Looking for your first career? Want a new career?

CCC offers a full range of educational options in a variety of careers. Find an associate degree, diploma or certificate program that fits with your interests and goals.

Questions? Need more information?
Visit clevelandcc.edu or contact us at [email protected], or 704-669-4081.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area. All salaries are estimated average wage.

Accounting

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Financial

     Intermediate
     Managerial
     Tax

Careers in accounting firms, large and small corporations of varying types preparing financial statements, balance sheets and tax returns.

Average yearly earnings: Accountant: $69,390

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration

Diploma
Certificates:
     Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology

     Heat Pump System
     Heating Systems
     HVAC/R Automation Controls
     HVAC/R Control System

Employment with firms that specialize in installation, servicing and repair of heating and cooling systems in homes, offices and commercial buildings; self-employment.

Average yearly earnings: $39,260

Automation Engineering Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Automation Concepts

     Automation Engineering Technology
     Automation Programming
     Automation Systems
     Robotic Applications 

Entry-level employment opportunities in industries that utilize automation, electronics, and electromechanical devices in their manufacturing systems.

Average yearly earnings: Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technicians: $65,690

Biotechnology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates: 
     Bioprotection

     Biotechnology

Entry-level employment opportunities in the various areas of industry and government including research and development, manufacturing, sales and customer service. 

Careers include research assistants, quality control technicians, agricultural and bioprocess technicians.

Average yearly earnings: $43,800

Broadcasting and Production Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificate:
        Broadcasting and Production        

         Technology

Entry-level employment opportunities in radio, television, audio, and video-related industries.

Average yearly earnings: Reporters: $34,390, Radio and Television Announcers: $22,410

Business Administration

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
     Banking & Finance

     General Business Administration
     Marketing
     Operations Management
Diplomas:
     Banking & Finance

     General Business Administration
     Marketing
     Operations Management
Certificates:
     Bank Applications

     Bank Lending    
     Banking & Finance
     General Business
     Marketing
     Operations Management
     Operations Management – Lean

Employment with governmental agencies, financial institutions and large to small businesses or industry

Graduates qualify for marketing positions in manufacturing, retailing, and service organizations.

Average yearly earnings: Bank Teller: $29,110, Brokerage: $46,360, Finance Analyst:  $65,620, Advertising Sales Agent: $41,070, Sales Representative: $45,460

Carpentry

Diploma
Certificate

Graduates qualify for employment in the residential building construction field as rough carpenters, framing carpenters, roofers, maintenance carpenters, and other related jobs titles.

Average yearly earnings: $34,980

College Transfer

Associate in Arts Degree (AA)
Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts Degree (AFA)
Associate in Science Degree (AS)

A large number of students plan their programs for transfer to four-year colleges or universities.  Students enroll in what is usually referred to as the transfer curriculum which offers courses that parallel those offered during the first two years at a four-year institution.  Credits earned in this curriculum may be transferred to any of the 16 public universities in North Carolina and most private colleges as the freshman and sophomore years of a baccalaureate degree program.

Collision Repair and Refinishing (Auto Body)

Diploma
Certificate

Entry-level employment opportunities in the automotive body and refinishing industry, dealerships and franchised independent garages and self-employment.

Average yearly earnings: $39,230

Computed Tomography & MRI

Diploma
Certificates:
  
  Computed Tomography

     Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Anyone entering this curriculum must be a registered or registry-eligible radiologic technologist, radiation therapist, or nuclear medicine technologist.

Average yearly earnings: (CT) $55,740, (MRI) $66,800

Cosmetology

Diploma
Certificates:
     Cosmetology

     Cosmetology Instructor
     Manicuring/Nail Technology

Knowledge and job skills needed to work in a full-service salon or to start your own business.

Average yearly earnings: $20,660

Criminal Justice

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Criminal Justice

     Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

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.

Average yearly earnings: Correctional Officer: $40,730, Patrol Officer: $40,830

Education

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education
Associate in Applied Science Degree in School-Age Education
Diplomas:
     Early Childhood Education

     School-Age Education
Certificates:
     Early Childhood Child Care Administration

     Early Childhood Education
     Early Childhood Literacy
     Early Childhood Preschool
     Early Childhood Professionalism
     Early Childhood Science, Technology, and Mathematics
     Early Childhood Special Needs
     Infant and Toddler Care
     School-Age Care
     School-Age Education – Teacher Education

The Early Childhood Associate curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments.

