The state of Arizona requires that all persons who perform cosmetology services hold a valid state license. Our cosmetology program meets all the standards in preparation for state board exams. 

Gila Community College: Cosmetology Certificate of Proficiency
The Cosmetology Program provides students an opportunity to apply cosmetology practices and principles in a simulated salon environment. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology Examination.

For more information, see the Cosmetology Program page.

Holding a DANB certification gives you an edge over other dental assistants. Employers prefer job candidates with DANB certification, and recruiters often seek out DANB certificants to fill dental assisting positions. DANB provides lists of certificants to dentists and employers who are looking to hire dental assistants who hold DANB certification.

According to DANB’s salary survey, DANB certificants earn over $2 more per hour than dental assistants who are not certified. The same survey revealed that DANB certificants have a low turnover rate, remaining with the same employer for more than seven years. DANB certificants are also dedicated professionals averaging more than 14 years of experience.

Gila Community College: Dental Assisting Specialist Certificate of Proficiency
This program of study provides the student with the necessary training to deliver quality oral healthcare. Our training includes X-ray imaging and clinical skills. This program provides the opportunity to become part of a professional dental team and to start a career in the healthcare field.

For more information, see the Dental Assistant Program page.

Gila Community College: Fire Science—Level I Certificate of Proficiency
This program, in cooperation with the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence (AZCFSE), prepares students for service as firefighters in rural settings. This certification emphasizes professional firefighting skills corresponding to the everyday demands of the profession. It is designed for both individuals already serving in the profession as firefighters and as a preparatory program for those who seek a career in firefighting.

Gila Community College: Fire Science—Level II Certificate of Proficiency
The Fire Science Level II Certificate program, in cooperation with the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence (AZCFSE), prepares students for service as firefighters in rural settings. This certification emphasizes professional firefighting skills corresponding to the everyday demands of the profession. It is designed for both individuals already serving in the profession as firefighters and as a preparatory program for those who seek a career in firefighting. This certificate allows students the opportunity to participate in field training using current fire suppression technology.

For more information, see the Fire Science Program page.

RPT (Phlebotomy Certification)
Certification is in increasing demand in the healthcare industry. More and more employers look at certification to assess whether an individual possesses the skills and knowledge for successful performance in a particular job role. Employers want to hire well-qualified individuals who will make positive contributions to quality patient care.

Gila Community College: Certificate of Proficiency
Upon completion of this certificate program, students are eligible to sit for the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification Examination to be certified as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). This program prepares you for an entry-level position as a medical assistant. Our program emphasizes preparation to perform both clerical duties and clinical duties in a medical office.

For more information, see the Medical Assistant Program page.

After more than 20 years regulating Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), the Arizona State Board of Nursing is converting to two levels of nursing assistant:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): a person who passes an approved CNA course and the state manual skills/written exams and whose name is placed on the CNA registry

• Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA): a person who meets CNA educational and exam requirements and, in addition, submits an application, fingerprints, and fees to the Arizona State Board of Nursing

Gila Community College: Nursing Assistant Certificate of Proficiency
This program prepares you for an entry-level position as a nursing assistant. Our program emphasizes basic patient care skills based on the knowledge of universal precautions, asepsis, basic human needs, body mechanics, treatments and procedures, patient admission, transfer, discharge, and eldercare.

For more information, see the Nursing Assistant Program page.

One of the best ways to advance your welding career is by earning a specialized certification. This opens up opportunities for more money, leadership roles, and higher level career challenges. AWS offers nine different certification categories, from inspectors, supervisors, and educators to radiographic interpreters, welding engineers, and fabricators.

Gila Community College: Certificate of Proficiency
The Welding Technology Certificate Program provides the student an opportunity to develop skills using various welding and cutting tools, techniques, and materials in preparation for entry into the welding trades. Welding certification by an independent agency is available.

For more information, see the Welding Technology Program page.