The Academy for Learning in Retirement (ALR) is a volunteer-run organization whose purpose is to provide meaningful presentations on diverse topics of interest to members of the community. ALR is affiliated with, but not funded by, New Mexico State University (NMSU) through Doña Ana Community College. The programs are presented by NMSU faculty and other experts who are deeply knowledgeable in their fields.
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Aerospace technicians may be involved in the assembly, service, testing, operation, and repair of systems associated with dependable and reusable space launch vehicles and related ground support equipment.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Aerospace Technology AssociateCertificates:
Aerospace Technology Certification Basic Drone - UAS - TechnologyThis versatile program has been designed to allow graduates to take advantage of expanding career opportunities available throughout the healthcare system.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Medical Assisting AssociateCertificates:
Medical Assisting Certification Phlebotomist Certification Electrocardiogram Technician Certification Pre-Surgical Technician ProgramIndividuals who pursue the Associate of Arts degree will have the opportunity to take a variety of courses in the following areas: Communication; Mathematics; Science; Behavioral and Social Sciences; Humanities; and Creative and Fine Arts.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa Campus, Espina CampusDegrees:
Associate of ArtsThe Associate of Science degree program is designed to ease transfer to four-year colleges and universities. In most cases, the credits you earn may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree offered at a college or a university such as NMSU.
Program Length:
4 semestersDegrees:
SciencesAutomation and manufacturing is an evolving, high-tech field, with applications in such areas as aerospace, food processing, and the pharmaceutical industry. It offers some of the highest salaries in the industrial sector, along with ample opportunities for rapid advancement.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Automation and Manufacturing TechnologyCertificates:
Automation and Manufacturing Basic Manufacturing and BridgeThe automobile has always maintained a steady demand for automotive technicians. Today, automotive service is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, and career opportunities are expanding rapidly.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Automotive TechnologyCertificates:
Basic Automotive Technician Certification Intermediate Automotive Technician Certification Advanced Automotive Technician CertificationPrepares students to enter the growing construction industry through hands-on education encompassing project management, sustainable (green) building, blueprint reading, use of wood building materials, concrete work, weatherization, masonry, correct use of hand and power tools, safety procedures, math skills, and communication skills to help you work effectively with both colleagues and clients.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Workforce CenterDegrees:
Building Construction TechnologyCertificates:
Building Construction Technology Basic Residential Wiring Basic Solar Energy Auditing PlumbingDona Ana Community College's Business Management program offers a comprehensive and diverse range of educational opportunities for aspiring business professionals. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various facets of the business world.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Business ManagementCertificates:
Advertising Representative Business Fundamentals General Business Management Applied Business Retail and Merchandising Services Business Leadership BankingThe Academy for Learning in Retirement (ALR) is a program of educational opportunities of a scholarly nature for learners age 50 or older. It is sanctioned by NMSU and operated under the auspices of Community Education at DACC.
Program Length:
<1 semestersCampus:
Workforce CenterDegrees:
Business ManagementCertificates:
Advertising Representative Business Fundamentals General Business Management Applied Business Retail and Merchandising Services Business Leadership BankingThe computer industry is rapidly expanding both locally and globally, creating numerous opportunities in software support, hardware repair, network security, information management, consulting, programming, and education/training.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Computer Information Systems Computer Technology (IT Specialist) Computer Technology (Networking) Computer Technology (Programming) CybersecurityCertificates:
Cisco Networking Computer Informations Systems Computer Informations Technology Computer Technology - Data Analytics Cybersecurity Oracle Programming Programming System AdministrationCreative Media Technology merges design and digital media into an exciting course of study encompassing various dynamic technologies including print media, web design, multimedia, digital photography, game design, animation, and digital film.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Cholla CenterDegrees:
Digital Film Digital Graphics Technology Game DevelopmentCertificates:
Commercial Photography Creative Media Digital Audio Digital Graphics Digital Graphics Film Crew Training Game Design Graphics and Animation Web DesignAfter completing the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement program at DACC, students can pursue a range of rewarding careers. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in federal agencies like the FBI and DEA, as well as local and state law enforcement, such as the Las Cruces Police Department and New Mexico State Police.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Corrections Criminal Justice Law EnforcementCertificates:
Public Safety First Line SupervisorTrain with the experts at New Mexico's Premier Culinary Program! Our Culinary Arts Program teams students with American Culinary Federation Certified Chefs who have years of experience as working professionals. In our state-of-the-art laboratories, the program trains chefs, pastry chefs, cooks, and bakers for positions in the food service and hospitality field. The program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in a dynamic and in-demand profession. Students working in the industry can upgrade their skills and abilities to improve their workplace opportunities.
