Career Training
Rockland Adult and Community Education (RACE) focuses on expanding adult career pathways providing students multiple opportunities, from entry-level, noncredit courses to mid-skill level certificate degree programs. Coursework is aligned with in-demand occupations in the Lower Hudson Valley region in response to the needs of local business and industry.
Our Programs
Career Training Courses
Looking to change careers or re-enter the workforce? Career training courses can help you reach your goal.
- Classes are held at the BOCES Educational Resource Center (BERC) in Nyack and on the main campus in West Nyack
- Daytime and evening options
- Tuition payment plans available
- Courses have been approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); see the official US Government web site for information regarding education benefits offered by the VA
Attend an orientation!
Students are required to attend a two-hour orientation, which includes a 50-minute reading test. Students must pass the reading test prior to registration.
Orientation dates are posted on the Adult Education calendar. For more information or to reserve a seat in an upcoming orientation session, call (845) 348-3500.
Available Courses
- Automotive Service Technician
- Basic Electrical Construction
- Bookkeeping
- Building Trades
- Clinical Medical Assisting
- Commercial Driver Training (CDL B)
- Cyber Technology I
- Cyber Technology II: Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- EKG Technician
- General Welding
- Medical Assisting (400-hour course)
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Coding
- Medical Office Assistant
- Nurse Assistant
- Patient Care Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician with EKG
- Pharmacy Technician
- Plumbing
- Teacher Assisting
- Veterinary Assistant
Automotive Service Technician
This 204-hour course is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions at dealerships and independent auto repair shops. Career pathways include Auto Service Technician, Collision Technician, Service advisor, Automotive Tools Sales, Auto Shop Manager and Owner. (Additional training may be required). Successful students will be prepared to pass entry- level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams and will receive industry specific certifications from Subaru and Ford manufacturer training programs.
Certifications
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in Maintenance/Light repair, Refrigeration, and Brakes; Subaru and Ford Industry specific certifications; NC3 Certification in the use of the digital multimeter.
Training topics include:
- Shop safety
- Lifts and shop equipment
- Inspection, diagnosis, and troubleshooting
- Vehicle maintenance
- Electrical and cooling systems
- Tune-ups
- Charging, ignition, and lighting systems
Basic Electrical Construction
Gain knowledge and skills required for an entry-level position in the electrical field!
The 170-hour Basic Electrical Construction course is taught by experienced electricians and will provide adults with hands-on training in repairing, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical wiring systems. Career pathways include electrical assistant, electrical apprentice, line worker, cable technician, field technician, electrician, electrical contractor and renewable energy specialist. (Additional training may be required.) Upon successful completion of course requirements, students will earn the OSHA 30 Construction Safety Card.
Certification
USDOL Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) 30 Construction Safety Card
Topics include:
- Residential and commercial electrical safety and theory
- Introduction to the National Electric Codes (NEC)
- Circuitry
- Pipe bending
- Wiring techniques
- Switches and controls
- Blueprint reading
Bookkeeping
This 106-hour program concentrates on the financial aspects of running an office the principles of double-entry bookkeeping. Instruction in Excel and QuickBooks in included.
Career pathways include Certified Bookkeeper, Bookkeeping Supervisor, Accountant, Certified Public Accountant.
Topics Include:
- Day-by-day business and financial transactions
- General ledger Inputting
- Adjusting/closing entries
Building Trades
This project-based, hands-on 110 hour class includes important components of building maintenance and construction. including carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills, blueprint reading, tilework, and finish work. Career pathways include building maintenance, Construction Laborer, Electrical Technician, Plumbing Technician and Project Manager. (Additional training may be required.) OSHA 30 Training included at an additional cost.
Certification
USDOL Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) 10 Construction Safety Card
Topics include:
- Carpentry
- Electrical and Plumbing skills
- Blueprint reading
- Tilework
- Finish work
Clinical Medical Assisting
This intensive course will teach students clinical and administrative skills necessary to work in physicians’ offices, clinics, and other health-related facilities. Career Pathways include Certified Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Secretary, Medical Technician, Medical Office Specialist, Dental Assistant, Medical Biller/Coder. (Additional training may be required.) Successful students will be prepared to pass the National Healthcareer Association’s certified clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification exam.
