Workforce Development and Career Readiness Department

Explore our Dare continuing education class schedules for professional development and personal enrichment.

Welcome!

If you’re interested in a class, please register early; however, you can register at any time with payment due before the class begins. If a class has already started, call to have your name added to a waiting list.

How to Register

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to Dare County residents for occupational and technical classes. Among them are the State Employees Credit Union, Golden LEAF and the Milton Jewell Scholarship provided by the Outer Banks Community Foundation. The Northeastern Workforce Development Board has assistance for some classes — call 252-480-3500 for information. All of these scholarships are needs based and you must complete and return an application. COA’s Dare County Guarantee Scholarship Program may be available for recent high school graduates for specific workforce classes.

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Dare County Continuing Education Class Schedules

Last updated: Feb. 17, 2021

Certification Classes

Pool and Spa Certification (BLAFT) (9 hours)

Pool and spa operator certification. Instruction and techniques are taught (with off-campus visit to local pool.) Students should bring a pencil, highlighter and a calculator to class. Fee includes manual and written test required by the NC Department of Environmental Health and a certificate. One hour for lunch on your own. Must be register two business days before class.

NC Vehicle Safety Inspection (8 hours)

This course prepares auto technicians and service personnel as safety and emissions inspectors for motor vehicles. Also prepares student to pass the qualification exam for certification to be used at a licensed inspection station. Must possess a valid in NC driver’s license and have two years of experience. Part of second night is held in a local garage. Please pre-register. You must be able to pass a background check.

Notary (6/7 hours)

This course is designed to prepare students to be commissioned/appointed as a Notary Public. The book and a valid driver’s license or photo identification is required and one must be a high school/GED graduate. Notary Public Manual for North Carolina 11th ed. 2016 is required to own, should be read before the class, and can be purchased from Follett Bookstore 252-331-5964 in Elizabeth City or Downtown Books in Manteo at 252-473-1056. You’ll be responsible for mailing in notary certificate fee to the state after successful completion of the class and test. If you have an unexpired commission and need to renew, please go online to the NC Secretary of State website. Please pre-register.

Safe Driving (4 hours)

The four-hour class will increase awareness of the need for and the benefits of defensive driving. May help you get a discount on your auto insurance or lower your points. Class may meet court requirements if you get a ticket. Price includes workbook and certificate from the National Safety Council of North Carolina. The curriculum has been recently updated to provide you’ll the most current information on driving safely. The class is for any drivers or would be drivers who are 16 years and older. You must be pre-registered two business days before to attend class. Some classes may be available online.

An eight-hour class is available in Elizabeth City.

Human Resource Development (HRD)/Job Skills

HRD/Information for Job Seekers (3 hours)

This class assists students in their pursuit of employment in today’s challenging global economy. Content will include a review of vital topics such as creating an effective resume, job search strategies, preparing for the interview and job retention. Course fee may be waived for unemployed/low income students. You must be pre-registered.

Computer, Technology and Photography Classes

Introduction to Excel™ (15 hours)

This introductory class will cover the basics of Excel. This class will enable students to efficiently use this application. Basic computer skills are required and class is held in a computer lab or online.

Introduction to QuickBooks™ (24 hours)

This introductory class will cover the basics of QuickBooks accounting using QuickBooks 2018. This class will enable students to efficiently use this application. All levels are welcome. Basic computer skills required. Limited enrollment of 12 students. Some of this may be online. Certificate of completion awarded upon completing at least 80 percent of the class.

Digital Photography I (21 hours)

Students will familiarize themselves with techniques, process and tools of digital photography and will be able to get more consistent and satisfactory results from their camera. Students must have their own digital camera with manual controls.

Introduction to Photo Editing (24 hours)

This class will use Lightroom and Photoshop by Adobe to import, sort, organize, process, modify and eventually share images. Computer skills are required. Limited enrollment.

Drones: An Introduction (16 hours)

Our introductory class will act as an awareness of local and FAA restrictions, weather factors, flight safety, airmanship, and aeronautical decision-making. The class will also focus on the commercial outputting of film editing with both still and video photography used. Additionally, the class will also serve as a study guide for the Unmanned Aircraft General (small) Certification needed for business or non-recreational use such as real estate or other commercial based photography. This exam (registration fee not included) for Certification to fly drones is available at COA – Elizabeth City with prior sign up. Actual drone practice flight time will be available with the College’s drones an

Workforce Classes

Marine Diesel Engine Repair (51 hours)

This course introduces theory, design, terminology, and operating adjustments for inboard marine diesel engines. Emphasis is placed on safety, theory of operation, inspection, measuring, and rebuilding and repairing diesel engines according to factory specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to measure, diagnose problems, and repair marine diesel engines. Additionally, students will be introduced to preliminary fabrication, parts ordering and inventory, and shop/lab best practices. It is not a certification class. Fee includes required textbook. All classes held in Manns Harbor.