Graduates will be prepared to work with young children with special needs under the supervision of qualified teachers.

Careers helping teachers supervise students, grade papers, check homework and maintain attendance records.

Average yearly earnings: Childcare Worker: $21,390, Preschool Teacher: $26,000, Teacher Assistant: $24,340

Electrical Systems Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Electrical Systems

     Electrical Systems-Building Automation Controls

Entry-level jobs in residential, commercial and industrial construction installing wiring.  In-house maintenance departments at manufacturing facilities also offer job opportunities.  Preparation for licensed electrician.

Average yearly earnings: Licensed Electrician: $41,650

Electronics Engineering Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Advanced Electronics

     Basic Electronics
     Digital Electronics
     Industrial Electronics

Positions as engineering assistants or electronic technicians designing, building, installing, testing, troubleshooting, repairing and modifying developmental and productions electronic components, equipment and systems.

Average yearly earnings: Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technician: $65,690

Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Emergency Medical Science 

Paid and volunteer positions as a first responder for fire and rescue services in Cleveland County. Positions with emergency medical service agencies providing advanced life-saving services.

Average yearly earnings: $35,400

Entrepreneurship

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificate

Graduates are prepared to be self-employed and open their own business and are prepared to make informed decisions as future business owners.

Average yearly earnings: Varies

Esthetics 

Certificates:
     Esthetics Technology

     Esthetics Instructor

Knowledge and skills in the art of skin care needed to work in a salon, as a platform artist, and in related businesses.

Average yearly earnings: $34,795

Facility Maintenance Technology

Diploma
Certificates:
     Electrical Maintenance

Skills needed to repair and maintain electrical and mechanical systems and physical structures of commercial and industrial institutions. Positions as general building mechanics or maintenance technicians.

Average yearly earnings: $42,900

Fire Protection Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Fire Protection Technology

     Industrial Fire Safety Specialist

Graduates qualify for employment or advancement in governmental agencies, industrial firms, insurance rating organizations, educational organizations, and municipal fire departments. Employed persons should have opportunities for skilled and supervisory-level positions within their current organizations.

Average yearly earnings: Firefighter: $27,800, Fire Inspector Investigators: $46,250

General Occupational Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificate:
     STEM Transfer I

Graduates become better qualified for advancements within their field of employment, and are qualified for a wide range of entry-level and advanced employment opportunities.

Average yearly earnings: Varies

Industrial Management Technology

Associate in Applied
Science Degree
Certificates:
  Lean Manufacturing

     Problem Solving

Entry-level positions such as front-line supervisors, engineering assistants, production planners, inventory supervisors, or as a quality control technician.  With additional training and experience, graduates could become plant management or production managers.

Average yearly earnings: $61,230

Industrial Systems Technology

Diploma
Certificates:
     Electrical/Automation

     Mechanical/Hydraulics

Jobs in manufacturing troubleshooting and problem-solving a variety of equipment issues. Coursework in multiple disciplines including HVAC, hydraulics/pneumatics, programmable logic controls and others.

Average yearly earnings: $43,060

Information Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degrees in Information  Technology with a concentration in:
    
Data Management

     Information and Support
     Network Management
     Systems Security
     Web Administration and Design
Diplomas:
     Data Management

     Information and Support
     Network Management
     Systems Security
     Web Administration and Design

Graduates qualify for a wide variety of computer-related, entry-level positions that provide opportunities for advancement with increasing experience and ongoing training. Duties may include systems maintenance and troubleshooting, support and training, and business applications design and implementation.

Average yearly earnings: Database Administration:  $63,880, Support Specialist: $55,750

Lateral Entry

Certificate

Graduates must meet the general pedagogy competencies within the first three years of teaching, including a minimum of six semester hours per school year. Additional requirements such as pre-service training and passing the PRAXIS, are required for licensure.

