Oct 03, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Non-Credit Programs



Housatonic Community College’s Continuing Education is a fast track, high quality, low cost, non-credit program developed to offer you educational courses with experienced instructors. Continuing and Professional Education offers workforce training programs designed to meet the client’s needs.

The following is a partial list of courses and programs offered by HCC’s Continuing and Professional Education.

For more information, visit the Continuing Education website at www.housatonic.edu/CE. 

Current Offerings

Allied Health

Certified Nurse Aide

In partnership with the American Red Cross,this program prepares students to work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and private duty. Housatonic Community College’s program prepares the students for the State of Connecticut’s Certification exam to practice as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). The students will learn to deliver all aspects of personal care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

Certified Professional Coder

A Certified Professional Coder translates a healthcare provider’s analysis and procedural phrases into codes, or alpha numeric designations. It is necessary for CPC’s to understand the health records and their content in order to conduct proper research and provide the correct coding. With five required courses, individuals will become Certified Professional Coders.

Courses include:

  • Medical Terminology 1 (online)
  • Human Anatomy & Biology
  • Medical Coding CPT
  • ICD-10 Diagnosis Coding and HCPCS
  • Certified Professional Coder Review and (national) Exam
  • Additional Option: Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) (see description below)

Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist

Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialists (CMRS) are skilled in facilitating the claims paying process from the time a service is rendered by a health care provider until the balance is paid. The CMRS is knowledgeable in ICD-9, ICD-10, CPT4 and HCPCS Coding, Medical Terminology, insurance claims and billing, appeals and denials, fraud and abuse, HIPAA, OIG Compliance, information and web technology, reimbursement, and much more. CMRS Billers play a critical role in a health care provider’s daily business operations. This course prepares students to take the CMRS certification exam, which is awarded by the Certifying Board of the American Medical Billing Association (CBAMBA).

Community Health Worker

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

In partnership with American Medical Response, the EMT curriculum is in compliance with all State of CT Office of Emergency Management Services requirements, including CPR/AED, basic life support skills, medical legal issues, medical, pediatric and respiratory emergencies and patient assessment, EMS and ambulance operations, disaster management, trauma, extraction, hazardous materials, mass casualty incidents and proper documentation including HIPPA.

Ophthalmic Assistant Certification

Students in the Ophthalmic Assistant Program take two courses, Ophthalmic Assistant I and Ophthalmic Assistant II. This program guides students in developing the specialized knowledge necessary for their careers as ophthalmic assistants and will gain skills to take patient histories, provide patient support services, administer tests and evaluations, take eye measurements, maintain instruments and perform a variety of clinical tasks, After completion of the coursework, students must work in an Ophthalmology practice to be able to take the certification examination.

Patient Care Technician Certification (PCT)

The Patient Care Technician is a multi-skilled health care worker who initially earns a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and then gains additional skills to perform routine patient care treatments including simple lab tests, EKG’s, simple dressing changes, and phlebotomy.

Pharmacy Technician Certification

This course is a pre-certification course to prepare students for the official Pharmacy Technician Certification exam. This comprehensive, 84-hour course will prepare students for an entry level position in a community pharmacy, hospital, or long term care or other institutional setting. During this course, students will also receive an excellent review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) national certification exam.

Sterile Processing Technician (SPT)

The Sterile Processing Technician is a vital member of the healthcare team contributing to the delivery of safe patient care by ensuring that all instruments and equipment are ready for patient use. Most often, the technician works in a centralized department at a medical institution.

This program provides individuals with education in Sterile Processing using the guidelines established by the Certification Board of Sterile Processing and Distribution. The course is comprised of both clinical and classroom education for 50 hours over an 8 week period. Students will be eligible to sit for the Sterile Processing Technician certification examination following the successful completion of the course.


Business & Technology

National Certified Bookkeeper

Whether you have limited bookkeeping experience or several years under your belt, there’s always time to become certified. The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, demonstrates an individual’s skills and knowledge in all bookkeeping functions. This program prepares students for the six-part CB exam. The program prepares students to take the Certified Bookkeeping (CB) exam through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

Business & Technology Courses Include:

  • Grant Writing
  • QuickBooks
  • Real Estate Principles and Practices
  • Introduction to Microsoft Office (includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Small Business Management

Manufacturing Technology

CNC Machining, Programming & Setup

Level One Training: The course is designed to be the first level or introductory course in foundational concepts of Precision CNC Manufacturing. The course provides theoretical concepts as well as the development of the knowledge and skills required in CNC programming, machine setup and operation. The laboratory portion emphasizes practical application of CNC machine tools which involve set-ups and procedures for operation.

