Home Occupational Extension Course Descriptions

Occupational Extension Course Descriptions

Occupational Extension Soft Skills Course Descriptions


Basic Employment Law

Employment Law, as part of the HR Specialist Certificate, will provide an understanding of the basic terminology used in the court system and review a variety of employment laws. Students will review real life applications and put their training to use in a mock trial on an employment law issue. Topics: legal system, employment laws and mock trial. Upon completion: students should be able to identify employment laws applicable in human resource practice, apply a basic understanding of the law, put in place employment policies and practices, and understand the role of HR professionals

Beginner Computers/Internet

This course introduces students to the personal computer and computer technology, as well as concepts and techniques used in the Windows environment. You will learn basic file management techniques, how to create, edit, and save a document, how to utilize built-in Windows accessories, in addition to the process of moving and copying data. Basic internet concepts for the purpose of browsing, searching, and accessing data utilizing the personal computer will also be taught. Also, students will learn and understand how to send, receive, and format electronic mail.

Benefits Administration

This benefits course, as part of the HR Specialist Certificate, will provide a basic understanding of laws and regulations affecting benefits administration. Participants will learn how to apply compensation requirements and prepare a payroll register. Topics: compensation and taxes, required benefits, voluntary benefits, managing benefits

BioWork Process Technician

This course provides an overview of bioprocess operations and trains individuals for entry-level careers in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing. Students receive instruction in safety, quality, math and measurement, manufacturing process technology, process control, computer literacy as well as equipment usage.

CAD with Solid Edge

This course is an introduction to basic three-dimensional solid modeling and design software. Topics include sketching on paper and in software, basic three dimensional design considerations and techniques, model creation, model editing, model rendering, analysis of solid models and creation of multi-view drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to use design techniques to sketch/ideate, model, edit, render and generate a multi-view 2D drawing.

Carpentry: Core Skills

This course provides instruction related to the core skills used by carpenters in residential and commercial settings. Topics include safety, hand/power tool use, site preparation, measurement and layout, footings and foundations, construction framing, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors.

Certified Production Technician

This course will provide training for an Industry-Recognized National Certification in four areas: Safety Awareness, Quality Practices, Manufacturing Processes and Maintenance Awareness. After completing this training, students will be prepared to obtain employment in advanced manufacturing facilities. The training course is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council curriculum, which focuses on the core technical skills and knowledge needed by front-line workers in manufacturing and supply chain logistics.

Commercial Cleaning

This course provides the student information on the role and janitorial (commercial cleaning) responsibilities and functions and prepares the students for an entry level position within the environmental housekeeping field.

CompTIA A+

This course covers the basic hardware of a personal computer, including installation, operations and interactions with software. Topics include component identification, memory-system, peripheral installation and configuration, preventive maintenance, hardware diagnostics/repair, installation and optimization of system software, commercial programs, system configuration, and device-drivers. Upon completion, students should be able to select appropriate computer equipment and software, upgrade/maintain existing equipment and software and troubleshoot/repair non-functioning personal computers.

CompTIA Network+

This course introduces the networking field. Emphasis is placed on network terminology and protocols, local-area networks, wide-area networks, OSI model, cabling, router programming, Ethernet, IP addressing, and network standards. Upon completion students should be able to perform tasks related to networking mathematics, terminology, and models, media, Ethernet, sub-netting, and TCP.IP Protocols.

CompTIA Server+

This course is a general server class and covers the installation and administration of a Windows Server network operation system. Topics include managing and maintaining physical and logical devices, access to resources, the server environment, managing users, computers, and groups, and Managing/Implementing Disaster Recovery. Upon completion, students should be able to manage and maintain a Windows Server environment. Additionally, this course prepares student for the Server+ Certification

CompTIA Security+

This course provides a theoretical foundation through practical application in addition to real world examples to assist the student in understanding computer and site security. This certification is a course for those IT technicians that are seeking to achieve the Cisco CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification. This course will lead into employment in the security field of the corporate world.

Cosmetology Concepts- State Board Preparation

This course is designed for current enrolled VGCC cosmetology students with at least 300 hours in the program who are considered advanced students. This class will provide additional education in the area of theory as well as give students the opportunity to enhance their cosmetology skills through a hands- on lab component. The course will prepare the student to take the State Board Cosmetology Exam.

Effective Recruitment

This course, as part of the HR Specialist Certificate, will provide participants with a basic understanding of Recruitment and Selection functions. We will focus on decision-making for staffing needs of an organization, the recruitment process, and job postings. Topics: Planning and sourcing, decision-making, recruiting and selection process and legal issues of recruiting

Electronic Health Records

This course will identify the key benefits of an electronic health record system (EHR). The material will emphasize the fundamental components, HER terminology, and their functions within a health care provider practice. Topics will include the development and standards for EHR, privacy and security issues, and technology/software associated with an electronic health record.

