The certificate provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for entry level positions in today’s offices. Students upon completion of the certificate program have the option of continuing for an A.A.S. degree in Administrative Office Specialist.

The Automotive Technology program is designed to prepare individuals for jobs in maintenance and mechanical repair of cars and light trucks. The occupational competencies are aligned with National Automotive Technical Foundation (NATEF) and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards. Post-secondary automotive technology programs are expected to teach eight competency areas: 1)proper tool care and safe work environment, 2) preparing service work orders, 3)repairing electrical/electronic systems, 4)repairing steering and suspension systems, 5)engine performance diagnostics and repair, 6)brake systems, 7)manual drive train and axles, and 8)heating and air-conditioning systems. Students must demonstrate satisfactory competence in each of the eight areas of focus in order to receive their Automotive Technology Certificate. A mechanical aptitude test will be administered to students before admission into the program.

This is an entry-level tractor-trailer driver course. The primary goal of the program is to train the student driver to obtain a Commercial Driver license. Supervised training is used as a reliable way of teaching the special skills required to safely and legally operate various types of tractor -trailer combinations (van trailer, tanker, doubles, and triples). The curriculum incorporates general theories of tractor-trailer operation including proper maintenance, pre-trip inspections, daily log requirements, professional tractor-trailer maneuvers (basic skills) and field trips (driving the rig) throughout the Four Corners area. Graduates are employable as professional over-the-road drivers, drivers for local companies, or establish their own trucking company.

Degree Checklist (PDF)

Program Advisor
Collins Woody, CDL Instructor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 505.786.4248

The purpose of a one-semester certificate program in Heavy Equipment is to prepare students to operate and maintain heavy equipment for professional work in the construction industry. The students will receive classroom instruction and gain hands-on experience. A construction equipment operator drives and controls construction equipment, such as forklifts, backhoes, front end loaders, excavators, motor grades, and dozers. A heavy equipment operator assists construction of structures, bridges, roads, and buildings.

This is an entry-level tractor-trailer driver course. The primary goal of the program is to train the student driver to obtain a Commercial Driver license. Supervised training is used as a reliable way of teaching the special skills required to safely and legally operate various types of tractor-trailer combinations (van trailer, tanker, doubles, and triples). The curriculum incorporates general theories of tractor-trailer operation including proper maintenance, pre-trip inspections, daily log requirements, professional tractor-trailer maneuvers (basic skills) and field trips (driving the rig) throughout the Four Corners area. Graduates are employable as professional over-the-road drivers, drivers for local companies, or establish their own trucking company.

The Certificate Program in Computer Science requires 31 credit hours and is designed for a one-year program of study. The program is designed to prepare students for entry level job on Navajo Nation and students may continue to obtain and an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree.

• General Education Requirements – 13 Credits
• Core Computer Science Courses – 18 Credits

The Construction Technology program is designed to prepare students for careers in the construction industry. The occupational competencies are aligned with the National Center for Construction Education and Research standards. Construction technology includes units of instruction in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, construction math, plans, specifications, and building codes, facilities maintenance, computer-aided drafting, and welding technology. In addition to obtaining technical skills, students completing the program will have also developed competence in advanced critical thinking, career development, applied academics, and leadership skills required for construction technology occupations. The program uses a delivery system made up of four integral parts: Formal/technical instruction, experiential learning, supervised occupational experience, and the career technical student organization, Skills USA. For their own safety, students are expected to wear protective clothing and steel- toed shoes when attending classes.

The Certificate Program in Counseling requires 34 credit hours and is designed for a one-year program of study. The program is designed to prepare students for entry level job on Navajo behavioral health facilities and students may continue to obtain and an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. Graduates from this program will work on the Navajo Nation behavioral health facilities and eight graduates will be needed per year.

The Culinary Arts program provides students with the basic knowledge needed for entry into the professional food industry. Instruction focuses on a maximum hands-on experience, as well as theory and safety. Students will be involved in all aspects of meal preparation for the staff, students, and community.

The Electrical Trades program enables students to develop marketable skills and gain the knowledge needed to excel at various jobs in the electrical industry such as electrician, apprentice lineman, maintenance electrician, and electrical sales.

The electrical trade’s classes meet each day in indoor or outdoor labs specifically designed for practical work experience within the trade. Safety rules, basic electricity, low voltage systems, ground fault circuit interceptors, correct and safe use of tools and equipment, design and installation of various circuits, use of the National Electrical Codes, and the study and practice of safe, efficient, and well-designed electrical systems for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities are the general topics covered in the program.

Students planning to pursue a Journeyman Electrician Certificate through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department will gain one year of work experience from their electrical theory and lab experience at NTU. In order to improve their chances for acceptance into apprenticeship programs, students are strongly encouraged to take higher level math courses such as MATH 1115 and/or MATH 1220.

The program is designed to prepare students for entry into an engineering or technology program. All of the credits earned as part of the certificate program apply fully to first year requirements in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Students completing this certificate can work as an Engineering Technician or Draftsperson.

• General Education Requirements – 11 Credits (The minimum is 10 for a certificate.)
• Core Pre-Engineering Courses – 21 Credits

The Environmental Science and Natural Resources certificate program emphasizes a thorough overview of environmental laws, regulatory compliance and safety through Native American perspectives on environmental and natural resource protection and management. The certificate program is designed to provide students with the education and training to obtain entry-level positions as environmental or natural resources technicians. Additional training and education lead to an A.A.S. degree; this portion of the training deals with skills in assisting with managing projects and interpreting data, with emphasis on Native American training needs.

