NorthWest Arkansas Community College NorthWest Arkansas Community College NorthWest Arkansas Community College
NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Workforce Certificate Programs

Program titles link to program descriptions

Administrative Assistant Certificate

AMA Supervision Certificate

AMA Human Resource Management Certificate

Apprenticeship: Electrical Program

Apprenticeship: Plumbing Program

Banking Career Preparation

Computer Job Skills Certificate

Computer Support Specialist

 

Certified Bookkeeper American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Marketing Analyst Certificate

Medical Billing and Coding Professional Certificate

Medical Office Assistant

National Carpentry & Construction Education Research (NCCER)

Six Sigma


Administrative Assistant Certificate
Program Length: 91 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: Gain professional recognition and personal confidence as an administrative professional. The Administrative Assistant Certificate is designed to equip learners with the skills and competencies needed to be an efficient, productive member of an office support team. Students learn how to apply fundamental accounting concepts; gain composition, grammar, and document formatting skills; and develop and apply work organization, time management, ergonomics, scheduling, meeting management and more.

Who Should Enroll?

  • Persons interested in stepping up to an office position
  • Secretaries and other Administrative Professionals looking to update or improve their skills

Prerequisites:  Must have completed or be enrolled in Excel Level I and Word Level I.  Equivalent training may be accepted upon evaluation of skills.

Courses
Excelling in the Workplace………………………..…...…….16 hours
Intro to Accounting……………….................…………….…..27 hours
Office Communications and Procedures………………....30 hours
QuickBooks...............................................................................18 hours

(Return to Top)

AMA Human Resource Management Certificate
Program Length: 75 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: Develop a fundamental understanding of human resources and prepare to meet the needs of specific employee groups as well as organizational objectives. In the process, you’ll improve your management, facilitation, and communication skills to enhance the HR function overall and position yourself for career growth. Earn your Certificate in Human Resources Management from the American Management Association after successfully completing five of the six courses offered.

Who Should Enroll:

  • The AMA Certificate in Human Resource Management is open to all who have an interest in learning more about the subject presented.

Prerequisites:  None

Courses: Select five of the following courses
Fundamentals of Human Resources…………………......…..15 hours
Performance Appraisals: How to Achieve Top Results  ........15 hours
How to Recruit, Interview & Select the Right Employee..........15 hours
Compensation: Developing Effective Reward Programs.......15 hours
Fair, Square and Legal…………………………….……….........15 hours
The Complete Training Course for Managers..….….……......15 hours

(Return to Top)

AMA Supervision Certificate
Program Length: 75 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: Learn contemporary methodologies that will allow you to stand out as an effective supervisor. These courses show you how to increase performance by tackling issues and enhancing opportunities that can impact that performance.  Earn your Certificate in Supervision from the American Management Association after successfully completing five of the seven courses offered.

Who Should Enroll:

  • The AMA Certificate in Supervision is open to all who have an interest in learning more about the subject presented.

Prerequisites:  None

Courses: Select five of the following courses 
Performance Appraisals: How to Achieve Top Results................15 hours
How to Recruit, Interview & Select the Right Employee................15 hours
The Complete Training Course for Managers.............…………...15 hours
First-Line Supervision………………..............………….……..…….15 hours
Coaching for Top Performance……………….……..…..............….15 hours
How to Be an Effective Supervisor…...............………….……..…...15 hours
Delegating for Business Success…………............….……...…….15 hours

(Return to Top)

Apprenticeship: Electrical Program
Program Length:  4 Years

Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career in Electricity.  The apprenticeship program is a four-year program sanctioned by the State of Arkansas Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training.  The program requires both classroom instruction hours (160 contact hours/year) as well as on-the-job training hours (2000/year).  The student will receive an apprentice license, issued by the State of Arkansas, while an active participant in this program.  Upon completion of the 4-year program the student will be eligible to take the Journeyman Electrician Exam, administered by the State of Arkansas.  Contact Rick Mayes at (479) 936-5162 for more information.

Prerequisites:  Students must be 18 years of age and employed with an electrical contractor in the state of Arkansas.

(Return to Top)

Apprenticeship: Plumbing Program
Program Length:  4 Years

Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career in Plumbing.  The apprenticeship program is a four-year program sanctioned by the State of Arkansas Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training.  The program requires both classroom instruction hours (160 contact hours/year) as well as on-the-job training hours (2000/year).  The classes are conducted one evening per week in the college’s Shewmaker Center.  The student will receive an apprentice license, issued by the State of Arkansas, while an active participant in this program.  Upon completion of the 4-year program the student will be eligible to take the Journeyman Plumbing Exam, administered by the State of Arkansas.  Contact Rick Mayes at (479) 936-5162 for more information.

