Funding Available to Complete COTC Short-Term Certificates

Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is expanding the availability of Ohio Department of Higher Education short-term certificate grants to help those looking for a new career get the job readiness skills they need in one year or less.

COTC may award a student up to $2,000 to complete one of five approved short-term certificates that leads to employment in an in-demand career field. Each certificate can be completed in as little as one or two semesters for quick entry in the workforce.

The short-term certificate funding is available to students with demonstrated financial need as well as students who are currently in or exiting foster care. Financial need may be the result of unemployment or underemployment (working in low paying or low skill jobs) or simply lacking resources to fully meet current expenses. Each student may receive a one-time grant of up to $2,000 to assist with tuition and fees (does not include the cost of books and supplies) for an eligible short-term certificate. These are limited funds and will be awarded until the funds are exhausted.

To apply for a short-term certificate grant, COTC students must complete a brief application available at go.cotc.edu/aid. For more information about the short-term certificate grant, contact Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or nwk-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.

Eligible short-term certificates are addiction studies certificate, emergency medical technician (EMT) basic certificate, peace officer basic training, phlebotomy certificate and state-tested nurse aid (STNA) certificate.

The addiction studies certificate may be completed in two semesters. Coursework includes training to assist individuals and families with a variety of issues arising from addiction problems. Graduates are prepared to work in an entry-level position in many community health programs as chemical dependency counselors, mental health technicians or recovery coaches. Credits earned are also applicable toward COTC’s associate degree in human services.

The EMT basic certificate is achieved through completion of a single course. Upon completion, students take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician exam for certification as an EMT. First on the scene in an emergency, EMTs administer first-aid treatment, sometimes providing life-saving care, to people who have suffered an illness or injury outside of a hospital setting. After becoming a certified EMT, students may continue at COTC in the paramedic one-year certificate program to provide advanced care. Credits earned in the paramedic program count toward an associate degree in emergency medical services technology, a popular choice for students seeking a professional career with the ability for promotion.

The peace officer basic training academy is available in three formats at the Newark campus. The accelerated program is 15 weeks with classes held in the daytime. The evening academy is 30 weeks with classes typically held after 5 p.m. The academy is also offered as part of the curriculum of the law enforcement technology degree program. COTC’s peace office basic training academy exceeds the requirements of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and positions students to excel on the state certification exam. COTC is the second-highest scoring open enrollment academy in the state. Graduates may obtain employment as police officers, auxiliary officers and deputy sheriffs. Credits earned can be applied to COTC’s associate degree in law enforcement technology.

The phlebotomy certificate can be completed in two semesters. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research or blood donations. They primarily work in hospitals, ambulatory centers, clinics, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices. Graduates are eligible for certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology, which is highly desired for employment as phlebotomists or phlebotomy technicians. Credits earned are also applicable toward COTC’s associate degree in health services technology.

The STNA certificate is completed in one course and prepares a basic healthcare worker with skills required by the Training and Competency Evaluation Program (TCEP) prior to gaining eligibility to become an STNA. Employment opportunities include healthcare support workers, health technologists and technicians, and nurses assistants. This course fulfills the STNA prerequisite for COTC’s nursing program for those that wish to continue their education.

COTC is now enrolling for autumn semester, which begins August 25. Apply for free now at cotc.edu/apply. To speak with an admissions representative, email cotcadmissions@mail.cotc.edu or call any of COTC’s four campus locations:

Newark: 740.366.9222

Coshocton: 740.622.1408

Knox: 740.392.2526

Pataskala: 740.755.7090

COTC is a fully accredited, public college dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible programs of technical education in response to current and emerging employment needs. COTC is the only technical college in Ohio operating four full-service campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.