CSU Clock Tower Logo Link to CSU Home Page Columbus State University

Continuing Education

CSU Home > Continuing Education


PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES

Enroll in a certificate program from Continuing Education and prepare to achieve your maximum potential. Certificate programs are available for a variety of professional interests and will provide you with the scope of skills and competencies you’ll need to succeed in the modern workplace. Some certificates may require a program orientation, which will give details about each class in the curriculum and how to apply for the certificate once you have completed your coursework. Our free orientation sessions are recommended before pursuing a certificate, but may be completed at any point in the curriculum.

To register for classes, go to our Web site. *Look for Management & Leadership Excellence courses under (Tier 1) Management & Supervision.

 Available Certificate Programs include:

Certificate Program FAQ's

Q: How does this whole certificate program thing work anyway?

  1. Attend program orientation.
  2. Complete and return enrollment form.
  3. Request copy of application form.
  4. Take the classes. Instructor will initial satisfactory completion on the “Coursework completed” section of the application form at the end of each course.
  5. When all coursework finished, return completed Application for Certificate to Continuing Education (CE) staff.
  6. CE verifies student has met attendance and completion requirements.
  7. Certificate is printed and mailed to student (unless pick-up requested).

 Q: Is there any sort of attendance or completion requirement for each class?

A: Yes. You must have an 80% or better attendance record to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and therefore ensure satisfactory attendance for Certificate Programs. Your instructor may also have specific learning objectives that need to be achieved, depending on the course. The instructor’s initials on the Application for Certificate indicate satisfactory achievement of objectives and at least 80% attendance of the class.

Q: Do you HAVE to take the orientation first?

A. No, but it is HIGHLY recommended as it will provide information about the courses, content, and certificate application process, as well as provide an opportunity to complete an enrollment form and get started in the program immediately.

Q: What if I’ve already taken some classes in a particular curriculum before deciding to go after the certificate?

A: No problem, if you’ve taken them within the last 2 years. Attend the orientation, complete and return an enrollment form, and begin keeping track of the classes that you’ve already taken on the Application for Certificate. Subject to program coordinator approval, the instructor initials requirement may be waived for the past courses you have already taken with instructors that are no longer teaching for CE, once attendance and completion has been verified by CE staff.

Q: How do I know what classes I need to earn the certificate?

A: Program curricula are printed in the catalog and are available on the web at http://conted.colstate.edu

Q: Do all the certificate programs need an application to receive the certificate?

A: No. As of Fall 2009, only Photography, Management & Supervision, Sewing, Project Management, Cake Decorating, Paralegal Studies and Medical Coding & Billing have orientations and need applications for certificate. The other certificate programs and professional pre-certification programs are self contained (i.e. Real Estate Sales, Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, Personal Trainer, Community Association Manager, Soil Erosion Manager, and OSHA-30 Construction Safety).

Q: How long will it take to complete a program?

A: It depends on the program. You can reasonably expect to complete a program in 1-2 years, pending rotation of courses.

Q: Are there any equivalent classes or classes that can be substituted?

A: To be determined on a case-by-case basis by the program coordinator and instructor. If it is determined that other coursework, training or experience is equivalent, the program coordinator will prepare and sign a Class Exemption Certification Letter for you.  This must be presented as proof of exemption with the completed Application for Certificate when you reach that point.

Q: What kind of turn around time for the certificate to be printed/mailed?

A: Verification should be complete within 3 business days. Pick-up certificates should be ready on the 4th business day. Mailed certificates should be outgoing on the 4th business day.

 

Available Programs:

Management and Leadership Excellence Certification (MLE) This is a three-tier, three year program.

View currently available Tier 1 classes

Maximize your leadership potential with the Management and Leadership Excellence Certification Program (MLE), a joint venture of the Cunningham Center for Leadership Development and Continuing Education at the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center. Through this certification program individuals will experience a proven pathway of leadership development that yields real-world results. This three-tiered program is designed to maximize your supervisory, organizational, and strategic skills necessary for true leadership excellence.

Why achieve certification?
Certification will validate that you should be recognized as having developed best practice competencies in all three of these areas. Experience immediate enhancement in your own leadership effectiveness and confidence, be recognized as prepared for positions of greater responsibility within your industry and raise your level of management skill and leadership effectiveness.

