Your Community's College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years.
The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including...
Local aviation program appeals to aspiring pilots
One of the lesser-known programs San Jacinto College offers is the aeronautical technology (aviation) program. Often overlooked by many students wishing to obtain a private or commercial pilot license, or aviation management degree, many students are surprised to learn about these career training opportunities right in their own back yard.
“I was searching online for flight schools and found...
From water to the port, students train for a wealth of maritime and trade opportunities
Houston is home to one of the world’s busiest ports, and with upcoming global events, traffic is expected to increase. The need for skilled maritime employees is becoming ever more apparent.
The Panama Canal expansion in 2014, coupled with an aging maritime workforce, unveils an anticipation of increased port traffic and an employee shortage across all skill levels.
“The Department of Labor...
Continuing and Professional Development: Education for career and life
Courses are designed with exact skills requested by workforce; programs available to enhance quality of life.
There are areas within colleges that offer noncredit course options; and then, there is the Continuing and Professional Development division at San Jacinto College.
The CPD division delivers the exact skills a person needs to fit right into positions that are in high demand across...
How to pay for college [infographic]
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Students train in truck driving as highways roll out the jobs
Unlike some industries that struggle with job growth, others, like truck driving, are enjoying a wealth of employment opportunities.
Transportation and material moving occupations are projected to add 1.3 million new jobs by 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Perhaps this is why students like Kurt Wankowski of Friendswood, are going back to school to train as truck...
A day in the life of a San Jacinto College student
A typical day for 30-year-old Julio Lopez revolves around college, work, and family.
Upon graduation from Pasadena High School, he went into the Marine Corps and served as an avionics technician. Lopez returned home and attended San Jacinto College as an automotive technology student. “I was very impressed with the automotive program and that is what persuaded me to later on enroll in the...
The Wonder Women: Cultivating Curiosity in STEM
For decades, women in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields have been overshadowed simply due to preconceived gender differences. Even today, interest in STEM careers among young girls starts dwindling in middle school. Stereotypes, lack of self-confidence, and the fear of failure set in, keeping them from furthering any interest and curiosity they may have had. Educators at...
Auto collision students use virtual spray paint technology
Technology is integrated in almost every career field, and now even more in education. With an entire generation of technical professionals beginning to retire, many company recruiters and workforce education programs have to find new, creative ways to attract potential employees.
In order to appeal to a younger workforce, programs like San Jacinto College’s automotive collision repair...
Automotive technology program cruises technicians on into workforce
Just about everyone needs a vehicle, which means those vehicles need repair at times.
One could say the automotive industry is much like any service-based industry - where there are needs, there are careers. That’s why students like Theodore Reardon of Spring already have a job, and yet, are going back to college to obtain the certifications needed to move up in the workplace.
“I got...
IBUS student on the road to launching transport business
Ivan Richardson is well on his way to launching a successful heavy machinery transport business, thanks to practical training he is receiving as a student in San Jacinto College’s International Business and Logistics (IBUS) program.
Richardson grew up in the Galena Park area, and graduated from Furr High School. Living near the Port of Houston, he watched the Ship Channel grow and develop, and...
Where behind the scenes is the front line to quality assurance
Ever wondered how materials are tested to hold up? There are technicians behind the scenes who have inspected and tested the items to ensure the highest quality. Yet, careers in such line of work, called non-destructive testing, often go undetected.
“We face a loss of half of our non-destructive testing workers due to retirement,” said Stephen Rowland, NDT program director at San Jacinto...
Pharmacy alum pays it forward
It’s not every day that a student in the middle of finishing a master’s degree suddenly quits to start another career path from scratch, but that’s exactly what San Jacinto College pharmacy technology alumnae Meredith Fugitt did.
“I was literally halfway done completing my master’s degree in psychology when I decided that it wasn’t the right decision for me,” said Fugitt....
Medical physics student part of effort to eliminate cancer
Making Cancer History” is the goal of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. San Jacinto College honors graduate Jackie Castro hopes to be a part of that effort to do away with cancer.
