A Better Tomorrow Begins Today.

Programs at Rockford Career College

Your Future Starts Now. Let's Build a Better Career.

At Rockford Career College, our programs are designed to get you workforce-ready. Whether you’re launching a brand-new career or looking to grow within your current field, we offer practical, career-focused training aligned with the demands of today’s job market. Our small class sizes and flexible learning options empower students from all backgrounds to build the skills, gain the experience, and access the support needed to thrive.

In addition to serving individual learners, we’re proud to offer programs developed in collaboration with local businesses and employers. These partnerships help ensure our training aligns with regional workforce needs, preparing graduates for real opportunities within our own community.

Our programs are available in convenient formats—including on-campus, online, or hybrid—so you can pursue your education while balancing work, family, and life. From healthcare and business to animal sciences and skilled trades, every program has one goal: helping you graduate prepared to make a real impact. That’s the Rockford promise.

School of Animal Sciences

Diploma

Animal Welfare Administration

Explore the operations and management side of animal care—from nonprofit shelters to pet care businesses. Perfect for those who want to lead, advocate, or manage in the animal welfare field.

Length

9 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

61

Career Options

Animal Shelters, Veterinary Offices, Doggie Daycare & Boarding Providers, Animal Training Centers, Self-Employed Home Animal Care

Associate Degree

Animal Welfare Business Administration

Explore the operations and management side of animal care—from nonprofit shelters to pet care businesses. Perfect for those who want to lead, advocate, or manage in the animal welfare field.

Length

7 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

110

Career Options

Animal Shelters, Veterinary Offices, Doggie Daycare & Boarding Providers, Animal Training Centers, Self-Employed Home Animal Care

Diploma

Veterinary Assistant & Grooming

Train in both veterinary assistance and pet grooming to open career doors in animal clinics, grooming salons, or your own pet care venture. This hybrid skill set offers maximum flexibility in the field.

Length

12 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

53

Career Options

Private Veterinary Practices, Dog Grooming Facilities, Animal Shelters & Care Providers, Animal Husbandry for Farms

Associate Degree

Veterinary Technician

Support veterinarians with patient care, diagnostics, client communication, and more.

Length

24 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

114.5

Career Options

Veterinary Hospitals, On-site Veterinary Services, Animal Hospitals & Shelters

School of Business

Diploma

Accounting & Payroll Clerk

Acquire hands-on skills in payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting. If you want to enter the workforce quickly and contribute to business operations, this diploma program is the perfect start.  

Length

9 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

53

Career Options

Public and Private Businesses, Government, Non-Profit Organizations, Law Firms, Healthcare

Diploma

Business Administration

Master strategic thinking, team leadership, and data analysis to make informed business decisions. This program covers marketing, accounting, operations, and leadership principles—preparing you for a variety of professional opportunities. 

Length

8 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

53

Career Options

Veterinary Hospitals, On-site Veterinary Services, Animal Hospitals and Shelters

Associate Degree

Business Administration

Master strategic thinking, team leadership, and data analysis to make informed business decisions. This program covers marketing, accounting, operations, and leadership principles—preparing you for a variety of professional opportunities. 

Length

7 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

102

Career Options

Commercial Products, Online Retail, Manufacturing, Service Providers, Government

Diploma

Human Resource Administration

Gain practical skills in hiring, employee training, benefits administration, and employment law. This program prepares you to support and implement effective, people-focused strategies within organizations.

Length

10 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

61

Career Options

Businesses & Corporations, Hospitals, Large Churches, Government, Educational Institutions

School of Education

Diploma

Early Childhood Education

Our Early Childhood Education programs are designed to equip future educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support the growth and development of children from birth through age eight.

Length

7 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

50

Career Options

Public and Private Schools, Childcare Centers, Churches, Home-Based Education

School of Health Sciences

Diploma

Dental Assisting

Develop the skills needed to support dentists during procedures, capture dental x-rays, and ensure patient comfort and safety. This program blends technical instruction with hands-on patient care to prepare you for a successful career in dental practice.

Length

10 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

60

Career Options

Oral Surgery Centers, Dental Offices, Other Oral Care Locations

Associate Degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Train to capture diagnostic images and support physicians in evaluating medical conditions. With courses in anatomy, imaging techniques, and patient interaction, you’ll be ready for sonography roles in hospitals and imaging centers.

Length

19 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

112

Career Options

Hospitals, Physician Offices, Medical Clinics

Associate Degree

Healthcare Administration

Learn to manage daily operations in healthcare offices, including billing, scheduling, and team coordination. This fully online program is ideal for those who want to lead from behind the scenes in medical environments.

Length

7 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

109

Career Options

Home Health Aide, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Billing

Diploma

Medical Assistant

Train to perform both administrative and clinical duties, from taking patient vitals and drawing blood to managing office records and appointment scheduling. Get ready for a high-demand role in outpatient clinics and physician offices.

