Program Offerings

The Educational Opportunity Center offers the following programs in Yonkers and at two off site locations where listed:

Certified Medical Billing & Coding Clerk

This program is designed for students who are detail oriented and interested in working “behind-the-scenes” as health information professionals in a variety of medical settings. Successful graduates qualify for employment in entry-level positions such as medical coder/biller, medical biller/customer service rep, medical records clerk/assistant, and insurance claims clerk. In addition to health related coursework that emphasizes procedures that are used in a medical environment, students are taught basic computer skills using the latest computer software.

Required Courses: Medical Coding & Billing I and II, Medical Terminology I and II, Career Readiness, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel. This program includes a four-week internship in the private or public sector.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 9.0 TABE reading, language arts/spelling, 8.0 TABE math; High School Diploma or HSE; interest in medical/clerical field.

Duration: 19 Weeks

Start Dates: September 3, 2013

Certified Nurse Aide/Home Health Aide (CNA/HHA)

This program is designed for caring individuals who have an interest in health care careers and would like dual training as Home Health Aides and Certified Nurse Aides. It prepares students to take and pass the New York State certification examination and for registration on the New York State Home Care Registry. Students learn medical terminology, abbreviations, the functions of body systems, and patient care. This New York State-approved program covers the basics of personal care for the elderly and home-bound, and patient care for those in nursing homes, assisted living centers, and hospitals, including appropriate bed-making, feeding and monitoring of vital signs. Students are required to successfully complete two supervised clinical work experiences.

Required Courses: Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals of Patient Care, Nutrition, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Career Readiness, supervised Home Health and long-term clinical experiences; and test preparation.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 8.0 TABE reading; High School Diploma or GED/HSE; ability to pass a physical exam, drug test and background check; interest in health field; purchase designated uniform; fee of $115 and physical exam are required for New York State certification exam. Completed physical exam and drug test must be submitted prior to first day of class. New York State Clearance and finger printing required for employment.

Duration: 14 Weeks

Start Dates: Yonkers Evening: September 3, 2013 ♦ Yonkers Day: September 9, 2013 ♦ Spring Valley: February 3, 2014

Certified Patient Care (CPCT)

This program prepares students to become Patient Care Technicians (PCTs). The CPCT curricula builds upon basic nurse aid (CNA) skills to create a health professional with advanced skills. To be considered for participation in this training program, candidates must have NYS certification as a Nurse Aide. Training includes: Electrocardiogram (EKG) and Phlebotomy. Students also receive instruction in career readiness and coaching to be effective in the workplace. The training equips students to meet the responsibilities of a PCT which, according to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), include: getting patient histories, checking vital signs, setting of patient charts, coordinating test procedures, providing basic patient care including bathing, feeding, toileting and ambulating patients, acquiring and distributing patient care supplies, maintaining paths in hallways clear and returning equipment that is no longer in use, obtaining EKG readings and performing phlebotomy procedures. This program meets the necessary requirements to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) exam.

Required Courses: Performing EKG, Phlebotomy I, Career Readiness.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum TABE reading score of 9.0; minimum TABE math test scores of 8.0; and language arts score of 8.0; High School Diploma or HSE; Have a current NYS Nurse Aide certification and CPR certification (Heartsaver or BLS for Heathcare provider). Students should present a letter of recommendation from a teacher or employer showing satisfactory performance and attendance as a CNA. Students should also submit the CNA course transcripts showing a grade average of B or better.

Duration: 12 Weeks

Start Dates: January 27, 2014

Certified Pharmacy Technician (PHT)

This program is provided in partnership with CVS and is designed for individuals who are customer friendly and interested in pursuing a career in the rapidly growing pharmacy industry. Students are taught how to prepare medications, provide exceptional customer service, and perform general administrative duties in a pharmacy setting while preparing for the nationally recognized Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. Successful completers have an opportunity to secure employment with CVS or other pharmacies in retail, hospitals, clinics and other settings.

Required Courses: Introduction to Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Fundamentals of Pharmacology, and Career Readiness. The program includes a four-week externship at a CVS Pharmacy and test preparation.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 9.0 TABE reading and math; and 8.0 TABE language arts; High School Diploma or GED/HSE; ability to pass a physical exam and drug test; ability to pass CVS on-line application and background check; no felonies; fee of $130 required for national certification exam.

