Workforce Certificate Programs

Actionable Analysis Certificate
Program Length: 48 Hours

Curriculum Description:  This program provides retail analysts with advanced skills in using the Microsoft Office Suite to analyze data in a comprehensive way, allowing them to work smarter and more efficiently to turn data into information that is useful for decision making.

Who Should Enroll?  Retail analysts employed in the vendor community or related professionals who wish to gain advanced skills in data analysis using Microsoft Office.

Prerequisites:  A minimum of two years experience in the vendor community

Required Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Course Description: Provides advanced knowledge of the use of MS Access to move data from a decision support system and into report-friendly formats, in a matter of minutes.  Graduates will be able to build a functioning database and will have unlocked the mysteries of Access without learning programming.

Courses Offered in Fall 2010	Course Title	Class Contact Hours
X	Actionable Analysis with Microsoft Office	24 hours

Course Description:  This course will help the participant find ways to improve productivity and gain efficiency in the MS Office suite of programs.  Data feeds from the Internet and MS Access will be reviewed with the aim of turning data into actionable analysis and insights.  This course is designed for the professional who wishes to work smarter, not harder and who may be asked to produce more with fewer resources.

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  Administrative Assistant Certificate
Program Length: 127 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: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

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Administrative Professional Certificate
Program Length: 76 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: Gain essential training that enables the administrative professional to increase their productivity, take on new responsibilities and challenges, and bring new skills back to their boss and organization. The Administrative Professional Certificate is designed to equip learners with the skills and competencies needed to become a more valuable resource for your company.  Build your confidence, leadership skills, writing skills, and communication skills, while refreshing your professional image and increasing your overall personal satisfaction

Who Should Enroll?

·         Persons who are currently working in an administrative capacity within an organization

·        Administrative Professionals looking to update or improve their skills

Prerequisites:  At least six months of experience as an Administrative Assistant is preferred.  Equivalent training may be accepted upon evaluation of skills.

Required Courses (Choose 4) : Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

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AMA Supervision Certificate
Program Length: 75 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: This certificate is no longer being offered, but Fall 2010 classes are scheduled below for students who are currently in the program.

Prerequisites: None

Core Courses (Required): Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Electives (Choose 3):

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AMA Strategic Leadership Certificate
Program Length: 90 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: This program is no longer being offered, however Fall 2010 classes are scheduled below for students who are currently in the program.

Prerequisites: None

Core Courses (Required): Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Electives (Choose 3):

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AMA Human Resource Management Certificate
Program Length: 75 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: This program is recommended for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the Human Resources field, or looking to advance their career in the field.

Prerequisites:  None

Core Courses (Required): Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Electives (Choose 3):

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Applied Project Management Certificate
Program Length: 63 Hours

Curriculum Description: This program is designed for entry-level project managers, team leaders, and executives who desire a fundamental working knowledge of the processes involved in effective project management. The goal of this program is to provide participants with relevant, timely, effective project management knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace to produce goal-directed results. The courses are taught by seasoned project management professionals who have a wealth of experience to share about the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the application of that knowledge in various work settings. Participants desiring to advance their careers as project management professionals may choose to pursue our Professional Project Management and Master Project Management Certificates, as well as additional training and preparation for industry-recognized professional certifications such as the PMP and CAPM.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of MS Office applications and MS Project software.

Required Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

* Workshop-style class with "hands-on" approach to Project Management. This class will focus on case studies and building full project plans.

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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.  Call (479) 936-5175 for more information. You cannot register online for this class.

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

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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.  Call (479) 936-5175 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.

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  Category Management Certificate- (Program In Development-Classes coming!)
Program Length: 40 Hours

Curriculum Description: Provides in-depth perspectives of retailer expectations for supplier partners.  Participants will be able to develop strategies for optimal business development with key client partners and learn to develop business relationships in the Category Management role with internal and external clients. 

Who Should Enroll?  Individuals working in the vendor community who wish to advance their careers, move into a Category Management role, or improve their Category Management expertise.