The Geographic Information Technology (GIT) program will serve to introduce students to the fundamental principles of geographic information systems, remote sensing, database applications, cartography, and enable students to understand the current state of knowledge residing in a geographic information system. The GIT program seeks to ready students for positions with governmental agencies, engineering companies, and topographical drafting organizations. Through the knowledge they receive from this program, they will also be capable of finding employment in a GIT department.

Navajo Technical University offers a certificate in Industrial Maintenance and Operations. An industrial maintenance mechanic is a person trained to repair and maintain commercial or industrial machinery in buildings, plants or factories. This program focuses on vibration analysis, electrical troubleshooting, drive system repair and hydraulic, pneumatic system troubleshooting and repair. They also troubleshoot and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrical control systems and complete preventive maintenance of other types of machinery. The program is designed to serve the needs of the community, state, and federal agencies and companies in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Upon completion of the program, the students may decide to work, or if they want to further their education, they can transfer their credits to any college of their choice. Graduates of this program should be able to seek gainful employment in companies such as paper mills, saw mills, and the utilities companies.

The IT certificate is designed to ensure a thorough knowledge of information systems and includes general practice using contemporary technologies in troubleshooting, problem solving, organization, customer support, analysis, evaluation, communication, and transmission of information. The certificate fosters communication skills through interpersonal and group interaction, opportunities through appropriate collaborative and active learning projects and experiences. Students who successfully complete the certificate program may continue in the program to complete requirements for an associate degree as an Information Technology Technician.

The certificate in Law Enforcement on an academic track, that prepares students to fill both certified and non-certified law enforcement and criminal justice related positions. Students should be aware the different states have different requirements for police officer certification. The academic track does not provide certification for police officers in any state. The academic certificate, unlike the Navajo Nation Police Academy Law Enforcement Technical Certificate, includes twelve hours of general education.

The technical certificate of Law Enforcement is a joint effort between NTU and the Navajo Nation Public Safety Department to produce Navajo Nation Police Officers. The 22-week certificate program provides both the academic and skills components that are required for Navajo Nation Law enforcement. The candidate must: 1. Satisfy the certificate requirements in the program prior to the date of graduation at which the certificate is to be awarded. 2 Have a minimum of 12 semester credits in residence that apply toward the certificate being pursued and meet the requirements for the applicable program.

The Legal Assistant Certificate is intended to provide students with office skills and specialized legal knowledge and training in order to work as legal assistants under the supervision of attorneys and law advocates in the tribal, state, and federal legal and judicial systems. The Legal Assistant Certificate program combines courses from the Administrative Office Specialist program, the Information Technology program, and the Law Advocate program, giving the student knowledge and skills in a variety of areas.

Mathematics is a program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. It includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations. Mathematics is a versatile program that can be applied to almost any career. A student with a degree in mathematics will have an endless opportunity. A student who studies mathematics will have the ability to think analytically, solve problems, and communicate precisely. Graduates of this program should be able to seek gainful employment as a teacher, mathematician, statistician, financial analyst, consultant, engineer, physician, lawyer, and research analyst.

The program is comprised of classes in legal (tribal court) interpretation. The interpretation program involves a class in the introduction to the field of interpretation, a class in consecutive, simultaneous and sight interpretation, and a class in legal interpretation (tribal court system). Each student’s progress and potential for successful completion of the program will be evaluated. Students must complete this course with a grade B or higher, and must receive a score of at least a B on the exit examination in order to receive a certificate. This course will address the development and an awareness of the principles and the current issued involved in interpretation and translation.

The Nursing Assistant program is for students who are interested in pursuing a Nursing Assistant Certificate and/or pre-requisites for an associate degree in nursing. Through this certificate program, students will learn the specific skill sets of the nursing assistant and prepare students to apply to an associate degree in nursing program. The nursing assistant courses prepare students for immediate employment as a nurse assistant. Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Nursing Assistant Certificate and are eligible to take the New Mexico Nurse Assisting Certification (CNA) exam.

Admission into NRS 101/102, the C.N.A. clinical courses require students to have a minimum of 2.0 (C) GPA or permission of the instructor to take NRS 101/102. Students are required to have or obtain current CPR training prior to beginning their internship, and is offered during the beginning of NRS 101 semester. The appropriate level of CPR training is the CPR for Health Care Providers and should be obtained from the American Heart Association. In addition, students are also required to have a physical exam and current tuberculosis test (PPD), as well as a clear background check to be admitted into clinical internship placement (NRS 102).

Offered only at Kirtland Instructional Site

The plumbing program prepares students to install and repair water distribution system, drainage, gas, bathtubs, toilets, dishwashers, and water heaters, septic tanks in homes, business, and factories. Graduates are able to find work as pipefitters or steamfitters by installing and maintaining pipes, which carry chemicals and gases in manufacturing, commercial, and industrial settings. Support is available for apprenticeship program to obtain journeyman certification in plumbing.

The Professional Baking program provides students with the basic skills for the entry levels of commercial baking in a professional environment. Instruction focuses on a maximum hands-on experience as well as theory and safety. Students will be involved in all aspects of baking preparation including breads, sweet breads, assorted pastries, cakes and cake decorating.

The Welding Technology Program prepares students for work in the field Welding Technology. In addition to gaining an overall understanding of welding machines, weld processes, and hands-on welding proficiency, students develop skills in the areas of blueprint reading, welding symbols, weld inspection, destructive and non-destructive testing, metallurgy, computer-aided drafting along with precisions machine tool operations. Students gain knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for weld qualification to code specifications.

The Certificate in Welding Technology stresses the practical applications of welding on plate pipe in all positions and the necessary theory to support those skill levels. Welding skills are developed with supported courses. A student must earn a grade of C or higher in all courses required for the program in order to receive a certificate.