The one-day (7-hr) courses leading to certification will be offered monthly from 9:00am–4:00pm. Tier One courses begin September 2009 and run through May 2010 (no class will be held during the month of December). Tier 2 courses will begin September 2010 and Tier 3 courses in September 2011. By 2011, all 3 Tiers will be running simultaneously.

For each tier below, participants must complete 49 hours of required curriculum over the span of 8 months (7 hours of class time, once a month). For those desiring professional development credits in addition to the certification, CEU's  will be awarded through the University System of Georgia.

Tier 1-Management and Supervision Excellence
Management and Supervision Excellence is offered through Continuing Education and is for the entry-level manager or small business owner looking for guidance in transitioning effectively to a supervisory position. These courses can be taken individually or as a whole program to earn a Certificate in Management and Supervision.

Tier 2-Organizational Leadership Excellence
Organizational Leadership Excellence is offered through the Cunningham Center for Leadership Development and focuses on leadership and implementation at the organizational level. At this level, a number of professional assessments are included as part of the curriculum. Students must have successfully completed all courses in Tier 1 to be eligible to move on to Tier 2.

Tier 3-Strategic Leadership Excellence
Strategic Leadership Excellence is also offered through the Cunningham Center for Leadership Development and is designed for leaders who are planning strategically for the successful actualization of their organization’s vision and mission. Professional assessments are included in this portion of the program as well. Students must have successfully completed all courses in Tier 1 and Tier 2 to be eligible to progress to Tier 3. Upon completion of all three tiers of coursework and a personal Leadership Development Plan, these outstanding individuals will be recognized and awarded MLE Certification at an upcoming Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum.

Return to top of page

Project Management Certificate

In order to earn a certificate in Project Management, four core courses and two elective classes (72 hours) must be completed. Upon completion of the courses, students will be prepared to pursue the Project Management credentials from the Project Management Institute (PMI). These courses can also be used to earn Professional Development Units (PDUs) to fulfill Continuing Certification Requirements. A free orientation is required.

Core Classes
The Buck Starts Here: Project Management Fundamentals
Scoping it Out: Managing Project Scope
Quality Assurance: Managing Project Quality
Is That What I Said? Effective Project Communication

Elective Classes
Risky Business: Managing Project Risk
Keeping it All in Check: Microsoft Project Software
Getting What You Need: Managing Project Procurement
The Longview: Managing Project Portfolios and Corporate Project Offices

Return to top of page

Medical Coding & Billing Certificate Program

In order to earn a Certificate in Medical Coding and Billing, four core classes and two elective classes (minimum of 126 hours) must be completed. Go beyond the classroom with hands-on training and "real world" experience. Internship opportunities will be available beginning spring 2009. Upon completion of the courses, students will be prepared for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) certification exam. A free orientation is required.

Core Classes
Medical Terminology (online)
Fundamentals of Coding
Human Anatomy & Physiology (online)
Medical Billing & Reimbursement

Elective Classes
Our special topics courses vary each semester (courses change each semester. Past topics include: HIPAA, OB/GYN, Orthopedics and Anesthesia.)
Internship

Return to top of page

Digital Photography Certificate

The Digital Photography Certificate program provides a structured photographic curriculum. In order to earn this certificate, one core class and five electives (minimum of 42 hours) must be completed. Students who wish to gain practical, hands-on knowledge in the field will be able to develop new skills and build on existing skills in a relatively short period of time. Our program allows students, whether hobbyists, dedicated amateurs or aspiring professionals, to focus on the right techniques for their own personal success. A free orientation is required.

Core Classes
Photography Fundamentals

Elective Classes
Your Digital SLR Camera
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6: Organizing Your Photos
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6: Enhancing Your Photos
Introduction to Sports Photography
Studio Photography I
Studio Photography II
Fall Portraits on Location
Family Photojournalism: On Assignment
Professional Development: Posing the Formal Bridal Portrait

Return to top of page

Personal Trainer Pre-Certification

Get ready to join one of the hottest industries in the nation with this course led by staff from World Instructor Training Schools (W.I.T.S.), a leading provider of education for fitness professionals. This 50-hour course includes informative lectures and hands-on practical training, including a 20-hour internship in conjunction with North Columbus Athletic Club. You will study topics such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness testing, equipment usage and health assessments. The national certification exam will be held on last day of class, and with your active adult CPR certification, you'll be ready to start your new career in no time! Be sure to register early and pick up the textbook promptly— the first class has reading requirements.

