Going back to school can be both exhilarating and intimidating.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be a pharmacist, but your motivation to tackle a college degree program has flagged after spending a few years as a stay-at-home mom.
Maybe you worked for a printing company that has closed and you need to learn how to use desktop publishing software quickly to compete in a tough job market.
Fortunately, where others see barriers to continuing education, Karen LaMarsh sees opportunities. LaMarsh is director of professional development and training at Clayton State University's Center for Continuing Education (www.conted.clayton.edu) in Morrow.
“Nondegree certificate programs can be a good option for nontraditional students because they are focused and don’t take as long to complete as college,” LaMarsh said. “Or, they allow you to test-drive a new career to see if you like it before you spend valuable time and thousands of dollars on a degree.
“You can earn a pharmacy tech certificate in about four months to get good job experience, benefits and promotions, while you consider whether or not you want to take the next step to become a pharmacist.”
LaMarsh, who's also president of the Georgia Adult Education Association, said Clayton State's typical nontraditional student is 35 to 50 years old and female, although male enrollment is on the rise.
“Some are married, some divorced or single. They often have children, and many work full time,” she said.
To meet their needs, Clayton State offers the flexibility of day and evening courses, and some classes meet on Saturdays.
“Students who succeed often shop around for six months or more before they decide which programs are a good decision for their career goals and lifestyle,” LaMarsh said. “They also can attend the free information sessions we offer a month before the classes begin, where they can meet their teachers and ask questions.
“I encourage them to meet the instructors. If you are going to spend four to 18 months with someone, it’s good to know who they are.”
LeMarsh described the experience of a recent graduate of Clayton State’s medical coding certificate program.
“She had worked for a health care provider for several years, so she already had some exposure to medical coding,” LaMarsh said. “When she completed her certificate in medical coding, she was immediately eligible to apply for a better-paying job at the same company.”
Clayton State is one of about 50 universities, and community and technical colleges across Georgia that holds membership in the Georgia Adult Education Association (www.gaea.org). Each member institution offers a continuing education catalog, usually published quarterly, that can be downloaded from the school’s website.
While courses may be similar, each school’s curriculum is unique, and some of the schools have multiple campuses. A good way to narrow your search is to review the catalogs of schools that are convenient to your home or to public transportation.
Inside the catalogs, you’ll find information about certificate programs, career/professional development classes, and leisure courses.
In general, certificate programs carry the highest pricetag, ranging at Clayton State from a few hundred dollars to about $3,200 for computer classes or heating and air conditioning courses that take several months to complete. Professional development courses are often less than $500 each. And, lifelong learning courses can be as low as $69 for a six-session yoga or social dancing class.
Many schools strive to provide training in the fields that are hiring. Examples in the medical field include administrative medical assistant, pharmacy technician, medical coding, EMT and basic dental assisting.
Many of the schools offer training in computer skills and computer technology, culinary arts and the food and beverage industry, while others may emphasize training in office and project management skills, plumbing, basic home construction and repairs, or industrial fields such as light commercial HVAC training.
“Our programs also have life enrichment and language programs primarily targeting lifelong learners,” LaMarsh said. “Some are retired, and we get people who want to take Spanish because they plan to travel.”
Social dancing, yoga, jewelry making and beginning folk guitar are examples of leisure classes at Clayton State.
“We work with local municipalities and companies to provide customized professional development programs in the workplace,” LeMarsh said, noting that top companies usually invest in employee training.
Students who take continuing education certificate programs are not eligible for HOPE scholarships or Pell Grant money. However, HOPE grant money is available to students who take Technical College System of Georgia certificate programs. Private loans are available through Sallie Mae and other sources.
If you’re a veteran, many GAEA schools have been approved to retrain veterans through a program offered under the GI Bill. Spouses of active-duty military personnel may also be eligible for up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for some specific training programs through a program called MyCAA, but certain restrictions apply.
The Governor's Office of Workforce Development, through a program called Go Build Georgia, is offering training at Georgia's technical colleges and universities in skilled trades that are in high demand. For information about the program, go to www.gobuildgeorgia.com.
And, if you’re currently employed, your company may be willing to sponsor training that builds expertise that they need.
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