Career Technical Education

Prepare for a career in under a year!
Our short-term courses are designed to prepare students for today's job market. Offerings include classes in demand skill areas as well as comprehensive courses.
Career Technical Education awards certificates of completion
and does not transfer hours between or into programs offered at MDAE.

REGISTER EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE
AND TO ENSURE ENOUGH ENROLLEES TO RUN THE CLASS.

Mailed and faxed registrations are not confirmed. Call to check registration status.
If a class is canceled, you will be notified by phone and given a full refund.
Please decide carefully; no refunds once a class begins.

Please see refund policy for details.

Questions? Call 685-7340, ext. #2731

CTE Certificate Courses

For certificate information and required course list, click here

Learn the fundamentals of double-entry bookkeeping: journal entries, posting, trial balance preparation and financial statements. First class session is mandatory.  Class fee includes text and workbook (also used for Bookkeeping and Accounting II).

Build on skills learned in Bookkeeping and Accounting I with principles of payroll, bad debt analysis, accruals and deferrals, and how to adjust entries.  Prerequisite: Bookkeeping and Accounting I.  Bring text and workbook from Bookkeeping and Accounting I.  First class session is mandatory.  

This course is one in a series specifically designed for students working to attain the Account Clerk Certificate.  Focus is on setting up accounts, entering transactions (payables, receivables, and inventory), recording deposits, writing checks, reconciling bank statements, recording end-of-accounting-period adjustments, reports, and graphs.  Prerequisite: Bookkeeping and Accounting I and II and working knowledge of Windows. Class fee includes textbook.

Almost everyone uses a computer on the job. Proper keyboarding skills are essential for efficiency. In this class, learn to keyboard with immediate success.  Learn correct posture, hand and arm position, and proper key stroking to keyboard faster with fewer errors.  Great course to prepare for other computer courses or to meet the 35 wpm speed requirement for our own Medical Assistant course.

Do you possess enough computer applications skills to be competitive in the job market? In our comprehensive course, start with computer basics and then learn popular Microsoft applications to earn a certificate. Keyboarding speed of 25 net words per minute is required to take this course.

Welcome to Windows 7 (1 week)
Microsoft Word - Levels 1, 2, 3 (3 weeks)
Microsoft Publisher (1 week)
Microsoft Excel - Levels 1, 2, 3 (3 weeks)
Microsoft Access - Level 1 (1 week)
Microsoft PowerPoint - Levels 1, 2 (2 weeks)
Microsoft Outlook Level 1 (1 week)

Individual sections are available (see Computer Classes section below). Textbooks and supplies are included in fee and provided in class. Minimum attendance (80%) and successful scores on competency skill assessments required to earn certificate.  Successful completion meets partial requirement of the Administrative Assistant Certificate.  If interested, contact Julie Davis.

Be better prepared to enter the job market! Develop and practice skills that meet your own goals or to meet the requirements for the Administrative Assistant certificate.  This is also a great class for practicing skills learned in other computer classes.  Complete the listed modules and earn a certificate of competency for each.  For beginners, it may take more than one term to complete the modules.  Regular attendance is required.  New students accepted on Mondays only.  Register any day to begin the following Monday.  Prerequisite: Beginning Keyboarding course or 25 net words per minute speed.

Modules include:

• Building Keyboarding Speed and Accuracy
• Office Equipment
• 10-key Speed and Accuracy Development
• Employment Search Skills (off site)
• Filing Skills
• Employment Test Practice
• Business Writing and Math
• Customer Service with Optional National Certification (off site)
• Administrative Assistant component (there is a prerequisite for this module)
  
  

  Click Here to Register Online!

Learn, hands-on about Windows 7 and how to navigate with it.  Learn to set up your own computer environment, work with files, find information, save to flash drive, search the internet, use the gadget bar, and much more.  Basic keyboarding skills (25 wpm) recommended.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class. 