HVAC (96 hours)

Students will learn the basics of heating and air conditioning. If you are ready to replace the daily grind with a career you enjoy, then become an HVAC tech. A mix of hands-on lab work as well as theory and simulated systems will be taught. This course covers the fundamental physics of heating and cooling in addition to the technological considerations in heating and cooling equipment. This class includes CFC certification exam that has an additional $25 fee to be paid to ESCO prior to test. Loan of book is included in fee. Limit of nine students. Scholarships are available for Dare County residents. No class over winter break.

Welding (30 hours)

Starting with safety guidelines, the course content will be specific to SMAW (stick) with an introduction to GMAW (mig) and FCAW (flux-core) welding. Students will participate in questions-answer sessions and hands-on to gain basic knowledge in the setup and operation of various power sources that operate these processes. Upon completion, students will have the basic knowledge of various industry standards and certifications. Personal items required for Welding program include welding helmet (auto darkening is a plus), safety glasses, ear plugs, tip cleaners, welding jacket with leather sleeves, steel-toed leather boots (with high sides), welding gloves. Limit of nine students per class. Scholarships are available for Dare County residents.

Education, Language and Law Classes

Spanish (24 hours)

This is a basic introduction to Spanish including pronunciation, travel expressions, and common everyday
conversation. Interaction between students and instructor will include oral exercises and some written assignments as well as a “field trip” to a local Mexican restaurant to practice what you have learned! Limited space, so register early. Some of this class may be online.

Teaching Students with Autism: Strategies for Success

Help your students with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome unlock their potential in the classroom.

Grammar Refresher

Gain confidence in your ability to produce clean, correct documents and presentations.

Medical and Health Occupation Classes

Nurse Aide I — hybrid/blended (160 hours)

This course prepares graduates to provide personal care and perform basic nursing skills for the elderly and other adults. Emphasis on aging process including mental, social and physical needs of the elderly, patient’s rights, nutrition management, elimination procedures, safe environment, restorative services, personal and special care procedures and activities, human body structure and function and related common disease/disorders, communication and documentation, death and dying, and roles of the nursing assistant and health team members. A skill/competency evaluation is required. The course includes class, laboratory and clinical learning experiences. Clinicals will be held off campus and are full eight-hour days. This class is partially on line so you must have access to a computer and the internet. You must be able to pass a background check. Upon satisfactory completion of the course and skill/competency evaluation, the graduate is eligible to apply for listing as a Nurse Aide I by the NC Division of Facility Services. Enrollment is limited to 10 students per class.

Prior to enrollment students must have reading placement test or equivalent college class.
Prior to clinical — verified by NA instructor: Must complete a background check ($35 submission fee to Castle Branch)

EKG/Cardiovascular Technician/Monitor — hybrid (112 hours)

This course is designed and approved to prepare the student to become a certified EKG (ECG) and Technician/Monitor. The course will cover the anatomy and physiology of the heart, principles of EKG, dysrhythmia recognition of sinus, junctional/atrial rhythms, heart blocks and bundle branches, and ventricular ectopy rhythms. Skills will include operating EKG equipment, running and mounting strips as well as reading and interpreting 22 types of cardiac lead tracings produced from 12 and five lead monitors and to understand the basics of capnography as it relates to heart function. No clinical. Book required. Prerequisites: High school Diploma or GED and reading placement test or college-level English with a grade of “C” or better.

Medication Aide for Long Term Care (24 hours)

This course is designed to meet the training requirements for becoming qualified as a Medication Aide. The course will cover the six rights of medication administration for non-licensed personnel. Topics will include medication administration via the oral, topical and instillation routes, medical asepsis, hand hygiene, terminology, and legal implications. Upon completion, students should be able to take the competency exam and demonstrate skills necessary to qualify for listing on the North Carolina Medication Aide Registry.

Phlebotomy for Healthcare Workers (30 hours)

CNAs, Medical assistants, nurses, or EMT are eligible. Students who have completed NA I training within the last two years are also eligible, even if they have not tested for registry listing yet. The class is focused on skill building for people already working in healthcare. This class includes real life venipuncture sticks supervised by instructor on site.

Explore a Career in Medical Coding (Ed2Go)

Management and Business Skills Classes

A-Z Grantwriting (Ed2Go)

Learn how to research and develop relationships with potential funding sources, organize grantwriting campaigns and prepare proposals.

Fundamentals of Supervision and Management (Ed2Go)

If you’ve recently been promoted to a supervisory or management position or want to learn how to become a more effective manager, this course will help you master the basics of business by learning the language of management. You’ll learn how to make a successful transition from employee to manager and you’ll learn how to manage your time so that you can deal with the constant demands of a managerial job. You’ll learn the skills required to delegate responsibility and motivate your employees. A large part of a manager’s job involves getting things done through other people, and this course will help you understand how to influence and direct other people’s performance. Finally, you’ll learn how to solve problems and resolve conflicts so you can accomplish your job more effectively.

Administrative Assistant Suite (Ed2Go)

This online training consists of three 24-hour classes.

Administrative Assistant Fundamentals: Rapid growth in the health, legal services, data processing, management, public relations, and other industries have created many new job opportunities for administrative assistants. This course will help you discover and master the essentials of managerial and staff support, information and records management, communications technology, travel and meeting coordination, space planning, and office ergonomics. You’ll become an indispensable member of your team by identifying opportunities and implementing solutions to turn your office into a high productivity machine.

