Career/CTE programs
CCCS offers four pathways: Animal Science; Nutrition, Patient Care, and Photography. Programs vary by location. Upon enrolling in CCCS, each student will choose a pathway of primary focus based on their interests and goals.
Animal Science
Animal Science![]()
Animal Science
Animal Science 1
Students in this class will study the anatomy/physiology, nutrition and behavior of domestic animal species including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, reptiles, goats and other species. In addition, students will learn to identify various dog and cat breeds,. Field trips are required and may occur on Saturdays. Through this course students will earn up to 50 hours towards a Veterinary Assistant certification.
Animal Science 2
This course begins focused training for work in the field of veterinary medicine including both classroom and lab components. The classroom component will include a study of major diseases of companion animals, and an introduction to their care and treatment. The lab component includes handling of animals including proper lifting, gentle restraint, and assisting in the performance of minor procedures. Field trips are required and may occur on Saturdays. Through this course students will earn up to 50 hours towards a Veterinary Assistant certification. Approved students may begin job shadowing or internships.
Animal Science 3
In this course students prepare to become Veterinary Assistants by practicing the care and treatment of animals in a veterinary hospital setting. Students will examine veterinary case studies, attend reduced class hours, and continue/begin their internships. After the completion of all coursework, skills mastery, and internship hours, students will be eligible to take a Veterinary Assistant certification exam.
Design, Visual, and Media Arts
Design, Visual, and Media Arts![]()
Design, Visual, and Media Arts
Photography
The photography pathway includes three levels. Photo I and Photo II are the introductory and intermediate courses, and they are also dual credit classes: students who complete both courses can earn both high school and college credit (credit accepted at some community colleges). Photo III is the advanced course which introduces students to skills needed for a career in commercial photography.
- Photography 1: This course is designed for students with little or no photography background. First semester instruction will cover all aspects of black and white photography, digital enhancement, including an introduction to the use and proper handling of a DSLF (digital single-lens reflex) camera and light reading as a creative tool. Creative and technical instruction will be presented through lectures, study of the great masters of photography and the history of photography, in-class critiques, as well as thorough individual discussions with the teacher.
- Photography 2: This course will cover various aspects of photography such as: digital enhancement using the latest version of Adobe Lightroom, High Dynamic Range (HDR), architecture, urban landscapes, and animal photography. This advanced class also travels to the Sacramento Zoo and various locations in San Francisco. The Photo 2 students also take part in portrait sessions throughout the school year. Prerequisite: Photography 1
- Photography 3: This course will provide instruction in Commercial Photography by addressing both specific techniques for the creation of images as well as the business aspect of professional work in the field of photography. Coursework will include commercial portraiture, product photography, stock photography, editorial photography for publication, artistic commercial photography, and food photography. Students will also learn interpersonal and professional communication skills and create a professional photography portfolio. Prerequisite: Photo 1
Patient Care
Patient Care![]()
Patient Care
Nursing Assistant I
The Nursing Assistant program prepares students for employment in a senior care facility or as a Home Health Aide. The program consists of two semesters of classwork and skills practice. Nursing Assistant I includes an introduction to the senior care industry, legal and ethical issues surrounding senior care, anatomy & physiology, an overview of long term care, and an introduction to dementia care. Nursing Assistant students will also learn workplace safety and valuable job skills such as professional communication skills and taking vital signs. Students earn an industry certification in Dementia Awareness.
Nursing Assistant II
Nursing Assistant II continues the classwork and introduces more advanced senior care skills. Topics include patient safety and lifting/transferring patients and other basic patient and resident care skills. Students in Nursing Assistant II will learn job skills such as completing an incident report and basic first aid. Students will earn certifications in CPR and First aid by a certified CCCS instructor.
Nursing Assistant III
Students in this course will apply what they have learned to various scenarios and research projects. They will learn to practice patient care in a culturally aware manner, as well as learn the principles of working with patients with special concerns such as developmental disabilities, mental illness, cancer, and post-surgical patients. They will begin working with facilities in a variety of forms such as field trips and/or internships. Finally, they will learn resume-building and interviewing skills.