Learn to create, edit (copy, cut, paste), format (margins, tabs, indents), save, open, and print a variety of documents (letters, memos, reports, flyers) using Word.  Prerequisites: Windows course and basic keyboarding skills (25 wpm) required.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Now that you know the basics, you're ready to learn about graphics, WordArt, newsletters, columns and mail merge.  Prerequisites: Word Level 1.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Master more challenging features: headers and footers; enhance tables; research papers; sections, templates, macros, and electronic forms.  Prerequisites: Word Level 2.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Design and create business publications by using and manipulating a variety of graphics and learn to plan, design, and create a basic website.  Prerequisite: Windows or Word Level 1 and basic keyboarding skills (25 wpm) required. Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Create fun and informative presentations in no time that really illustrate your message. Prerequisites: Introduction to Windows and basic keyboarding skills (25 wpm) required.   Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Go beyond the basics to learn advanced features including editing, creating speaker notes and handouts, adding multimedia, using tables in presentations, customizing themes, and more. Prerequisite: PowerPoint Level 1.   Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

In this hands-on class, explore this popular software application and learn terminology associated with Excel, how to build basic spreadsheets and more.  Prerequisites: Windows and basic keyboarding skills (25 wpm) required.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Go beyond the basics by using more advanced features and functions, graphics, templates and more.   Prerequisite: Excel Level 1.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Complete your training with the advanced features of Excel, including tables and macros, financial functions, advanced formatting, integrating with Word, and more. Prerequisites: Excel Level 2.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Learn database-associated terminology and manage a variety of records for business and personal use.  Create and modify tables; create autoforms and basic reports.  Create and use a variety of queries; print data.  Prerequisites: Introduction to Computers or Windows course and keyboarding skills (25 wpm) required.  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Learn the basics of Outlook including sending/receiving email, various contact lists, calendars, tracking tasks, and more in this instructor-led class.  Prerequisites:  Windows course and keyboarding skills (25 wpm).  Textbook included in fee and distributed in class.

Need to learn Outlook but difficult to get a class at a specific day/time?  Take this online Outlook basics course in the comfort of your home.  Learn to send and receive emails, create contact/distribution lists, set up tasks, journal, share calendars, schedule appointments/meetings, and much more. Structured due dates for submitting assignments will be provided.  Computer requirements: Outlook 2007 and Internet connection.  Prerequisites:  Basic computer skills.  Textbook included in fee (distributed at orientation). 

Orientation dates will be emailed to you after registration.

**Courses with 2 asterisks are part of the Computer Applications Training course.
You may enroll in these classes on a space-available basis.

Classes in this department are subject to change and, depending upon registration response, courses may be added to the schedule mid-term or canceled.
Call the Career Technical Education Dept. for information about current schedules,
(925) 685-7340, ext. #2732

In one week, develop confidence to work positively with customers in a variety of situations and attain the customer service skills necessary to obtain and keep a job. Earn a certificate that demonstrates to potential employers that you possess desired customer service skills. The National Retail Federation Foundation Certification assessment is offered on Friday each week of training for only $50 (fee waiver may be available). 

This comprehensive course covers safe food handling practices and sanitation.  Successfully completing the course meets the requirements of California Health & Safety Code Section 113947.  Meet with the instructor twice; exam administered on second day of class (both sessions required for completion). Registration required prior to class start date in order to pick up and read workbook. Fee includes book and exam. Re-test $75, if taken within one year of original Mt. Diablo Adult Education test date.

Need a certificate verifying your typing or ten-key speed? We provide that service. Both certifications include warm-up, a practice test, and two 5-minute sustained timed writings or 10-key tests. They are scored immediately and you will leave with written verification. 

Call (925) 685-7340, ext. #2737 to schedule an appointment (afternoons only).
Regretfully, we cannot administer unscheduled certifications.

See also:
Customer Service
Orientation to Health Careers
CPR: Healthcare Provider
Keyboarding/10-key Speed Certification
Notary Public

This orientation course meets one of the prerequisites for Mt. Diablo Adult Education's health occupations courses.  Includes assessment results, health care employment outlook, job requirements, options for study, student and school expectations, required documents for registration, and more.  Upon successful completion, eligible prospective students may register for the health occupations class of choice. See CTE Assessment schedule for orientation dates.