Castro attends MD Anderson’s School of Heath Professions, where she plans to earn a bachelor of science in medical dosimetry in 2014, en route to earning a PhD in medical physics. “I would love...
6-week program places students in the driver’s seat of a new career
The need for truck drivers isn’t going anywhere. In fact, almost 20 percent more people will be needed to cruise the highways by 2020, as industries are picking up speed across all areas from energy to manufacturing.
Monique Carter knew this and didn’t miss a beat when it came to signing up for truck driving courses at San Jacinto College. Within six weeks, the single mother and military...
Program renowned for supplying Houston with skilled technicians
It’s widely known across the Houston area that one place ensures the training of highly-skilled automotive technicians in a variety of manufacturers.
“The majority of our technicians come from San Jacinto College,” said Danny Barnett, service manager with Monument Chevrolet. “We trust the automotive program for high quality technicians.”
That trust comes from years of providing the...
LVNs and EMTs thrive in accelerated RN program
For licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and paramedics, finding a path to continue their education and transition to a career as a registered nurse (RN) can be difficult. San Jacinto College’s associate degree nursing (ADN) mobility program is designed specifically for these medical professionals. The program considers work schedules, builds on professional experience, and delivers an accelerated...
Math on Set
How many Hollywood directors have math majors on their film crew? Chances are if you spot a shoot in Houston, you’ll find San Jacinto College alum Andrew Olson using math to help capture those perfect on-screen shots.
Now a full-time freelancer, Olson brings a little something extra to the table when it comes to film shoots. “Even though my associate degree is in math, most of the jobs I do...
Your community’s college
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years.
As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, San Jacinto College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of approximately 30,000 credit students. The College...
Sous chef comes full circle back to San Jacinto College
As many can see from the cut-throat competition of TV reality shows, it’s not that easy to make a name for yourself in the world of culinary arts.
However, one San Jacinto College graduate has … in one of America’s largest cities. James Heard, 33, of Laredo, Texas, began his journey to culinary greatness back when he used to visit his grandmother in Mexico. Waking up at 6 a.m. and sweeping...
Your Community’s College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, San Jacinto College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of approximately 30,000 credit students. The College...
San Jacinto College alumna hopes to make a difference as a caring, dedicated nurse
Elena Mallary wants to make a difference by being compassionate, caring, and dedicated to her patients.
She found her career path as a nursing student at San Jacinto College, earning a certificate of technology in vocational nursing in 2011. She then passed her national licensure exam as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, and transferred to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of...
Your community’s college
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, and three-time Aspen Award finalist, San Jacinto College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of approximately...
College offers free in-demand IT certification training
One of the fastest growing industries in today’s job market is computer information technology (CIT). Much of the American workforce depends on technology driven by computers that the demand for certified IT professionals grows almost daily.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists Texas as the state with the highest employment level of computer network support specialists (18,560...
Small Business Development Center opens doors for more than just small businesses
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at San Jacinto College, which is administered by the College’s Continuing and Professional Development division, helps businesses to start new ventures, expand, boost productivity, and maximize profitability.
Although the word small appears in the organization’s name, it is anything but.
According to Richard Prets, the San Jacinto College SBDC...
Health occupations program creates stepping-stones for variety of medical careers
As Houston continues to hold its prominent position in the medical world, many new career opportunities are becoming available. The San Jacinto College Continuing and Professional Development division offers a number of health occupation training programs to enable students to enter the medical workforce with quality certification training to start their medical careers.
Programs like the...
Craft trades considered by industry as highly valued skill sets
We all need shelter, electricity, and transportation, and as long as the needs are there, jobs will be available. That is Dr. J.D. Taliaferro’s motto for those training in Applied Technologies and Trades at San Jacinto College.
“Everyone has woken up and realized that the craft trade areas provide lucrative careers,” said Dr. Taliaferro, director of Applied Technologies and Trades. “I...