Electronics and Arduino

This course will introduce the fundamental principles and laws of electricity, electronics, and programming using the Arduino microcontroller platform. Students will apply these concepts to calculate, measure, and plan the installation, maintenance, repair, modification, and development of electronic circuitry and equipment that will interact with the Arduino microcontroller platform.

Additional Cost above Tuition and Fees: Arduino Uno – $35.00 and USB Cable – $15.00

Employee Relations

Employee Relations, as part of the HR Specialist Certificate, will provide a basic understanding of Employee Relations, review laws prohibiting discrimination and the importance of diversity, and how to manage relationships between employers and employees. Topics: Employee relations (ER) function; legal aspects of ER; creating a healthy work environment; and positive employee-management relations

Forklift Operator

Students in this course will learn about safety awareness, forklift design, controls and instrumentation, and maintenance pre-inspection prior to use. Additionally, students will learn how to operate and maneuver a forklift.

Guest Service Gold

The Guest Service Gold focuses on the seven key elements required to consistently deliver the very highest levels of guest service continuously on the job. The seven elements are: Authenticity, Intuition, Empathy, Champion, Delight, Delivery and Initiative. Additionally, students will take an exam at the end of the class in order to earn a certificate recognized by hospitality professionals around the world.

Healthcare Coding and Billing

This course covers the responsibilities of individuals in the healthcare coding and billing profession. Topics include medical insurance and billing, coding, claims and follow-up claims. Students will learn how to accurately disseminate healthcare information and patient data between the healthcare professional, patients and third-party payers. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to sit for the National Healthcare Examination Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).

Healthcare Customer Service

The Healthcare Customer Service course is designed to provide information on topics related to customer service strategies, telephone etiquette, and communication skills required to provide customer service in a medical office. Topics: Developing professional skills, the importance of customer service & patient-centered strategies, patient satisfaction, telecommunications and building communication skills.

Health Unit Coordinator

This course is designed to teach the skills and applications in today’s health unit environment. Students will perform data entry and learn to maintain records, reports and charts. Medical law and ethics will be presented.

Health Unit Secretary

This course is designed to introduce a variety of clerical duties within a hospital setting. Emphasis is placed on clerical, computer, and receptionist duties for the nursing units; maintenance of consistent patient medical records’ and inter/intradepartmental communication. Upon completion, students should be able to perform patient and unit support services in a patient care environment.

Heavy Equipment Operator- NCCER

This course introduces students to the heavy equipment operator career field. Terminology, types and functions of heavy equipment, heavy equipment safety, and operational techniques will be taught.

Upon completion of this course the student will have a general understanding of the requirements necessary to work as a heavy equipment operator for a company preparing for a site for the construction of buildings, roadways or other structures. Students who complete this course are also eligible to receive the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) credentials in HEO CORE curriculum.

Hospitality (START Program)

This course encompasses the START (Skills, Tasks, and Results Training) curriculum developed by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. Students will learn about twelve different hospitality positions. Also, students are introduced to the proper ways to perform assignments which will assist in building skills required for being successful in working a position within the hospitality field.

Human Resource Fundamentals

This Fundamentals course, as part of the HR Specialist Certificate, is recommended to be taken first. It provides participants with a basic understanding of the HR functions, such as Law, Benefits, Employee Relations, Staffing and Recruitment. Topics: the role as a HR specialist, functions of Human Resources, hiring practices, wage & hour laws, and ethics and discrimination.

HVAC – Comfort Cooling

This course focuses on installation procedures, system operations and maintenance of residential and light commercial comfort cooling systems. Topics include terminology, component operations, and testing and repair of equipment used to control and produce assured comfort levels. Upon completion, students should be able to use psychometrics, manufacturers’ specifications and test instruments to determine proper system operations.

HVAC – Heating Technology

This course focuses on the fundamentals of heating oil, gas, and electric heating systems. Topics include safety, tools and instrumentation, system operating characteristics, installation techniques, efficiency testing, electrical power, and control systems.

Industrial Maintenance: Safety

This course is designed to give the student an introduction to safety and environmental regulations. Course content includes an overview of safety, health, and environmental considerations including material/chemical handling, equipment, emergency procedures, EPA regulations, air permits, waste handling and reduction, and labeling.

Industrial Maintenance: Circuit Analysis I and Blueprint Reading, 96 hours

This course provides instruction on the fundamentals of electrical theory and components. Core topics include basic electricity, wiring components, applied math/measurements, and electrical and mechanical blueprint reading. Upon completion, students will have a knowledge base for an entry level position in the electro-mechanical field.

