Ankeny Career Academy
Career Academy Contacts
Ellen Sandholm
Academic Advisor
emsandholm@dmacc.edu
515-201-1289
Alyssa Ploeger
Career Advantage, Coordinator
arploeger1@dmacc.edu
515-065-7172
Career Academy Programs at
DMACC Ankeny Campus
The DMACC Career Academy at Ankeny Campus provides state-of-the-art career and technical training and college credit to high school students.
The educational academies on the Ankeny Campus are listed below.
DMACC Career Academy programs are college level coursework infused with professional skills. In addition to earning college credit, students in all programs will:
- Learn, develop, and practice professional communication skills
- Compose a professional resume
- Complete job shadowing or internship experiences in business/industry
Classes Offered
These classes provide area high school students with excellent educational opportunities. Most DMACC Career Academy programs are one year long (two semesters); however, some programs are just a semester long. Several academies offer a second year of programming. Students must complete Year 1 before enrolling in Year 2. Registration in these courses is handled by local guidance counselors and principals.
Programs Available
This program introduces students to the highly technological industry of Auto Collision and Repair. Students will gain experience in the areas of basic shop operations and procedures, welding, painting and shop safety. Sixteen DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings. Completion of this program as a high school student provides the opportunity to complete the college diploma program in two college semesters.
The Automotive Technology program is designed to prepare students for employment in the automotive service industry. This technological program allows students to gain experience with shop tools, automotive engines, brakes, suspension and alignment. Twelve DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings. A second year of programming is available for returning students by arrangement.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Year 1 classes offered M-F 7:45-9:45 a.m. or 12:45-2:45 p.m. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| AUT111 | Intro to Automotive Technology I | 6 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AUT112 | Intro to Automotive Technology II | 6 |
| Year 2 classes offered M-F TBD | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| AUT163 | Automotive Engine Repair | 3 |
| AUT601 | Auto Electrical I | 4 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| AUT602 | Auto Electrical II | 4 |
| AUT870 | Auto Service Management | 2 |
The Business Academy is an exploratory academy for students interested in the business profession but unsure of their path. Students are provided a foundation of business-related courses that will prepare them for entrance in multiple business-related postsecondary opportunities. Fourteen DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Classes offered M-R 12:50-2:20 p.m. and F 12:50-1:50 p.m. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| BUS102 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| FIN121 | Personal Finance | 3 |
| SDV129 | Transition to College | 1 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MGT101 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MKT110 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| WBL100 | Exploring Careers | 1 |
These courses provide an introduction to the latest in computer science and programming. Eighteen DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
If you’re a dependable team member with mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and analytical thinking, CAD Tech could be for you. Careers are available in computer-aided design (CAD), including drawing in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional realms, designing new products, creating models, and more. You’ll learn how to use a variety of software packages, create prototypes, practice reverse engineering, perform geometric dimensioning, and more. Twelve DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
This program introduces students to the field of criminal justice. They encounter project-based learning in Introduction to Criminal Justice and Juvenile Delinquency. They participate in hands-on experiences in Criminal Investigation and Criminal Justice Report Writing. Students begin career exploration through tours and guest speakers in Survey of Criminal Justice Agencies. Included is a college preparation course, covering such topics as time management, study strategies, and financing their education. This year-long program includes fourteen DMACC credits.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Classes offered M-F 7:45-9:30 a.m. or 12:50-2:35 p.m. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| CRJ100 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRJ141 | Criminal Investigations | 3 |
| CRJ293 | Criminal Justice Report Writing | 1 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CRJ107 | Survey of Criminal Justice Agencies | 3 |
| CRJ201 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| SDV129 | Transition to College | 1 |
Culinary Arts classes offer hands-on experiences for students. Students are introduced to scientific principles used in food preparation, the hospitality industry, and fundamentals of dining and sanitation. Twelve DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings. A second year of programming is available for returning students by arrangement.
