Coastal Bend College

Academics

A wide variety of academic programs are available here. Degrees offered include the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Certificates of Achievement. The medical and health career tracks are particularly strong. Skills and classes include the Medication Administration course, offered to those already employed in a Medicare or Medicaid skilled nursing facility, teaches the preparation and administration of medications to residents of those facilities. A one-day refresher class in medication administration is offered for those who have previously been trained but haven’t used their skills recently.

Specialized Programs and Requirements

Students interested in the Registered Nursing program must take and pass the TEAS exam with a score of at least 75 as well as pass a drug test and a criminal background check.

The phlebotomy course teaches venitech skills leading to the Texas State Exam at the completion of the class. As part of the class, students must complete 15 full days of clinical work, including at least 120 successful venipunctures and 20 finger pricks.

The Pharmacy Technician program is a 12 month certificate program. Pharmacy technicians in Texas work under the supervision of a pharmacist to provide technical services that do not require professional judgement, such as filling prescriptions, preparing sterile pharmacy products, reviewing new prescriptions, transcribing physician orders, maintaining inventory, and more.

The Child Development education prepares students to take jobs in child care centers, including preschool programs, Head Start operations, private kindergartens, and as teacher assistants in grade schools. To qualify for the program, prospective students must test negatively for tuberculosis, pass a criminal background check, and have CPR and First Aid certifications. For some positions, it is necessary to also acquire a food handler’s certificate. Students who may pose any kind of threat to children will be excluded from the program.

Academic Programs for Transfer

A large percentage of graduates go on to four year institutions to earn a bachelor’s degree. The school offers 27 areas of concentration in credits which are transferable to four year institutions. Popular programs for students planning to transfer include computer science, elementary education, pre-med, pharmaceutical studies, and business administration.

Vocational Education

Occupational and vocational training courses are offered in accounting, air conditioning and refrigeration, child development, drafting and design technology, welding, office automation technology, vocational nursing, cosmetology, dental hygiene, office management, law enforcement, and health information technology. A large number of adult vocational classes and forms of community service education are offered. These classes are not eligible for credit on a transcript and cannot qualify for financial aid.

College Credit for High School Students

College credit programs are offered to area high school students who wish to begin earning college credit early. To qualify, students must apply for admission, receive permission from their high school counselor and principal, and sign a course articulation agreement.

Spanish Immersion

A summer intensive class in Spanish immersion is a unique program offered here. The course takes place on site in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Students take classes at the Institute for Second Language Acquisition, live with Spanish-speaking families, and generally enjoy the rich culture and delicious food available in San Juan. Sessions are available for high school students, traditional college students, and adults of all ages. Spanish teachers in public schools may earn up to 60 hours of continuing professional education credit through the program.

Basic Adult Education

The college is the main educating body in the field of adult basic education in the Beeville area. This program provides reading, writing, and English instruction for adults with minimal educations. One of the largest arms of the program is English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. The adult basic education program also offers General Equivalency Degree (GED) studies.

Leadership Training

Leadership training is available for community members in their catchment area through the Texas Rural Leadership Program (TRPL). Program offerings are extensive and include workshops, field trips, visiting lecturers, and more.

Academic Services

CBC offers several services to help their students succeed in academia. These include academic advising, special needs services for students with documented learning disabilities or physical disabilities, career development services, and assistance with employment searches.