Intro to Basic Mechanics

Student will learn basic mechanical principles utilized in industries. Topics will include: pulleys, gears, levers and spring. Upon completion, students should be prepared to take a mechanical comprehension aptitude exam required for employment with some industries.

Intro to Welding

This course introduces inert gas-shielded welding methods (MIG/TIG). Topics include correct selection of consumable and non-consumable electrodes, equipment setup, safety, and welding techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to perform inert gas welding in flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.

Introduction to Computers and Keyboarding

This course introduces basic computer usage and keyboarding techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing basic personal computer skills and primary keyboarding skills. Students will learn how to touch-type, basic computer literacy, keyboarding techniques and improving accuracy and speed

Introduction to Medical Terminology

This course is an introduction to the study of the structure of medical words and terms. Emphasis is placed on spelling and defining commonly used prefixes, suffixes, root words, their combining forms, and body organization. Program content covers the basic human anatomy and physiology for all systems, laboratory medicine, pharmacology, and elements of medical terms and names of major diseases, including terms used in physical exams, operative procedures and diagnosis.

Students successfully completing this course along with MED 3006B Medical Administrative

Assistant will be prepared to sit for the CMAA exam through the National Healthcare Association

Kauffman Fast Track

Kauffman FastTrac® is a flexible course with a solid framework to support individuals as they start a business and begin their journey to success. This immersive course is designed to provide information, tips, exercises and tools to help you think about your business idea.

As you progress through the course, you’ll work to:

  • Discover how your business concept matches your personal vision.
  • Align your business concept with a real market opportunity.
  • Find your target market and discover your competitive advantage.
  • Determine the unique features and benefits of your product/ service.
  • Learn how to set realistic financial goals for your business.
  • Define your company’s brand and marketing.
  • Learn how to manage business functions and develop an organizational culture.
  • Determine the steps to profitability.
  • Identify potential sources of funding for your business.
  • Launch your business.

Manicure Nail Technology

This course covers techniques of nail technology, hand and arm, massage, and recognition of nail diseases and disorders. Topics include OSHA/Safety, sanitation, bacteriology, product knowledge, salesmanship, manicures, artificial applications, pedicures, massage, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently perform nail care, including manicures, pedicures, massage, decorating, and artificial applications in a salon setting. This course provides the education and training required for students to participate in the North Carolina state exam for Manicurist.

Medical Administrative Assistant

This course provides training in the skills and procedures needed in today’s medical office. Course topics include medical data entry, medical communications, healthcare laws, administrative responsibilities, and managing the financial aspects of a practice. Students successfully completing this course along with NUR 3235 Introduction to Medical Terminology will be prepared to sit for the CMAA exam through the National Healthcare Association

Microsoft Office Specialist I

This course introduces computer applications. Topics include word processing (WORD), and presentation software (PowerPoint). Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.

Microsoft Office Specialist II

This course introduces computer applications. Topics include spreadsheet creation (EXCEL and ACCESS) and use. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.

NC Auto Emission & Control

This course teaches students about the effects of air pollution problems, the purpose of the emissions inspection program, the vehicle emissions standards established by the EPA, the emissions control devise on vehicles, how to conduct an emission inspection using equipment to analyze data provided by the On-Board Diagnostic equipment approved by the Environmental Management Commission.

Also, this course provides students information that is required by 40CFR51.367.

Office Assistant

This course introduces the skills and abilities needed in today’s office environment. Topics include effectively interacting with co-workers and the public, processing documentation, and performing functions typical of today’s offices. Students who complete the training course will be eligible to apply for entry-level administrative positions in a variety of administrative, government, financial, retail and manufacturing offices as a receptionist, office assistant and administrative assistant.

OSHA 10

This course will provide students the Federal rules, regulations, and guidelines of the Occupational and Health Administration with the US Department of Labor that businesses, organizations and companies must follow.

Payroll Specialist

This course is designed to introduce students to payroll and personnel records, compute employee wages and salaries, as well as overtime pay, and the amount withheld for income tax, unemployment compensation and social security. Students gain hands-on experience computing weekly payroll and payroll registers. Covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions.

Natural Hair Care

Students will learn about the general sciences and practices specific to infection control, bacteriology, client consultation, twisting the hair, wrapping, blow drying and thermal ironing, extending, locking, business management, and professional ethics in the workplace.

NC Auto Safety Inspection

This course is designed to provide the necessary skills for a perspective technician/mechanic to obtain certification to properly conduct a North Carolina Safety Inspection in accordance with the rules and regulations outline in 19A of the North Carolina Administrative Code.