Average yearly earnings: $28,320

College & Career Readiness

Adult Basic Education Program (ABE)
Adult High School Diploma Program (AHS)
English As A Second Language (ESL)
High School Equivalency (HSE)

Machining

Diploma in Computer-Integrated Machining
Certificates:
     Basic Machining and Basic CNC    

     Computer Integrated Machining
     Computer Numerical Control (CNC) 

Analytical, creative, and innovative skills necessary to take a production idea form an initial concept through design, development and production, resulting in a finished product.

Average yearly earnings: Machinist: $41,980, Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers: $49,380

Mechanical Drafting Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Mechanical Drafting

     Computer-Aided Drafting

Career opportunities include employment in mechanical areas such as manufacturing, fabrication, research and development and service industries.

Average yearly earnings: Mechanical Drafter: $43,010

Medical Assisting

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Diploma
Certificates:
     Basic

     Intermediate

Career opportunities in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, urgent care centers, nursing homes, medical supply businesses, home health agencies, insurance providers, pharmaceutical companies.

Average yearly earnings: Machinist: $32,180

Medical Office Administration

Associate in Applied Science Degree
Certificates:
     Advanced    

     Basic
     Intermediate
     Medical Coding and Billing

Administrative office jobs in medical and other healthcare related offices requiring knowledge of medical terminology, medical coding, billing, and insurance, and the operation of high-tech office equipment including computers.

Average yearly earnings: $31,020

Mission Critical Operations

Associate in Applied Science Degrees in Mission Critical Operations with a concentration in:
    
Information Technology

     Operations Technology
Diplomas:
     Information Technology

     Operations Technology
Certificates:
     Information Technology Foundations

     Operations Technology Foundations

Career opportunities in the Mission Critical field are expansive and include data storage centers, emergency call centers, hospitals, and any operation that is dependent on a computer and communication system that needs to be protected. 

Average yearly earnings: $50,238 entry level and into six-figures with experience

Nursing

Associate Degree Nursing, RN
Diploma in Practical Nursing

Opportunities to work in a diverse health career which helps to prevent illness, treat the sick and injured in various healthcare settings.

Average yearly earnings: Registered Nurse: $61,270, License Practical Nurse:  $44,520

Nurse Aide

Diploma
Certificate

Entry-level positions in hospitals, home health agencies, and other healthcare settings caring for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.

Average yearly earnings: $25,580

Office Administration

Associate in Applied Science Degrees:
     Office Administration

     Office Administration – Legal
Diplomas:
     Office Administration

     Office Administration – Legal
Certificates:
     Basic

     Intermediate

Administrative business office jobs requiring proficiency in operating high-tech office equipment, including computers.

Average yearly earnings: Administrative Assistant: $33,760, Executive Administrative Assistant: $49,730, Legal Assistant: $32,630

Phlebotomy

Diploma
Certificate

Entry-level positions with hospital labs, medical clinics and public health agencies obtaining blood samples. 

Average yearly earnings: $29,540

Plumbing

Diploma
Certificate

Employment opportunities at parts supply houses, maintenance companies, and plumbing contractors.

Average yearly earnings: $39,750

Radiography

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Employment as a radiologic technologist taking X-rays in hospital and medical clinic settings.

Average yearly earnings: $55,740

Small Business

The Small Business Center of Cleveland Community College provides workshops, seminars, counseling, information and referral services for small business owners and operators in Cleveland County

For more information, call the Small Business Center Director at (704) 669-4146.

Surgical Technology

Diploma

Positions in hospital operating rooms preparing patients for surgery, assisting surgeons with supplies and equipment before, during and after surgery.

Average yearly earnings: $42,570

Welding Technology

Diploma
Certificates:
     Basic Welding

     Gas Welding
     GMAW (MIG) Welding
     GTAW (TIG) Welding
     SMAW (Stick) Welding
     SMAW (Pipe) Welding
     Welding

Positions with industrial machinery and equipment companies; plumbing, heating, air conditioning contractors, fabricated metal products and transportation equipment manufacturers.

Average yearly earnings: $39,740

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Piedmont North Carolina nonmetropolitan area. All salaries are estimated average wage.