Get ready to "jump start" your career in the health profession by learning the basics of medical terminology.  Essential for anyone wishing to enter or further a health career.  Learn to decode medical words (including prefixes and suffixes) as we move system by system using color coding, word games, and clever ways to improve your memory.  No prerequisites; everyone welcome.  This course meets the Medical Terminology prerequisite for Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy courses.  Textbook and supplies included in fee.

For healthcare workers. Learn two-rescuer CPR, management of foreign-body airway obstruction (FBAO), use of barrier devices for ventilation and use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Fee includes materials and CPR card.   IMPORTANT:  Register at least 24 hours prior to class to receive and read required materials.

Requirements for all Health Career Courses:

• Minimum age requirement of 18 years.
• Successful score on entrance assessment (see Winter assessment schedule or pick one up in C-5, LVAC)
• Attendance at Orientation to Health Careers (refer to the Winter assessment schedule)
• Current CPR for Healthcare Providers card.
• Fully completed Medical Course Requirements packet (provided at Part 2 of the assessment). These requirements are mandated by our clinical affiliates (externship sites) and must be submitted at the time of registration. Please submit copies, as these will not be returned. Requirements include: copy of high school diploma, transcript or GED certificate, current vaccinations, doctor's health clearance, medical insurance, current CPR for Healthcare Providers card. 
• Some courses have additional requirements - check packet for details
  

Within one year, learn all the skills necessary to be a Registered Dental Assistant in our Dental Board of California-accredited course.  Start with the foundations of dental assisting (including tooth anatomy, infection control, OSHA requirements, CPR, and more).  Then progress to basic dental assisting skills along with dental radiology, coronal polishing, and pit and fissure sealants.  Conclude with an externship in a dental office along with nine hours a week in the classroom for advanced dental skills.  Three start dates each year.  first 8 weeks of class meets evenings, remainder of class meets 8:30am-3:00pm.  Externships are full-time (8:00am-5:00pm, depending upon individual practices). This course is Pell Grant eligible.  Refer to requirements for assessment and registration information. 

This course covers the basic principles of radiographic techniques and safety and includes didactic, lab, and clinical instruction.  Participants will expose, process, mount, and evaluate radiographs on x-ray training manikins and human subjects.  The 45-hour course meets the mandates for RDA renewal. Dental knowledge (i.e., tooth anatomy) is required to take this course.  Participants will be assessed on the first day of class for this requirement.  Textbook included in fee.  Supplies not included in fee but supply list is provided at time of registration.  Minimum of six (6) students needed to run this class.

This required course for RDA licensure is an eight (8) hour Infection Control course taught in a one day session focusing on all aspects of infection control in a dental setting including disinfection and sterilization, universal/standard precautions, operatory set-up and clean-up. This course will discuss the dental assistant’s responsibilities in the office following the updated CDC guidelines and regulations from the Dental Board of California. After the successful completion of this course, the dental assistant will meet the requirements of sections 1750 or 1752:1 from the Dental Board of California as well as for Orthodontic Assistant permit (Section 1750:2) and Oral Sedation permit (Section 1750:4).

Medical Career Courses

Learn the skills necessary to be a CNA.  Successful completion in this class prepares students for the CNA state competency test.  First few days in classroom are followed by applied learning in a skilled nursing facility where student works directly with patients at the bedside.  Instructor will announce clinical hours and provide syllabus with calendar in class.  Prerequisites:  refer to Requirements for all Health Career Courses section for registration above and social security number, photo ID, ability to pass background check and live-scan fingerprinting. 

If interested in the next session, please send an email message to buscemic@mdusd.org, to place your name and contact information on the CNA contact list.
Next class is projected to begin in Fall 2012

Medical Assistants are important members of health care teams assisting physicians with patients from scheduling appointments to taking vital signs, from rooming patients to performing laboratory tests, and from filing medical records to assisting with medical procedures.  Our dynamic class covers the clinical and administrative functions of the medical office so that you are cross-trained and, therefore, more employable.  Didactic training is followed by a required 320-hour externship in a doctor's office.  This course is Pell Grant eligible.  Prerequisites: Medical terminology, basic computer skills and 35 net wpm typing speed (can be taken at assessment). To enroll in this course, read and meet the requirements listed in the Requirements for all Health Career Courses section above. 

