Open Continuing Education Classes

NEW! Digital Photograpy - Beyond the Basics

Take your general knowledge about exposure and composition to the next level. A portion of this class will be spent offsite photographing different subjects and getting one-on-one instruction. For this reason, the classes will be limited in numbers. Focus on more advanced lessons in exposure, composition, and lighting techniques.

This is an intermediate class and Beginning Digital Photography is a recommended prerequisite. You should have a basic understanding of how your camera works and a basic understanding of aperture and shutter speed. It is recommended that you have a Digital SLR, or if not, have a camera that has manual mode capabilities. A tripod is also strongly recommended.

Pharmacy Technician Program

This comprehensive 50 hour course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and 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.

Beginning Kayaking Technique

All beginning classes are taught at Spring Meadow Lake. Kayaks may be rented from the instructor for $10 (with advance notice). Covered topics include Basic Paddling and Safety and Recsue. Class may be cancelled or rescheduled for inclement weather.

Advanced Kayaking Technique

These classes are extremely limited in size for optimal safety. Call early to reserve your place. Kayaks may be rented for $10 (call for availability).

Kayaking Scenic River Trips

Enjoy a sunny Saturday afternoon with your new kayaking friends. Must have some paddling and safety experience in order to participate. Each trip must have a minimum of 6 boaters to travel. Caravan leaves from UM-Helena. Kayaks may be rented for $10 (call for availability).

NEW! Introduction to Child Protective Services

Are you interested in pursuing a career in Child Protective Services, or do you already work daily with children and would like to know about the CPS process? This is an introduction to the basic work that a Child Protective Services Specialist performs in Montana. It covers Montana Code Annotated regarding abuse and neglect and policy of Child and Family Services, including Federal Acts and statutes that affect social work. Learn what constitutes abuse and neglect and the Montana laws that are associated with findings that a child is unsafe. Find out if you would like to pursue this line of work.

Certified Nursing Assistant Training

It is not an easy job, but it is one that can be very rewarding! Certified Nursing Assistants are the foundation of in-patient care. Whether in a hospital setting or a long-term care facility, the nursing assistant is on the front lines, caring for patients’ daily needs.

Our Nurse Aide training program provides a teaching/learning opportunity which will meet the requirements of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. It will also provide the eligibility required to become certified upon completion of the competency testing program and registered in the State of Montana; Certified Nursing Assistant.

The course includes 48 hours in the classroom and 27 clinical hours to provide training in competent and holistic care of the patient, resident, and/or client. Concepts such as communication skills and the nursing process provide a basic foundation for quality nursing care. The course prepares the student to take the Montana Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Please call for more information.

Intravenous (IV) Therapy

This 8 hour program is intended to provide an update of the necessary skills to safely provide IV therapy. Professionals providing IV therapy must continually keep current as IV Therapy continues to change. During this course, students will receive instruction on performing IV therapy with a focus on anatomy and physiology, asepsis, the equipment and supplies necessary, review of drug calculations, pharmacology as it relates to IV therapy, and the practice of starting and running an IV. This update course is appropriate for RN’s, LPN’s and other experienced caregivers looking to upgrade and or refresh their existing IV Therapy skills.

Mental Health Direct Care Certificate

The Mental Health Direct Care Certificate is a unique, intensive, and comprehensive online program of training. It is designed to enhance the provision of care for the mental health consumer by educating case managers, cottage staff, psychiatric technicians, day treatment staff, and other mental health direct care providers.

The certificate requires 25 hours of online education. There are three sections: History and Systems, Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. In each section, basic knowledge is presented and related to mental health care.

For each topic there is a lecture. After the direct care provider finishes the each lecture, there is a multiple choice test on the covered material. Each test ranges between 10 and 20 questions. After completing every lesson with an 80% correct answer score, the direct care provider will receive the Certificate in Mental Health Direct Care.

The program is ongoing and there are no scheduled class times, so any direct care worker may sign up for instruction on any date and participate in lecture and tests at any time. Online instruction requires access to the Internet. High speed connections are desirable but not necessary.

Small Business Classes

Starting a successful small business is a complex process. Explore the critical issues of planning, financing, and marketing with the Director of Helena’s Small Business Development Center. You will walk through financial statements and understand how they work, how they work together, and what you need to know to effectively manage your business. He will simplify the business planning process and the elements of a good plan. You will learn what questions to ask and where to find information about your industry, your market, and target markets.

NEW! Sketchbook Reflections

Come and spend some time apart from the hectic pace of everyday life. Renew, refresh and rejuvenate your creative spirit through sketchbook journaling. Students will develop basic drawing skills using pencil and colored pencil. No art experience is necessary!

