Continuing Education Highlights: Fall 2026
Continuing Education programs are designed for adults looking to advance their career, gain new skills, or simply explore something new. Where a longer degree/diploma program includes more general education classes, Con Ed courses focus specifically on practical training—equipping you with the skills for a new career in a matter of months or even weeks.
Keep reading to explore some of the Continuing Education programs offered at Vance-Granville Community College this fall. For more information about a specific program, please contact the representative listed on the program page. Note that class schedules may be subject to change.
Looking for something different? Find more programs and schedules at vgcc.edu/ConEd.
Art of Dog Grooming Part 1
New to VGCC, Art of Dog Grooming Part 1 offers an introduction to the knowledge and skills behind professional dog grooming. Designed for beginners, this class will cover the theory of grooming, including dog classifications, breed standards, canine anatomy, safety practices, grooming industry terminology, and more. Students will also take a field trip to a local kennel for a behind-the-scenes look at a professional pet-care facility.
Whether you’re interested in a career in dog grooming or simply want to learn more about canine care, this course provides a strong foundation and prepares students for future hands-on grooming instruction. (Part 2 of this program, to be announced at a later date, will teach practical skills at a Warrenton-area dog grooming facility.)
This nine-week course will meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings at VGCC Warren Campus starting October 20.
To learn more, contact Lisa Rodwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at [email protected] or (252) 738-3276. Visit VGCC.edu/ConEd/OEx to register.
Central Sterile Processing
This specialized course prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare, focusing on the essential skills needed for disinfecting, storing, and issuing supplies for patient care. Designed to introduce the primary responsibilities of a central sterile technician, the course teaches preparation, distribution of materials, and quality assurance in just 10 weeks.
Offered as a hybrid course, Central Sterile Processing combines the convenience of online learning with crucial hands-on lab experience. The in-person component will meet during the evenings either at the VGCC Franklin Campus in Louisburg or the VGCC Main Campus in Henderson. Both options begin on Monday, October 19.
For information about this course and other short-term healthcare training options, visit VGCC’s Allied Health page.
Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA)
Looking for a pathway into today’s manufacturing industry? New this fall, our Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) course is designed to help you build the foundational skills employers are looking for while preparing you for an industry-recognized credential. In this course, you’ll gain knowledge in manufacturing processes, quality practices, maintenance awareness, production fundamentals, and more.
This class will meet Monday and Tuesday mornings at VGCC’s South (Creedmoor) Campus beginning October 5. Visit vgcc.edu/ConEd/OEX to register.
(Please note that students who wish to earn the industry-recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate credential will be responsible for paying the certification exam fee at the end of the course, which is not included in the course fee listed on our registration page.)
Notary Public/E-Notary
Ever wondered how to become a notary public in North Carolina? The first step to becoming an official, state-certified witness for important signed documents is taking the official instructional course at your local community college. Offered at VGCC’s Henderson, Louisburg, and Warrenton campuses this fall, Notary Public requires eight hours of instruction, which takes place over one or two days.
The four-hour E-Notary course prepares students for certification by the Secretary of State of North Carolina as an Electronic Notary Public. The student must be a Notary Public certified through the Secretary of State’s office before taking the E-Notary course.
Per state regulations, students must present a valid photo ID prior to entering class, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be at least 18 years of age. For more information, contact OEX Director Lisa Rodwell at (252) 738-3276 or [email protected].
Pharmacy Technician Training
Find your path to a healthcare career through VGCC’s newly-redesigned Pharmacy Technology certificate program! Over eight weeks, this online course delivers students accelerated, faculty-supported instruction optimized for faster completion, increased flexibility, and quicker entry into the workforce. Not only are participants prepared for national pharmacy technician certification exams, but they also receive hands-on career readiness support to ensure a smooth transition into employment. (Please note: This program includes one in-person meeting at our Henderson campus. The rest of the course is fully online.)
Sessions begin on August 17 or October 19. To learn more, contact Program Head Dr. Erica Fleming at [email protected].
Additional Con Ed opportunities include:
- In-person Allied Heath training at our Henderson, Louisburg, and Warrenton campuses
- CDL-A and CDL-B Truck Driver Training
Did you know?
While most of our short-term job training courses stand on their own, some are designed to give students the option of building towards a degree or diploma, if they decide they want to dig deeper in the future. Students who successfully complete certain Continuing Education (CE) courses at Vance-Granville Community College may transition to a related Curriculum (CU) program and receive credit for work they already completed in the shorter course—without having to restart their training from square one.
From skilled trades to healthcare, business, and early childhood education, a wide range of VGCC programs qualify for “CE to CU” Prior Learning Credit. Check out our CE to CU Course Schedule to learn how this credit is counted and explore courses starting in August and mid October.
