Computer Training, "Seven Habits" and Essentials of Leadership Courses Available In Columbia; Social Media Courses In Franklin

Columbia State's Center for Economic and Workforce Development is offering several non-credit courses at its Columbia Campus during the month of May.

"Introduction to QuickBooks 2010" covers banking and billing activities, working with reports and budgets, and protecting and backing up data. This class will be held on the Columbia campus on Friday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The fee for the course is $129 and includes text.

The "Introduction to Excel 2007" course teaches students how to get started with Excel 2007 and how to work with formulas and functions. This class will be held on the Columbia Campus on Friday, May 14 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The cost of the course is $129 and text is included.

The "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" course will give participants the opportunity to discover a new sense of direction, restore balance in their life, and learn to accomplish their most important long term goals by focusing on proven principles of effectiveness. Students will also experience interactive exercises, case studies, poignant video segments and learn from the experience of other participants. The objectives of this course are to help participants understand the power of choice, increase self esteem, improve relationships, build teamwork, have greater influence, become more opportunity minded and improve communications. In meeting these objectives, this will allow individuals and organizations the opportunity to significantly increase their performance capability. The class will meet for 3 consecutive Fridays beginning May 14 and continuing until May 21 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 pm. The fee of $399 includes the book and manual.

The "Online Medical Transcription" course is offered through a partnership with Oak Horizons. Medical Transcription is a healthcare profession that is in great need of knowledgeable and skilled professionals. This online program has been prepared by experienced professionals who have owned successful medical transcription companies and a medical transcription school. The medical transcription program involves an intense curriculum that prepares individuals to be employable and achieve their financial goals. The program consists of six consecutive blocks. Each block contains four to five courses and will take approximately six weeks to complete. Students will complete 950 cumulative hours of study during the program. Oak Horizons regularly networks with various employers to document skill needs and program value. This class will begin on Monday, May 17. Cost of the course is $2000. Books and equipment cost an additional $600.

The "Essentials of Leadership" course teaches students to: 1) evaluate the use of important leadership behaviors and identify leadership strengths and areas for development, 2) assess communication skills and develop particular skills they want to develop further, 3) use the interaction process, Key Principles, Interaction Guidelines and process skills, to achieve critical business objectives while enhancing working relationships, and 4) use technique to provide meaningful, supportive feedback. This class will be held on Tuesday, May 18 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The fee of $99 includes the text and all class materials.

Online Gatlin Education Courses

"Online: Gatlin Education" provides in-depth, career training courses in association with Gatlin Education Services, the world's largest provider of online, instructor-supported training to colleges and universities. The self-paced courses are available anytime, anywhere. All you need is a web-enabled computer and a desire to learn skills that will prepare you for a new career or update current skill sets. Even though you don't have to attend class, you won't be on your own. A team of available online professionals, anytime scheduling, and educational textbooks combine to give you a relevant, interactive learning experience. Programs typically take three to six months to complete. To register, visit the Gatlin career training website at www.gatlineducation.com/cscc.

The "Administrative Dental Assistant" is nationally recognized as an online certificate program that teaches the essential administrative tasks for managing the business aspects of a dental practice and becoming an Administrative Dental Assistant. This program includes instruction in dental terminology and anatomy, medical records management, accounts receivable and reimbursement management, insurance and patient billing, patient scheduling, and procedural and diagnostic coding. The Administrative Dental Assistant online program will prepare you for a new career working in a dental office. Students will complete 150 hours (six months) during the program. The fee for the course is $1595 and includes all materials.

The "Pharmacy Technician" is nationally recognized as an online course and training program that teaches the skills needed to gain employment as a Pharmacy Tech in either the hospital or retail setting. The objective of the Pharmacy Technician Program is to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to qualify for entry-level positions in pharmacies as well as prepare for national certification. The program takes 240 hours (six months) to complete. The cost of the course is $1795 and all materials are included.

For more information on continuing education classes contact the office of Economic and Workforce Development at (931) 540-2660. To register for the Online Gatlin Education Courses, visit the website at www.gatlineducation.com/cscc and select a topic. On the next page click in the box next to the course title, then scroll down to the bottom of the page, and complete the requested information. You will be contacted within one business day.

Williamson County Campus Offers Social Media Classes In May

Columbia State Community College is also offering two non-credit courses at its Williamson County Campus in Franklin during May - "Essentials of Social Media" and "Social Media for Small Business."

"The intent is to help people understand even better what social media are, why they are important, and how to use them," said Ron Beck, director of Economic and Workforce Development at Columbia State.

"Essentials of Social Media" is an introductory course that is geared to the new and less experienced users of social media and social networks. The course will cover a variety of topics including but not limited to how social media is being used in business today, what the most used social networks are, and how to establish a presence on networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. The course will take place on Tuesday, May 11 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Cost for the course is $49.

"Social Media for Small Business" is an intermediate course designed to show the individual or a business how to incorporate social media and social networks into their marketing and communication plan. Key elements of the course include but are not limited to social media and social network review, how to use a blog effectively, marketing on social networks versus traditional means and how to get started. The course will be held on Thursday, May 13 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The cost for the course is $49.

The cost to attend both courses is $90.

The courses will be conducted by Dan Ryan, a senior consultant at The Human Capital Group. Ryan provides Retained Executive Search and Leadership Consulting work for his clients in his role as a Senior Consultant. His consulting work includes Executive Coaching, Organizational & Leadership Development, and Outsourced Leadership Consulting.

Ryan has earned a Master's of Education degree from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, a Master's of Business Administration degree from Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering Physics from Murray State University. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member for Belmont University.

To register or for more information, call the office of Economic and Workforce Development at (931) 540-2660.