College Catalog 2024-2025

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Certificate Programs

Certificate Programs

In many business environments today, industry certification is a hiring prerequisite. Certificate programs identify an individual as having a specific set of skills along with a desire and commitment to excel in a particular field. SUNY Adirondack Continuing Education recognizes the importance of certificate programs and offers several including the SHRM human resource practitioner, IT career training, and food safety to meet the needs of a variety of industry segments.

 

These courses are offered periodically based on sufficient student enrollments.  Some tuition and fee support may be available depending on external grant funding opportunities.

 

 

Bartending & Mixology 1: TIPS Certification Program

 

This course introduces and advances knowledge and application of bartending skills to prepare individuals to work in the hospitality industry and support enthusiasts interested in mixology. Course sessions are appropriate for participants with limited experience and will focus on introductory information, best practices, legal issues and increasing participants’ familiarity with wines, beers and mixed drinks. Upon completion of the course, students will be familiar with:

 

  • Industry standards

  • Common terminology

  • A variety of alcoholic beverages — beers, mixed drinks, wines and trending cocktails

  • Health and hygiene regulations/sanitation

  • Introduction to customer service, selling techniques, showmanship and menu development

 

Participants who successfully complete this course will be TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certified and receive a certificate from the New York State Liquor Authority that can be used as part of their Reasonable Effort Defense in the event they are convicted of serving someone younger than 21. Attendance at the first two sessions of the course is required; participation in four of five sessions is necessary to receive a certificate of completion.

 

Prerequisite: All students must be at least 21 years old to participate in this class, and valid ID is required on the first evening of the class.

 

 

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Program (CRPA-P)

 

The 144-hour Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Program (CRPA-P) provides required training for provisional certification as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate through Healthy Capital District, including advocacy, mentoring and education, recovery wellness support, ethical responsibility and Medication Supported Recovery (MSR). The primary function of a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate is facilitating outreach with individuals in a program or considering treatment for addiction. Using their recovery expertise, professional training and lived experience, peers boost individuals’ engagement in treatment and commitment to recovery. CRPAs also connect patients to community-based recovery supports consistent with treatment, recovery and discharge plans. 

 

The following courses, held at SUNY Adirondack's Queensbury campus, are included in this program:

 

CCAR Recovery Coach Academy©

Medication Supported Recovery

CCAR Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches©

 

Upon completion of this program, students will:

  • Understand the scope of practice of a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate

  • Display ability to communicate with patients in a culturally sensitive context

  • Understand and perform skills related to peer services

  • Apply essential skills as they relate to the recovery field

 

Once a student successfully completes the instructional portion of the CRPA-P training, they begin professional development in this role, with support from Healthy Capital District. This includes:

  • Weekly check-ins to address challenges and celebrate successes

  • Data tracking sheets to highlight strengths and opportunities, and track metrics that support both CRPA and employer outcomes

  • Healthy Capital District resources, including hard copies of guides

  • Monthly professional development, including virtual and in-person workshops

 

Prerequisite: All participants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 

 

 

HVAC/R Technician Bootcamp

 

This course will begin with the basics of HVAC/R and move into an in-depth breakdown of each category within HVAC/R knowledge needed to build a solid technical foundation. Content will focus on various topics, including but not limited to:

 

  • Electrical skills and troubleshooting

  • Refrigeration and principles of thermodynamics

  • Pipe sizing and types of fittings used in HVAC/R

  • Reading and interpretation of wiring schematics

  • Use and handling of HVAC multimeter, manometer, psychrometer, refrigeration gauges and temperature probes

  • Compressor types and how they mechanically move refrigerant through a system

  • Types of heat exchangers

  • Electrical motors, controls and switches

  • Volt/multimeter

  • Interpreting electrical diagrams and symbols

  • Brazing and soldering techniques

  • Identifying types of pumps/water flow controls/water zone valves

  • Common piping configurations in residential and commercial boilers

 

 

 

Industrial Manufacturing Bootcamp

 

Students will learn entry-level skills to begin their careers as electrical technicians in a variety of environments. Ideal candidates include those new to work in a modern manufacturing environment with an aptitude for hands-on work and a desire to build competencies and skills to advance in their fields. Through hands-on classes, independent study and work outside class, students will have an opportunity to build key competencies to ensure on-the-job success. Companies wishing to upskill new or potential employees and individuals who want to enter the exciting and ever-changing world of modern manufacturing will benefit from this course. Course fee includes a toolkit for each student and the cost of LOTO certification training and examination.