Duration: 17 weeks

Start Dates: September 3, 2013

College Preparatory Academy (CPA)

This program is designed for students who are interested in attending college and would like assistance in preparing academically and otherwise for the college experience. Emphasis is placed on reading, writing and math skills, preparation for placement exams, and overall college readiness. In addition to classroom instruction, College Prep students receive services through EOC’s College Connections Initiative including weekly workshops to develop and reevaluate college and career plans and to develop note-taking, time management, study and test-taking skills, and college tours. Students are also provided with assistance in completing college enrollment and financial aid applications, and more. CPA students receive 24 hours of financial literacy instruction through the Financing Your Independence curriculum. A typical week includes 15 hours of instruction and two to four hours of workshops.

Required Courses: English for College, Math for College, and College Success.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 10.0 TABE reading and 9.0 TABE Math; High School Diploma or HSE; desire to enroll in college.

Duration: Varies based upon individual progress and needs

Start Dates: On-going Admission

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

This program prepares students for employment opportunities as Commercial Drivers. The professional CDL training prepares students to operate B-size vehicles which include full-size buses, trucks and vans. Successful students will obtain a Class B license with airbrakes endorsement. The vocational training component includes both classroom review of the road manual and behind-the-wheel training.

Required Courses: Commercial Driver’s License Training. Career Readiness is a prerequisite for enrollment in the program.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 8.0 TABE reading, valid NYS Driver’s License, Driver’s abstract, Driver license/ history clear of moving violations for the most recent two years, no outstanding tickets and no felony or drug convictions. Misdemeanors will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and interest in a career as a Commercial Driver. U.S. Department of Transportation medical examination required for the CDL license. Must be available on Saturdays 2:00 - 5:00 pm for CDL in-class training.

Duration: Varies based upon individual progress and needs.

Start Dates: July 15, 2013; September 9, 2013; October 7, 2013; January 21, 2014; March 3, 2014.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

This program prepares students for entry into the workplace as Direct Support Professionals (DSP). Students are trained to work with mentally ill, and/or developmentally disabled individuals of all ages, to help them attain independence, individuality, and productivity. Students obtain their certificates for DSP, Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP), and Approved Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) and CPR with First Aid. Driver's Education is provided to students who do not have a driver's license.

Required Courses: Direct Care Training, Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention Revised (SCIP-R), Approved Medication and Administration Personnel (AMAP), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/First Aid. Career Readiness is a prerequisite for enrollment in the program.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 8.0 TABE reading and math; High School Diploma or HSE; ability to pass a physical exam and background check; no felony convictions; Drivers License or permit along with driving abstract from DMV necessary

Duration: 8 Weeks.

Start Dates: September 16, 2013; January 21, 2014.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

This New York State-approved program is designed for students interested in responding to emergency calls, performing emergency medical procedures and transporting patients to hospitals. EOC’s EMT Program prepares students to take and pass the New York State Department of Health’s examination to become Emergency Medical Technicians. At the conclusion of training, students will be able to demonstrate the appropriate and required procedures for responding to medical emergencies and crises, and administer CPR and defibrillation. The program includes a 10-hour clinical rotation in an emergency department.

Required Courses: Emergency Medical Technician. Career Readiness is a prerequisite for enrollment in the program.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 9.0 TABE reading and language arts, 8.0 math; High School Diploma or GED/HSE; ability to lift/carry 50 lbs.; ability to pass a physical exam and drug test; interest/capacity for health field; must be 18 years old when Practical Skills & Written Certification Exam is taken; must purchase designated uniform by second week of class; valid NYS Driver's License, Driver's abstract, driver license/history clear of moving violations for the most recent two years. New York State clearance is required.

Duration: 14 Weeks

Start Dates: September 9, 2013; February 3, 2014

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

This two-level program is designed to provide basic English literacy skills to non-native adults through an integrated skills approach. It also provides students with the cultural information they need to manage everyday life situations.

Required Courses: Beginning & Intermediate English, Oral Communications, Basic Writing, and Computer Literacy & Self-Paced Lab.

Criteria for Enrollment: Ability to read/write in the native language; limited English proficiency; minimum score 25 on BEST Test and 5 on NYS Placement Test.

Duration: Varies based upon individual progress and needs

Start Dates: September 3, 2013; October 28, 2013; January 13, 2014; March 17, 2014.

English for the Workplace (EFW)

This two-level competency-based program is designed to improve the English literacy skills of ESOL learners who have intermediate level English skills. Students will practice speaking, listening, reading and writing activities in the context of the world of work and improve their English proficiency in order to compete effectively in the job market.

Required Courses: Reading for Success, Language in the Workplace, Spoken English at Work, and Self-Paced Computer Lab.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 3.0 TABE reading, 2.0 TABE language test and 26 NYS Placement Oral Test.

Duration: Varies based upon individual progress and needs

Start Dates: September 3, 2013; October 28, 2013; January 13, 2014; March 17, 2014.

