Nondegree programs have wide appeal
Nondegree programs have wide appeal
If you’re mulling over educational and career options, nondegree and certificate programs might fit your needs. Less expensive and time-consuming than traditional degree programs, they have a very strong vocational focus.
There are a number of options offered through private and public institutions in the Triad. Your first step is to identify a program of study that fits your career objectives.
For example, the Brookstone College of Business, with campuses here and in Charlotte, “offers certificates and diplomas in accounting, medical assisting, office administration, medical office administration and pharmacy technician,” said Jack Henderson, the school’s president.
Students spend about a year in the programs if they are a day student or a little longer, if not.
Another plus: Each graduate receives job placement assistance for life from this private institution. Brookstone’s placement rate of 80.5 percent comes from graduates whose jobs required their new skills. The statistic covers July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008.
New Horizons Computer Learning Center is another private entity that provides career-specific programs. Hemant Desai, the center’s president, reports that “about 70 percent of our students come with plans to continue their education after they finish their certification and become gainfully employed.”
The main programs New Horizons offers, taking a year or less, are entry-level information technology and, for students enhancing or changing careers, Microsoft certification. People moving into health care, in particular, consider billing and coding.
Some even shorter programs include Quick Jobs with a Future at GTCC. The training program takes three months or less and helps participants prepare for work in fields tied to current market needs. GTCC created the program in late 2003 with a coalition of community organizations to help displaced and dislocated workers in Guilford County. The training included assessment, counseling and placement in specialized training in occupations where job openings existed, such as health care.
Brian Haderlie, dean of GTCC’s Center for Business and Industry, said there are programs for certified nurse assistants (CNAs), accounting specialists, pharmacy technicians, the fields of medical billing and coding, and welding. For the emerging JobsNOW 12 in 6, “We plan to develop new or expand existing courses in industrial maintenance, welding, medical administrative assistant, weatherization and CNC (computer numerical controlled) operator,” Haderlie said.
The 12 in the title refers to the careers selected based on anticipated market demand. The programs will be designed to take less than six months at no more than 20 hours a week. JobsNOW 12 in 6 was announced by Gov. Bev Perdue in April and is expected to be available at the state’s 58 community colleges by the end of September. The state’s 24 work-force boards, JobLink Career Centers and Employment Security Commission offices will connect job seekers with the training programs and employment opportunities.
Guilford College is another local school that provides nondegree options. The Professional Development and Training Center, established in 2000, offers certification programs for financial planning, human resource and legal careers. The certifications are designed to give graduates an edge in their fields, said Suzanne Suddarth, assistant director of the training center.
Among the programs is the 19-week paralegal certification, offered twice a year since 2007 when the N.C. Bar Association developed the requirements. Guilford College is one of the institutions, along with GTCC and Greensboro College locally, approved by the state organization to teach the program. “This is a great way to jump-start a career or get into the field,” Suddarth said.
Other options include the 12-week Society for Human Resource Management Learning System certifications for professionals with experience in the human resource field and the 14-month certified financial planner designation for professionals with college degrees.
The programs are geared to working adults. “We have convenient class schedules for busy professionals,” Suddarth said.
Another option for people who want to change or advance careers is the test-preparation program for graduate school, medical school and law school.
One of the area’s largest hospital systems also has a program geared to the vocation-specific student. The radiologic technology program at Moses Cone Health System offers “an intimate learning environment, with 15 students accepted each year,” said program director Rene Parrish. Most graduates pass the national exam the first time.
Unlike many competing programs, Moses Cone’s has no waiting list and three of its four hospitals for clinical training are in Greensboro. Its two-year program includes more clinical hours than at a community college. Graduates enter a field with very flexible work schedules.
If any of these programs pique your interest, think about how long you want to study, Parrish advised. Then, get more information, including costs (from $100 into the thousands for the programs here).
Among the options in the Triad:• New Horizons (newhorizons.com) offers a free career assessment.• GTCC (www.gtcc.edu) invites you to its Job Link Centers.• Brookstone (www.brookstone.edu) will help match your interests with programs.• Moses Cone asks you to review the detailed information on the Web site (www.mosescone.com) to determine if you’re interested and qualified. Then download, complete and mail the application forms. • Guilford College provides details about its programs on its Web site (www.guilford.edu/academics/certification), with contact information for people who have questions.Round out your research by asking to speak with some current students. They’ll be able to tell you more about what could be your own career growth.
— Heather L. Modlin contributed to this report.
Students at Brookstone College of Business 080209
Students Carol Poteat, Renida Prunty and Tamarrel Carter focus on their keyboards in a typing lab at Brookstone College of Business.
