Continuing Education & Workforce Development
Opportunities for Professional & Personal Development
WPCC offers a variety of classes for professional training and certifications along with personal advancement and enjoyment both in seated classes and online through ed2go. These classes are designed to accommodate busy lifestyles and provide opportunities to quickly get skills or explore interests.
Check out our list of upcoming classes. You can get more information on them and register for them by clicking or tapping on the name of the class.
The GEER Scholarship
Learn more about scholarship opportunities for certain workforce development & continuing education classes.
Heavy Equipment Operator
New program provides short-term training using our new CAT simulator
New Certificate Program
Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing prepares you for potential job opportunities with Pratt & Whitney, coming to Asheville, North Carolina in 2022.
Upcoming Events
Click or tap on a class name for more information or to register.
- October 26, 2021, 8:00 am: Notary Public Class (63199)
- October 27, 2021, 9:00 am: TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
- November 1, 2021, 6:00 pm: Holiday Ornaments (64879)
- November 3, 2021, 2:00 pm: TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
- November 11, 2021, All day: Veteran’s Day - College Closed
- November 12, 2021, 10:00 am: TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
- November 15, 2021, 6:00 pm: Snowman Luminary (64880)
- November 17, 2021, 10:00 am: TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
- November 18, 2021, 8:00 am: Notary Public Class (63204)
- November 22, 2021, 3:00 pm: TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
- November 29, 2021, 8:00 am: Nurse Aide I Refresher (64308)
- December 3, 2021, 11:00 am: TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
- December 9, 2021, 8:00 am: Notary Public Class (63208)
- December 13, 2021, 3:30 pm: TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
- December 22, 2021, All day: College Closed
A complete calendar of course offerings is available below.
How
to
Register
Online Registration
You can sign up for classes via our online system. Please have the class title/name and the date(s) or class section numbers before clicking or tapping the buttons to access the registration forms.
Register for Classes OnlineRegister for a Fire/EMS Class Online
In-Person Registration
NOTE: In-person registration for Workforce and Continuing Education classes in Hildebrand Hall has resumed.You can stop in to register Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Remember, you need to register for classes prior to the class start date (preferably 48 hours prior), allowing time for all payments to process before the class begins. If you have questions, please call (828) 448-3500.
Select a Category Below for Classes
Personal Enrichment
Courses for personal interests for all ages.
Allied Health
Training & Certification
for healthcare
Customized Training
Specialized Training
for Businesses & Individuals
Online Classes
Courses when & where
you want to learn
Emergency Services
Certification & Training
for Fire & Rescue
HRD & CRC
Human Resources &
Career Readiness Certification
Certifications
Courses to acquire or renew job skills
Emergency Medical
Classes for emergency medical responders
Job & Career
Courses to increase and
improve job skills
Small Business
Entrepreneurs &
Small Business Owners
Law Enforcement
Certification & Training
for Law Enforcement
Defensive Driving
Defensive Driving Information & Classes
Current Class Schedule
Here are the classes scheduled for the current month at WPCC. You can see future class offerings by clicking either the Next button to move to the next month or by choosing a month and date and hitting the Go button.
Add A Class to Your Calendar
Want to set a reminder for a class on your phone, tablet, or computer’s calendar? It’s easy. Click the class name to read a description and register to attend. At the bottom, click the iCal or Google Calendar link to add the class to your personal calendar.
Events in August 2021
- Emergency Medical Technician Basic Night Course - Section #64490
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Emergency Medical Technician Basic Night Course - Section #64490
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USADates: August 2 - December 20, 2021
Room: HEC 181
Class will meet Mondays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 10:00 PM - 2 days each week
Cost: $194.20 (Text Book is not included see below)
8 SATURDAY Classes from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM on 8/7, 8/21, 9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/13, & 12/4)
Section Number: 64490An Emergency Medical Technician class will be held from August 2 - December 20, 2021 at the Foothills Higher Education Center. It consists of 264 hours of classroom and clinical instruction and will prepare students to take the EMT exam administered by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Prerequisites
- TABE placement test for reading comprehension (minimum of 11th grade reading level). Learn more about the TABE test or call (828) 448-6140 for a test appointment. Test results are required in order to register.
Costs
- $180 registration fee (unless you are fee-exempt)
- $14.20 fee for Accident & Liability Insurance (paid by all students)
- $16 WPCC Polo Shirt required for clinical instruction
- $11.50 Background Check (per the last name)
- Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine Required
- Flu Vaccine Required
- Textbooks are not included
Textbook
Emergency Care: 14th Edition + My Brady Lab (ISBN9780136857860).