Prerequisites:  Students must be 18 years of age, employed with a company, and placed under the supervision of another employee who holds a Master Plumbing License in the State of Arkansas.

 

(Return to Top)

Banking Career Preparation
Program Length: 70 Contact Hours
DOWNLOAD YOUR STUDENT INFORMATION PACKET!

Curriculum Description: A solid foundational knowledge of the banking industry will prepare you to enter this profession with skill and confidence. Gain a better understanding of the banking industry and its role in the U.S. economy while developing knowledge and practical skills related to basic banking services. The core objectives include understanding basic banking principles, developing sales techniques indicative of the banking industry, understanding the role and function of the teller, and demonstrating basic workforce skills expected in most professional work environments.

Who Should Enroll?

  • Persons interested in starting a career in banking
  • Persons who want to learn more about the banking industry

Prerequisites:  High School Diploma or GED with minimum of 9th grade math skills, keyboarding, working knowledge of Windows and MS Word, and the ability to read and speak English. Students will be required to submit TABE test scores and computer skills test scores during orientation. (Call 479-936-5175 for a student information packet or download using link above..)

Courses
Principles of Banking ……………………………………….24 hours
Today’s Teller ………………………………………………..24 hours
Introduction to Relationship Selling ……………......………6 hours
Excelling in the Workplace ……………………….………...16 hours

(Return to Top)

Computer Job Skills Certificate
Program Length: 128 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: A great preparation for entering the office environment job market! Learn keyboarding, how to use an operating system, and how to use word processing and spreadsheet applications using MS Office products. The Internet and PowerPoint are also covered, as are job search and resume writing skills. No previous computer skills are required.

Who Should Enroll?

  • Anyone who would like to learn the skills to advance into an entry-level office environment job

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this program, other than the ability to read and speak English.

Course
Computer Job Skills………………………………….……128 hours

(Return to Top)

Computer Support Specialist
Program Length: 120 - 375 hours
(Click here for more information about this program and IT Certification Testing!)

Curriculum Description: The Computer Support Specialist Certificate program is designed to give entry-level computer help desk and support professionals the skills needed to succeed in a modern help desk environment. From technical skills to "soft" skills, this program gives the emerging IT support professional the tools to succeed in securing a job and moving ahead quickly. For individuals already employed in the computer support industry, this certificate of continuing education will give them the skills needed to advance their careers more quickly. All students are also encouraged to take additional courses leading toward industry certifications by CompTIA and Microsoft. (Testing services are available at the authorized Pearson-VUE testing center at NWACC Shewmaker Center.)

Who Should Enroll?

  • Persons interested in a technical help desk career
  • Computer support staffers
  • Any person desiring to gain working knowledge and skills in Help Desk Support and Technology

Prerequisites:  None

Courses                    

Computer Support Specialist Level 1:
Intro to MS Office  (Test-out available)...........................................................................................42 hours
Advanced MS Office......................................................................................................................... 36 hours
Intro to Computer Hardware, Software, and Networking Concepts....................................... 15 hours
Customer Service and Communications Concepts................................................................. 12 hours
Help Desk Technology, Tools, & Techniques............................................................................ 15 hours

Total Hours..................................................................................................................................... 120 hours

Computer Support Specialist Level II:
Introduction to Computer Programming Logic & Design.........................................................15 hours
A+ Hardware Troubleshooting & Repair..................................................................................... 60 hours
A+ OS Software Troubleshooting..................................................................................................45 hours
Network+........................................................................................................................................... 45 hours
MCDST 70-271
Supporting Users & Troubleshooting a Windows XP Operating System.............................45 hours
MCDST 70-272
Supporting Users & Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Windows XP OS...........45 hours

Total Hours..................................................................................................................................... 375 hours

(Return to Top)

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program
Program Length: 2 Years

Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students wishing to improve their skills or seeking a career in HVAC. The program is an on-going, semester program of approximately 80 contact hours/semester. The instruction is formatted in blocks requiring classroom instruction hours with ‘hands-on’ lab experience (on-the-job hours not required). Successful completion of 6 blocks (or 160 contact hours/year) awards the student with a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Certificate from NorthWest Arkansas Community College. The second year successful completion awards the student a 360 contact hour, two-year HVAC Certification level. Contact Rick Mayes at (479) 936-5162 to register or for more information.

