DirectionsBusiness and Professional Development Programs
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Self-paced Career Training Programs
Format and Overview - GES Business and Professional Development Programs
Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks 10 NEW!
Certified Bookkeeper
Lean Mastery
Certified Mediator
Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist
Project Management with Microsoft Project 2007 NEW!
GES Business and Professional Development Programs
These programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations, all within a six-month delivery window.
ed2go (formerly Gatlin Education Services) builds their programs with a team of professionals from each respective field, who work with an existing text book or base of material to provide the most effective web-based learning experience. The Programs are all open enrollment, asynchronous, and interactive. Instructors are actively involved in the students' online learning experience. They respond to any questions or concerns as well as encouraging and motivating students to succeed. Each program has a set of lessons and tests; grades are a combination of computer-graded tests and the instructor’s evaluation of the students' work.
Demonstrations are available for many of the available certificate programs. Once you decide on a certificate program simply call the VSU Continuing Education Department or complete the online registration form and mail or fax it in us. After your registration and payment have been received you will be sent a confirmation email from VSU. GES will then contact you and give you the necessary information (URL, username, and password) to access your classroom. Within 3 - 5 business days they will ship you the appropriate courseware and your instructor will be alerted that he/she has a new student.
After you have received your materials, you will then have access to the course until you complete it. Most of the courses are structured to be completed within 6 months, however, if you need more time extensions are available. Upon notification from GES of satisfactory completion of the program you will be awarded a certificate from Valdosta State University indicating the continuing education credits (CEUs) earned.
Requirements: Details regarding computer programs and Internet access are included with each program description.
Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks 10
Prepare for a career in the high-demand field of bookkeeping as you master QuickBooks 2010—the leading financial software tool for small businesses. By the end of this program, you’ll be an expert in everything from basic accounting to double-entry bookkeeping. Hands-on activities will help you learn skills including planning a budget, managing a payroll, and handling accounts receivable and accounts payable. In addition, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to ensure that your accounting methods meet all legal standards. The textbook Bookkeeping Made Simple is included in the cost of the program. (140 hours/14 CEUs)
Prerequisites/Audience: This program is designed to prepare you for an entry-level position as a full-charge bookkeeper. You do not need any prior experience or training in this field. You should have an Internet connection and e-mailing capabilities and be familiar with using the Internet. You'll also need to have QuickBooks 2010 installed on your computer in order to complete the QuickBooks portion of the program
Requirements: High-speed Internet is recommended. You will need access to Microsoft Word and Excel to complete the assignments. This program is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and later operating systems, and with Internet Explorer 7 and later versions.
ed2go provides the required textbook, Bookkeeping Made Simple. You do need QuickBooks 2010 software to take this course, and you'll need to have this installed on your computer prior to taking this program.
The bookkeeping portion of this course can be taken on either a PC or a Mac. Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader are required for this course.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1595
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Certified Bookkeeper
This nationally recognized Bookkeeping online certification course and home study training program for experienced bookkeepers leads to national certification with the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The AIPB certification is a high professional standard and the only national standard for bookkeepers. This bookkeeping course was created by the AIPB. All textbooks included. (120 hours/12 CEU)
Prerequisites/Audience: The Certified Bookkeeper Program is designed for experienced bookkeepers who want to prepare for national certification. In order to sit for the AIPB Certification exam, persons must be able to submit proof of at least two years full-time or 3,000 hours part-time experience. Click here for a list of Frequently Answered Questions about requirements for the AIPB Certification exam
Requirements: This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers. This program can be taken on either a PC or a Mac; however, Microsoft Word and Excel are required and not included in course materials that ship to you.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1695
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Lean Mastery
A lean business eliminates waste and focuses on providing quality products and services on time and at a low cost. This Lean Mastery Online Training Program contains clear, concise information on transforming a business enterprise and making it lean.
The program is packed with examples, photographs, graphics, quizzes, progress tests, case studies, and many interactive features that provide tips, "try this" exercises, and in-depth information.
This program is for you if you're an executive, manager, supervisor, professional, or anyone who needs to learn how to substantially improve business performance.
(60 hours/6 CEU)
| Modules were well-organized and the information was comprehensive. - C.W., Clayton State University (Fall 2006) |
Prerequisites/Audience: The Certified Bookkeeper Program is designed for experienced bookkeepers who want to prepare for national certification. In order to sit for the AIPB Certification exam, persons must be able to submit proof of at least two years full-time or 3,000 hours part-time experience. Click here for a list of Frequently Answered Questions about requirements for the AIPB Certification exam
Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.
The most commonly used lean forms will be available for download in Microsoft Excel format. Many of these forms are interactive and will perform calculations or build charts to be used in presentations. If you don't have Excel on your computer, you can use a free download for an Excel viewer, which will be provided.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1595
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Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist (ADR)
The Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist (ADR) program will prepare you for an exciting career in alternative dispute resolution. ADR is the practice of seeking nonlegal alternatives to resolving conflicts and disputes. Through this three-course program, you'll learn valuable mediation skills in addition to specialty skills that relate to specific areas of ADR, such as workplace alternative dispute resolution or eldercare alternative dispute resolution.This program is for you if you’re interested in developing the professional skills necessary to resolve conflicts at work, at home, or in your community.
Offered in partnership with Mediators without Borders®, this program includes a 60-hour online internship and the opportunity to become an MwB Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Specialist. In addition, the HR Certification Institute has preapproved this program for recertification credit for HR professionals. (240 hours/14 CEU)
Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$2895
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Certified Mediator
(formerly Core Mediation Certificate)
Certified Mediator offers a highly comprehensive conflict resolution education that can help you advance in your present job, add a sought-after skill to your resume, or set up a private practice as a Certified Mediator. Offered in partnership with Mediators without Borders®, this program includes online training in mediation and a 60-hour online internship where you can role-play different mediation scenarios as a mediator, disputant, or observer. In addition, upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to become a Certified Mediator through Mediators without Borders®. The HR Certification Institute has also preapproved this program for recertification for HR professionals.
While you're a student, you'll also have access to a variety of services in the Mediators without Borders® Professional Society, all with the option to join this society as a paid member when your studies are complete. This society provides you with networking opportunities, consultations from our experienced faculty, professional insurance, and discounts on International Mediators Without Borders conferences and continuing education seminars.
(120 hours/12 CEU)
Requirements: You can use either a PC or Mac for this program. You'll need an Internet browser to view course materials and assignments that are posted online.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1495
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Project Management with Microsoft Progect 2007 
The Project Management portion of this online certification training program provides a comprehensive education in project management. You'll learn the basics of project management and get preparation for the current edition of the Project Management Professional national certification exam. Textbook and exam prep are included.
In the Microsoft Project® portion, you'll master one of the most popular project management scheduling software products available today. Whether you're an occasional user or a full-time scheduler, your understanding of Project is vital to your ability to plan, manage, and track your projects effectively. This program is the essential Microsoft Project® training. You'll become familiar with how to really plan and track projects using Project’s many features. (100 hours/10 CEUs)
Requirements:This program is compatible with the Windows XP and later operating systems and IE 7 and later browsers.
Software Requirements:
- Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer (these are free downloads).
Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
Click here to download the Flash Player.
- Microsoft Project 2007, Standard edition already installed on your computer
- Visio 2007 installed on your computer to view graphical reports.
Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
If you need more time, extensions are available.
Time: 24/7 Access
Location:Online
Fee:$1895
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PMBOK® Guide, PMI®, PMP®, CAPM®, and the PMI R.E.P. logo are either marks or registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.