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This program provides the essential training for general administrative support positions.

The Administrative Specialist diploma program provides training in basic to advanced levels of the various applications of Microsoft Office software. The program presents general knowledge of the operating system, the Internet, and network connections. Also included are accounting software, related accounting principles, and basic office procedures such as filing, telephone techniques, and scheduling. Emphasis is placed on developing effective communication skills in the various software environments.  Graduates of this program will be prepared with office skills for employment in a wide variety of modern office environments that require skills in computer applications programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and others. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in business, industry, or government as office assistants, administrative assistants, information clerks, network applications assistants, computer support specialists, or other related technical support positions, some entry level, others more advanced, depending on the graduate's previous work experience.

The objective of this diploma program is to take students through the basic and intermediate levels of the various Microsoft Office software applications. The program includes general knowledge of the operating system, the Internet and network connections. Students will also learn accounting software and related accounting principles. Students will gain proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and others required in a wide variety of modern office environments. Graduates will qualify for a wide range of business occupations, some entry level, others more advanced, depending on the graduate's previous work experience. Students and graduates of this program may take four MOS Certification exams after certain courses, independent of Tucson College. Externships Many programs offered at Tucson College include an externship at an approved site upon completion of the required coursework. The externship provides the student with an actual work environment in which to apply skills learned in the classroom.

Graduates of the Medical Assistant program will be prepared to assist physicians in medical office examinations; perform basic laboratory skills and procedures; record, monitor and mount electrocardiograms. In the front office, the Medical Assistant will perform the administrative duties of the office including bookkeeping, record management, appointment scheduling, insurance, and medical practice management.  Since medical assistants are trained in both administrative and clinical procedures, they are capable of filling a variety of positions, including Medical Assistant, Clinical or Administrative Assistant and Medical Receptionist.  After completing the program, NCE graduates are encouraged to become certified by the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants by taking the California Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) examination. Furthermore, graduates possessing a high school diploma or GED are eligible to take either the Certified Medical Assistant examination offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or the Registered Medical Assistant examination offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), to become a Registered Medical Assistant.  All programs offered at NCE include an externship at an approved site upon completion of the required coursework. The externship provides the student with an actual work environment in which to apply skills learned in the classroom.

The Information Processing program provides training for the person seeking an entry-level career in microcomputer applications. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with currently popular business programs as well as business and accounting applications and encourages students to sit for various certification examinations in microcomputer applications. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in business, industry, or government as computer support specialists, management assistants, and network applications assistants utilizing personal computer systems.

The Administrative Office Technology program provides training for an entry-level career in general office support in computerized offices. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with currently popular software programs as well as business and accounting applications and develops traits employers seek such as the ability to assume responsibility, make decisions, and work independently. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in business, industry, or government as administrative assistants, executive secretaries, and general office managers.

This unique program prepares you for a career as an Optometric Assistant or Optician where you will test patients for visual acuity, depth perception and color blindness. You will also learn the use of precision optical instruments and lens-edging machines.  Coursework includes frame selection, prescription analysis, manufacturing of eyeglasses, fitting techniques for spectacles and contact lenses and common eye disorders. Classes are offered in a classroom and lab setting, and training includes an externship in a medical or retail facility. Exam certification preparation for national licensure is covered.  Optical/Optometric Assistant program graduates are prepared for jobs such as Optical Assistant, Optometric Assistant, Optical Laboratory Technician and Optical Sales Representative.  All programs offered at NCE include an externship at an approved site upon completion of the required coursework. The externship provides the student with an actual work environment in which to apply skills learned in the classroom.