CAREER PREPARATION & STEP PROGRAM

OVERVIEW
The Education Fund partners with local community colleges to provide our participants - working adults - with better access to the college-level science and other prerequisite classes often impacted by high demand and short supply. These are usually Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology and Medical Terminology classes.

These courses are offered nights and weekends in all of our regions so that workers can earn the college credits they need to advance their education or upgrade their skills. These classes are offered at no charge to union-represented employees who are eligible for Education Fund services. In addition to ongoing career counseling, students also have access to Education Fund tutors in most classes.

APPLICATION PROCESS
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> Call 888.872.4606 Toll-Free or e-mail us for more information.

PROGRAM CATALOG & COURSE SCHEDULES
Course schedules and class descriptions are included in our
PROGRAM CATALOG and on the SCHEDULE page by region. The Catalog is published twice a year; in late October for our Spring Semester and in late mid-May for our Fall Semester. Additional courses or services may be offered throughout the year, so please come back often for the latest information.
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STEP PROGRAM (Success Through Educational Preparation)
This program packages a series of Career Preparation classes so that students can build a strong academic foundation and achieve higher grades in the core science classes. The series begins with math or English, then takes students through the entire sequence of science classes necessary for entry into nursing and allied health programs.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - CORE SCIENCE PREREQUISITES

General Biology
Introduction to molecular, cellular and genetic principles characterizing plants and animals, lecture and lab.

Chemistry
Introduction to chemistry, including the composition of matter, physical and chemical changes, fundamental laws and principles, atomic and molecular structure, inorganic nomenclature, chemical formula and reaction calculations, gas laws, bonding, solutions, net ionic equations, acid-base theories, pH, oxidation-reduction reactions and equilibria. May include qualitative and quantitative theory and techniques and the factor-label method of problem-solving.

Anatomy
Learn the structure of the human body, including identifying parts, understanding interrelationships, and making clinical applications. Laboratory activity includes dissection of cadavers and other selected mammalian organs, and use of the microscope.

Physiology
Gain a basic understanding and working knowledge of the human body with emphasis on the functions of each major system. The interrelationship between human systems and the relationship between structure and function of each system will be studied at several levels (biochemical, cellular, organ levels).

Microbiology
Microorganisms and their effects on human health are introduced, including their structure, physiology, metabolism, and genetics. Laboratory work includes aseptic technique, morphological and biochemical properties of microorganisms, and medically relevant issues regarding microorganisms.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - STEP PROGRAM

Basic English (STEP)
Prepares students to make a successful transition to the standard college English composition class. Covers the basics of composition writing and is a prerequisite for College English, which is required for graduation and entry into most community college Nursing programs.

College Reading (STEP)
Improve reading rate, vocabulary and comprehension. Includes formation of efficient reading habits, vocabulary development, inferential and critical reading, and adapting reading rate to different reading tasks.

College English/College Writing (STEP)
The elements of college writing and critical reading are introduced. Emphasis on grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph and essay writing.

Pre-Algebra (STEP)
The language of algebra is introduced to students with little or no knowledge of the subject. Students learn about the real number system in general, algebraic expressions and polynomials, and how to solve first degree equations. Course includes a review of arithmetic, including fractions, ratios and proportions, decimals and percents.

Intermediate Algebra (STEP)
This course explores the real number system, properties of algebraic systems, absolute value in equations and inequalities, complex numbers, parities of rational exponents, and logarithms, roots and radicals, functions, and inverse functions. Arithmetic
This class is preparation for pre-Algebra. It covers the basic math functions, decimals, fractions, ratios and percentages.

Math For Science
Designed for allied health and nursing students, this math workshop provides targeted support to help students reach Elementary Algebra content and practice with effectiveness and acceleration in order to meet the math requirements for Chemistry.

Medical Terminology
Logical and rational understanding of word parts is emphasized. Covers medical terms organized according to body systems, including fundamental understanding of the basic anatomy, function, diseases and surgeries of each body system.

For further details, see our Spring 2009 Schedule of Classes