 

 

IT Help Desk Bootcamp

 

In this short-term course, learn entry-level skills to begin a career as an IT help desk technician. The course will strengthen participants’ understanding of fundamental computer system strategies, including management in hardware architecture, operating systems, program troubleshooting and more. Students will also learn network management processes that improve skills in WAN, virtualization techniques, TCP/IP and scanning. There will be a focus on adopting basic skills in network security, security threat analysis, cryptography and security auditing across hardware and software systems. Finally, the course will prepare participants for the CompTIA exams. Key competencies will include:


  • Customer service principles and effective communication

  • Remote accessing and scenario analysis

  • Incident management process and understanding of issue prioritization techniques, and best practices of help desk operation

  • Understanding operating systems, computer hardware components and devices, computer network and web applications

  • Supporting and troubleshooting laptops and mobile devices, and managing common issues

  • Installing, configuring and troubleshooting print and display devices

  • Installing PC components


Companies wishing to upskill new or potential employees and individuals who want to enter the exciting and ever-changing world of IT support will benefit from this course. 

 

 

Microsoft Excel Level 1: For the Beginner

 

Use Excel to help organize, analyze and share data at work or home. Learn to navigate Excel, create a basic worksheet, perform calculations, modify and format a worksheet, manage and print workbooks, and customize the Excel environment. This course is intended for individuals who have little to no experience with Microsoft Excel. To successfully complete this course, you must attend both sessions.

 

 

Microsoft Excel Level 2: Intermediate Skills

 

Use Excel to manage, share and present data at work or home. Learn to create advanced formulas, analyze and organize data, work with functions and lists, visualize data with charts and graphs, work with multiple workbooks and export data. This course is intended for individuals who have some experience with Microsoft Excel and are interested in becoming more efficient and skillful in the software application. To successfully complete this course, you must attend both sessions.

 

 

Microsoft Excel Level 3: Advanced Skills

 

Use Excel to manage, share and present data at work or home. Learn to work with multiple worksheets and workbooks, use lookup functions and formula auditing, share and protect workbooks, automate functionality, create sparklines and forecast data. This course is intended for individuals who have significant experience with Microsoft Excel and are interested in advancing their skills and efficiency in this software application. To successfully complete this course, you must attend both sessions.

 

 

Notary Public License Exam Preparation – In-Person Course

 

This interactive, in-person workshop prepares participants for the New York State Notary Public exam and provides a comprehensive overview of the Notary Public Office. Examples will be provided to illuminate situations a Notary is likely to encounter. Topics include avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining professional ethics, charging proper fees, handling special situations and deferring to an attorney. All materials will be provided, and information about how to access the NYS Department of State licensing information, booklets and forms will be distributed. Please note: The Notary Public exam will not be administered during this workshop; however, an 80-question practice exam and answer key will be provided to complete at home.

 

 

ServSafe Food Safety Certification Workshop

 

Food-service professionals working or pursuing jobs in establishments that handle, cook, store, serve, deliver, remove and dispose of food benefit from ServSafe training and certification. This national transferable certification may be required by employers and proves competencies and readiness to be a successful employee. Local hospitality and food-service businesses seeking effective training and certification for employees are invited to register them for this workshop. Individuals who successfully complete this full-day program and examination will receive certification, which is valid for five years. Participants are encouraged to review the required book in advance to support participation in discussion and successful completion of the certification exam. The Office of Continuing Education will contact registered students about availability of books and how to pick them up.

