As part of its “New Career in a Year” efforts, 's School of Continuing Education is launching three programs aimed at addressing critical workforce needs.
These programs – paralegal studies, certified medical assistant and hospitality management – will give students the knowledge and skills to start or advance their careers.
“These programs reflect our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of our community,” said Renee Felts, assistant vice president for continuing education. “They provide training for in-demand jobs.”
The paralegal studies program covers all the essential aspects of the profession. Students will learn about legal research, drafting legal documents and ethical considerations in the legal field. This program provides hands-on training from experienced paralegals and certification that demonstrates the student's expertise.
To accommodate students’ busy schedules, the paralegal studies certificate is completely online, either via live Zoom or self-paced online classes. The self-paced classes begin the first of each month, and the next Zoom class is planned for August. Information sessions are scheduled for March 8, 15 and 29.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 12% growth between 2022 and 2030 for paralegal positions. That translates to about 43,000 openings per year. The median annual salary in 2021 was $56,000.
The certified medical assistant program will give students the training and skills needed to work in a medical office or clinic. The program prepares students for a positions as clinical medical assistants, EKG technicians or phlebotomy technicians. It also provides externships that allow for hands-on training in a medical office setting, certification that demonstrates the student's competence, and the program's short duration, which allows students to quickly enter the workforce.
The certified medical assistant program will start July 31, and information sessions are scheduled for March 7, 14 and 28.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that employment of medical assistants would grow 18% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 104,400 openings each year.
The hospitality management program covers the principles and practices of the field. Students will learn about sales and marketing, hotel operations and personnel, and financial management. The program provides externships that allow for hands-on training in real-world settings, certification that demonstrates the student's expertise, and the program's focus on practical skills that are immediately transferable to the workplace.
The hospitality management program will begin July 25.
Tourism is the second-largest revenue generator in Virginia Beach, supporting more than 12,000 jobs.
To learn more about these programs, please contact cepd@odu.edu or call 757-683-5650.