Ankeny Career Academy
Career Academy Contacts
Ellen Sandholm
Academic Advisor
emsandholm@dmacc.edu
515-201-1289
Randy Gabriel
Director, Career Advantage
ragabriel@dmacc.edu
515-965-6011
DMACC Career Academy Pre-Registration Form New Form will go Live Jan. 5, 2026
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.
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.
This certificate program provides an introduction to the latest in computer science and programming. Upon successful completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings, students earn eighteen DMACC credits and the C# Application Developer, Certificate.
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. Fourteen DMACC credits are available upon completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
| Classes offered M-R 12:50-2:50 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 |
| SDV132 | CTE: Career Exploration | 1 |
This one semester certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills
needed to provide lifesaving services. EMT students will function in uncommon and
high-stress situations by performing comprehensive patient assessments, obtaining
vital signs, controlling hemorrhaging, bandaging wounds, administering CPR (including
use of automated external defibrillators) and providing pre-hospital emergency medical
care of simple and multiple system injuries. Upon successful completion of all DMACC
Career Academy course offerings, students earn seven DMACC credits and the Emergency
Medical Technician, Certificate. Students must:
* Be 17 years of age by the first day of class.
* Complete a criminal background check.
* Be CPR Certified before the course begins. Must be American Heart Association or
American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Professional Rescuer/Healthcare Provider.
*Complete clinical and field rotations during the semester that will require an investment
of approximately 48 hours outside of the normal classroom hours.
| 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 |
* Complete a criminal background check.
* Complete clinical sessions on evenings and/or weekends.
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.
This online, certificate program prepares students to work as a Patient Access Specialist in numerous health care settings, including: hospitals, clinics, health insurance organizations, home health agencies, etc. The Patient Access Specialist is the initial point of contact for registering patients who are entering a heath care facility and serve as an advocate for both the patient and the organization. Upon successful completion of all DMACC Career Academy course offerings, students earn sixteen DMACC credits and the DMACC Patient Access Specialist, Certificate.