Forsyth Tech Continuing Education: Pathways to Personal and Professional Advancement
Forsyth Tech's commitment to lifelong learning is vividly demonstrated through its extensive array of continuing education courses and programs. The Economic & Workforce Development Division serves as the central hub for these offerings, meticulously designed to foster both the personal enrichment and professional advancement of individuals and employee groups. This division provides a dynamic spectrum of non-credit courses, comprehensive assessments, and specialized Small Business Center seminars, catering to a diverse range of needs and aspirations. The duration of these programs varies significantly, from brief, focused workshops lasting only a few hours to more intensive, multi-hundred-hour courses, each tailored to specific learning objectives and content depth.
Diverse Course Offerings for All Learners
Forsyth Tech's continuing education landscape is characterized by its breadth and accessibility. Courses are developed with the general public in mind and are routinely advertised, ensuring broad awareness. Concurrently, a significant portion of the curriculum is custom-tailored for the employee groups of client companies. These bespoke programs, designed to meet specific organizational training needs, are not advertised to the general public, reflecting a commitment to targeted professional development.
The Economic & Workforce Development Division extends its educational services beyond traditional classroom instruction to include a robust suite of assessments. These include basic skill and developmental assessments, crucial for identifying foundational knowledge gaps. For professionals seeking to validate their expertise, testing for professional licenses and certifications is readily available. Career assessments are offered to guide individuals in identifying suitable career paths, while training needs assessments and job task analyses are instrumental in pinpointing specific skill deficits within an organization.
Accessible Registration and Multiple Campus Locations
Navigating the registration process for these valuable courses is streamlined through the Economic & Workforce Development Customer Service Center. This center serves as a primary point of contact, providing essential information about available courses and the procedures for enrollment. The Center operates Monday through Friday, and its physical location is on the West Campus at 1300 Bolton Street, Winston-Salem.
Forsyth Tech's commitment to accessibility is further underscored by the strategic placement of its learning facilities. Continuing Education courses and seminars are offered across multiple campuses and centers, ensuring that residents throughout the region have convenient access to educational opportunities. These locations include the Main Campus, Northwest Forsyth Center, Grady P. Swisher Center, Stokes County Center, West Campus, Transportation Center, Mazie S. Woodruff Center, and the Innovation Quarter.
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Enrollment Policies and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Generally, Economic & Workforce Development courses and seminars are designed for adults aged 18 and older. However, Forsyth Tech demonstrates flexibility by allowing individuals aged 16 and 17 to enroll in some courses, provided they obtain prior approval from their respective public school systems. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about the specific admission requirements for any program of interest, as some courses may necessitate a formal student application.
Most Economic & Workforce Development courses involve associated fees, which can include registration, technology, specific course fees, and insurance. However, some courses are offered without charge. Detailed information regarding registration fee and fee refund policies is readily available in the Schedule of Courses and on the College's official website.
A significant aspect of Forsyth Tech's continuing education offerings is their approval for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). An occupational extension course, defined as a course providing instruction on specific occupational skills, is eligible for CEU credit. The awarding of CEUs is directly proportional to the scheduled contact hours of the course. Specifically, one CEU is awarded for every 10 hours of class attendance, including any portion thereof. This system provides a standardized measure of professional development and learning.
Specialized Programs and Career Advancement
Forsyth Tech's continuing education portfolio encompasses a wide array of specialized programs designed to meet the evolving demands of the workforce and the diverse interests of the community.
Adult Basic Education and High School Equivalency: For individuals seeking to complete their secondary education or enhance fundamental academic skills, Forsyth Tech offers robust College and Career Readiness programs. These free programs, available in Forsyth and Stokes counties, include Adult Basic Education (ABE) to improve reading, writing, and math skills; Adult High School (AHS) for earning a diploma; and High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation for the GED or HiSET tests. The Multiple Pathways to High School Equivalency (MPHSE) program further diversifies the options for individuals to achieve their high school credentials.
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English Language Acquisition (ELA): Recognizing the importance of English proficiency for integration and career success, Forsyth Tech provides the ELA program. This program offers instruction for foreign-born adults with limited English proficiency, covering seven levels of classes to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. The curriculum also includes acculturation to the United States society.
Apprenticeship Programs: Forsyth Tech actively supports apprenticeship initiatives, requiring apprentices to complete a minimum of 144 hours of instruction annually, with classes scheduled during the fall and spring semesters. Indentured apprentices also commit to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training each year, demonstrating a significant investment in hands-on skill development.
Careers NOW! and Personal Enrichment: The Careers NOW! initiative offers community service courses and activities aimed at fostering cultural, civic, and intellectual growth within the community. Popular offerings in this vein include foreign languages, picture framing, painting, crafts, digital photography, and retirement planning. This reflects a commitment to lifelong learning beyond purely vocational pursuits.
Computer Skills Development: A wide variety of computer courses are available, catering to different learning preferences with both online and in-classroom formats. These courses are designed to equip individuals with essential digital literacy skills for today's world.
