Horticulture Department | CC - Certificate of Completion | 1 year

You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:

• Understand sustainable landscape maintenance and installation activities
• Apply principles of soil science to make decisions in the maintenance of landscapes
• Recognize and evaluate pests in the landscape and propose solutions

Careers

As a graduate of our Landscape Practices program, you will be prepared to work in a skilled landscape technician position for a:

• landscape design/build company
• estate garden
• parks department
• tree care company
• golf course
• as a self-employed maintenance contractor

Link to additional Landscape career options.

National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)

It is the only nationally recognized endorsement offered to colleges with landscape/horticulture curricula. It is designed to recognize schools with landscape contracting curricula that meet or exceed industry standards. Visit the NALP web site.

Programs that are 12-44 credits that acknowledge a specific skill proficiency to help students gain enhanced employment opportunities are considered state-approved Career Pathways. Certain certificates are eligible for federal financial aid, while others may only be eligible as a segment of an aid-eligible certificate or degree program (Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Students).

Career Pathways Roadmap for Landscape Practices

PROGRAM CODE: CC.LANDSCAPEPRAC

The Landscape Practices certificate will prepare students to work in the landscaping industry by providing them with hands-on experience, and a basic understanding of the activities involved in the installation and maintenance of landscapes.

Sustainable practices, such as the use of Integrated Pest Management, low water landscapes, and techniques that protect and care for the soil are emphasized throughout the program. Students use industry standard equipment and practices in the care of CCC’s extensive landscape facilities, including an arboretum, water-efficient demonstration garden, large turf areas, and several annual, herbaceous perennial and shrub beds.

CCC’s landscape program is the only one in Oregon accredited by National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), which speaks to its credibility in the industry.

Students have the opportunity to compete on the team that attends NALP’s National Collegiate Landscape Competition each year. Also, NALP’s certified technician testing site for Oregon is located on campus, and is used for instructional purposes.

Students may begin this program any term. Following the course offerings in the order listed is not required, but will allow for completion in a one year period.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• demonstrate competency in sustainable landscape maintenance and installation activities, including: safe use of tools and equipment, operation of irrigation systems, pruning and training techniques, turf maintenance, hardscape installation and reading/installing from a design plan;
• identify common woody and herbaceous plants in the landscape;
• recognize key pests in the landscape and follow IPM strategies;
• use a basic understanding of soil science to make sound decisions in the maintenance of landscapes;
• pass the ODA Pesticide Laws & Safety exam.

For information contact April Chastain, Horticulture Department advisor, 503-594-3055 or april.chastain@clackamas.edu.

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSFER AGREEMENT

Some horticulture classes transfer to Oregon State University as part of a bachelor’s degree. Landscape students planning to continue their studies at a four-year college should consult the Horticulture advisor to obtain the most recent transfer information.