Aerospace Academy gives students STEM at their fingertips
One of the most unique programs the San Jacinto College Continuing and Professional Development division offers to students is the Aerospace Academy. For more than a decade, the Aerospace Academy has partnered with the NASA-Johnson Space Center Office of Education to collaborate with education, industry, government, economic development, and community groups to advance science, technology,...
Companies visit San Jacinto College for engineering design graphics candidates
Representatives from Oil States Industries recently held a recruiting event at San Jacinto College to meet with associate degree drafting candidates from the engineering design graphics (EDG) program. Kelly Collins, with the human resources department at Oil States Industries, said that the company is looking to hire two entry-level drafters per semester.
“We know San Jacinto College provides...
From deckhand to captain, maritime industry offers variety of career opportunities
When José Tamayo and Calvin Aubry step foot onto the deck of the Galveston Island Ferry, they can be in for a long day as deckhands. But as they both see it, what’s better than a day on the water?
The deckhand is the first position for a person vying for a chance to work in the maritime industry. It is a position that opens doors as mariners continue to obtain their U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)...
Demand is high in the international business logistics career field
Houston remains one of the leading shipping and distribution centers of the world, and it is no surprise that there is strong demand for people with training in supply chain management, also known as international business and logistics (IBUS).
San Jacinto College offers a one-year occupational certificate, and a two-year associate degree program in IBUS and IBUS Maritime and Logistics...
An industry always hiring to keep the lights on
Texas boasts some of the highest employment for electricians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as many of the top-growing industries are located within the Houston region.
With a median pay at an average of $50,000 a year, anyone interested in working as an electrician can benefit from knowing that he or she can train and gain employment in as little as two years.
“The security...
Training for health care’s newest demand
Combine a master’s in electrical engineering, computer science, and high school graduate enthusiasm, and you get just some of the diverse backgrounds of San Jacinto College’s biomedical clinical equipment technician program.
All patient care technology requires maintenance and repair. Houston is one of the largest global medical hubs, which prompted San Jacinto College to launch the program...
Faculty Spotlight: Eddie Foster’s journey to finding the ‘best job’
Eddie Foster’s lifelong love may be high school football, but the Mont Belvieu native describes how the lovesick blues set him on a path into welding, or what he calls the “best job.”
As department chair of industrial technology at San Jacinto College, Foster now guides students along a path that has changed from on-the-job training to formal education.
What jumpstarted your career in...
Fast track training can have students job ready in one semester
San Jacinto College offers numerous “fast track” programs at each of its three campuses that can have graduates ready for entry-level positions with just one semester of training. Credit hours in most of the fast track programs can be applied toward a higher certificate or associate degree, allowing many students to work while completing college.
Fast track programs are available in a...
The best of both words — training nurses through nursing
Nursing students looking to specialize in maternal and neonatal nursing have a great advantage taking classes with San Jacinto College vocational nursing professor Dora Martin. Aside from teaching, Martin is also a women’s nurse practitioner. Her constant encouragement and motivation in the classroom make her a mentor to so many of her students.
Describe the difference between a nurse and a...
Chemistry professor concerned about shortage in science, tech fields
How would you summarize your professional career, including your service as an educator?
“I worked for 12 years in the chemical industry. Part of that time I worked as a quality assurance supervisor for Hercules (now Ashland), which produced plastic pellets, gunpowder, and other products. I also worked for Dow Chemical in technical services, and in industrial hygiene. I have about 26 years of...
The many images of a long-time medical radiography career
How long has Cindra Daniels taught in the San Jacinto College medical radiography program? Let’s just say that if she were to need an X-ray exam anywhere within a 30-mile radius, chances are very good that a former student will be her technologist.
“That is always a nice feeling,” said Daniels. “I love seeing my former students, especially after all these years.”
For 35 years, Ms....
Dental Assisting program off to a promising start
Dental assisting, a new allied health program at San Jacinto College, is off to a promising start.
