Fast Track Careers
The Vernon College Continuing Education department plays an important role in the institutional mission of the college and in servicing our students and communities. Through Continuing Education, a wide variety of non-credit classes as well as associated services and college resources are provided to students of all ages within the twelve-county service area. Fast Track Careers are designed to provide basic knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment opportunities or occupational upgrading. Personal enrichment classes are designed to appeal to the needs of the general public. Specialized contract and customized training courses for business and industry are also available.
Continuing Education class schedules are published online for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters for quick and easy access. Please visit the website at www.vernoncollege.edu/continuing-education-home to register for class or to see the upcoming class schedules. Persons may also contact the Continuing Education Offices on the Vernon Campus and/or Century City Center in Wichita Falls for more information.
In most non-credit Continuing Education classes, only grades of complete (CP) or incomplete (NC) are given. Persons who register for and successfully complete non-credit Continuing Education classes are awarded Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) with 1 CEU being awarded for each 10 hours of instruction. Transcripts are maintained for all Continuing Education courses.
Occupational Skills Achievement Awards (OSAA) and Institutional Credential Leading to Licensure or Certification (ICLC) are offered in multiple career fields. A description of each can be found below.
Non–credit Career and Technical Education programs/classes offered through Continuing Education typically vary in length from one month to eighteen months and most provide some type of occupational certification leading to entry-level employment.
Non-credit Personal Enrichment classes offered through Continuing Education also vary in length and include a wide range of topics such as fitness and exercise, culinary, various arts and crafts, gardening, and hunter education. Additionally, classes are offered in a variety of educational and fun areas for children ages 4-13 during Kids College held each summer at both the Vernon Campus and Century City Center. Specialized activities and services for senior citizens are offered through the Emeritus Institute on the Vernon Campus.
Additionally, over 150 non-credit, interactive Online Courses such as Defensive Driving, Wedding Planning, Personal Finance, Grant Writing, and Basic Computer Literacy are offered through a partnership between the VC Continuing Education department and Education 2 Go. Courses begin monthly and can be viewed at http://www.ed2go.com/vernonedu/. Online enrollment is available with both Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Specialized non-credit courses to meet the specific training needs of area Business and Industry are also available through the Continuing Education Department at Vernon College. Classes may be customized with respect to topic, scheduling, and delivery methods to fit the needs of companies and their employees. To inquire about specialized courses and contract training opportunities, businesses may contact the Coordinator of Business and Industry Services on either the Vernon Campus or at the Century City Center.
Emeritus Institute, Vernon Campus
Operated through the Department of Continuing Education, the Emeritus Institute is specifically designed for persons sixty (60) years and older. The Chaparral Senior Activity Center, located on the Vernon Campus, offers many opportunities for senior adults, including both the Congregate Meal and the Meals on Wheels programs. In addition to a nutritious noon meal, participants also enjoy fellowship, games, and monthly evening socials. Other activities and services available through the Emeritus Institute include bus trips, health screenings, nutritional and exercise programs, transportation services, and continuing education classes designed specifically for senior adults.