This program prepares students for a career in the area of diesel repair. Instruction
is in the repair, maintenance, and testing of diesel engines, power trains, and components
of trucks and construction equipment. Twelve DMACC credits are available upon completion
of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
This program introduces students to digital marketing tools and channels used by businesses and marketing agencies to communicate with customers. Students will gain a foundation of marketing principles and more specialized training that prepares them for a career in digital marketing. Courses cover social media, search engine optimization, customer relationship management, e-mail marketing, web development and content marketing.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Classes offered M-R 12:50-2:50 p.m., F 1:10-2:10 p.m. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MKT110 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MKT121 | Digital Marketing | 3 |
| SDV129 | Transition to College | 1 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MKT150 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
| MKT131 | Social Media Marketing | 3 |
| WBL100 | Exploring Careers | 1 |
Ready to make a difference? The Emergency Services Program provides students the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to provide lifesaving services. EMT students will function in uncommon and high-stress situations. These include performing patient assessments, obtaining vital signs, controlling hemorrhaging, bandaging wounds, administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (including using automated external defibrillators). They will also learn how to perform pre-hospital emergency medical care of simple and multiple system injuries. Six DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
*Students will have the opportunity to enroll either Fall or Spring.
*Students must be 17 years of age by the first day of class.
*In addition to classroom time, students will be required to attend clinical and field rotations. It will require an investment of approximately 48 hours outside of the normal classroom hours. Students will also have to complete a criminal background check and be CPR Certified required before the course begins. Must be American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Professional Rescuer/Healthcare Provider.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Classes offered M-R 7:45-9:45 a.m. and F 7:45-8:40 a.m. | ||
| Fall or Spring Semester | ||
| EMS214 | Emergency Medical Technician | 6 |
| WBL100 | Exploring Careers | 1 |
Immerse yourself in a dynamic, creative environment with other students who are passionate about the fashion industry. Whether you want to design, learn the business, or discover the latest trends, we'll help you find your place in the fashion industry. Students in the DMACC Fashion Institute (DFI) Career Academy get to participate in the annual DFI Fashion Show. Twelve DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Classes offered M,W 12:50-2:15 p.m. T,R 12:05-2:40 p.m. | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| APP261 | Fashion Industry Analysis | 3 |
| APP109 | Creative Design Foundations | 3 |
| Classes offered M,W 12:50-2:45 p.m. T,R 12:50-1:45 p.m., web blended | ||
| Spring Semester | ||
| APP240 | Fashion Design | 3 |
| MKT160 | Principles of Retailing | 3 |
*Courses require extended lab and clinical time in the evenings and/or weekends
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Classes offered M-F 7:45-9:45 a.m. or 12:45-2:45 p.m. | ||
| Single Semester Program—Fall or Spring | ||
| HSC172 | Nurse Aide Training | 3 |
| New Course | Career Exploration Based—Name TBD | 4 |
Students will learn the basics of machining, measuring, and print reading, and other
workplace skills. Enjoy working in a state of the art
machining lab, while you begin your journey towards one or more of the following careers:
- General Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- CNC Lathe or Mill Operator
- Quality Technician
- Engine (automotive) Machinist
- Gunsmithing
- Tool Making
- Mechanical or Production Engineer
There are eleven DMACC credits available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
Do you aspire to help others? Does the thought of working in healthcare excite you? Or is it just too much blood and guts? Don’t worry – healthcare pathways are available where you can still impact others, minus the blood and guts!
Have you considered a gratifying career in healthcare as a Patient Access Specialist? This role serves as the initial point of contact for patients and the face of the organization while advocating for the community's healthcare.
DMACC’s Patient Access Specialist Certificate program is 16 credits and may be completed online. Program courses are taught by instructors who have experience in the industry, providing best practices and guidance throughout the academic journey.
Upon completing the program, students may obtain positions with job titles such as Patient Access Specialist, Patient Advocate, Patient Experience Representative, etc. Many healthcare settings need the administrative services provided by the Patient Access Specialist to provide patient connections. This includes hospitals, clinics, health insurance organizations, home health agencies, etc.
If continuing your education is intriguing, the Patient Access Specialist program does ladder into other programs at DMACC. Did you know that Iowa State University has a Bachelor of Healthcare Management? Opportunities abound!
The DMACC Science Academy is for exceptional science students who wish to pursue college level Chemistry and Physics courses while in high school. Completing these challenging courses during high school gives students a chance to explore various careers in science and engineering. These science courses will help students springboard ahead of their peers, preparing them to be a year ahead in your major. Being a step ahead of your peers could open doors such as being first in line for advanced undergraduate research projects or obtaining a coveted internship.
Student can decide if they want to take PHY160 and PHY161 OR they can take Classical Physics - PHY213 and PHY223