NC FAST- Income Maintenance Caseworker

This course is designed to cover a variety of skills associated with the Income Maintenance Caseworker role to determine service eligibility. Specific focus will include proficiency in the utilization of the NCFAST application. Other topics will include skills in the communication, interview, time management, data gathering/compiling and data analysis. (REQUIRED pre-requisite- HRD 4000 Human Services Exploration: DSS Caseworker)

Notary Public

This course prepares students for certification by the Secretary of State of North Carolina as a Notary Public. The course includes instruction on in the following areas: General Provisions and Standards; Commissioning; Notarial Acts, Powers and Limitations: and Enforcement, Sanctions and Remedies. Per state regulations, students must present a current state-issued picture ID (driver’s license, United States passport, or State ID with photo) prior to entering class. You must have a GED or Diploma in order to obtain a Notary commission and be at least 18 years of age.

Notary Public – Electronic

This course prepares students for certification by the Secretary of State of North Carolina as an Electronic Notary Public. The student must be a certified Notary Public certified through the Secretary of State’s office before taking this course.

Programmable Logic Controllers

This course will provide students with an introduction to the different series of Programmable Logic Controllers to include the following: learning programming functions, program preparation, saving programs, loading programs, and hands-on programming. Students will also learn to read ladder logic and how to install and troubleshoot PLCs.

Real Estate Pre-Licensing

Are you interested in starting a career in Real Estate?

This course is the first step. It’s designed to meet the educational requirements for a provisional broker as prescribed by the NC Real Estate Commission. Topics include basic real estate principles and practices, law and contracts, financing, closing valuation, fair housing and real estate laws.

Satisfactory completion of this course will qualify the student to take the North Carolina real estate broker license examination prescribed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. The required text for this class is “Modern Real Estate in North Carolina, Eighth Edition Update” by Gallaty, Allaway, Kyle, and Taylor. The textbook is an additional cost.

Residential Wiring

This course introduces students to basic concepts of electrical installations and use of the National Electric Code. Emphasis is placed on residential wiring, while many of the same practices are used in commercial and industrial wiring. Students are instructed and tested utilizing hands-on projects. Students will learn to install and maintain basic circuits and equipment associated with the electrical trade.

Serv-Safe

Students will gain an understanding of the local regulatory requirements in regards to food safety and food service operations. This Food Safety Certification Course provides the material and knowledge necessary to pass the certification exam developed by the Education Foundation of the National Restaurant Association. Participants who successfully pass the examination will be eligible to receive 2 additional points on their inspection grade.

Substitute Teacher Teaching

This class prepares students with skills necessary to work in an active educational learning environment. Students will learn basic instructional techniques, classroom and behavior management strategies, and other skills needed for a substitute teacher to succeed in the classroom.

Today’s Office Computer Skills

This course introduces the skills and abilities needed in today’s office. Topics covered in this course include effectively interacting with co-workers, customer service, processing simple financial and informational documents as well as skills for performing functions of today’s offices. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to display skills to work in an office setting and have the ability to make decisions.

Using & Understanding the National Electric Code

This course is for continuing education hours for Electrical license holders. The course will cover updates on the 2019 National Electric Code.

UAV Pilot Training

This course provides students with hands-on flight time and the basic, practical rules for safe and legal UAV operation. The course includes information on designated flying areas and flight regulations and parameters. The trainee will spend most of the class time gaining valuable hands-on UAV operation experience with a GPS-enabled UAV. Part of the hands-on lab time is spent observing partnered student’s UAV operation. Outcomes include application of flight rules, learning UAV control operation, executing maneuvers and observing other pilots for safe operation.


Soft Skills Course Descriptions

Eight Leadership Styles

Did you know that we ALL have a leadership style? This class will help you to identify your leadership style(s). Knowing and understanding your leadership style can benefit you in becoming a more effective leader in the workplace, the community, or at home.

Understanding Generational Differences

There are currently five generations within the workforce and at least five generations within our families. This class will bring awareness regarding the characteristics of the following five generations: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Learning communication skills and approaches for the listed generations will be valuable in minimizing conflict.

Workplace Appreciation Languages

Are you aware of how you like to receive appreciation? Appreciation is a form of communication. Are you speaking the appreciation language that your colleagues or employees understand? If not, this class will explain the common appreciation languages that exist. You will learn how to properly apply appreciation languages. Appreciation languages can be utilized by all employee levels within the workforce.

Your Top Five Strengths

Often times, there is more of a focus on what is wrong about us, instead of what is right about us. This class will orient each student on their top 5 strengths, as well as how to use your top five strengths in the workplace, home, and volunteer opportunities.

  • After registering for this class, be on the outlook for a Clifton Strengths assessment that will be emailed to you within 1- 2 days.
  • Plan to set aside approximately 30-35 minutes to take the assessment. The assessment would need to be completed before coming to class.

For questions regarding these Occupational Extension Soft Skills courses, please contact Dr. Laurica Yancey (Dean of Corporate Learning & Professional Learning) at 252-738-3633 (phone) or yanceyl@vgcc.edu (email).