Learn emergency care procedures utilized by EMTs in accordance with the State of California Administration Code. Modules include but are not limited to patient assessment/management of a trauma patient, patient assessment/management of a medical patient, cardiac arrest management/AED, bag-valve-mask ventilation of apneic patient, spinal immobilization (both seated and supine patient), long bone fracture immobilization, joint dislocation immobilization, traction splinting, bleeding control/shock management, upper airway adjuncts and suction, mouth-to-mouth ventilation with supplemental oxygen, and supplemental oxygen administration to a breathing patient.  Our course instructors are trained and certified Paramedics with years of real job experience and who not only teach from the textbook, but also bring real life situations into the classroom.  You will be required to pass cognitive (written) examinations as well as psychomotor (skills) examinations to receive a certificate of completion.  After successful course completion and receipt of certificate, register online with the National Registry for EMT to apply for the national certification exam. To enroll in this course, read and meet the Requirements for all Health Career Courses listed above.

This 24-hour class meets the requirements to recertify for EMT license in accordance with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. EMT’s who need just a few CE’s may register for specific modules if space is available. Prerequisites: copy of EMT card (license) and current Healthcare Provider CPR card.

Next class is projected to begin in September 2012.

Phlebotomists work directly with patients to collect blood according to doctors’ instructions and often are the only “face” with whom patients associate in the medical laboratory. If you possess excellent customer service and communication skills and are eager to learn clinical skills to collect blood and urine samples from patients, this course is for you. Phlebotomists are in a position of high responsibility and lab results depend greatly on the ability to collect quality specimens. Learn all of the skills necessary to pass the NCCT Exam and to be employed in this field. This course exceeds the state minimums for didactic and clinical training and is taught by a practicing Phlebotomist 2 who adds real life experiences to the textbook instruction. This fast-paced course
requires a high commitment of study and daily reading of highly technical material. Content areas include: 1) infection control, universal precautions, and safety; 2) anatomy and physiology of circulatory and other major body systems and medical terms; 3) identification, accuracy, ramifications to patients; 4) preparation and site selection; 5) equipment and additives; 6) disposal; 7) infectious disease and biohazards; 8) the coagulation process; 9) sources of error; 10 ) site selection and preparation; 11) risk factors and complications; 12) corrective actions; 13) application of professional topics (communication, stress management, ethics, legal); and 14) quality assurance. After successful completion of the classroom training, students are placed in a clinical setting for further training. To enroll in this course, read and meet the requirements listed in the Requirements for all Health Career Courses section above. Clinical externship (120 hrs) must be satisfied to receive certificate of completion. Externship coordinator will rotate didactic completers into externship sites upon successful score on NCCT examination (date TBA). Externship site may not be available immediately upon completion of didactic portion of course. Prerequisite: Medical Terminology course.

A large number of students from the previous class need to be placed into clinical externships.  Therefore, the Fall 2011 course is postponed until Winter 2012 (January).  The students for the Winter 2012 cohort have been selected and the next opportunity for enrollment will be for the Fall (September) 2012 term.  Details for enrollment will be announced in the Spring 2012 course catalog.

The next class is scheduled for September 2012. This course is Pell Grant eligible.

Surgical Technologist Information Packet

Surgical Technologist Assessment Schedule

This two-part course is designed for, but not limited to, special education assistants (open to anyone interested).  Course includes instruction and training on the most essential aspects of Special Education law, roles and responsibilities, research-based effective practices, disability and diversity awareness, instructional strategies and accommodations, general health care procedures, behavior management,and communication skills.

Learn the signs that are most frequently used in a classroom/school situation.  Discover how useful sign language can be when working with children and adolescents with language and communication difficulties, as well as hearing impairments.

Learn ways to simplify and adapt classroom curriculum to meet your student’s needs. Demonstrations and examples of creative adaptations, modifications and accommodations will be given as well as suggestions for your own curriculum challenges. A brief overview of assistive technology with hands-on technology experiences will be included.