Blue Mountain Community College

BMCC enjoys articulation agreements with a variety of institutions. The following agreements allow you to attain your degree while staying in your local area.

CUESTE: Teacher Education Program

CUESTE (pronounced quest) stands for Curriculum of Undergraduate Elementary School Teacher Education and is a collaborative program between BMCC and Eastern Oregon University (EOU).

Students seeking elementary teacher licensure need to complete a major in multidisciplinary studies; a minor in an academic area, endorsement area, or course of study; and a minor in elementary education. When students are within 100 credit hours of finishing the CUESTE program requirements, they may apply to EOU’s CUESTE program. The completion of CUESTE program requirements leads to a bachelor’s degree (science or art) in multidisciplinary studies, a minor in elementary education, and certification in primary (age 4 through grade 4) and elementary (3-8) grades. Through the CUESTE program, BMCC offers the first two years of the associate of arts transfer (A.A.O.T.) degree, and EOU provides the last two years of the elementary education degree at BMCC’s Pendleton campus.

Two full-time EOU education professors are in residence at BMCC’s Pendleton campus to advise students, teach classes, and coordinate EOU and BMCC processes. (Please note: Much of the major course work for secondary teaching certification may be acquired through distance education courses available from EOU and BMCC. However, the secondary education component needs to be completed on EOU’s campus in LaGrande.)

CUESTE is a highly prescriptive program that entails several key elements:

Multidisciplinary Studies Degree. This degree requires students to have core courses, experiences, and competencies in social science, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, creative arts, and music. The degree requires a total of approximately 120 credit hours of BMCC classes. Students also earn their A.A.O.T. from BMCC when completing these requirements.

Education Minor. Students will complete 45 credits of education courses designed to meet Oregon state requirements for elementary licensure and upper division (300/400 level) course requirements for their multidisciplinary studies degree.

Academic Minor, Course of Study, or Endorsement Preparation. Students have several choices to fulfill the 30 credits that add to their Multidisciplinary studies degree and education course:

ESOL Endorsement area: Most CUESTE students will earn their additional required credits in the ESOL endorsement area. The ESOL program includes 15 credits of lower division (100/200 level) education related courses and 21 credits of ESOL upper division (300/400 level courses. To add an ESOL endorsement on their Oregon teacher licensure, students must also pass the Oregon state-required ESOL exam.

Course of Study: In some cases, students may have the option of a course of study. This requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in a field of study or interest that is limited to those disciplines that are traditionally taught in elementary schools. At least 15 of the 30 credits must be upper division (330/400 level) courses. In some cases, the 15 lower division courses (100/200 level) may be part of the 120 credit hours of the multidisciplinary studies degree.

Academic Minor. This option is limited to special circumstances. It requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in a discipline area that is traditionally taught in elementary schools. The courses must meet the academic minor requirements of the particular discipline (a check list of requirements is provided for each minor). At least 15 of the 30 credits must be upper division (330/400 level) courses. In some cases, some the 15 lower division courses (100/200 level) may be part of the 120 credit hours of the multidisciplinary studies degree.

To receive a license to teach in Oregon, students must complete their bachelor’s degree and a teacher licensure program (e.g., CUESTE) and must successfully pass the standardized tests as outlined by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). For more information regarding the CUESTE program call 541-278-5802.

Distance Education Diagnostic Imaging (Radiologic Technology) Program:

Blue Mountain Community College has partnered with Linn Benton Community College to offer a distance education program for diagnostic imaging. Using a combination of clinical instruction, online courses within the college learning management system, and the synchronous virtual classroom environment, distance education students can receive dynamic instruction to help them achieve their learning goals.

The Diagnostic Imaging Program prepares students through a progressive, outcome-based educational format. Modules of study include radiation protection, radiographic procedures, image production and evaluation, equipment maintenance operation, patient care and management, and clinical radiography.

The purpose of this program is to prepare students to practice as proficient, multi-skilled professionals in culturally diverse healthcare settings; to demonstrate outcomes required by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT) and The American Society of Radiological Technologists (ASRT) Course Curriculum Guide; and to apply for and successfully complete ARRT certification examinations. Upon completion of the program and the general education requirements students will be eligible to apply for an associate of applied science degree through Linn Benton Community College.

The Diagnostic Imaging Distance Education program is highly prescriptive and entails several key elements; please contact the BMCC program coordinator for more information.