  1. Review of fundamental G code programming knowledge and terminology.
  2. CNC Machine Tool safety.
  3. CNC machine tool controls and terminology.
  4. CNC Machine tool operations.
  5. GD&T - Print reading
  6. Feed & Speed calculations and applications.
  7. CNC Tooling technologies.
  8. Cutter compensation and tool wear commands.
  9. Proper part inspection.

Level Two Training: This course is designed to be the second level or intermediate course in gradually more complex concepts of Precision CNC Manufacturing. The course provides theoretical concepts as well as the development of the knowledge and skills required in CNC programming, machine setup and operation. The laboratory portion emphasizes practical application of CNC machine tools which involve set-ups and procedures for operation.

Advanced methods in:

  1. G code programming knowledge and terminology.
  2. CNC Sub programming techniques.
  3. CNC Tooling technologies.
  4. Setup of 4 & 5 axis CNC machines
  5. Close tolerance inspections and reporting
  6. GD&T Applications

Level Three Training: This course is designed to be the third level course in advanced CNC technologies with very a high level of complexity which requires the application of advanced software, multi-axis CNC equipment metrology technologies. The course provides theoretical concepts as well as the development of the knowledge and skills required in CNC programming, machine setup and operation. The laboratory portion emphasizes practical application of CNC machine tools which involve set-ups and procedures for operation.

  1. Review of fundamental G code programming knowledge and terminology.
  2. CNC Tooling technologies.
  3. 4 & 5 axis motion concepts
  4. Live tooling concepts
  5. Computer Aided Manufacturing
  6. Computer Aided Inspections
  7. Working with solids
  8. Proper part inspection

These classes are flexible and specifically designed in modular delivery format to capitalize on employees’ existing knowledge and skills at any level. CNC Programming Content includes Basic G & M code definitions and functions, Part design to X,Y&Z coordinate procedures & mathematics, proper program structure and development for Fanuc, Haas and other G code controls Multi tool programming, Basic and advanced feed & speed calculations and 2-3 & 4 axis programming.

Solidworks (CAD program)

Solidworks is a feature based, parametric solid modeling design tool used in the common Windows operating system. Learn how to build parametric models of parts and assemblies and make simple, fully dimensioned drawings of those parts & assemblies

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)

Offers an in-depth understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing concepts as adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Blueprint Reading

Offers basic skills for a manufacturing environment. Course includes view orientation, drawing, symbols, dimensioning, views, title block, machining specifications and more.

Shop Math

Offers skills needed to read engineering drawings, production charts and graphs, and inspecting parts and fits to tolerances. Topics include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, measurement, percentages, fundamentals of SI metric measurement, and applied mathematics in a manufacturing environment.

Mechatronics

Mechatronics is the study of electro-mechanical systems used in today’s modern manufacturing settings.  Students will gain knowledge of how mechanical and electrical energy is produced, controlled, and utilized.

Coordinate Measuring Machine

A coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is a device that measures the geometry of physical objects by measuring discrete points on the surface of the object with a probe.  Students will learn the basic operation of the CMM (the operator interface).  Programming techniques will include programming with and without electronic files.

Metrology

Course covers methods to test instrument calibration using precision artifacts to ensure gages work to calibration. Content includes: introduction to measurement; precision hand tools and gaging (micrometers, calipers, indicators and gages); measurement instruments; surface and form instruments; optical measurement instruments; and methods for analyzing the repeatability and reproducibility of measurement instruments.

Construction Training Program

Teaches construction workers about their rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint as well as how to identify, abate, avoid, and prevent job related hazards. 

General Industry Training Program

Designed for manufacturing industry, retail, office and other building workers.  The OSHA General Industry Program will teach employees about their rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint as well as how to identify, abate, avoid, and prevent job related hazards.


