Lawson State Community College Campuses

The Bessemer Campus of Lawson State Community College serves the western Jefferson County area with accessible, career-focused education. It specializes in technical and vocational programs, promoting skill development for local industries like manufacturing and healthcare.

• Automotive Technology: In-depth instruction on vehicle maintenance, collision repair, and painting. Students work with modern diagnostic tools and learn sustainable practices, aiming for ASE certifications and employment in auto service centers.
• Practical Nursing: A certificate program covering fundamentals of nursing, medical terminology, and clinical rotations. Prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and roles as licensed practical nurses in clinics and long-term care facilities.
• Office Administration: Training in administrative procedures, Microsoft Office Suite, records management, and customer service. Emphasizes soft skills like communication and ethics for office support positions.
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR): Courses on installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems. Includes EPA certification training for handling refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies.
• Cosmetology: Hands-on program in hair styling, skincare, nail care, and salon management. Students complete required hours in a student salon, leading to state licensing for beauty industry careers.
• Construction Management: Focus on building trades, project planning, safety regulations, and cost estimation. Prepares for supervisory roles in residential and commercial construction.
• Emergency Medical Services: Training for EMT certification, including trauma care, CPR, and ambulance operations. Partnerships with local fire and rescue services provide real-world experience.
• Machine Tool Technology: Skills in CNC machining, lathe operation, and precision measurement. Students produce parts in equipped shops, targeting jobs in aerospace and metalworking.

The campus also provides foundational courses in humanities, sciences, and social sciences for associate degrees. Facilities include specialized labs and a learning resource center. Faculty with industry experience deliver instruction, and dual enrollment options are available for high school students. The Bessemer Campus contributes to community vitality by offering flexible scheduling, including evenings and online hybrids, to accommodate working adults. Career services assist with resume building and job fairs, ensuring alignment with regional employment needs in Bessemer and surrounding areas.

Lawson State Community College's Birmingham Campus offers a wide array of programs designed to prepare students for careers in various industries. The campus emphasizes hands-on learning and technical education, aligning with workforce demands in Alabama.

• Automotive Manufacturing Technology: This program trains students in vehicle repair, diagnostics, and manufacturing processes, including engine systems, electrical components, and advanced automotive electronics. Graduates are prepared for roles as technicians in the growing automotive sector.
• Nursing: The Associate Degree Nursing program provides comprehensive training in patient care, anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical practices. Students gain experience through simulations and hospital partnerships, leading to licensure as registered nurses.
• Business Administration: Courses cover accounting, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Students learn financial principles, business law, and operational strategies, equipping them for entry-level positions in corporate environments or starting their own ventures.
• Computer Information Systems: This field includes programming, networking, database management, and cybersecurity. Hands-on labs teach software development in languages like Java and Python, preparing students for IT support and development roles.
• Welding Technology: Training in MIG, TIG, and stick welding techniques, blueprint reading, and fabrication. The program focuses on safety and precision, leading to certifications for industrial welding jobs.
• Criminal Justice: Studies in law enforcement, corrections, and forensic science. Courses include criminology, constitutional law, and community policing, readying students for careers in public safety.
• Early Childhood Education: Preparation for teaching young children through child development, curriculum planning, and classroom management. Includes practicum experiences in local schools.
• Industrial Electronics: Focus on automation, PLC programming, and instrumentation. Students build skills in troubleshooting electrical systems for manufacturing and energy sectors.

Additionally, the campus offers general education courses transferable to four-year institutions, such as English, mathematics, and history. Support services like tutoring and career counseling enhance student success. With state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and workshops, the Birmingham Campus fosters innovation and practical expertise across disciplines. Programs are continually updated to meet industry standards, ensuring graduates are competitive in the job market. Community partnerships provide internships and job placement opportunities, contributing to economic development in the region.