Administrative Assistant Applications: Discover how time management, accounting, business law, organizational behavior, and management affect administrative assistant responsibilities and activities. Learn the basics of accounting, including the general ledger and key accounting terms, and see how financial statements and controls help keep your organization moving in a positive direction. Understand the fundamentals of business law, contracts, and the principal-agency relationship; discover ethics and organizational politics; and understand the basics of human resources management.

Effective Business Writing: Do you have a nagging suspicion that a small improvement in your writing skills might also improve your career prospects? Don’t let small gaps in your business writing skills prevent you from reaching your full potential. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a clerical worker, an engineer, or an executive. If you communicate with others in writing, you need this course to help you identify and eliminate problem areas. By the end of this course, you’ll know the secret to developing powerful written documents that immediately draw readers in and keep them motivated to continue until your last, well-chosen word.

Hospitality Leadership Certification

Hospitality Employment Skills (24 hours)

This course introduces the basic principles of customer service and will prepare you to be the best employee possible no matter what your career path. Increase your employability and enhance your income potential. Role playing and finding solutions for different customer service scenarios will be presented. Find out your best fit in a company or business and provide an “EX” for your customers. Learn how to serve both customers and your company. A certificate of completion that can be added to your resume/portfolio will be awarded upon successful completion of the class. This class is fee waived for unemployed/low income students. Please register no later than three business days before the class. Held online so you must have access to a laptop or desktop computer. No class Jan. 18.

Computer Skills for the Workplace (24 hours)

This core class will help improve your computer skills as well as job search skills Even if you think you have the computer skills, this class will make sure you know how to use a keyboard and desk computer, complete valid searches for information, and accurately submit online applications. It includes basic terminology, word processing, printing a document, keyboarding, searching job sites, data entry, and much more. It will help you polish and acquire skills to make you more marketable in the workplace particularly for the hospitality industry. This class is required before taking the Career Readiness class. If you have a college-level computer class, you can, with permission, substitute the Excel™ class instead. Limited enrollment. Class fee may be waived for unemployed/low income.

Career Readiness (24 hours)

This course builds on the Hospitality Skills, computer skills, and the Soft Skills taught in the first two core class. Emphasis will be on honing your soft skills, finding a job in your areas of expertise, and enhance your employability and income potential or business. Learn how to serve both customers and your company. You must have computed the Computer Skills class or the Excel class before taking this class. A certificate of completion that can be added to your resume/portfolio will be awarded upon successful completion of the class. This class is fee waived for unemployed/low income students. Please register no later than three business days before the class.

Regional Ambassador (hours TBA)

It will help you polish and acquire skills to make you more marketable in the workplace particularly for the hospitality industry. Learn how to be an ambassador for your area. This class will be online and will also require the student to do a presentation as assigned by the instructor. Some of this class may be online.

Leadership Management (24 hours)

This class is the last of the five required core classes for the Hospitality Leadership Certification. This course builds on the service skills introduced in the Customer Service and provides principles and practices for leadership development and supervisory skills. Emphasis is placed on planning, organizing, directing, and communicating. Core topics include interpersonal skills, decision making strategies, change management, negotiating skills, event planning, and other and management skills. Servant Leadership and what it means will be discussed. A certificate of completion that can be added to your resume/portfolio will be awarded upon successful completion of the class. Please register no later than three business days before the class.

Reservation Specialist (24 hours)

This course introduces the basic principles of customer service and sales with emphasis on the reservationist position in the hospitality industry (rentals and hotels). Prepare yourself to be the best employee possible to increase your employability and enhance your income potential. It is required that you take Computer Skills for the Workplace before taking this class. Please register no later than two business days before the class.

Personal Enrichment Classes

Painting and Drawing Studio (24 hours)

In this three-hour class, students will learn basic principles of painting in a variety of. Topics covered include different painting surfaces, painting tools and their use. Students will learn what methods are best suited to them and will explore their creativity. Students will supply their own paint brushes, canvases, rags and paints. Please call to find out list of supplies. Please pre-register.

Beginning Pottery (24 hours)

In this class, students will learn and practice pottery and ceramic skills. Starting with hand built, coil, pinch pots, etc., you will advance to using the wheel and tools. The instructor will help you perfect your skills creating useful and decorative pottery. All levels are welcome but the class is geared towards new or rusty students. Please pre-register.

Pottery Studio – Pottery II (44 hours)

This extended studio class or Pottery II class is for those who are skilled potters and wish to use the lab as a studio to perfect their previously acquired skills. Limited instruction and guidance will be available from the instructor. If you are new to pottery or are a novice, please take Beginning Pottery. Space is extremely limited.

Cyber Bullying: The Underground Empire (24 hours)

Taught by a member of the National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence non-profit organization, this course will explore the current social media world of children, teens, and its impact on online bullying with faceless attacks. Do you know who your child is talking to? Do you know what sites they are visiting? Learn how to take better control of the online world in your home and to prevent your child from becoming a victim. Open to all especially those with school-aged children or grandchildren.