Certifications
National Healthcareeer Association, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED)
Topics include:
- HIPAA
- Introduction to medical coding and billing
- Medical office skills
- Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
- Electronic health records
- EKG and Phlebotomy
- Infection control
- Basic life support/CPR
- ICD/CPT Coding
- Diagnostic Clinical Skills
Commercial Driver Training (CDL B)
CDL B Behind the Wheel Training Driver Training Course
This 48 hour course is for students who have already passed the NYS CDL B permit test and are ready to practice on the road and take the DMV road test. Career pathways include Van Driver, Bus Driver, Small and Large Truck Driver. Instructor and vehicle are provided for the road test. ELDT compliant. One road test and fee is included.
Pre-requisites:
Valid NY CDL B permit with “S”, “P” and air brake endorsements.
Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and drug screen
Certifications:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Class B Commercial Driver’s License
Topics include:
- Inspection
- Straight backing
- Parallel parking
- Left back
- Right back
- Offset backing
- Alley docking
Cyber Technology I
This hands- on 120-hour course equips students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce as an Information Technology (IT) professional. Career pathways may include Computer Support Technician, Help Desk Administrator, Network Technician, Computer Specialist, Network Administrator, Information Security Analyst, IT Support Specialist. (Additional training may be required.) Successful students will be prepared to pass the TestOut PC Pro Certification exam and the CompTIA A+ Certification exam. One voucher for each exam is included in the class tuition.
Certifications
TestOut PC Pro, CompTIA A+
Training topics include:
- Computer Operating Systems
- IT Hardware
- Computer Software
- Mobile Devices
- Basic Networking Devices and Printers
- Help Ticketing Systems
Cyber Technology II: Cybersecurity
This hands- on 120-hour course equips students with the skills to move into the role of a Cybersecurity Specialist, to help protect organizations from criminal activity and ensure data privacy. Career pathways include Computer Support Technician, Help Desk Administrator, Network Technician, Computer Specialist, Network Administrator, Information Security Analyst, IT Support Specialist. (Additional training may be required.) Students who successfully complete the course will receive a voucher for the TestOut Security Pro Certification exam and one voucher for the CompTIA Security+ Certification exam.
Professional Certifications
TestOut Security Pro, CompTIA Security+
Topics include:
- Identity Management and Authentication
- Physical and Network Security
- Host and Application Defense
- Data Security
- Audit and Security Assessment
Dental Assisting
This 60-hour course prepares students for entry level positions as dental assistants and covers topics that address the daily routines of a dental practice. The program also includes an optional clinical internship at a local healthcare provider. Career pathways for those who continue their education include Certified Dental Assistant, Dental Laboratory Technician, Dental Hygienist, Dentist.
Certifications
This program does not lead to certification.
Topics include:
- History of dentistry
- Dental anatomy and physiology
- Oral health and prevention of dental disease
- Infection control
- Dental radiology
- Tooth restorations
- Dental care
- Dental equipment
EKG Technician
In only 30 hours of training, students obtain the necessary skills to work in healthcare settings as a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician. Students will learn to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram, troubleshoot technical problems, and identify normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms. Career Pathways include: EKG Technician, Monitor Technician, Telemetry Technician, Biomedical Equipment Technician. (Additional Training may be required.)
Certifications
National Healthcareer Association’s Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Topics include:
- Terminology
- Basic cardiac anatomy and physiology
- EKG equipment setting and supplies
- Patient Preparation
- Lead Placement and Artifacts
- EKG analysis
- EKG interpretation: Sinus and Atrial Arrhythmias
- NHA exam preparation
General Welding
This 200-hour job training course instructs students in multiple welding processes. Career Paths include Welding Technician, Underwater Welder, Pipefitter, Ironworker and Boilermaker. (Additional training may be required.) Students who successfully meet training requirements will also earn an OSHA 30 training card.
