Vocational Certificate Programs
Certificates can be earned in as little as one semester and can open the door to excellent jobs. For more information on Vocational Certificate Programs, please call (708) 709-3750.
Click the underlined program title for full course descriptions and link to current schedule information in PDF format.
Program Listings
BANK TELLER TRAINING
Customer Service GSBUS 045
Today’s Bank Teller GSBUS 061
Principles of Banking GSFNC 020
Spanish for Banking GSLAN 071
HEALTH UNIT COORDINATOR
Medical Terminology GSMED 017
Health Unit Coordinator GSMED 035
HOME INSPECTION GSRE 020
MEDICAL BILLING/CODING SPECIALIST
Medical Terminology GSMED 017
Introduction to Health Information Technology GSMED 033
Insurance Procedures GSMED 038
Computerized Medical Billing GSMED 040
Introduction to CPT-4 Coding GSMED 045
Introduction to ICD-9 Coding GSMED 047
Microsoft Office GSVS 089
Keyboarding GSVS 091
MEDICAL CENTRAL SERVICES
Medical Central Service Technology GSMED 080
MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
Mortgage Loan Officer Training Level I GSBUS 009
Mortgage Loan Officer Training Level II GSBUS 012
The Skill of Negotiation GSBUS 085
Effective Business Writing GSBUS 093
NATIONAL SAFETY ADMINISTRATOR
Ten (10) one session classes
NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTER
Medi-Car Training PIMED 032
Customer Service/Human Sensitivity GSBUS 010
CPR/AED Training PIIES 013
OFFICE ASSISTANT
See also COMPUTERS for additional information.
Word Processing Applications GSVS 080
Spreadsheet Applications GSBOL 022
Keyboarding GSVS 091
Transcription Skills GSCOM 099
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL® (PMP)
Project Management Professional – Exam Prep GSBUS 047
Microsoft Project GSCOM 037
REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL
Basic Principles of Appraisal GSRE 072
Residential & Single Family Appraisal GSRE 073
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice GSRE 074
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING
Conflict Management GSBUS 091
Security Officer Training GSSEC 010
Course Descriptions
Click the underlined course code next to the course name to link to current schedule information in PDF format.
BANK TELLER TRAINING
Customer Service GSBUS 045 - call for info
This course teaches how to provide quality customer service to external and internal customers and how to build solid customer relationships. Learn customer service techniques for in-person, telephone, and e-mail customer servicing. Class includes hands-on exercises and role-playing scenarios to better understand a customer’s frustrations and needs.
Today’s Bank Teller GSBUS 061
Prairie State College has partnered with the Illinois Banking Association to teach the skills needed to become a successful bank teller. This class includes a comprehensive overview of the banking industry, the U.S. Payments System, the duties of the Federal Reserve System, and an overview of pertinent banking laws and regulations. Learn about daily transaction procedures and teller responsibilities. Upon completion of the course, students have the option of taking exams to earn American Institute of Banking credits.
Principles of Banking GSFNC 020 - call for info
This AIB course is the standard introduction to the banking profession. It touches on nearly every aspect of banking, from fundamentals of negotiable instruments to contemporary issues and developments within the industry. The course addresses changes in banking, servicing clients, emerging technology, expanding banking powers and markets, and building and maintaining banking/client relationships.
Spanish for Banking - call for info
This class prepares bank personnel to better accommodate their Spanish-speaking clientele. Learn how to welcome clients, exchange holiday and special greetings, conduct everyday transactions, obtain basic information, and verify identification.
HEALTH UNIT COORDINATOR
Medical Terminology GSMED 017
This class is intended for individuals who type, file, and process medical records in hospitals, clinics, insurance offices, or for dentists or physicians. Learn Latin and Greek roots of medical terms, along with definitions and proper use of medical terms. A good medical dictionary is recommended in addition to required textbooks. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights.
Health Unit Coordinator GSMED 035
Health Unit Coordinators interface daily with multidisciplinary hospital team members, answer phone calls, and manage medical orders for inpatients. This course covers how to transcribe doctors’ orders, coordinate workflow for a nursing unit, order necessary lab work, and diets. Students will also be introduced to processes that involve daily care of legal medical records, retrieving clinical lab results, and understanding patient privacy. Along with Microsoft Office, Keyboarding, and Medical Terminology, completion of this core of four classes will provide a vocational certificate. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus.