English for Business/ Health Careers (EFBH)

This two-level prevocational program is designed for adult ESOL learners who have high intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in English and who are interested in business or health careers. Emphasis will be placed on preparing students for success in business/health-related courses by improving academic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills as well as vocabulary acquisition in professional contexts.

Required Courses: Reading for Business/Health, Written English for Careers, Business/Health Communications, and Self-Paced Computer Lab.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 5.0 TABE reading, 4.0 TABE language test and 36+ NYS Placement Oral Test.

Duration: Varies based upon individual progress and needs

Start Dates: September 3, 2013; October 28, 2013; January 13, 2014; March 17, 2014.

High School Equivalency (HSE)

This three-level program includes Pre-HSE (Level 1), HSE (Level 2) and Accelerated HSE (Level 3). It is designed to help students who do not have a high school diploma to take and pass the High School Equivalency (HSE) Test. Students are assessed for placement at intake and are enrolled in the appropriate level program and given instruction and academic support to improve their basic reading, writing and math skills. The HSE Program is self-paced and allows students to progress at their own rate in preparation for the state examination. Upon successful completion of HSE requirements, students are scheduled to take the HSE examination on site (EOC is an official HSE Test Site for the New York State Department of Education) and are encouraged to remain active in class and practice their skills until the results of the HSE test are received from State Ed.

Required Courses: Reading, Writing, and Math.

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 9.0 TABE reading and 8.0 TABE math.

Duration: Varies based upon individual progress and needs

Start Dates: September 3, 2013; September 30, 2013; October 28, 2013; November 25, 2013; January 13, 2014; January 27, 2014; February 24, 2014; March 17, 2014; March 31, 2014.

Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide (HHA/PCA)

This program is designed to help caring individuals gain employment as Home Health Aides or Personal Care Aides. Students learn the essentials of home and personal care, including basic housekeeping, feeding and bathing, in order to assist the elderly and home-bound in their homes. It includes a Home Health clinical experience.

Required Courses: Fundamentals of Patient Care for Home Health Aides, Anatomy & Physiology for Home Health Aides, Nutrition, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Career Readiness is a prerequisite for enrollment in theprogram..

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum 7.0 TABE reading; ability to pass a physical exam, drug test and background check; interest in health field; purchase designated uniform. Completed physical exam and drug test must be submitted prior to first day of class. New York State Clearance and finger printing required for employment.

Duration: 7 Weeks

Start Dates: March 3, 2014; April 7, 2014.

Pre-Vocational Program (PVP)

The Pre-Vocational Program is designed for students to obtain knowledge and foundational skills required to meet the minimum academic requirements for a variety of vocational programs offered at the Educational Opportunity Center of Westchester. The program focuses on providing foundational skills such as: reading comprehension, writing, math, keyboarding, study and problem solving skills and some foundational content related to the specific vocational program of their interest. The pre-vocational program is tailored to the academic needs of each individual student as prescribed by their initial TABE scores and the academic requirements for the vocational program of their choice.

Required Courses: Basic Academic Skills, Vocational Preparation (Foundations of Allied Health, Business Foundations).

Criteria for Enrollment: Minimum TABE score of 6.0 for reading, language and math. Applicants must also meet all other criteria for enrollment in the vocational program of their choice.

Duration: Based on individual progress and needs.

Start Dates: Ongoing Admissions (September 3, 2013; January 13, 2014)

Core Courses

In addition to the program requirements stated above, students are scheduled to take basic computer training, financial management and/or career readiness courses, when appropriate. Students enrolled in these courses must successfully complete them and fulfill the requirements of their program of enrollment in order to graduate, unless otherwise waived.

Digital Literacy

Computer Literacy helps the new and experienced computer user to develop a fundamental understanding of computers. The program assesses student computer knowledge and instructs students in basic computer concepts. New and advanced computer users develop the essential skills to use computers with confidence. Students can use this computer technology both in everyday life and in business settings. The curriculum includes computer basics, the internet, sending e-mail, computer security and computer etiquette. Instruction will be provided through self-paced learning in a computer lab. Certification in Microsoft Word is also available to all participants in this course. Computer Literacy teaches the basics of computer use including word processing, e-mail and the use of the internet.

Career Readiness

This course is designed to prepare students for work and career advancement. It teaches students the basic requirements of the workplace and emphasizes the importance of developing the soft skills as well as the technical skills needed to obtain and maintain employment, and advance in their careers. In addition to digital and financial literacy and the basic requirements of the workplace, this course focuses on communication, human relations, decision-making, goal setting, self-management, and job search.

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