Certification
USDOL Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) 30 Construction Safety Card
Training topics include:
- Welding and shop safety
- Tools and equipment
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
- Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
- Oxy-acetylene welding
- Blueprint Reading
- Basic fabrication
Medical Assisting (400-hour course)
This comprehensive 400-hour training program prepares students to become professional medical assistants, trained and certified in Clinical Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, EKG and Basic life support/CPR. Through both hands-on and classroom instruction, students acquire the administrative and clinical skills needed to assist medical professionals in doctors’ offices, labs, and other healthcare facilities. Career pathways include Certified Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, EKG Technician, Clinical Researcher, Medical Secretary, Medical Technician, Medical Office Manager. (Additional training may be required.) Successful students will be prepared to pass the National Healthcareer Association’s certification examinations for Clinical Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and EKG Technician.
Certifications
National Healthcareeer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED)
National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
National Healthcareer Association’s Certified EKG Technician (CET)
Topics include:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Administrative Office Practices
- Diagnostic Clinical Procedures including EKG and Phlebotomy
- Pharmacology
- CPR/Basic Life Support
- CPT/ICD-10 Coding
- Infection Control
Medical Billing and Coding
Physicians depend highly on medical billers and coders to receive payment for services. This 162-hour course prepares students to become successful medical billers and coders for employers such as hospitals, medical practices, and billing companies. Career pathways include Medical Records Coordinator, Medical Coder, Medical Coding Specialist, Medical Records Technician, Medical Records Clerk and Medical Biller. (Additional training may be required.) Successful students will be prepared to pass the National HealthCareers Association’s Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) Certification exam
Certifications
National HealthCareers Association, Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Topics include:
- Health records
- Medical Insurance and Billing/ Medical Billing Processes
- Medical procedure coding (CPT)
- Diagnostic Coding (ICD-10)
- HCPCS coding
- Insurance claim submission
- Medical Claim Processing
Medical Coding
This 171-hour course is offered in partnership with the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) to prepare students for a career as a Certified Professional Coder in a physician’s office, clinic, lab or other health care facility. Career Pathways include Certified Professional Coder, Physician Coder, Hospital Coder, Medical Coding Supervisor, Medical Auditor, Medical Compliance Officer, Medical Office Manager. (Additional training may be required.) Successful students will be prepared to pass the AAPC CPC certification exam.
Certifications
AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
This course uses AAPC curriculum to instruct students in:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Records
- Proper use and application of the coding guidelines within ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II coding manuals
- Coding diagnoses or procedures in preparation for billing and reimbursement.
Medical Office Assistant
This 144-hour course will prepare students for positions in private practices, healthcare institutions and billing agencies. Students who successfully complete the course may sit for the National Healthcare Association’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam.
Career pathways include Physicians’ Office Assistant, Health Information Administrator, Records Clerk, Admissions Clerk, Billing and Insurance Specialist, Medical Coder.
Topics Include:
- ICD-10 coding
- CPT coding
- HCPCS coding
- Medical Billing
- Health Insurance
- Medical Office Administration
- Electronic Health Records
Nurse Assistant
This 132-hour program prepares students who are interested in a career in healthcare to become a NYS Certified Nursing Assistant, trained to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Course includes 30- hours of clinical training in a nursing home.
Career pathways include Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Medical Assistant, Critical Care Technician, Medication Aide, Registered Nurse.
Topics Include:
- Infection Control
- Safety and Emergency Procedures
- Vital Signs
- Residency training
Patient Care Technician
This 80-hour course is designed for Certified Nurse Assistants who would like to obtain the additional technical skills necessary to become a Patient Care Technician. Like Certified Nurse Assistants, Patient Care Technicians (also called Patient Care Associates) provide patient care such as taking vital signs, and moving, bathing, and feeding patients. In addition, they may draw blood, do CPR, perform an EKG, or assist with other diagnostic tests. Career Pathway includes Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, and Dialysis Technician, LPN, RN. (Additional Training required.) Proof of a current CNA certification is required for this class.