Courses
Block 1: Fundamentals of Refrigeration/Electricity……...................................60 hours
Block 2: Fundamentals of Air Conditioning/Temp/Pressure/Safety………. 60 hours
Block 3: Refrigerants & Recovery/Electric Circuits & Controls………..…… 60 hours
Block 4: Air Conditioning Systems/Safety/Central Air & Heat Pumps…..… 60 hours
Block 5: Heating & Humidification/Cooling & Dehumidifying……………… 60 hours
Block 6: Heating & Air Control Systems/Servicing & Troubleshooting……. 60 hours

(Return to Top)

Marketing Analyst Certificate
Program Length: 234 Hours
(Click here for more information about the Marketing Analyst Program!)

This program has selective admissions requirements. Contact James Thulin for information.

Curriculum Description: Combine advanced computer skills with an understanding of today's retail business. Local industry experts, emphasizing practical business case studies, will teach you the skills you need to succeed.

Courses
Practical Retailing Solutions……........……………………………9 hours
Computer Skills I……………………….........…………………….45 hours
Computer Skills II……………………….........……………………45 hours
Business Communication Skills in a Retail Environment…...45 hours
Retail Fundamentals………………….........……………………..45 hours
Merchandising & Data Analysis……….........…………………....45 hours

(Return to Top)

Medical Billing and Coding Professional Certificate
Program Length: 229 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: The medical industry is experiencing tremendous demand for individuals with knowledge of medical office operations, billing, and coding. According to the US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Billing/Coding is one of the ten fastest-growing professions in the United States.  Start down the road to success with this outstanding opportunity to join the ranks of working medical professionals.

Who Should Enroll:

  • Medical Records Clerks, Secretaries, or Office Assistants who would like to step up their careers
  • Anyone who has an interest in entering the health information profession

Prerequisites:  The Medical Billing and Coding Professional Certificate is open to anyone with a general interest in the subject area.  Medical Terminology must be completed before ICD-9 Coding or CPT Coding can be taken.

Courses
Medical Terminology.....................................24 hours
ICD-9 Coding.................................................45 hours
CPT Coding....................................................45 hours
Excelling in the Workplace...........................16 hours
Medical Billing................................................18 hours
Medical Recordkeeping................................24 hours
Office Communications & Procedures......30 hours
Small Business Accounting.........................27 hours

(Return to Top)

Medical Office Assistant Certificate
Program Length: 94 Contact Hourse

Curriculum Description: Get in on the ground level of one of the fastest growing industries in the nation! Designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the medical office, this program includes information on HIPPA regulations, medical recordkeeping, office communications and procedures, medical terminology, and more!

Who Should Enroll

  • Anyone who has an interest in entering the health information profession.

Prerequisites: None

Courses
Medical Terminology...................................................................24 hours
Excelling in the Workplace.........................................................16 hours
Medical Recordkeeping.............................................................24 hours
Office Communications and Procedures...............................30 hours

(Return to Top)

National Carpentry & Construction Education Research (NCCER) Certificate
Program Length: 288 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: This program provides expert training to students seeking a career or currently employed in the carpentry or construction industry. Objectives of this nationally accredited curriculum include increased quality of workmanship, enhanced efficiency, and heightened awareness of safety issues in the workplace. Hands-on training during lab sessions reinforces learning while encouraging a spirit of teamwork. Successful completion of each level results in a certificate of completion from NWACC. Students who successfully complete all four sections will be listed on the National Registry of Professional Carpenters through the NCCER.

Who Should Enroll

  • Persons interested in a career in the carpentry or construction industries
  • Persons currently employed in the industry
  • Persons interested in building or remodeling their own homes

Courses
Carpentry I ........................................... 144 hours
Carpentry II .......................................... 144 hours

(Return to Top)

Certified Bookkeeper American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Program Length: 80 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: Certification sets you apart as having met the highest national standards of skill and knowledge in bookkeeping as endorsed by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). Earning your “CB” increases your value to employers by ensuring your ability to carry out all key accounting functions for companies of up to 100 employees. You can earn the right to put “CB” after your name by taking this course, passing 4 national exams, signing a code of ethics and demonstrating *2 years’ experience as a bookkeeper. You should not enroll in this course without a solid academic or on-the-job background in double-entry bookkeeping.

Who Should Enroll

  • Working Bookkeepers with 2 years experience in the field
  • New bookkeepers who have completed a college level accounting course
  • Students with no background in bookkeeping may enroll upon successful completion of the prerequisites listed below.

Prerequisite (for those with less than 2 years bookkeeping background)

  • Introduction to Accounting
  • Recommended Courses
    To maximize marketability and success on the job, the following courses are recommended for persons with little or no previous office or accounting experience.
    • Excelling in the Workplace
    • Office Communications and Procedures
    • Excel Level I
    • QuickBooks

*Bookkeeping Experience may be completed before or after successful completion of exams.

(Return to Top)

 

 

For questions/comments on this content, please contact Sheila Wiley Smith.