Heartland Community College Business Essentials

What is the Business Essentials Programs?

Business Essentials is a comprehensive 16 credit hour college level certificate program taught in a closed classroom setting. Program participants meet from 9:00am to 2:30pm, five days per week for sixteen weeks.

Successful completers receive an accredited Illinois Community Board certificate and the benefits of a program of learning designed to overcome educational, social and economic barriers to sustainable employment. Best of all, graduates have the opportunity to work closely with supportive regional employers, both in the classroom and, hopefully, in new and meaningful jobs following graduation.

What is Learned?

This occupational certificate prepares students to meet the challenges of many jobs in an office environment, including receptionists, office clerks, administrative assistants and office managers. Program curricula focuses on office technology, business communication and workplace skills.

College courses include:

• Discovering Computers
• Introduction to Business
• Business Communications
• Workplace Preparation
• Customer Relations
• Beginning Keyboarding
• Keyboarding Applications
• Word Processing

Who Qualifies?

The most important qualifications are a strong desire to learn and a commitment to making a life change. Applicants must also:

• Be a resident of Heartland Community College District #540;
• Be currently unemployed or underemployed;
• Possess a high school diploma or GED;
• Have a demonstrated financial need.

What does the Program Cost?

There are NO out of pocket expenses. Students are required to file for and use financial aid or other available government assistance to pay for tuition. Students receive textbooks, assistance with childcare and transportation, and all necessary classroom supplies.

For more information contact:

Pam Westerdahl
Director of Workforce Services
Telephone: (309) 268-8047
Email: pam.westerdahl@heartland.edu or Email: mcca@mccainc.org