Certifications
National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED)
Topics include:
- Medical Terminology
- Patient Care
- Phlebotomy
- EKG performance and basic interpretation
- CPR
- First Aid
- Infection Control
Phlebotomy Technician with EKG
In this popular 80-hour program, students will learn the practice and skill of drawing blood for positions in laboratories, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other health care facilities. Students will also learn to perform an electrocardiogram (EKG). Career pathways include Licensed Phlebotomist, Laboratory Supervisor, Medical Assistant, Registered Nurse, and Laboratory technician. (Additional Training may be required.) Successful students will be prepared to pass the National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam (CPT)
Certifications
National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
Topics include:
- Medical Terminology
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- Infection Control
- Equipment and Supplies
- Safety and Compliance
- Phlebotomy Techniques
- Special Collections
- Processing
- Use and function of 12-lead EKG equipment
Pharmacy Technician
This 135-hour job training course will prepare students for positions in hospitals, nursing homes, retail, and specialty pharmacies. Career pathways include Customer Service Representative, Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Intake Coordinator and Patient advocate (additional training may be required). Successful students will be prepared to pass the (PTCB) Pharmacy Certification Exam.
Certifications
National Pharmacy Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT)
Topics include:
- Medical terminology
- Drug classifications
- Dosage Calculations
- Dispensing of prescriptions
- Pharmacy rules and regulations
- HIPPA
- Communication/Customer Service Skills
Plumbing
For individuals interested in pursuing a career in plumbing, homeowners wishing to handle basic plumbing problems, and for those in related fields such as maintenance and construction, this 110- hour class will teach you how to install, repair, and maintain residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Career pathways include Plumber Apprentice, Plumber, Apprentice Pipefitter, Pipefitter, Gas Main Fitter, Hydraulic Plumber, Marine Steamfitter, Master Plumber.
Professional Certifications
OSHA 3
Topics include:
- Pipe Fitting
- Water Supply Systems
- Distribution and Pressure
- Fixture Installation
- Hot Water Heaters
- Basic Repair
Teacher Assisting
This 65-hour course guides students step by step through the certification process to become a New York State Certified Level 1 Teaching Assistant. Career pathways include Teaching Assistant, Teacher’s Aide, Early Childhood Educator, and Teacher Associate. (Additional training may be required.) New York State required workshops in Child Abuse Identification, Dignity for All Students, and School Violence Prevention are all included, as are fees for fingerprinting, NYSED Certification, and certification testing fees.
Successful students will be prepared to pass the Level 1 ATAS Certification exam
Professional Certifications
New York State Education Department, Level 1 Teacher Assistant Certification.
Topics include:
- Classroom management techniques
- Teaching techniques
- Teaching Assistant roles and responsibilities
- Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, and Instructional Support skills
- Interviewing and Job Search Skills
- Includes workshop, fingerprinting, application, and testing fees.
Veterinary Assistant
This 100-hour program introduces students to the exciting and growing field of veterinary medicine and animal care. Successful candidates will be able to participate in a 40-hour clinical externship with a local facility.
Career pathways include Laboratory animal caretaker, animal shelter or rescue worker, groomer, veterinary receptionist, veterinary technician (additional training may be required).
Topics include:
- Health and Disease
- Interaction with clients
- Fee collection/ Banking
- Administrative skills
Career and Technical Education
Practical Nursing
This program is a 1,080-hour course in the biological, physical and behavioral sciences with correlated clinical learning experiences. Applicants must have a high school diploma (or equivalency) and either US citizenship or legal INS status. Consideration is given to entrance exam results, interview, education and work history.
Online Career Training
Calendar
Contacts
Career Training Courses & Career and Technical Education:
Kelly Paul
Rockland BOCES Adult Education
Student Support Specialist
845-348-3500 ext. 3583
Practical Nursing:
Janine Tracey
Financial Aid/Admissions Counselor
(845) 627-4830
Online Career Training:
Katherine Mistele
Program Administrator
(845) 348-3500