(INA, Ill.) - The new year is the perfect time to think about a new career. Rend Lake College offers a variety of certificate and degree programs that students can begin working on as early as this upcoming spring semester.
Online and remote instruction begins on Jan. 11 with hands-on lab meetings scheduled to start in February.
RLC has also waived all online fees for its spring semester. Students also have the option to meet virtually or in-person with their academic advisors.
Some of the degrees and certificates that can be started in the spring include potential careers in a variety of fields.
Allied Health
- Medical Support Specialist: This one semester certificate program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for an entry level position in medical offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Students will be trained in basic computer skills, proper medical terminology, customer service communication, and medical billing and coding
- Basic Nursing Assistant Training: This course is designed to prepare the individual to work in the role of a Certified Nurse Assistant in a variety of health care settings. It is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Upon successful completion of classroom and clinical experiences, the student will be eligible to apply to take the state CNA registry examination.
- EMT Basic: This program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and meets current IDPH standards for training as an Emergency Medical Technician. Successful completion of the certificate may apply to take the Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-B examination. Learning will occur in classroom, laboratory, hospital and field settings.
- Veterinary Assistant: The Veterinary Assistant certificate program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed for a career working with animals in a variety of settings such as veterinary clinics, boarding kennels, grooming salons, pet shops and animal shelters.
- Phlebotomy: The phlebotomy program is a one-semester certificate designed to prepare students to work in the medical field as a phlebotomist. A phlebotomist is responsible for collecting blood specimens as ordered by a physician or other health care professional. The curriculum emphasizes practical hands-on learning experiences in the laboratory setting.
Criminal Justice
- Police and Corrections: Have you ever thought of a career in law enforcement or corrections? Police Office and Corrections certificate is offered online to help you become an officer.
Business
- Business Certificates: Become the go-to person in your office with any of the business occupational certificates. The Business Management, Human Resources Associate and Financial Associate are all offered online this spring. Completing any of these certificate programs prepares students for careers in a number of fields, including banking, accounting, bookkeeping and management.
Computer-Aided Drafting
- Computer-Aided Drafting is another occupational certificate with a January start. The course work is offered online this semester.
Welding
- Welding Technology and Welding Fundamentals: The Welding Technology AAS will provide welding courses designed to assist welding professionals by expanding their knowledge base, core competencies and general education. Welding programs are designed to provide the student with a wide range of welding experiences. Programs will cover welding theory, blueprint reading, metallurgy and inspection and test procedures. There will be extensive laboratory practice in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and oxy-acetylene welding processes. The student will learn to weld with electrodes and wires in all positions common to the welding industry. Program completers will have adequate skills to qualify for employment as a welder.
- Advanced Metalworking: This certificate is for those students who are seeking to improve their skills for the metalworking industry. Students will increase their skills in the welding, machining and layout processes that are commonly used in the metalworking industry. The skills learned will provide students with the necessary entry-level skills required by most small- to medium-sized metalworking job shops.
Truck Driving
- Truck Driver Training/Heavy Equipment Transportation: This certificate is designed to prepare students for occupations involving the maintenance, repair, and operation of a semi-tractor trailer units. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the student will have a thorough knowledge of engine and brake repair, servicing, alignment, and operation of a tractor trailer unit. The Illinois Secretary of State’s Commercial Driver’s License Pre-Trip, Skills and Road Examinations will be administered.
Even those programs and certificates with fall start dates can be given a head start by completing necessary requirements. RLC also offers several prerequisites and electives during the Spring 2021 semester that students could complete before enrolling in their full preferred program. There are classes interested students can get knocked out of the way before returning to the core curriculum in the fall.
Those programs include:
Getting started in a new career field does not have to wait until the fall. Contact an academic advisor today to find out how to get started. Visit https://www.rlc.edu/academic-advisement for more information.