 

 

Sterile Processing Technician Bootcamp

 

Sterile processing technicians perform and participate in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment. These technicians play a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing and distributing medical supplies. The central service department of a health care facility is the hub of all activity surrounding supplies and equipment needed for surgery and patient care.


This course covers the following key areas and topics:

  • Instrumentation: knowledge of surgical instruments and specialty devices

  • Processing of surgical instrumentation: decontamination, packaging and sterilization of surgical instrumentation

  • Processing of moveable patient equipment: processing, cleaning, testing, assembly and distribution of movable patient care equipment

  • Storage and inventory: storage, handling and distribution of sterile surgical instrumentation and devices, as well as inventory control and cost recovery systems

  • Medical terminology: knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and microbiology

  • Prevention processes: infection prevention, decontamination and disinfection processes


Education & Certification

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.

  • Qualified students who complete this program will be prepared to sit for the Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) exam from the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD).

 


Wastewater Treatment: Activated Sludge Processes

 

This class is one in a series of three courses offered as part of the NYSDEC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate series. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation requires this course if you plan to pursue an “A” certificate at any level. This is also an appropriate refresher for those who hold certification and seek operator renewal credit. Topics to be covered include a basic process overview, modifications, process control, testing and calculations, nitrification, problem-solving, record keeping, trending and graphing.

 

Required textbooks: The following textbooks are required for the course. Students who do not already have these textbooks must purchase their own copies before the first class.

  • “Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants,” Vol. 1, 8th Edition, published in 2019 (available through the Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State)

  • “Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants,” Vol. 2, 8th Edition, published in 2022 (available through the Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State)

 

Please note:

  • The first and last sessions will be held at SUNY Adirondack’s Queensbury campus. The date(s) of any in-person sessions at Glens Falls Wastewater Treatment plant will be discussed in class.

  • While not required, it is recommended that participants complete the Basic Operations for Wastewater Treatment Plants course (usually offered in the fall semester) before attending this course.

  • Attendance at all sessions and successful completion of all required course activities and the exam are required to receive a certificate of completion.

 

 

Wastewater Treatment: Basic Laboratory Course

 

This class is offered as part of the NYSDEC Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate series. This particular course will teach proper procedures for solids analysis, pH and alkalinity determination, chlorine determination, BOD and Winkler Dissolved Oxygen. Hands-on application will follow discussion and demonstration of each procedure. Students will be given proficiency exams for each procedure. This course fulfills laboratory proficiency for DEC certification and is appropriate for operator renewal credit.

 

Required textbook: The following textbook is required for the course. Students who do not already have this textbook must purchase their own copy before the first class.

  • “Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants,” Vol. 1, 8th Edition, published in 2019 (available through the Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State)

 

Please note:

  • While not required, it is recommended that participants complete the Basic Operations for Wastewater Treatment Plants course (usually offered in the fall semester) before attending this course.

  • Attendance at all sessions and successful completion of all required course activities and the exam are required to receive a certificate of completion.

 


Wastewater Treatment: Basic Operations for Wastewater Treatment Plants

 

Participants in this 20-session course will experience a broad introduction and overview of wastewater treatment operations, excluding activated sludge (a separate course typically offered in the spring semester). Successful completion of a training course and course exam is required as part of the qualification process to take the New York State certification examinations. This is not intended to be an exam review course, and completing it cannot ensure successful completion of the certification exams. The course outline will follow the New York state DEC’s “Curricula Guide for WWTP Operator Certification Training — Basic Operations Course” and is also approved for credit toward recertification of a wastewater operator license.


Please note:

  • The first and last sessions will be held at SUNY Adirondack’s Queensbury campus. The remaining sessions will be held at Glens Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant (GFWWTP).

  • Attendance at all sessions and completion of all required course activities and the exam are required to receive a certificate of completion. 


Required textbooks: The following textbooks are required for the course. Students who do not already have these textbooks must purchase copies before the first class.

  • “Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants,” Vol. 1, 8th Edition, published in 2019 (available through the Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State)

  • “Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants,” Vol. 2, 8th Edition, published in 2022 (available through the Office of Water Programs, Sacramento State)