Program Length:
3 semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Culinary ArtsCertificates:
Baking and Pastry SavoryThe dental assisting program at Doña Ana Community College offers a certificate of completion in dental assisting. The dental assisting profession is both challenging and rewarding. Dental Assistants are professionals who enjoy helping others, work closely with patients and work collaboratively with other members of the dental team
Program Length:
3 semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Dental HygieneCertificates:
Certificate in Dental AssistingThe Associate Degree of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at Doña Ana Community College is a highly sought-after major at the Community College. Dental hygienists help improve oral health and support the health of individuals and groups. As licensed professionals, they provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Dental HygieneCertificates:
Certificate in Dental AssistingThe Doña Ana Community College (DACC) Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program has been in place since 2002, and accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) since 2005.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Diagnostic Medical SonographyCertificates:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Vascular SonographyThe Drafting and Design Technologies Program prepares students with skills in computer-aided drafting (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the theory and concepts to become successful in various drafting-related fields.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Cholla Center, East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Architectural Technology Civil/Survey Technology Mechanical Drafting and Solid Modeling Pre-Architecture Surveying TechnologyCertificates:
Architectural Technology Civil/Survey Technology Geographical Information Systems Drafting and Graphics Technology Mechanical Drafting and Solid Modeling Pre-ArchitectureTeachers and others working in the field of early childhood education must have strong foundational knowledge in child development theory and demonstrate practical skills while working directly with infants, toddlers, and young children.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa Campus, gadsdenDegrees:
Early Childhood EducationCertificates:
Early Childhood Development Early Childhood AdministratorAside from being knowledgeable in their subject, teachers and others working in the field of education must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand the students’ educational and emotional needs.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa Campus, Espina CampusDegrees:
Education (Elementary Education) Education (Elementary Special Education) Education (Secondary Language Arts) Education (Secondary Math) Education (Secondary Science) Education (Secondary Social Studies)New Mexico electric cooperatives and private firms that perform electrical line work often find it difficult to fill vacancies. DACC’s Electrical Lineworker Program is a one-year pre-apprenticeship certificate program designed to provide students with the technical background and the manual skills necessary for careers in the installation and maintenance of electrical power cables.
Program Length:
3 semestersCampus:
Espina CampusCertificates:
Electrical LineworkerThe explosion in the number and diversity of electronic devices used in home and industrial settings has greatly intensified the demand for qualified technicians. As orders for high-tech communications equipment and electronic products continue to rise, job opportunities for electronics technicians will expand even more.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Electronics Technology (Biomedical Electronics) Electronics Technology (General Electronics)Certificates:
Electronics Technology Biomedical ElectronicsA Fast-Paced, Challenging and Rewarding Career. Pre hospital emergency medical care is a challenging and exciting profession. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Emergency Medical ServicesCertificates:
First Responder Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Technician Basic Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate ParamedicThe Environmental and Energy Technologies Program provides students with foundational knowledge related to solar energy technology and solar panel systems, as well as related alternative-energy theory and concepts necessary to become successful in related fields.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
Workforce CenterDegrees:
Environmental and Energy TechnologiesCertificates:
Basic Solar Energy Conservation Energy Evaluation Solar Energy TechnologyEvery year, fire and other emergencies take thousands of lives and destroy property worth billions of dollars. Firefighters help protect the public against these dangers. They are frequently the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to put out a fire, treat injuries, or perform other vital functions.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Fire Science TechnologyCertificates:
Basic FirefighterThe job market for qualified engineering professionals has entered a new age. Regardless of industry trends and forecasts, one thing remains certain – engineers are an essential component to developing new ideas and furthering the many branches of engineering.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa Campus, Espina CampusDegrees:
General EngineeringHealth information technicians are specialists who help to centralize and process all medical records and data that flow through the system. Usually non-clinical in nature, HIT is one of the few health occupations in which there is little or no direct contact with patients
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Health Information TechnologyCertificates:
Health Information TechnologyThe climate in New Mexico creates a demand for skilled technicians in both heating and cooling because people prefer to live and work in comfort. Every new home, hospital, university building, shopping mall, or office complex requires installation mechanics, service technicians, operating engineers, maintenance foremen, and trained crews to keep complex environmental systems operating efficiently.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and RefrigerationCertificates:
HVAC/R Residential HVACStep into the exciting realm of hospitality and tourism with our comprehensive program designed to ignite your passion for travel, service, and unforgettable experiences. Our Hospitality and Tourism Program at Dona Ana Community College is your gateway to a thriving industry that spans the globe.