WPCC Book Cellar (828) 448-3186 Approximate cost of $175.Information You Should Know
You can submit your registration for the EMT-Night class below. The course section number is 64490.
The registration deadline is Thursday, July 28, 2021.
To register, please contact Registration Department (828) 448-6046, by e-mail at cpons@wpcc.edu or click or tap the button below to register online. Student Fees will be due at time of registration.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Terry Houston at (828) 448-6751 or by e-mail at thouston@wpcc.edu.
Paramedic - Night Session–
Paramedic - Night Session
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USADates: August 2, 2021 - September 29, 2022
Days: Mondays & Thursdays, 18:00-22:00
& Alternating Saturdays, 08:30-17:00
Room: HEC 182 & ESTC
Cost Information
All costs are approximate and are subject to change.
- Registration: $360.00 plus insurance fees (unless fee exempt)
- Textbook: Paramedic Care: Principles & Practice (5th Edition) (ISBN 0134575962). Available at the WPCC Book Cellar(828) 448-3186 Approximate cost of $464.125.
- Uniforms: $100 (approximate)
- Boots: $100
- Platinum Planner: $97.50
- Background Check: $144.75
- Certification Card Fees: $30
Prerequisites for Paramedic Classes
- Must be 18 years of age to enroll into the course.
- High school diploma or high school equivalency.
- Placement Testing with reading, English language comprehension, and mathematical application and comprehension on the post-secondary level. Proof of successful completion of college-level English and/or college-level Math may be accepted upon approval of the paramedic director.
- Possession of a valid and active North Carolina EMT Credential, NREMT or other state EMS Credential.
- Co-Requisite: Successful Completion of an approved Anatomy and Physiology course:
- Must complete the application packet entirely and submit it prior to the close of business on Friday, December 18th, 2020. Each applicant will be notified by email or phone of acceptance to the 2021 paramedic class. Once the applicant receives official notification of acceptance, the applicant must complete the course registration form and pay associated fees with the records division on the main campus (Hildebrand Hall).
- Due to the class complexity and prerequisite requirements, walk-ins will not be accepted.
For More Information
For information, please call (828) 448-6199 or by e-mail at ncarswell2@wpcc.edu or click or tap the button below to register online. Student Fees will be due at time of registration.
Register for the Paramedic Class
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Nicole Carswell at (828) 448-6037 or by e-mail at ncarswell2@wpcc.edu
- TABE Testing - (HEC-238)
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TABE Testing - (HEC-238)
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USATABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) tests for the Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II
classes are offered at the Foothills Higher Education Center, in Room HEC-238.
NOTE: Due to social distancing guidelines we are limiting the number of students attending each test date . Thank you for your understanding.
Please be aware you will be asked to wear a mask or face covering during the test and while you are in the testing area. Please bring your own mask to the test.
- Nurse Aide Level II (63590)
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Nurse Aide Level II (63590)
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USA
This course is designed to prepare graduates to perform more complex skills for patients or residents regardless of the setting. A skill/competency evaluation is required for documenting student competency. The course includes class, laboratory and clinical learning experiences. Upon satisfactory completion of the course and skill/competency evaluation, the graduate is eligible to apply for listing as a Nurse Aide II by the North Carolina Board of Nursing Nurse Aide Registry. In all employment settings, the listed Nursing Assistant II will work under the direction and supervision of licensed personnel.Requirements
In order to be admitted into the NA II program, you must:
- Obtain a 10th grade score or better on the Reading section of the TABE test
- Proof of completion of a State approved Nurse Aide I class. (Course Completion Certificate)
- Proof of active CPR certification (Online Certification Not Acceptable, must be American Heart Healthcare Provider).
- A copy of your High School Diploma or GED or a sealed transcript of your grades.
- Copies of a valid driver’s license and social security card with matching names on both.
- A letter of recommendation from your immediate supervisor.
- A complete Student Health Record by a licensed healthcare provider. Forms will be given during registration.
All information should be turned in at the Foothills Higher Education Center prior to first day of class or at TABE testing.
Additional Class Information
- All students will be required to have a criminal background check submitted to Blue Ridge Healthcare. The criminal background check will be conducted after the class begins.
- Applicants listed on the NCNAR I with out-of-state training will be reviewed on an individual basis.
- Applicants who completed Nurse Aide I training prior to 2006 will be reviewed on an individual basis.
- You are limited to three attempts to become successful and pass CNA II.
- Cost: $230.00
- Textbook: NC Nurse Aide II available in the WPCC Bookstore.
Registration
Once you have completed the above requirements, you will be allowed to register for the NA II class.
