preschools, and local public schools through the 8th grade.  Students can earn 312 hours of observation time. The second year program allows students to teach utilizing lesson plans implemented for three to five-year old children in local preschools.  Students will create child development case studies through observation during internships secured by the student.  Only students meeting competency, behavior, and attendance requirements may participate in a volunteer or paid internship.  Students continue to gain a greater depth of child development, child health, safety and nutrition, learning environments, approaches to learning, and employability skills.  Completion of the two (2) year program offers students the opportunity to earn their Child Development Associates Certification. The Child Development Certification allows students to be lead teachers at the preschool level.

Teaching Professions One-Year-Certificate: 3 Credits

Prerequisites: Senior only; Same prerequisites as Teaching Professionals I.

Embedded English Credit/Year: Half (.5) of a senior English credit

Text Reading Level: 12th Grade

This course offers on-sight training and the opportunity for off-sight training and observation of students at licensed child care centers, preschools, and local public schools through the 8th grade. The instructor will try to place first year senior students at an observation site near their home school. First year seniors may earn a one-year-certificate if they meet the following qualifications:

  • C average or better for both semesters
  • C average or better in English for both semesters
  • Eligible for graduation at his or her home school
  • Student met the attendance requirements both semesters
  • TP Professional Resource Collection portfolio assignments are completed for work-based experience grade level
  • Work-based experience hours completed with time sheets completed and verified by cooperating teacher
  • No less than 162 work-based experience hours documented
  • Recommendation from cooperating teacher on file with TP instructor
  • Passing score on the Technical Skill Assessment
  • Acceptable site observation by third party (agency director-director from partner agency, Principal from elementary or middle school, early childhood teacher not assigned to student’s observation classroom, etc.)
  • NCC Exit Survey completed and turned into NCC Office

All fines and fees paid to NCC office