“The program is still in its infancy and has officially graduated two classes,” commented Sarah Pinto, dental assisting program director. “Thus far, the average completion rate stands at 91.5 percent. We have started the third class and anticipate 100 percent completion with increased...
A Breath of Fresh Air
For students wanting to enter the medical field but aren’t sure where to start, San Jacinto College’s respiratory care program is a gateway to many opportunities.
Respiratory therapists provide care, through the use of diagnostic testing, to patients with abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary systems. Therapists practice their specialty under the direction of licensed physicians and perform...
Training for the operating room
Many people find their calling in health care, and some, like Cassandra Gonzales, seek to be a part of the surgical process.
Gonzales was recently hired as a surgical technologist at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. Prior to graduating from San Jacinto College in August 2014, she underwent rigorous training to prepare in skills that are highly sought out, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics...
Health Information Management combines patient care, management, technology
Health Information Management (HIM) is a burgeoning career field that rewards people who enjoy using organizational, technological, and people skills while providing valuable health care services. The San Jacinto College HIM program trains students in a range of technical health information services, including the analysis, security, integration, and management of valuable health information.
The...
Mental health instructor thrives on helping others
Cayman Tirado is a mental health services instructor at San Jacinto College. She is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor - Intern.
Question: What attracted you to the field of mental health services?
CAYMAN TIRADO:
I always knew I wanted to help others, but did not know it would be in the area of mental health. My college major was anthropology with a focus on anxiety disorders in...
Caring for the gift of sight
Eyesight. It’s one of the five senses that a person cannot afford to ignore.
This is why San Jacinto College students in the eye care technology program are trained extensively for their careers through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations in ophthalmic offices and clinics.
The San Jacinto College program is the only accredited technician-level training program...
Training to meet the nursing demand
The final statement of the nurses’ Florence Nightingale Pledge says, “With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.” At San Jacinto College, training nursing students to not only recite the Nightingale Pledge as they graduate, but to also practice what they pledge, has led to a tradition of excellence in...
Collaboration blends audio engineering with broadcast technology
In addition to the audio engineering program, San Jacinto College offers a Certificate of Technology in Music Broadcast Audio through a joint collaboration with Alvin Community College.
Broadcast technology includes the set-up, operation, and maintenance of electronic equipment for the transmission of radio and television programs, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics. Technicians also...
Training to transform and design
Interior design program includes wealth of experiences before students enter the workforce
If there is one message Kelly Harris of Baytown wants everyone to know, it is that the work of interior designers includes a lot more than what many people realize. Anywhere there is construction or remodeling, interior designers will be needed to come in and work their magic.
“I’m really enjoying...
A program designed to teach both language and future educators
San Jacinto College offers noncredit courses in English and courses to work in K-12 education
There are a variety of ways for a person to begin a new career. One area of the Continuing and Professional Development is Community Education for people who either want to learn English as a second language (ESL) or begin their training and career in education.
The English as a Second Language...
From backstage to on stage, you can do it all
San Jacinto College provides a balanced blend of theatre courses
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” – William Shakespeare.
The Bard’s words of wisdom ring true, even in the 21st century. Accordingly, San Jacinto College provides a balanced blend of courses in theatre performance, theatre education, and technical training.
“Practical skills in the...
Dance program helping to dispel primitive dance myth
As a living art form, dance is constantly evolving almost by the minute. Whether it’s a student taking a dance course for the first time or a student on their way to a university dance program, San Jacinto College’s dance program offers its students a blank canvas to express themselves at any level.
[caption id="attachment_1227" align="alignleft" width="280"] Corinne Miller, dance program...
Music is the universal language
Many graduates of the College’s music department are now professionals
Music is the universal language, and San Jacinto College offers a wide range of music courses and degree options to help students develop their talents and pursue careers in the dynamic music industry.
Students have many opportunities to perform in large and small ensembles, not only in recitals, but also in concerts that...
Behind every hit record is an audio engineer
Students graduate from the audio engineering program with work experience
There is no doubt that the best musicians have the talent to rise to the top, but they also have the right sound team.
