CTE at Richland WORKS!

Choose Richland Community College and start your training in Manufacturing, Healthcare, CDL, Automotive, HVAC, Welding, Culinary and so much more. In just two years or less, you can be on your way to a great paying career. Richland has everything you need to train for your career and instructors that have years of real-world experience in their fields. Our CTE graduates find fantastic local jobs with great benefits, and most find employment before they even graduate.

CTE After Hours

We’re opening the doors of Richland Community College for CTE After Hours! From 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. on February 22nd, we’re holding a FREE open house to showcase your options within Career & Technical Education programs and Student Support Services.  Food and drinks will be available.

Register here before February 18th!

Career and Technical Education Programs at Richland

Over 65% of new jobs will require post-secondary education and training below the baccalaureate level, and 75% of the current workforce needs training. The information supply available doubles every five years.

A number of the career and technical education programs are articulated with four-year institutions to allow for the completion of a four-year degree in an additional two years if desired.

John Oliver, Dean of Workforce Development, talks about why CTE Programs at Richland work.

To meet the broad range of student objectives, Richland Community College offers several types of instructional programs:

Basic Certificate

A Basic Certificate is an award for satisfactory completion of a series of courses totaling 30 semester credit hours or less. Those programs that have only a basic certificate are designed to provide the necessary skills to obtain an entry-level position. For programs that have a basic certificate as part of a degree, the certificate is an award for satisfactorily completing a series of courses. Certificates less than 16 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid.

Advanced Certificate

An Advanced Certificate is awarded for satisfactory completion of a series of courses or curriculum totaling 30-50 semester credit hours. This certificate is designed to provide the technical skills that would prepare an individual for initial employment in the job setting or for those currently employed and in need of advanced study.

Associate in Applied Science

An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is an award for the satisfactory completion of a prescribed curriculum of 60 semester credit hours or more intended to prepare individuals for employment in a specific field. It also serves those persons already employed in the field who desire to improve their competencies and achieve an associate’s degree. A number of the AAS degrees have been articulated with four-year institutions for completion of a Bachelor’s degree.

Programs of Study Offered


Are you interested in a career in agriculture? Listen to Jess Smithers, Director of Agricultural Programs, talk about our programs.

Are you interested in Healthcare Documentation or Healthcare Information Technology? Crystal Kitchens, Director, tells you more about these programs.

John Daum talks about Engineering Technology at Richland.

Are you interested in working in an operating room, assisting surgeons and saving lives? Brooke Oliver, Director and Professor, talks about our Surgical Technology program.

Chef Tucker invites you to visit the Culinary Institute at Richland.

Chris Senger is excited to teach you about Engineering Technology.

Listen to Deanna Koenigs talk about Richland’s Horticulture Program.

Contact Our Team