Graduates of several University of Central Missouri (UCM) training programs were recognized at a June 6 ceremony at the UCM Lee’s Summit at the Missouri Innovation Campus. Through these programs, adult learners earn industry-recognized certifications and are prepared for careers in high-demand fields.
At the ceremony, held at Missouri Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit, 40 graduates of UCM’s , and training programs were honored. Of the 40 graduates, 11 were in Hazardous Materials, 15 in Medical Billing and 14 in Sterile Processing.
Thanks to collaborations with community funding partners, qualifying students are eligible for scholarships for these courses as well as several other UCM workforce programs. As part of a program review at the end of the courses, students praised their instructors, the supportive classroom environment and the help they received from the university staff.
“I loved my instructor,” said Amanda Scott, a student in the Medical Billing Professional program. “She helped me in so many ways.”
Melanie Zamora, who completed the Sterile Processing Technician course, said she appreciated the UCM program as well as the assistance she received in job placement.
“UCM gave me an opportunity to learn something new and succeed towards the end,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to try something new, UCM is there for you.”
The three programs operate out of UCM’s Center for Workforce and Professional Education, located at the Lee’s Summit campus. Most courses can be completed in approximately two to three months, depending on how many classes are offered during each week.
UCM offers its industry-recognized training programs at campuses in Lee’s Summit and online, and they will soon be offered in Warrensburg. The university’s training programs are designed with busy adults in mind with in-person courses offered on weekday evenings and weekends.