Ed2go Online Learning: Forsyth Tech has partnered with Ed2go to provide affordable and convenient online learning opportunities. These self-guided and instructor-led courses can be accessed from home or office, offering flexibility for busy individuals. Ed2go Continuing Education courses are typically six weeks or longer and award CEUs upon successful completion. A comprehensive list of these courses, including pricing and start dates, is available on the Ed2go website for Forsyth Tech.
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Health Sciences and Emergency Services: Forsyth Tech offers a comprehensive suite of courses in health sciences and emergency services, preparing individuals for critical roles in these fields.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Certification courses are available for all levels of EMS, from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to Paramedic. The Paramedic Academy is a highly competitive program with specific prerequisites and an entry exam.
- Fire Services: In addition to fire and safety courses for businesses, Forsyth Tech conducts an intensive 28-week Fire Academy, along with advanced firefighter and rescue training for fire departments in Forsyth and Stokes counties. This program utilizes real-life scenarios to prepare firefighters for demanding situations.
- Law Enforcement Training: To prepare individuals for careers in law enforcement, certification courses are offered, ranging from detention officer training to basic law enforcement training.
- Nursing Assistant Programs: Forsyth Tech provides state-approved courses for Nursing Assistant I and Nursing Assistant II. The Nursing Assistant I course teaches basic patient care skills, preparing students for the North Carolina Nurse Aide Competency Examination. The Dorothy L. Lougee, Nursing Assistant I hybrid course offers a blend of online and in-person instruction. A Nursing Assistant I Refresher course is available for those needing to update their certification. The Nursing Assistant II course provides advanced skills in areas such as oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, and IV fluid assistance. Hybrid options are also available for NAII. A course to assess and validate NAII skills for those whose certification has lapsed is also offered.
- Other Health-Related Certifications: Forsyth Tech offers preparation for various entry-level health careers, including courses for Medication Aides, Certified EKG (ECG) and Telemetry Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, Direct Support Professionals (DSP) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assistants.
- Community Health Worker (CHW): This program prepares individuals for certification as Community Health Workers in North Carolina, covering core competencies and essential knowledge of health and social issues.
- Medical Coding and EHR Specialist: A 4-course online program develops medical coding skills, focusing on diagnostic and procedural coding in outpatient facilities. The Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) course, also online, prepares students to manage and maintain electronic health records.
Skilled Trades and Technical Careers: Forsyth Tech offers programs designed to quickly prepare individuals for skilled trades and technical careers.
- Electrical Lineworker Program: This program prepares individuals for entry-level positions with utility companies, covering pole climbing, equipment installation, and construction practices, alongside essential safety and electrical theory. A mandatory orientation class is required for entry.
- Industrial Technology: Courses in industrial technology are continuously updated to ensure employees can learn the use of new equipment and processes.
- General Technical/Trades Courses: A variety of technical and trades courses are available, with some programs designed to make students job-ready in as little as 12 weeks.
Small Business Development: The Small Business Center (SBC) is a vital resource for entrepreneurs, providing counseling, information, and educational programs to support the establishment and maintenance of businesses. The SBC also offers networking opportunities, online training, and various resources.
Employee Health and Safety: Forsyth Tech provides several courses focused on employee health and safety, contributing to a more secure and productive work environment.
Customized Training and Assessments: The Customized Training Program is designed to provide tailored training assistance to support job creation and enhance the growth potential of North Carolina companies. This involves a multi-step process, including job task analyses and training needs assessments to identify and address skill gaps. Basic skill assessments are also conducted to determine employee competence in areas such as math, reading, language, and spelling. Pre-employment training programs are also conducted for client companies to cultivate a pool of qualified applicants for specific job vacancies.
Arts, Crafts, and Personal Enrichment
Beyond vocational training, Forsyth Tech offers a vibrant selection of arts, crafts, and personal enrichment classes designed to foster creativity and provide fulfilling hobbies. These classes are open to all skill levels and provide a supportive environment for artistic exploration.
- Visual Arts: A wide array of visual arts classes are available, including acrylic painting, holiday card creation, color mixing, drawing (beginning/intermediate), oil painting, portrait drawing, and plein-air painting. These courses delve into fundamental techniques, composition, and creative expression.
- Bookbinding: Learn the timeless art of bookbinding through hands-on workshops, exploring various techniques from saddle stitch to traditional Japanese binding.
- Mixed Media: This class encourages experimentation with diverse materials and techniques, including collage, printmaking, assemblage, and stitching, allowing artists to blend textures, colors, and forms.
- Paste Paper Workshop: A playful exploration of surface design, this workshop teaches the creation of vibrant, textured papers using colored paste and simple tools.
- Quilting: A beginner-friendly quilting class focuses on creating a beautiful "Astrodelic Quilt," utilizing simple techniques accessible to newcomers to quilting, though participants must bring their own sewing machines.
- Other Crafts: Classes in crafts, painting, and picture framing are also popular, catering to a broad range of interests.
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