Length

10 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

60

Career Options

Medical & Diagnostic Laboratories, Nursing Care Facilities, Optometrist Offices, Universities, Outpatient Care Centers

Diploma

Medical Office Billing & Coding

(Diploma, Online)Master the coding systems used in healthcare for insurance and reimbursement processes. Learn to translate medical records into accurate billing codes and work with electronic health systems from anywhere.

Length

10 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

60

Career Options

Hospitals, Physician Offices, Medical Labs, Medical Billing Service Organizations, Insurance Companies

Diploma

Office Addiction Counseling & Social Advocacy

Support recovery efforts and community well-being through foundational training in counseling, addiction science, and client advocacy. Prepare for roles in clinics, treatment centers, and nonprofit organizations.

Length

9 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

57

Career Options

Addiction Centers, Hospitals, Employee Wellness Programs, Outpatient Recovery, At Home Care

Diploma

Practical Nursing

Learn to provide direct patient care, monitor vital signs, and assist in treatment plans under physician supervision. This program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and begin a licensed nursing career.

Length

14 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

79

Career Options

Hospitals, Physician Offices, Rehabilitation Centers, Nursing Homes, Clinics

Associate Degree

Surgical Technology

Support surgeons in the operating room by learning how to maintain sterile fields, pass instruments, and assist during procedures. Gain valuable skills through clinical practice and simulated surgical environments.

Length

18 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

102

Career Options

Hospitals, Outpatient Surgery Centers

School of Legal Studies

Diploma

Paralegal Studies

Develop essential skills in legal research, case investigation, document preparation, and attorney support. Our curriculum includes legal ethics, trial processes, and key areas of law such as criminal, family, and business, giving you a well-rounded foundation for a career in the legal field.

Length

10 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

60

Career Options

Defense Law Firms, Corporate Law Firms, International Law Firms, Government Agencies, Banks & Financial Institutions

Associate Degree

Paralegal Studies

Develop essential skills in legal research, case investigation, document preparation, and attorney support. Our curriculum includes legal ethics, trial processes, and key areas of law such as criminal, family, and business, giving you a well-rounded foundation for a career in the legal field.

Length

7 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

109

Career Options

Defense Law Firms, Corporate Law Firms, International Law Firms, Government Agencies, Banks & Financial Institutions

School of Skilled Trades

Associate

Construction Administration

Already have a diploma or credits in a skilled trade? Take your experience to the next level with an AAS in Construction Administration. Learn project planning, budgeting, safety management, and team leadership in a 100% online program designed to help you move into supervisory roles across residential, commercial, and industrial construction sectors.

Length

7 Months

Format

100% Online

Credits

109.5

Career Options

HVAC Technician/Installer, HVAC Engineer, HVAC Sales Representative, HVAC Project Manager, HVAC Maintenance Supervisor, HVAC Energy Auditor, HVAC Instructor/Trainer

Diploma

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Understand how heating and cooling systems work—and how to install, troubleshoot, and maintain them. In this hands-on program, you’ll gain experience with real HVAC/R equipment and prepare for entry-level roles in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

Length

10 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

64

Career Options

Welder, Welding Instructor, Welding Inspector, Welding Technician

Diploma

Electrical Technician

Train to work with residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Learn to install and repair wiring, read blueprints, follow safety codes, and work with various types of electrical equipment. This program prepares you for entry-level opportunities in construction, maintenance, or industrial settings.

Length

10 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

64

Career Options

HVAC Technician/Installer, HVAC Engineer, HVAC Sales Representative, HVAC Project Manager, HVAC Maintenance Supervisor, HVAC Energy Auditor, HVAC Instructor/Trainer

Diploma

Welding

Develop foundational welding skills, including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Core methods. You’ll learn to read blueprints, understand welding symbols, and apply your skills in lab settings that simulate real-world conditions. This program helps prepare you for welding roles in construction, manufacturing, and fabrication.

Length

10 Months

Format

Hybrid – On-Campus & Online

Credits

64

Career Options

Welder, Welding Instructor, Welding Inspector, Welding Technician

School of Business

School of Education

School of Health Sciences

School of Legal Studies

School of Skilled Trades

Ready to Get to Work?

Supporting Your Success

How Rockford Works For You!

100% Online Learning – Our online programs allow you the flexibility to study from anywhere while balancing your personal and professional commitments.

Collaboration with Local Employers – Rockford Career College collaborates with local employers for industry insights to ensure your training aligns with real-world needs and student career opportunities.

Career-Focused, Hands-on Training – Gain practical experience through comprehensive training designed to develop marketable skills that are in demand in the animal care industry.

Expert Career Services Support – Receive guidance and support throughout your program from our dedicated career services team. Get resume help, job search assistance, interview prep, and more—before and after graduation.