Microsoft Office GSVS 089
This course gives an overview of the four programs included in the Microsoft Professional Office Suite for Windows. In Word, the basics of word processing; in Excel, spreadsheets; in PowerPoint, creating presentations; and in Access, creating databases. A basic understanding of Windows is required.
Keyboarding GSVS 091
Rather than typing finger by finger, learn how to operate the letter keys by touch, increasing the number of words per minute typed.
HOME INSPECTION GSRE 020
This course is designed to fulfill the Illinois state requirements for pre-license instruction for home inspectors. The class will prepare students to take the state home inspector examination for Illinois. There will be an onsite field day prior to final examination. All applicants for the home inspector license must be at least 21 years of age and must have a high school diploma or GED. Textbooks are included in the course fee and will be distributed at the first class. Note: Attendance is mandatory per state regulations. KBuilding is located on the north side of Vollmer Road, behind the car wash. Look for the “Construction Trades” sign on the building.
MEDICAL BILLING/CODING SPECIALIST
Medical Terminology GSMED 017
This class is intended for individuals who type, file, and process medical records in hospitals, clinics, insurance offices, or for dentists or physicians. Learn Latin and Greek roots of medical terms, along with definitions and proper use of medical terms. A good medical dictionary is recommended in addition to required textbooks. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights.
Introduction to Health Information Technology GSMED 033
This course provides instruction in obtaining, using, and preserving medical records. Students also receive instruction in assembly of medical records and some analysis. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights.
Insurance Procedures GSMED 038
Prerequisite: GSMED 017 - Medical Terminology
This course is an introductory medical insurance course. Topics of discussion include medical law and ethics, various types of insurance policies and coverage, deductibles, co-insurance, and procedures for completing the CMS-1500 form and other insurance forms. Emphasis is placed on categorizing insurance plans and defining insurance acronyms commonly used in health care practices. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights.
Computerized Medical Billing GSMED 040
Prerequisite: GSMED 038 - Insurance Procedures, typing speed of 30 wpm and knowledge of computers/Windows
Students are introduced to computerized medical billing using the Lytec computerized billing software. Students will learn how to input patient information, schedule appointments, handle billing, produce reports, and process insurance claim forms electronically. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights.
Introduction to CPT-4 Coding GSMED 045
Prerequisite: GSMED 017 - Medical Terminology
This course introduces the process of coding medical records with the use of the CPT coding system. The intent is to develop an understanding of coding and classification systems in order to assign valid CPT procedure codes. ICD-9-CM Coding cannot be taken at the same time as CPT-4 Coding. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore at the main campus in Chicago Heights.
Introduction to ICD-9 Coding GSMED 047
Prerequisite: GSMED 017 - Medical Terminology and GSMED 045 - Introduction to CPT-4 Coding
This course introduces the process of coding medical records with the use of ICD-9-CM coding system. The intent is to develop an understanding of coding and classification systems in order to assign valid diagnostic or procedure codes. CPT-4 Coding cannot be taken at the same time as ICD-9-CM Coding. Textbook required the first night of class, which can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights.
Microsoft Office GSVS 089
Keyboarding GSVS 091
MEDICAL CENTRAL SERVICES
Medical Central Service Technology GSMED 080
This course prepares participants for the national exam for Central Service for the Certification of Healthcare Sterile Processing and Distribution. Students will learn how to properly sterilize and store medical instruments. This course is intended to prepare individuals for all positions within the Central Sterile Processing Department. A hands-on clinical tour at St. James Hospital will help familiarize students with the environment and procedures.
MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
Mortgage Loan Officer Training Level I GSBUS 009
This course is designed for individuals seeking or considering a career as a mortgage loan officer. Price includes Qualifier Plus IIIx calculator and study guides for both courses. This course, coupled with Mortgage Loan Officer Training II, prepares students for the state examination.
Mortgage Loan Officer Training Level II GSBUS 012
This course is an extension of Mortgage Loan Officer Training I. Learn how to adjust to client situations and select the appropriate loan programs to fit the client’s unique situation. A Qualifier Plus IIIx calculator is included in the Level I class cost and is required for Level II. Legal aspects of the business are also discussed. This course, coupled with Mortgage Loan Officer Training I, prepares students for the state examination.
The Skill of Negotiation GSBUS 085
Negotiation is the art and science of securing an agreement between two or more independent parties. Learn negotiation skills that can be a valuable asset in every area of life. Considerable emphasis is placed on negotiation exercises and role-playing.
Effective Business Writing GSBUS 093
The need for clear and effective writing skills is essential in any business. Learn to organize information, integrate the principles of readability, brush up on grammar and style, and improve writing skills.