As San Jacinto College student Blake Patterson puts it, every great song has a great audio engineer behind it. This is why Patterson drives from Spring, Texas, each day to San Jacinto College to obtain...
New facility enables College to keep pace with rising demand for workforce training
Work to start soon on Center for Industrial Technology
Construction will soon begin on a new Center for Industrial Technology (CIT) at the San Jacinto College North Campus, with a projected completion date of October 2016.
There is a critical need for the new, state-of-the-art facility to provide workforce training for businesses and industries in the rapidly growing North Channel area. The new...
Earning the right certifications to get ahead
Applied Technologies and Trades offers NCCER certification courses to give job applicants the credentials needed for hiring
Brenitha Richardson knows a thing or two about the value of certification training when it comes to obtaining and keeping a job in some of the largest industries in Texas. In fact, she holds a few certifications of her own.
“In the past, it was experience that got you into...
Recipe for success
“It’s a great time to be in the culinary business. The possibilities are endless.”
So says Manny Chavez, who earned a culinary arts associate degree from San Jacinto College and who is in the process of launching his own unique restaurant business – Brink Dining.
Brink is a “pop-up” restaurant venture, a relatively new concept in the culinary career field that is considerably...
Beauty that won’t break the bank
Chances are if you’re a student, you like to keep up with the latest fashion and beauty trends, but you’re also watching your wallet.
The San Jacinto College cosmetology program provides quality salon services for one-third the cost you would pay at a retail salon. Students, faculty, and community members can get most of the same professional hair and beauty services right on campus....
Supplying region’s key industries with trained workers
San Jacinto College works with companies to deliver right training for oil and gas and manufacturing industries
Contrary to headlines, the oil and gas industry is booming, especially on the downstream side. This could explain why there’s an even bigger need for skilled process operators, instrumentation technicians, welders, and pipefitters.
Case in point, everyone Joshua White knows within the...
The STEM behind automotive repair
More knowledge can equal a faster and more efficient repair
Sarah Heasty is an automotive rock star. The recent San Jacinto College graduate was recognized for passing all eight areas of the automobile Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams to achieve Master Certification and Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification (L1), a rare feat among college students.
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Meet the ‘dynamic duo’ female welding instructors
The best man for the job might be a woman
San Jacinto College’s Emily Choate and Amber Tyler are breaking stereotypes and demonstrating that women can excel in the male-dominated welding industry.
The education and career paths of the two ladies are remarkably similar. Choate earned a welding technology associate degree from San Jacinto College in 2004 and went straight to the field as a welder...
Constructing your own path
Engineering Design Graphics faculty inspires students
For Mary Ann Blake (AIA), being one of the only females in her university’s architecture program was never an issue. Even now in her engineering design graphics classes, while females are still in smaller numbers compared to male students, she says she never really notices. To her, the quality of the individual’s work speaks for itself, and...
Initiative matters most when working in maritime
More women have career opportunities in maritime as industry evolves
Capt. Carol Curtiss and Capt. Amy Arrowood have traveled the world as mariners. They know what it’s like to be one of a few women on board a ship at any given time.
They are two of the 27 percent of women employed in the water transportation industry in the United States, and two of the 50,000 employed as captains and ship...
Customized training according to company need
CPD division offers training CNC, industrial maintenance, and millwright.
There’s an area of San Jacinto College that specializes in creating courses at the request of companies.
[caption id="attachment_1453" align="alignright" width="240"] Instructor Steve McGinley demonstrates how students train in Computer Numeric Control (CNC) using equipment often used in industry at San Jacinto...
Credit for Prior Learning lowers costs, saves time
San Jacinto College’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is an initiative to help students lower costs and save time by avoiding duplication of course work.
People from all walks of life, with diverse educational experiences choose San Jacinto College. Many follow the traditional path of enrolling right after high school graduation. Others are home-schooled. Some transfer from other colleges. Some...