Return to top of page

Pharmacy Technician Pre-Certification

Well-trained pharmacy technicians are a pharmacist's biggest asset and are always in demand. These technicians are needed in hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare settings. This comprehensive 50-hour course, led by staff from Condensed Curriculum International (CCI), will prepare you to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's (PTCB) exam. This course will cover medical terminology specific to the pharmacy setting, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names. You will learn dosage calculations, I.V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement.


Return to top of page

Certificate in Sewing

In order to earn a Certificate in Sewing, eight sewing core classes and three electives (minimum of 107 hours) are required. One may specialize in Apparel or Home Décor by selecting three electives that fall under those categories (* indicates the elective
can be used for either specialty). Upon completion of the Certificate in Sewing, one should have the necessary sewing skills to enter a design school. Keep up with all your sewing news at instructor Sue Simoncini’s blog (http://sewingwithsue.blogspot.com), where you can find class descriptions, supply lists, current projects and a warm community of support.  A free orientation is required.

Core Classes
Ready, Set, Sew
Sew Much More
Sewing Like a Pro
Tailor Made
Alterations to Ready-Mades
Make Your Own Pattern
Knit Niche
Sewing Intensive (or additional section of Sewing like a Pro)

Apparel Electives
Fashion Design I
Fashion Design II
Machine Embroidery*
Enticing Embellishments
Serging Away*
Chameleon Purse
Halloween Costume Workshop
Sewing Mini-Conference
Sewing Marathon*
Fabricology Field Trip*

Home Décor Electives
Intro to Reupholstery
Pillow Talk
Window Treatments
Fabric Bowls & Boxes for the Holidays
Serging Away*
Machine Embroidery*
Sewing Marathon*
Fabricology Field Trip*

Return to top of page

Home Inspection Pre-Certification

This course, with instructor Stephen Wilson, is designed to introduce you to the business and methods of home inspection based on the Code of Ethics and the Standard of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Learn about housing construction, heating and air condition, plumbing, electrical systems, reporting methods, laws, and marketing. This course will provide you with a basis to further your career in this industry and will prepare you take the Housing Inspection Foundation (HIF) test. The HIF test will be available to students at no additional charge. Upon successful completion of this test, you will have the opportunity to join and be certified by the HIF at a discounted membership rate. Textbook required.

Return to top of page

Paralegal Studies

The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is an intense, condensed course in both the practical and academic aspects of the paralegal profession. Instructor Dr. Bob Poydasheff has over 40 years of in-the-courtroom experience, and will provide you with a through and diverse knowledge in the preparation and application of both civilian and military law. Case research, preparation and technique will be taught. In addition to the text and instructor lecture, a number of guest speakers representing a vast pool of legal experience will be presented. You will also receive extensive instruction in the use and application of technology-based resources such as WESTLAW and LEXUS NEXUS. Class will meet every other weekend; lunch is from noon to 1:30 PM. Textbooks required.

Return to top of page

Community Association Manager Pre-license Course (CAM)

Looking for a new opportunity? The need for licensed community association managers is projected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. This 25-hour pre-licensing course with instructors Danny Amberson and Chris Jiles will prepare you manage and oversee operations of fee-based community associations. Course content is excellent information for property managers who wish to increase knowledge and improve skills used working for their neighborhood association. You will learn licensing requirements, principles of agency and brokerage, budgeting and accounting specifically for community associations, laws pertaining to housing and property ownership, and more. Columbus State University is approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission as a provider of real estate education. The CAM course qualifies for 25 post-license continuing education hours with the exam or 24 hours without.

Return to top of page

EKG Technician Pre-Certification

Electrocardiograph (EKG) technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac and blood vessel irregularities, and are projected to be in high demand in coming years. This 50-hour course, led by Condensed Curriculum International (CCI) staff, prepares students to function as EKG technicians and to take the American Society of Phlebotomy Technician (ASPT) – Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam, in addition to other national certification exams. This course will include important practice and background information on anatomy of the heart and physiology, medical disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, legal aspects of patient contact, the Holter monitor, electrocardiography and echocardiography. Tuition includes cost of textbook.



Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center
Corner of East Lindsey Drive and College Drive
706.507.8070

Text-only version

Rankin Arts Center
1004 Broadway, 2nd Floor
706.641.4000

assistance@colstate.edu
 

Columbus State University
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907
 

Last updated: Thursday, October 29, 2009
©2007 Columbus State University