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. Students must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example Class starts on Monday, the last day to register is 5:00 pm on Wednesday.
Students may register via the following methods:
- Online (click on the button below)
- Call (828) 448-6046 Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in order to arrange an appointment for registration at Hildebrand Hall on the main campus.
- Download and fax the registration form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
Class Information
Class sessions meet in Room 222 of the Foothills Higher Education Center on Sterling Street in Morganton. The cost of the course is $235. Write down the section number of the class you want to register for to enter in the online registration below.
Nurse Aide II (Section 63590) - August 09 - December 16, 2021
(Clinical meets October 21 - December 16, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
Meets Mondays & Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
No Class on 9/6 or 11/25 - Notary Public Class (63189) - SECTION FULL
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Notary Public Class (63189) - SECTION FULL
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USA
Class Dates: 8/12/21 Thursday
Cost: $75 (book required)
Location: Foothills Higher Education Center Room 211
Class Section Number: 63189Notary Public Education provides individuals with the opportunity to become or renew their standing as a Notary with the state of North Carolina. This course of study meets the state guidelines for instruction. A current notary book is required. The book can be purchased through the WPCC Bookstore. Visit the Bookstore online, give them a call at (828) 448-3186, or e-mail bookstore@wpcc.edu.
It is recommended that you register at least one week prior to the class you want to attend. This will allow time for you to read the guidebook which must be read prior to class. There are no waivers and no refunds for this class.
» Eligibility Requirements for Initial Appointment
Please look at the website for the notary division at www.sosnc.com for additional information.
- Nurse Aide Level I (64549)
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Nurse Aide Level I (64549)
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USANurse Aide I provides you the opportunity to pursue a healthcare career with entry-level skills in a hospital or nursing home setting. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for The Nurse Aide I test administered by NACES. After passing the state test, you will be listed on the Nurse Aide I registry at DHHS. CPR for Basic Life Support Certification is now included with this class.Requirements
In order to register for the NA I class, you must:
- Score at least a ninth grade level on the TABE test. To schedule your TABE, please call (828) 448-6140.
- Provide copies of a valid driver’s license and social security card (names must match).
- Provide a copy of your High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma or sealed transcript of grades or be currently enrolled in the last year of the WPCC Burke Middle College, WPCC AHSD program, or WPCC High School Equivalency program.
Additional Information
- Students will be required to have a criminal background check submitted to Blue Ridge Healthcare. The criminal background check must be completed after class begins.
- Students will be required to have a complete physical exam by their healthcare provider; forms will be given out during registration.
- Students may enroll up to 3 times in the NA 1 program
- Cost: $235.00
- Textbook: Nursing Assistant Care- The Basics available in the WPCC Bookstore
Our Nurse Aide classes are open for enrollment. Please complete the online registration form below. Payment must be received before you are completely registered for a class.
Registration
Once you have completed the above requirements, you will be allowed to register for the class.
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. Students must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example, if Class starts on Monday, the last day to register is 5:00 pm on Wednesday.
Students may register via the following methods:
- Online (click on the button below)
- Call (828) 448-6046 Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in order to arrange an appointment for registration at Hildebrand Hall on the main campus.
- Download and fax the registration form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
Class Information
Class sessions meet in Room 166 of the Foothills Higher Education Center on Sterling Street in Morganton. The cost of the course is $235. Write down the section number of the class you want to register for to enter in the online registration below.
Nurse Aide I (Section 64549) - August 16, 2021 - October 01, 2021
(Clinical meets September 20 - September 28, 2021 from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
Meets Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CPR Class is Friday, August 27, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Final Class is Friday, October 01, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Phlebotomy (64450)–
Phlebotomy (64450)
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USA
This program prepares the graduate to draw blood specimens from patients for the purpose of testing and analyzing blood and all duties related to the preparation and maintenance of specimens, equipment, and paperwork. CPR for Basic Life Support Certification is now included with this class.Requirements
In order to register for the Phlebotomy class, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Have a valid driver’s license and social security card (the names must match).
- Minimum age limit is 18
- Required health form will be distributed on the first day of class.
Additional Information
- Successful completion of the Phlebotomy class requires a minimum of 40 hours of clinical experience in addition to the regularly scheduled class. The clinical portion will take place during the last four weeks of the class.
- Applicants must submit a completed criminal background check and drug screen to the clinical facility for approval to participate in clinical training in the facility. Students will be responsible for the cost of health form, drug screen, and background check. The health form and information will be provided the first day of class.
- Textbook is Required “Phlebotomy Handbook: Blood Specimen Collection from Basic to Advanced 10th edition” and is sold in the WPCC Book Cellar (WPCC Bookstore).
