Unemployed? Get Free Training At the Syracuse, New York Educational Opportunity Center

There is no excuse not to get employed in Syracuse because at the Educational Opportunity Center, they will help you for free. The SUNY Syracuse E.O.C. is for adults who need to get a high school diploma, learn something new to get a better job, or take college preparatory courses. All you have to be is 17 years old or older. All who qualify get a free education, tuition, books and academic and career counseling. A book deposit may be required.

Programs
High School Equivalency
This course includes social studies, English (writing course), math, science and computer skills, and workforce preparation. There are five sessions, and completing the course depends on the students reading ability, personal goals and how motivated they are. To pass the course students have to demonstrate writing, math, Literature and arts, social and science skills. Classes are from Monday-Friday in the daytime, and Monday-Thursday for evening classes.

Software Enrichment Training
Courses include basic keyboarding, windows XP, Keyboard communication I and II, championship speed building, Microsoft Office XP, Word Access, Excel and Powerpoint. Students must have an 8.0 score on the TABE admissions test to enter the course. Times are Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. in the daytime, and Monday-Thursday 4:30-8:30 in the evening.

Requirements
Application
TABE test
Take the orientation before registering
Income verification

English-As-A-Second Language
Courses are conversation; pronunciation; reading;writing; vocabulary development; citizenship preparation and financial literacy. Students who take this course go on to college, change careers or improve for personal growth. Students must know basic knowledge of English. Daily practice of conversation, reading and vocabulary, job advancement, and success in society, cultural behaviors and practices is also taught. Classes are from Monday-Friday in the day and Monday-Thursday in the evening.

College Preparation
There are four programs. They are reading, study skills, algebra, biology and chemistry. Course are for three levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced. The students on advanced levels go on to the SEOC/OCC program, bypassing Onondaga Community College's remedial classes. Students taking this course most likely go on to be a health career professional. The biology and chemistry classes are free and you are able to become an LPN or RN in school or go into other health related careers. The schools would either be Crouse School of Nursing or St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing. Qualified SUNY instructors teach the courses. You can also use the programs to get CLEP credit to transfer to the college of your choice. Class times are in 3-hour blocks: Monday-Wednesday-Friday for daytime classes, and Monday-Thursday for evening classes.

Medical Billing and Coding
Medical billers and coders process patient data just about perfectly. There is a growing need for medical billers and coders that are trained. Students in this course get the skills needed to to enter the medical billing and coding jobs. The courses are: basic course for CPT/ICD-9 coding and insurance; processing using industry standard software; basic anatomy; Hippa; fraud and abuse issues; CPT/ICD-9 overview and modifiers and computerized billing. It lasts 4 weeks. Upon passing the exam, students will receive a nationally recognized certification by the American Academy of Professional coders(AAPC).

Admission
Must type 15 WPM
Have an eighth grade reading level
Pass an interview with a counselor and coordinator

Customer Service Office Program
The customer service program teaches 'soft' skills and computer software applications. Students finished with this program can expect entry level jobs such as a receptionist, call center representative or clerical assistant. This course takes 10 weeks. Students will learn basic business math and English, Microsoft Office XP, Windows XP, keyboarding, and a nationally known customer service training program, Telephone Doctore. Classes are from Monday-Friday 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Admission
Application
Income verification
TABE test
An orientation
High school diploma or GED

Certified Nurses Aid Program
A certified Nurses Aid is a member of a health care team that assists the nursing staff, patients or residents with hygiene, nutrition and exercise for physical and emotional comfort. Passing this course leads to a career as an LPN, RN or OTA(Occupational Therapy Aide). This course runs 4 cycles per year. Class times are from Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the day time. Courses include: High demand, interpersonal communication skills, time and stress management, conflict resolution and problem solving, employability, resident-centered care; nursing skills;cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR);anatomy and physiology; medical terminology and employment assistance. Completion of this program leads to a New York State Certification exam.

Requirements
Income guidelines
8.0 reading level; 6.60 for English-As-A-Second Language
Physical history
Two letters of reference
An interview

Other courses that the Educational Opportunity Center offers are: EMT and Quickbooks. There is also an SEO Bridge Program that offers workshops, jobs and career opportunities. Contact Debbie Ely at 475-7554 for more information about the SEO Bridge program. To apply for any of these course programs, just call 472-0130 for more information, or you can walk into 100 New Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 Room 200.