Program Length:
Based on CoursesCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Hospitality and Tourism - Food and Beverage Hospitality and Tourism - Lodging and Tourism Hospitality and TourismEmbrace a future filled with exciting opportunities in the vibrant world of hospitality through our comprehensive Hospitality Services Management Associate Degree program. Designed to cultivate your passion for exceptional service and efficient management, this program prepares you for success in a diverse range of hospitality sectors.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Hospitality Services ManagementAdult Education is learning the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for adults to transition to postsecondary education and/or find family-sustaining jobs. The Adult Education program at Doña Ana Community College provides opportunities for members of the Doña Ana community to improve their quality of life through the acquisition and improvement of English; critical reading, writing, and numeracy; and 21st Century workplace readiness skills at no charge to the individual.
Program Length:
Based on CoursesCampus:
East Mesa Campus, Workforce CenterDegrees:
Hospitality Services ManagementThe Nursing program at DACC affords students the opportunity to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Registered Nurses (RN), and members of a respected and rewarding profession. Nursing is a dynamic and exciting discipline offering not only the rewarding experiences of helping others achieve their health care goals, but also enabling the nurse to become a part of the rapidly advancing health delivery system of the future.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
Espina Campus, Sunland Park CampusDegrees:
NursingCertificates:
Licensed Practical NurseThe Office Administration Technology program focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for administrative roles in various organizations.
Program Length:
Based on CoursesCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Office Administration Technology (Administrative Assistant) Office Administration Technology (Bookkeeping Assistant) Office Administration Technology (Medical Office Assistant)Certificates:
Bookkeeping Office Administration Technology office Administration Technology - Medical Billing - Office Administration Technology - Medical TranscriptionLay the foundation for a successful business career with our comprehensive Pre-Business Associates Degree program at Dona Ana Community College. Whether you're a recent high school graduate exploring your interests or a working professional seeking to pivot into the business world, this program provides the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in a range of business disciplines.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa CampusDegrees:
Pre-BusinessThe Public Health Program provides the initial course work to prepare students for a career in public health. Public health is a population-based focus to health, with a focus on education, evaluation and policy. Individuals in this field interpret community data to determine health assets and needs develop interventions.
Program Length:
4 semestersCampus:
East Mesa Campus, Espina CampusDegrees:
Public HealthCertificates:
Community Health WorkerRadiologic Technologists are an important part of the medical team as they perform various radiographic procedures and collect necessary technical data for optimal patient assessment while maintaining safe radiation exposures for both patients and healthcare personnel.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Radiologic TechnologyCertificates:
Computed TomographyRespiratory Therapists play critical roles as members of the health care team in caring for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory therapists provide care for a diverse patient population, from newborns and children to adults and the elderly.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Respiratory TherapyThe Water Technology program is an award-winning, up-to-date technical training opportunity that will open doors to a career anywhere in the United States.
Program Length:
4+ semestersCampus:
Espina CampusDegrees:
Water TechnologyCertificates:
Water TechnologyWelders are more in demand now than in the past 30 years, with job opportunities expected to stay strong. They are essential in almost every industry using metal parts, offering diverse career paths. These range from precise aerospace work with electron beams and lasers to large-scale structural welding using submerged arc and flux core for buildings and bridges. Welding is adaptable, used everywhere from labs to underwater environments.