- Students must provide personal transportation to assigned clinical affiliate which may require up to one hour travel time.
- Students must adhere to uniform requirements during both the class and clinical portions of the program. The student will also be responsible for the cost of a uniform for lab and clinical. Three sets of scrubs are needs, the uniform is to be ceil blue top and pants.
- Students should expect additional content, i.e., Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology during the Phlebotomy class.
- Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the ASPT (American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians) exam for certification in phlebotomy.
Registration
If you are interested in our Phlebotomy class, please call (828) 448-6140 for information on how to register.
The Registration Fee is $305 with additional cost for books, uniform, and health form.
All required documentation listed under requirements should be turned in at the Foothills Higher Education Center to be eligible to register for the class. Follow the registration procedure as follows:
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. Students must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example Class starts on Monday, the last day to register is 5:00 pm on Wednesday.
Students may register via the following methods:
- Online (click the button below)
- Call (828) 448-6046 Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in order to arrange an appointment for registration at Hildebrand Hall on the main campus.
- Download and Fax the Registration-Form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
Section Details
Phlebotomy (Section 64450) – August 16 – November 19, 2021
(Clinical meets October 25 – November 19, 2021 Time & Place TBA)
Meets Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.
One class meeting Friday, October 22 from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.
CPR Class is Friday, September 17 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Phlebotomy (63591) - SECTION FULL–
Phlebotomy (63591) - SECTION FULL
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USAThis program prepares the graduate to draw blood specimens from patients for the purpose of testing and analyzing blood and all duties related to the preparation and maintenance of specimens, equipment, and paperwork. CPR for Basic Life Support Certification is now included with this class.Requirements
In order to register for the Phlebotomy class, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Have a valid driver’s license and social security card (the names must match).
- Minimum age limit is 18
- Required health form will be distributed on the first day of class.
Additional Information
- Successful completion of the Phlebotomy class requires a minimum of 40 hours of clinical experience in addition to the regularly scheduled class. The clinical portion will take place during the last four weeks of the class.
- Applicants must submit a completed criminal background check and drug screen to the clinical facility for approval to participate in clinical training in the facility. Students will be responsible for the cost of health form, drug screen, and background check. The health form and information will be provided the first day of class.
- Textbook is Required “Phlebotomy Handbook: Blood Specimen Collection from Basic to Advanced 10th edition” and is sold in the WPCC Book Cellar (WPCC Bookstore).
- Students must provide personal transportation to assigned clinical affiliate which may require up to one hour travel time.
- Students must adhere to uniform requirements during both the class and clinical portions of the program. The student will also be responsible for the cost of a uniform for lab and clinical. Three sets of scrubs are needs, the uniform is to be ceil blue top and pants.
- Students should expect additional content, i.e., Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Terminology during the Phlebotomy class.
- Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to take the ASPT (American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians) exam for certification in phlebotomy.
Registration
If you are interested in our Phlebotomy class, please call (828) 448-6140 for information on how to register.
The Registration Fee is $305 with additional cost for books, uniform, and health form.
All required documentation listed under requirements should be turned in at the Foothills Higher Education Center to be eligible to register for the class. Follow the registration procedure as follows:
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. Students must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example Class starts on Monday, the last day to register is 5:00 pm on Wednesday.
Students may register via the following methods:
- Online (click the button below)
- Call (828) 448-6046 Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in order to arrange an appointment for registration at Hildebrand Hall on the main campus.
- Download and Fax the Registration-Form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
Section Details
Phlebotomy (Section 63591) – August 16 – November 12, 2021
(Clinical meets October 18 – November 12, 2021 Time & Place TBA)
Meets Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 3:30 – 8:30 p.m.
CPR Class is September 10 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
–
TABE Testing - (HEC-123)
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USATABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) tests for the Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II
classes are offered at the Foothills Higher Education Center, in Room HEC-123.
NOTE: Due to social distancing guidelines we are limiting the number of students attending each test date . Thank you for your understanding.
Please be aware you will be asked to wear a mask or face covering during the test and while you are in the testing area. Please bring your own mask to the test.
Our Locations
Western Piedmont Community College offers Continuing Education classes on the Main Campus (left pin on the map) and at the Foothills Higher Education Center (right pin on the map). Select a pin to get address and general contact information about each location.
WPCC Main Campus
Morganton, NC 28655
General Information: (828) 438-6000
Foothills Higher Education Center
Morganton, NC 28655
General Information: (828) 448-6140
Division of
Workforce &
Professional Development
Rick Furse
Interim Dean of Workforce &
Professional Development
(828) 448-3121