If you have a sketchbook, graphite pencils, colored pencils and an eraser just bring what you have. If not, I recommend any graphite pencil set with a variety of hardness or the following pencils: 6B, 4B, 2B, B, HB. H, 2H and 4H. Personally, I have been please with Prismacolor or Crayola colored pencils. I'm sure other brands of colored pencils are excellent too. You don't need a large set of colored pencils because we will be layering and blending. My favorite eraser is Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser. I find a 9" x 12" sketchbook to work well for my personal journaling. If you have any questions feel free to email me at Lmccray@artmt.com

Landscape Oil Painting Workshop

Open up to the bold richness of oil painting! This medium lends itself so well to depicting outdoor space and landmarks - we will explore techniques such as palette knife painting and glazing while learning how to paint trees, water, clouds and other features "en plein air." Painting in the outdoors is inspiring and asks the painter to be quick in order to capture the fleeting qualities of the sky landscape. It also requires a steady hand and eye in planning a composition that provides a secure foundation for your painting. Beginners will gain a foundation for outdoor painting and intermediates will have the opportunity to stretch their abilities. We will meet first in a two hour session at school to do beginning mixing exercises, discuss plein air painting, how to set up and where to meet for our outdoor painting fun. Then we will meet on site for two 4 hour sessions of painting!

NEW! Watercolor Landscapes of Helena

What better classroom could there be for landscape painting than the greater outdoors of Helena? Learn watercolor basics while portraying our awe inspiring scenery. We will meet the first day in the classroom. Weather permitting, future classes will be at a variety of sites. Don’t think of yourself as an artist? Not a problem! Check back for supply list.

NEW! Basic Drawing: Pastel, Charcoal, Pencil, Pen and Ink…Try them All!

Jump into creating with this beginning drawing class. Experiment with pastel, charcoal, pencil, and pen and ink while learning basic drawing skills. No art experience is necessary, just a desire learn! Check back for supply list.

Abstract Painting

Using acrylic paint, you will explore ways to communicate through abstract and symbolic design elements. Develop beginning acrylic painting skills, experimental painting techniques and an understanding of basic design elements: color, line, texture and more. No art experience is necessary! Check back for supply list.

NEW! Unique Polymer Clay Creations

Looking for a unique way to enhance your decor or a fun, personal, homemade gift? Polymer clay is easy, affordable, and fun! Learn to create simple but attractive household items using polymer clay. In this introductory class, you will embellish a light switch plate cover and a cabinet door knob cover. Your instructor will provide more examples for inspiration, along with the door knobs and beads. You need to bring your choice of two or more colors of Sculpey or Fimo, a small jar of varnish (near the clay at the craft store), a plastic lighswitch cover, and your own special beads or buttons if you like. Your potential creations are almost unlimited! Find supplies at JoAnn Fabrics or Ben Franklin. See instructor's examples here.

NEW! Healing Spaces

Our homes and the well-being of our bodies and spirits are interconnected. Utilizing this home-body-spirit concept, you can create a beautiful, natural, stress-free home environment that nurtures you, whether its one room or your whole home.

NEW! Creating Your Own Private Getaway

It is more important than ever to have a safe haven to de-stress and relax. Your home should nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Explore how to reclaim a space in your home to create a restful retreat of your own where you can read, meditate, listen to music or pursue a hobby. You can also apply this informaion to your office to enhance your well-being and creativity.

NEW! Outdoor Education and Survival Tips Under the Big Sky

Although geared towards women and outdoor neophytes, this course is for anyone wanting to explore the opportunities just waiting to be discovered under the Big Sky! Whether you are a hiker, hunter, or Sunday driver wanting to see what’s on the other side of the hill, this course explores Montana from all four points of the compass! Learn about carrying capacity of the land; what to pack in a survival kit and what to do "just in case." Explore bear avoidance techniques; trail etiquette; how to cross obstacles safely; information resources; and animal identification - even when you don’t see the animal! Taught by an avid outdoorswoman, Montana state certified Hunter Education and Woman on Target Instructor. Come see what is "out there" for you!

Enjoying Wine 101

Join Laura Fix from Island Liquor and Wine, along with the best distributors from across the state on a journey through the wonderful world of wine! Taste and learn about wines from France, Spain, Italy, Argentina, Chile, and the good old USA! The first hour of class will consist of classroom learning, while the second hour will take place at the store to sample different varietals and accompanying cheeses and/or crackers.

Retirement Planning Today

In this course you will learn how to determine the amount of money you need to retire, create your own goals for a successful retirement, eliminate debt and improve cash flow, properly convert your IRA to a Roth IRA, and select a retirement plan to preserve a comfortable standard of living. This class is a must due to the recent tax law changes, the uncertain future for Social Security and the shift toward employee-directed retirement plans. Learn the difference between education and information to make informed decisions to create a plan for your retirement.