NATIONAL SAFETY ADMINISTRATOR
Ten (10) one session classes - GSCST
NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTER
Medi-Car and Service Car Transportation Vehicle Training PIMED 032
The Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services is now requiring drivers and employee attendants of Medi-car, and other service car providers who transport participants of the department’s medical assistance programs, to complete a safety training program. This class fulfills the state’s CE requirement for these employees, which is renewable every three years. The four-hour training class covers the following topics:
- Passenger Assistance
- Safe Driving, Safe Operation, and Emergency Procedures
- Bloodborne Pathogens
Tuition fee includes class materials and a three-year certification card.
Customer Service/Human Sensitivity GSBUS 010
In today’s customer service oriented environments, people skills are critical for personal and organizational success. How you handle your customer directly affects your individual, team, and company’s performance. Learn to redefine your definition of customer service, customer expectations, and how it translates in conversation. Become aware and sensitive to others in their role as a customer service leader.
CPR & AED Training–Adults and Children PIIE -013
Negotiation is the art and science of securing an agreement between two or more independent parties. Learn negotiation skills that can be a valuable asset in every area of life. Considerable emphasis is placed on negotiation exercises and role-playing.
OFFICE ASSISTANT
See also COMPUTERS for additional information.
Word Processing Applications GSVS 080
Spreadsheet Applications GSBOL 022
Keyboarding GSVS 091
Beginning Keyboarding Applications GSCOM 098
Transcription Skills GSCOM 099
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN GSMED 090
This comprehensive 50-hour course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) exam. Technicians work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies, and other health care settings - working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Course content includes medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, reading, and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Students will learn dosage calculations, I. V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control, and billing and reimbursement.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL® (PMP)
Project Management GSBUS 047
This course prepares students to take the Project Management Professional® (PMP) Exam and is taught in alignment with the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide. Receive
35 contact hours of project management instruction as required by PMI®.
Learn how to:
- Apply Project Management Institute® (PMI) project life cycle and knowledge areas in the work environment.
- Register for the PMP® exam with an understanding of what is required.
- Practice study techniques that are useful for the PMP® exam.
Microsoft Project GSCOM 037
Learn the commands, functions and capabilities of Microsoft Project, project management software. Features covered include creating project files, configuring tasks, creating, editing and assigning tasks, setting up views, tables, and filters, and printing reports.
REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL
Basic Principles of Appraisal GSRE 072
Formerly IL-II. This course is a comprehensive introduction to the field of property appraisal. This is the first of three required pre-license courses needed to be eligible for the Illinois Associate Appraiser license exam. A textbook is required for the first class, and can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights. Please note: Attendance is mandatory per state regulations.
Residential & Single Family Appraisal GSRE 073
Prerequisite: GSRE 072 - Basic Principles of Appraisal
Formerly IL-III. This course in real estate appraisal methods and procedures gives students a practical foundation for estimating market value by deepening understanding of appraisal theory and developing valuation skills. This is the second of three required prelicense courses needed to be eligible for the Illinois Associate Appraiser license exam. This course uses the same textbook required for GSRE-072. Note: Attendance is mandatory per state regulations.
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice GSRE 074
Prerequisite: GSRE 072 - Basic Principles of Appraisal
Formerly IL-1. This course focuses on requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers, as set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, or USPAP. The curriculum conforms to the national USPAP 15-hour course as set by The Appraisal Foundation. This is the third of three required pre-license courses needed to be eligible for the Illinois Associate Appraiser license exam, and may be taken after, or concurrent with, GSRE-073. Textbooks are included in the course cost and are distributed at the first class. Note:Attendance is mandatory per state regulations.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS GSRE 071
This course introduces the fundamentals of real estate. Topics covered include the nature of real estate and ownership, types of real estate opportunities, real estate financing, marketing, leasing, taxation, insurance development, appraisal, and state licensing laws. This course fulfills the pre-license education requirement to be eligible for the Illinois Real Estate Salesperson license exam. A textbook is required for the first class and can be purchased at the Prairie State College Bookstore on the main campus in Chicago Heights. Note: Attendance is mandatory per state regulations.
SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING
Conflict Management GSBUS 091 - call for info
Call for information.
Security Officer Training GSSEC 010
This course prepares students for Illinois state certification as unarmed security officers. Students will learn asset protection, patrols, report writing, ethics and conduct, public relations, fire and life safety, emergency situations, and crime prevention. Students are responsible for fingerprinting and application fees.