Prerequisites:  This advanced class requires that enrolled students have a Retail Link user id and a minimum of two years experience in the vendor community.

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CompTIA A+ Certificate
Program Length: 70 hours

Curriculum Description: CompTIA  A+ is the industry standard for computer support technicians. It is the international, vendor-neutral certification that proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.  ComPTIA A+ certified technicians also gain excellent customer service skills and communication skills to work with clients. Two courses are required: A+ Essentials measures the necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with a recommended 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It teachestechnical understanding of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals. A+ Practical Application is an extension of the knowledge and skills identified in A+ Essentials, with more of a "hands-on" orientation focused on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.

Who Should Enroll? IT Professionals with 6 –9 months experience supporting end-users of a desktop operating system.

Prerequisites:  6 –9 months experience supporting end-users of a desktop operating system. *Students who do not have prior IT experience will be required to take Intro to Computers course-subject to coordinator discretion.

Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Exams

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CompTIA Network + Certification
Program Length: 36 hours

Curriculum Description: CompTIA Network + is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure. Students learn to use and maintain a wide range of network technologies, to describe and identify different networking models, and learn the basics of data movement, physical media, and network connectivity devices.

Who Should Enroll? IT Professionals with 9 –12 months experience supporting end-users of a desktop operating system.

Prerequisites:  9–12 months experience supporting end-users of a desktop operating system. *Students who do not have prior IT experience will be required to take Intro to Computers, CompTIA A+ Essentials and CompTIA Practical Application prep courses-subject to coordinator discretion.

Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Exams

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Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program
Program Length: 1 Year (324 hrs)

Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career in HVAC or who are pursuing the National NATE certification or need to sit for the EPA exam.  The six courses, or blocks, provide knowledge and skills relevant to HVAC technicians and prepares students for the NATE certification.  Courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab experience (on-the-job hours not required). Contact (479) 936-5175 to register or for more information.  You cannot register online for this class.

Prerequisites: None

Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

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Certified Retail Analyst
Program Length: 225 Hours (without Internship)

Contact 479-936-5175 for information or email Melinda Schmohl .

Curriculum Description: Local industry experts teach retail applications and analytics to prepare individuals for a career  as an entry level Retail Sales Analyst.

Who Should Enroll? Anyone seeking a career as an entry level Retail Sales Analyst.

Prerequisites: Students must take the following two classes and supply required documents before they can register for the program classes. Click here for more information on the admission requirements.

Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

 Program Courses

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Medical Billing and Coding Professional Certificate
Program Length: 201 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description: Gain the skills needed to enter the health information profession and become an integral part of a medical office, clinic, or hospital billing and coding staff.  Learn proper coding for medical conditions and diagnoses and proper billing techniques to achieve the most efficient returns from insurance billings.

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: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

* These courses must be taken in this order.

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Medical Interpreter Certificate
(Offered in conjunction with the UAMS Area Health Education Center - NW)
Program Length: 102 Contact Hours

Curriculum Description:This program is designed to prepare individuals for a career in medical interpreting. Interpretation is more than simple translation; it is the conversion of a message uttered in a source language into an equivalent message in the target language so that the intended recipient of the message responds to it as if he or she had heard it in the original. To be able to do this, the interpreter must not only be fluent in both the source and target languages but must also have the skills and knowledge base to be able to comprehend the message quickly in the source language and just as quickly re-express it in the target language. This program will also prepare individuals for national certification.

Who Should Enroll?

·         This program is designed for bilingual individuals who would like to pursue a career in Medical Interpreting.

Prerequisites:  Candidates for this program must pass a bilingual language skills test, and must possess a high school diploma or GED.  There is a $15 fee for the skills test.