Beginning Photoshop

Explore the digital darkroom with photographer Jason Savage as he teaches the essential tools and workflow of Adobe Photoshop & Photoshop Elements. In this class you will learn how to set up the digital darkroom, use Photoshop’s tools & techniques, and begin editing your images like a professional.

Beginning Digital Photography

Photographer Jason Savage teaches the fundamentals of digital photography in a class that takes you from basic camera operation to professional composition & lighting techniques. If you are new to digital photography or looking to improve your skills, this class will have you taking better photographs and is designed to move you beyond the basics.

Beginning Irish Language

This course is an introduction to modern Irish in both its spoken and written forms: basic grammar and sentence structure are covered. Learn how to conduct simple conversations about the activities and events of everyday life and the weather: talking about yourself and your family, and asking questions of others.

Intermediate Irish Language

Designed for the student who has prior instruction in the Irish Language, this class will continue to build upon conversational skills.

Irish History and Culture

Study Irish history and culture with no assignments, no extensive reading list! Each class will center on a time period from Pre-Christian Ireland to the IRA and the War in Northern Ireland. Taught in an informal manner, you will read about, then participate in discussion about events in Irish history. You will gain good general knowledge and understanding of Ireland and the Irish, as well as a strong desire to visit the Emerald Isle!

Introduction to Spanish-Beginner

This course is designed for the beginning student to develop basic communication skills in the Spanish language. Students will develop these skills through interactive storytelling, dialogues, games, music, practice writings, and reading.

Introduction to Spanish-Intermediate

This course is designed to take the beginning student to the next level. Come join us for the fun!

Interior Design—Series I

Learn about the Interior Design profession: who is an Interior Designer and is this a career that you would like to pursue? Come away with an understanding of the education requirements, the relationship of the design fundamentals to the study and practice of Interior Design, and how to analyze your own design projects.

Absolute Beginner MS Excel

Students will learn how to start Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and identify elements in the Excel window. You will learn how to: enter data quickly and accurately; recalculate data easily; change the appearance of information; and create charts.

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

This 36—40 hour course includes: S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior, I-100 Introduction to ICS, and L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. These courses are required prior to certification as an entry-level firefighter (FFT2) under the wildland qualification system.

Notes: Annual Fire Line Safety Refresher (RT-130) is not required for the first year as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) if you have completed a FFT2 certified course. However, it is required for subsequent years. For the Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) position, satisfactory completion of the Required Training meets the position qualification requirements. The Firefighter Type (FFT2) PTB has been eliminated and will be replaced with a Job Aid.

Beginning Grant Writing

Have a great program but not sure how to market it to potential funders? Sign up now for a course that will provide you an overview of program planning before you write a single word. Discover how to “wow” them with your credibility; utilize hard and soft data to visualize your target market; clearly define your objectives and ensure your methods are achievable; leverage your dollar and learn how to write tight. This interactive course has minimal writing requirements. Participants are advised to bring a folder for handouts, notepad and writing utensil or laptop for note taking.

One Trip Plumbing

Eliminate the 10 trips to the hardware store just to find that one plumbing part that you need. The frustration is over. In this class you will learn to repair the minor and maybe some major plumbing problems that happen every day with only one trip to get everything you need. The instructor will have demonstrations on how to put together and hook up everyday fixtures including the kitchen sink. Each class will have question and answer time, as well as time to try your own hand at assembly. Before you call another plumber for that “what was that noise”, come participate in a class that will help you identify the noise and, quite possibly, fix it. The instructor is a 15 year journeyman plumber. Everyone is welcome!

Knife Building I

Willard Patrick is a master custom knife maker. This beginning course in the fundamentals of custom knife building will have students creating a custom knife with a high carbon tool steel blade and a handle made from their choice of hardwoods. The result will be up to two finished, useable knives which students have created from scratch. A major emphasis is placed upon the necessity for shop safety. Enrollment is limited to 10.

Fundamentals of Welding

Learn how to repair and connect metal around your farm, yard, or business - whether for practical application or for artistic use. You will learn the essentials of safety, rod identification, electrical theory, forklift operation, oxy-acetylene cutting, and plasma cutting. Use various shop machinery in a controlled environment in order to gain confidence in your skills.

Car Panel Repair

This course will instruct students on the proper techniques of removing rusted sections of automobile sheet metal panels and fabricating and installing new panels. Students will need safety glasses, welding gloves, long sleeve shirts and long pants for protection from sparks and hot metal.

Light Home Repair for Women

This course will introduce the student to the techniques and methods used in general residential home repair. Everyday repairs that will be covered in the course include; replacement of light fixtures or outlets, replacement of faucets and other light plumbing problems, sheetrock repair, repairing trim, and installing door knobs or locking hardware. The course will also contain a section of proper tool usage and safety.

VETERAN’S UPWARD BOUND

Intro to Computers
Intro to Math
Intro to English

(Must be a Veteran to participate)