Communication & Language

Individual Communication & Language courses include:

  • Reading, Writing and Communication Skills
  • ESL for Families
  • ESL Beginners ESL for individuals new to the English language
        Listening and Speaking - Students will learn to listen for main ideas and details
        Reading and Writing - Students will learn to read for details and main ideas, then use knowledge
  • ESL Level 10 - Essentials of English in the USA
  • ESL Level 20 - ESL for Everyday Life
  • ESL Level 30 - ESL for Experienced Learners
  • ESL Level 40 - ESL for Your Future
  • ESL Conversation Circles

Hospitality, Sports/Fitness, and Leisure

ServSafe® Food Handler Certification Training

Learn the principles of food safety.  Administered by the National Restaurant Association, the ServSafe® training teaches responsible food service measures and regulatory requirements to prepare the student to become certified and meet any food handler training need

ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Training

Learn the importance of food safety, good personal hygiene, time and temperature control, cross contamination, cleaning and sterilizing, safe food preparation, receiving and storing food, methods of thawing, hazard analysis and critical control points, food safety regulations and achieve your certification after passing the national exam

S.M.A.R.T Professional Bartending Certification

Learn how to shake, stir, strain, and pour! Learn how to make special shots, highball drinks, cocktails, and tropical drinks! In addition to mixing drinks, this professional Bartending course also includes the state and national SMART certification (Servers and Managers Alcohol Responsibility Training) recognized by the Connecticut Department of Liquor Control and police departments. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be qualified to work in any environment that serves liquor, including restaurants, clubs, hotels, and catering companies. Students will receive both a certificate of completion and the SMART certification. Prerequisite: Must be 18 years of age and provide a license or picture ID with date of birth.

Personal Trainer National Certification

Whether a career move or for your own personal knowledge get all the information you need to become a Certified Personal Trainer. This challenging course is taught over a 8-week period for better retention and skill competency. The National Exam is held on the 9th week. This course is formatted as a 62-hour program and is comprised of 16 hours of lecture, 16 hours of practical training and a 30-hour internship. It covers topics including biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness testing, equipment usage and health assessment. CPR/AED is needed to receive the certificate. W.I.T.S. (World Instructor Training Schools) is the only major certifying body in the country providing comprehensive practical training and internship components

Safe Boating/PWC Certification

Become certified to operate a recreational vessel with this complete and basic, safe boating certification course taught in one 8-hour day. All students receive an official diploma and state certificate application upon successful completion of the course.

Basic Digital Photography

This is an introductory course on digital camera operation. Students will learn the fundamentals of photography using their own digital cameras. This will provide a foundation that covers menu navigation, exposure modes (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program), metering options (center weighted and spot meter), exposure compensation, sensitivity and ISO, types of saved images (RAW or JPEG).

Two features on digital cameras will be stressed: exposure and histogram use with images. You will learn how to shoot, evaluate and adjust the exposure to obtain the best image using Photoshop.  The class will include lessons in Photoshop and image improvement.


Corporate Training & Workforce Development

  • First Time Manager Training

  • Difficult Conversations

  • Diversity Training

  • Succession Planning

  • Building Maintenance Worker Training

  • Leadership/Team Building

Customizable corporate training and workforce development is available at HCC or requested on-site location on a contractual basis.  Our client can choose from a menu of pre-established offerings.  The package can include

  • Training needs assessment
  • Training development
  • Program implementation and coordination
  • Participant and program evaluations.

Training can be:

  • Tailored for technical as well as non-technical staff, office as well as front-line production workers. Continuing and Professional Education has the ability to customize trainings to match the needs of our corporate client from existing modules for training.  Common areas of training and workforce development include:
  • Communications
  • Microsoft
  • Business Operations,
  • Supervisory & Management Training,
  • Manufacturing Technology,
  • Digital Office Systems, and
  • Organizational Development

Extension Credit for Professional Development

The Continuing and Professional Education Department at HCC also offers professional development, extension credit, opportunities to our community and corporate partners. 

Currently, the Early Childhood Inclucisve Education Program offers contracted, extension credit to providers.  To find out more, please contact Shelly Tomey from Early Childhood Education, located at BH 246, STomey@hcc.commnet.edu.

For more information, please contact: 

Anna C. Cruz
Continuing Education Coordinator / ESL
203-332-5214, email:  Acruz@housatonic.edu

Evelyn Meléndez
Continuing Education Assistant
203-332-5990, email:  EMelendez@hcc.commnet.edu