Course: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

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Medical Office Assistant Certificate
Program Length: 111 Contact Hours

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: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

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Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)*
Program Length: 45 Hours per Application

Curriculum Description:  Students will receive official Microsoft Certification in each 2007 MS Office Application : Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, or in Windows 7. This certification helps validate proficiency in using Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft Office 2007 and meets the demand for the most up-to-date skills on the latest Microsoft technologies. Candidates who pass a certification exam show that they can meet globally recognized performance standards. Each application includes 45 hours of instructor led courses, lab exercises for test preparation and one (1) certification exam. Gain advantage over the competition in the workforce by putting “Microsoft Certified”, instead of simply “proficient” next to your computer skills on your resume! Successful completion of each Certification Exam qualifies as 1 hour of college credit per ACE.

* The MOS certification, formerly known as the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) has been renamed Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).

Who should enroll?  Anyone who would like to differentiate themselves in today's competitive job market, broaden your employment opportunities by displaying your advanced skills, and result in higher earning potential. Certification can also lead to increased job satisfaction. Research indicates that certified individuals have increased competence, productivity, and credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients.

Prerequisites: Basic computer skills.

Courses (includes Labs): Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Exams:

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Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
Program Length:  40 hours

Curriculum Description: The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) training teaches skills to successfully support end-users and to successfully troubleshoot desktop environments running the Microsoft Windows operating system. By earning the MCDST certification, you can help validate the unique set of skills required to succeed in a variety of job roles, such as a help desk technician, customer support representative, computer support specialist, technical support representative and technical support specialist. At the end of the course, students will also be able to identify and resolve issues involving: installation, desktop management, files and folders, hardware, printing, and network connectivity. MCDST candidates are required to take two courses: 2261 and 2262, as listed below. These courses teach how to resolve operating system issues by telephone, by connecting to an end user's systems remotely, or by visiting an end user's desktop. The course also covers working knowledge of oeprating in a workgroup or Active Directory domain environment and how end users are affected by each environment. Students also must pass two Microsoft exams.

Who Should Enroll?  IT Professionals with 6 – 9 months experience supporting end-users of a desktop operating system.

Prerequisites: 6 – 9 months experience supporting end-users of a desktop operating system. *Students who do not have prior IT experience will be required to take Intro to Computers and possibly other technical prep courses - subject to coordinator discretion.

Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

Exams:

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Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Program Length: 160 hours each

Curriculum Description: Advance your career by proving that you have the skills to successfully manage and troubleshoot system environments. Enhance your skills in Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining Windows Servers, and get certified as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator by taking the courses and passing 4 exams. Take 2 additional exams and become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Beat the competition by showing employers that Microsoft Certifies your expertise!

Who Should Enroll? Students with 6-12 months experience administering client and network operating systems.

Prerequisites: 6 -12 months experience administering client and networking operating systems.

Courses: Courses offered in current term are indicated with X

MCSA Exams:

MCSE Exams:

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Certified Fiber Optic Technician
Course Length: 24 Hours

Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge

Curriculum Description: This introductory 3-day fiber optic tech course combines theory and 75% hands-on activities to prepare the student to take the CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) test that is given and graded the final class day. This course also introduces the student to industry standards governing Fiber To The Desk, Fiber To The Home, and Schools, and explains Zone Vs. Distribution Cabling. Students will learn how to identify fiber types; recognize various connectors used in fiber installation; and install, terminate, splice, and properly test installed fiber cable to existing standards. Course fee includes all books, study materials, and CD. BICSI recognizes this Course for the following Continuing Education Credits (CECs): 21 RCDD & 12 for INS, Level 2/Technician.

Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing and Maintenance
Course Length: 16 Hours

Prerequisites: CFOT Course or any other formal fiber optics training course within previous 6 months, or 1 year fiber optics related experience. If the student is not a CFOT registered with the FOA, he/she must pass the Basic CFOT Exam prior to registering the Specialist (CFOS/T) certification with the FOA.

