Workforce Programs
Workforce training programs are non-credit, short-term, affordable classes that provide hands-on training in local in-demand career pathways. Students gain necessary skills and/or certifications to obtain an entry level job upon completion. Below is a list of all of our current workforce classes.
Commercial Truck Driving (CDL)
Commercial Truck Driving is a 6-10 week instructional program that prepares individuals to drive trucks and other commercial vehicles. Instruction includes operating diesel powered vehicles, loading and unloading cargo, reporting delays or accidents on the road, verifying loads against shipping records, and maintaining necessary records. Applicants will earn a Certificate of Completion from workforce training and be tested at the end of the class to receive their Class-A Driver’s License.
Classes are offered year round in Hattiesburg, Poplarville, and Kiln. Multiple class schedules are offered including day, night, and weekend class options.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a 96 – 120 hour program designed to help you learn the skills necessary to provide important, quality care. Our CNA training program makes it possible to embark on a rewarding, meaningful career that can make a difference to those in need. The program is made up of both classroom and clinical hours.
CNA is a training program sponsored by Pearl River Community College Workforce Education and is not eligible for college credit. Completion of the course will prepare the student to sit for the NNAAP Exam and a career in the medical field offered in Hattiesburg and Poplarville in multiple formats.
Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)
The Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) program, also called Acute Care Technician is a 288-hour hybrid program made up of online coursework, three-weekly in-person skills labs, and a clinical externship. Our hybrid format allows students to take advantage of the convenience of online courses while still meeting face-to-face with their instructor, interacting with classmates, and participating in hands-on training labs.
CPCT is a training program sponsored by Pearl River Community College Workforce Education and is not eligible for college credit. Upon successful completion, the student will be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exams for Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)*.
Clinical Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program is a 500-hour hybrid program made up of online coursework, twice-weekly in-person skills labs, and a clinical externship. Our hybrid format allows students to take advantage of the convenience of online courses while still being able to meet face-to-face with their instructor, interact with classmates, and participate in hands-on training labs.
The CCMA program accepts students 2 times a year Fall and Spring in Hattiesburg and Poplarville.
Welding
The Workforce Welding program is a 200 -320 hour training class that prepares students for entry level welding jobs. Emphasis on Stick, Flux Core, and Structural, and aluminum welding. Students who complete the class will earn an industry-recognized certificate in welding through NCCER or AWS.
Welding classes are offered year round in Poplarville and Hancock Co. and during the Summer semester in Hattiesburg.
HVAC
The short-term Workforce HVAC program is a 175 hour training class that prepares students to obtain an industry recognized EPA Certification and an entry level HVAC job. The course covers safety, introduction to HVACR, trade mathematics, basic electricity, introduction to heating, introduction to cooling, air distribution systems, basic copper and plastic piping practices, soldering and brazing, basic carbon steel piping practices.
Pine Belt Works Manufacturing Skills
The Pine Belt Works Basic Manufacturing skills program is a 96-hour training class that prepares students for successful career in the manufacturing industry. The class includes instruction in basic manufacturing skills and includes an OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR certification.
This training class is offered in Hattiesburg, MS at the Pearl River Community College Woodall Center in various formats.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) program is designed to teach the technical and procedural aspects of basic phlebotomy required to become a Phlebotomy Technician. The program includes theory and hands-on instruction. Students who have successfully completed the program and the minimum number of procedures required will take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician ( CPT ) test onsite through the National Healthcare Association (NHA)
The CPT program is held once a year in the summer in Hattiesburg, MS at Pearl River Community College’s Woodall Center.
Forklift
The Forklift program is an 8-hour training class that prepares students to safely operate a Forklift. Completers will be tested to receive their Forklift Operator’s License.
The Forklift class is offered in Hattiesburg, Poplarville, and Hancock County.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is an 180-hour training program. Students will learn how to assess a patient for injury or illness, administer CPR, control bleeding, maintain the airway passage, and prevent shock. You will be able to respond to respiratory, cardiac, and trauma emergencies. The course will prepare students to become a nationally certified EMT.
The EMT program is held in Hattiesburg, MS at the Pearl River Community College Woodall Center. The class accepts students twice a year in Fall and Spring.
CDL Prep Class
Training covers all aspects of the 3 part Class – A permit test that students must pass to enroll in the CDL training course. Additionally, students will receive an overview of the CDL application process and guidance on obtaining all the requirements to enroll.
Electrical
Electrical Courses prepares students for an entry level electrical position. Upon successful completion of the class, students will receive an industry recognized NCCER Electrical (Level 1-4) certification.
The electrical program is held at the Dennis W. Fortenberry Career Center in Carson, MS and accepts students once a year in August.
We also offer an accelerated course in Poplarville once a year.
Online Professional Development Courses
In partnership with Ed2go, Pearl River Community College offers affordable and convenient non-credit short courses online designed to help you build personal and professional skills. Two ways to learn: Our instructor-led courses start monthly and allow you to study and interact with a cohort over a six-week schedule. Complete the lessons on your own time; you do not have to be logged in during a set time or when lessons are released. For the independent learner, our self-paced courses provide access to all lessons immediately with up to three months to complete. Popular Topics include business, accounting, computer applications, programming, writing, and more. You will receive an online certificate upon successful completion.
Online Certification Courses
In partnership with ed2go, Pearl River Community College offers flexible, self-paced non-credit certificate programs to help you start a new career or advance within your current occupation. Popular courses include Pharmacy Tech, Veterinarian Assistant, and Certified Paralegal. Each course is developed by a team of experts and comes with dedicated student advisors to support you as you train for jobs in high demand fields and prepare for nationally recognized certifications. Get industry certified in IT, business, healthcare, legal studies, and more. Upon completing your program with a passing score, you’ll get a certificate of completion from Pearl River Community College, and when applicable, a voucher to sit for the certification exam..
Industry Resources and Career Information
Learn more about certification requirements, job outlooks, and career pathways for workforce training programs through these trusted industry resources: