The Central Texas College (CTC) Continuing Education Department kicks off the new year with a variety of career training opportunities. Each course offers specific training to help you start a new career or learn skills to start a new one. Available offerings include:

Pharmacy Technician: This course prepares you to take the PTCB national test required by the State of Texas and become a pharmacy technician in one year. Topics include law, ethics, terminology, body systems, calculations, purchasing, inventory, communication and professionalism in the workplace, study skills and more. The class includes a three-week externship. Students are required to take an English and math assessment the first day of class. Financing is available. Class price includes all course materials which are available online. The class meets each Friday, January 14 – July 29, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The cost is $2,690.

EKG Technician: This 70-hour course provides instruction in EKG unit operation, troubleshooting and lead placement using a 12-lead EKG. Students will also receive training in using and understanding of EKG grid paper, recognizing normal and abnormal EKG patterns and plotting an EKG axis. Students will take an English pre-assessment test the first day of class and must demonstrate computer competency or take a basic computer class. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and be qualified to take an optional certification exam offered by the National Healthcare Associating (NHA). The class is each Saturday, January 15 – March 26, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The cost is $2,045 which includes textbook, workbook and consumable supplies.

Clinical Medical Assistant: Clinical medical assistants work in a physician’s office or a clinic setting helping physicians carry out procedures, care for patients, perform basic lab tests and administer medications. Learning objectives of the course include identification of body parts and their functions, medical terminology, specimen collection, administration of oral and injectable medications and patient communication. Students must be 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent and are required to pass and English and math assessment test on the first day of class. Class includes a three-week externship. Additionally, graduates will be qualified to take an optional certification exam offered by the National Healthcare Associating (NHA). The class is each Saturday, January 22 – June 25, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The cost is $2,690.

Certified Nursing Aide: The certified nursing assistant plays an important role providing basic care while ensuring the safety and comfort of patients. Course curriculum includes an overview of the field, resident rights, communication, patient care, basic nursing skills and more. In addition to classroom instruction, students must complete 24 hours of weekend clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Prior to admission, program applicants must provide a high school graduation or GED transcript, proof of immunizations, two references and a background check. The class meets Mondays and Tuesdays, January 24 through May 3, from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. The cost is $250. Additional expenses include a background check, scrubs, CTC nursing patch, watch with second hand, white leather nursing shoes, state exam fee and textbook.

Veterinary Assistant: As a veterinary assistant, you will help the veterinarian or the veterinarian technician in their daily tasks such as feeding pets; examining pets for signs of illness, disease or injury; cleaning and disinfecting cages and work areas; and sterilizing laboratory and surgical equipment in laboratories, animal hospitals and clinics. The course combines 35 hours of classroom instruction with a 24-hour externship to provide you a complete learning experience. Students are required to take an English assessment test the first day of class. The class is each Saturday, February 5 – March 5, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The cost is $1,199 which includes all course materials. Financing is available.

To register for these and other Continuing Education classes, please call CTC at 254-526-1586. A complete course schedule is available online at www.ctcd.edu/ce.