Curriculum Description: This 2-day program is designed to offer specialist fiber optics training to anyone involved with the testing and maintenance of fiber optics networks. This course will teach differences between applications (telco/CATV/LAN, etc.) so the student can intelligently work in today's fiber optics cable environment.  The course will cover a variety of testing standards, equipment, and technological approaches used in fiber network testing and how to choose among them. Subject matter includes a detailed study of ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-14A, OTDR Fundamentals and Uses, OTDR Vs. Insertion Loss Testing, Return Loss Testing, and Proper Maintenance of High-Performance Fiber Networks. The Certified Fiber Optics Specialist/Testing Exam is given and graded the final day of class. Course fee includes all study materials, consumables, manuals, and PC-Based OTDR Simulator Program which provides for 75% hands-on activities. BICSI Recognizes this Course for the Following Continuing Education Credits (CECs): 14 RCDD and 12 for INS, Level 2/Technician.

Certified Fiber Optic Splicing Specialist
Course Length: 16 Hours

Prerequisites: CFOT Course or any other formal fiber optics training course within previous 6 months, or 1 year fiber optics related experience. If the student is not a CFOT registered with the FOA, he/she must pass the Basic CFOT Exam prior to registering this Splicing Specialist (CFOS/S) certification with the FOA.

Curriculum Description: This 2-day course includes an overview of OTDR functions and 75% hands-on classroom activities, providing training in both fusion and mechanical splicing of both single- and multi-mode fiber optic cables. Both inside and outside plant fiber optic cable types will be utilized during these hands-on sessions, along with inside and outside plant enclosures and splice trays. The student will be responsible for successfully making and testing both single- and multi-mode mechanical and fusion splices. The student will further be required to achieve a splice loss of less than 0.15 dB for all splices and demonstrate proficiency in interpretation of splice loss using OTDR splice traces. This program is approved for BICSI CECs (Continuing Education Credits): RCDD 14 CECs and INS, Level 2/Technician CECs – 14.

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  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Course Length: 56 Hours

Prerequisite:  Participants are expected to bring a project to work on that relates to their work area.  Up to two participants can share a project.  This problem should be one that is unstudied, with no clear root cause.

Curriculum Description: Learn and apply the problem solving format, DAMIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control).  This program will introduce the participant to both reduce variation (traditional Six Sigma) and eliminate waste (Lean).  Through both class instruction and targeted activities, this toolkit and problem solving approach will be developed and practiced in-class and in-project. The participants will be expected to complete a project as part of the course work to demonstrate their knowledge of the concepts and add value back to the organization right away.

  Key Program Features:  

·         Seven days total, delivered in two blocks of two days each and one block of three days each.

·         Each session separated by two-three weeks.

·         Bi-monthly project mentoring recommended.

·         Participants will complete their project charter by the end of Day One.

·     Material to include concepts from Six Sigma, Lean and Change Leadership.

·         NWACC Certification / Exam will include project completion and review.

Course Requirements:

• An approved Six Sigma on-th-job project, delivered and accepted as complete by instructors.
• Attendance of at least 6 out of 7 sessions.
• A passing grade better than the cut score on the final exam. This exam is a closed book, monitored exam.
• Attendance of a minimum of 50% of the mentoring sessions, as needed.

Six Sigma Black Belt  (Under Construction)

Check back for updates to this Program! Call 479-936-5175 to put your name on our interest list.

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Project Management with Certification Prep

Course Length: 96 Hours

Curriculum Description: This program is designed for project managers, team leaders, and executives who desire to advance their careers as project management professionals. This program encompasses the Applied Project Management certificate program with the additional training that will prepare professionals for the industry-recognized PMP certification. The goal of this program is to provide participants with relevant, timely, effective project management knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace to produce goal-directed results. The courses are taught by seasoned project management professionals who have a wealth of experience to share about the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the application of that knowledge in various work settings.

Who Should Enroll? Students who desire to take the PMP Exam and receive their certification.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of MS Office applications and MS Project software.

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For questions/comments please call us at 479.936.5175.

For questions/comments on this content, please contact Melinda Schmohl.

This page was last updated on:  August 11, 2010 @ 9:24 am