College of DuPage short-term training programs offer opportunities for job seekers during challenging job market

The College of DuPage Continuing Education program offers a variety of opportunities for individuals seeking short-term, flexible training programs designed to enable graduates to enter the workforce or change careers in as little time as possible.

To help ensure the safety and health of students, faculty and staff, classes have been modified to be presented in an online format during the COVID-19 outbreak. Most of these programs are now available as hybrids and/or fully online to limit people gathering on campus.

Where hands-on experiential learning is necessary, the college is taking rigorous precautions to follow Centers for Disease Control and DuPage County guidelines on social distancing, PPE and screening.

"These programs are particularly important now because so many individuals in our community have lost their jobs due to the pandemic," said Business Solutions Program Manager Amanda Skarosi. "We offer students short-term, quick-to-obtain training programs that often lead to a credential or certification that can be added to individuals' resumes and LinkedIn profiles, making the students more attractive to employers.

"Our trainers are experienced subject matter expects who have adjusted their in-person courses to be taught via live, interactive webinars during the pandemic," Skarosi said. "As a result, our students continue to benefit from real-time instruction and the ability to network with other professionals in their class. In addition, many courses are approved by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, so prospective students may be eligible for financial aid."

Explore the career training programs in more detail below or speak with registration staff at (630) 942-2208. Visit www.cod.edu/academics/continuing_education/career-training/.

Designed to meet the needs of students, career changers and employers, Career Training programs at College of DuPage include the following:

Certified personal trainer:

The Certified Personal Trainer program, offered through World Instructor Training Schools, is a comprehensive program featuring in-depth instruction that prepares students to seek employment as personal fitness trainers. Students are provided with a list of participating sites at which they may complete internships.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of fitness trainers and instructors is expected to grow by 13 percent, much faster than average growth across all industries, between 2018 and 2028. The median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was more than $40,000 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $75,000.

Commercial driver's license:

The Truck Driving School Class A CDL program features student-focused training that provides students the skills and experience to gain employment in the trucking industry in as little as six weeks. Featuring a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates, the CDL program exceeds all requirements of the Illinois Secretary of State to test for the CDL Class A license. Coursework includes three license endorsements: hazardous materials, tankers and double/triple trailers, to advance skills, qualifications and employability. The program also is approved by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, which can provide financial aid for eligible students.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of truck drivers is expected to grow by 5 percent, between 2018 and 2028. The median annual wage for truck drivers was more than $45,000 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $66,000.

Dental assistant:

COD's Dental Assistant program offers comprehensive and flexible training that enables students to become an important member of a clinical dental team after completing only one semester at the College. Students in this program can also obtain financial aid through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.

The BLS reports that employment of dental assistants is expected to grow by 11 percent, much faster than average, between 2018 and 2028. The median annual wage for dental assistants was more than $40,000 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $56,000.

Food and beverage:

COD's Food and Beverage program offers two career training opportunities: bartending and the business of craft beer. The Bartending program provides students with the skills and knowledge required for full or part time employment as a professional bartender, covering topics such as how to mix and serve alcoholic beverages, and stocking and maintaining a bar, as well as new COVID-19 regulations for bartenders and servers.

Students in the Business of Craft Beer program gain knowledge necessary to get started in the growing craft beer industry. The program offers the Craft Beer Industry Professional track and the Craft Beer Entrepreneurship track. Students can choose to finish the program within one semester or take courses at their own pace over several terms.

The BLS reports that employment of bartenders is expected to grow by 8 percent, faster than the average for all occupations, between 2018 and 2028. The median hourly wage for bartenders was more than $11 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $22 per hour.

According to the Brewers Association, small and independent brewers collectively produced more than 26 million barrels of beer in 2019 and realized nearly four percent total growth, increasing the market share to more than 13 percent. There are currently more than 280 craft beer breweries in Illinois producing an average of more than 420,000 barrels each year with a $3.2 million economic impact.

Massage therapy:

COD's one-year Massage Therapy program provides training in the theory and practice of various modalities of massage, as well as business principles, communication, ethics and clinical studies. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible and prepared to take the MBLEx exam for Illinois state licensure. The program also includes COD's professional massage clinic, which offers a full range of massage services by licensed massage therapists to members of the community at a reduced rate.

The BLS reports that employment of massage therapists is expected to grow by 22 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, between 2018 and 2028. The median annual wage for massage therapists was more than $42,000 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $80,000.

Pharmacy technician:

COD's 80-hour Pharmacy Technician program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a community or hospital pharmacy setting. Recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, the program includes classroom instruction for retail and institutional pharmacy practices and support for calculations and preparation for the National Certification exams. The program also maintains relationships with several pharmaceutical locations that provide students the opportunity to receive on-the-job training experience. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible and prepared to sit for the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exams.

The BLS reports that employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by seven percent, faster than the average for all occupations, between 2018 and 2028. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was more than $33,000 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $49,000.

Real estate:

COD's newly revamped Real Estate program features a state of Illinois approved curriculum in one 60-hour course and a 15-hour module. Students participate in a combination of lecture, role playing and interactive exercises to learn the intricacies of working with buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords, and other aspects of the real estate business. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible and well-prepared to sit for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Real Estate Broker and Managing Broker License exam and the Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. Real Estate Broker and Managing Broker exam.

The BLS reports that employment of real estate brokers is expected to grow by seven percent, faster than the average for all occupations, between 2018 and 2028. The median annual wage for real estate brokers was more than $59,000 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $178,000.

Veterinary assistant:

COD's Veterinary Assistant program prepares students for a career with animals in laboratories, animal hospitals and clinics performing a variety of tasks from surgical preparation to small animal nursing under the supervision of veterinarians, scientists, and veterinary technologists and technicians. The program maintains relationships with veterinary facilities across DuPage and neighboring counties, providing students the opportunity to receive on-the-job training experience. Students in this program can also obtain funding through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.

The BLS reports that employment of veterinary assistants is expected to grow by 19 percent, nearly four times faster than the average for all occupations, between 2018 and 2028. The median annual wage for these positions equates to more than $28,000 in May 2019, with top earners bringing in more than $39,000.