Yuma's Arizona Western College, located in the southwestern corner of the state, offers occupational degree programs, occupational certificate programs and transfer degree programs for students who wish to continue at a four-year college or university. Technical programs include air conditioning and refrigeration, applied agriculture, automotive mechanic, carpentry, EMS paramedic, fire science, infant and toddler education, massage therapy and plumbing. Many courses are offered through distance learning channels, such as online classes, two-way interactive television courses and telecourses broadcast over local cable channels.
Central Arizona is home to the largest metropolitan areas in the state, Phoenix and Scottsdale, both of which contain many technical and vocational schools. Phoenix's Gateway Community College offers more than 125 associate's degrees, certificates and workforce training programs in fields such as automotive, business, healthcare, industrial technology, information technology, math, science and nursing. The college also offers registered apprenticeships in trades ranging from bricklaying to steamfitting.
Scottsdale's Arizona Culinary Institute offers a training program that includes six months of instruction and a three-month internship. Students receive hands-on instruction in the institute's five kitchens and student-run restaurant. Coursework can include basic and advanced culinary arts, saucier and meat fabrication, wines and spirits, baking and pastry, nutrition and restaurant operations.
Northern Arizona's Cococino County Community College operates two campuses in the city of Flagstaff and a campus in the Page/Lake Powell area. The college offers associate's degrees and certificates in subjects including alternative energy technology, architectural CAD technician, electricity, emergency communications dispatch, early childhood education, medical billing, phlebotomy, network engineering and sustainable green building.
Northland Pioneer College, located in the town of Holbrook, offers associate's degrees, certificates and transfer degree programs. Degree programs include concentrations in justice studies, heavy equipment operations, library media technology, photography technician, fire science and para-medicine. Certificate options include cosmetology, industrial maintenance and operations, child care, human services and welding. Most programs include classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Pima Community College, located in the southeastern city of Tucson, offers associate's degrees, certificates and training courses. Many classes are available online, through a televised system and on campus. The school also offers a self-paced option in which students work both on and off campus on a self-determined schedule. The school has six campuses throughout the city and four education centers. Program options include computer-aided drafting, hotel and restaurant management, dental studies, engineering, aviation technology and truck driver training.