IMMEDIATE JULY 7, 2004

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS MAY OFFER FREE TUITION

TIFTON—Georgia residents who qualify can take advantage of 18 different one-year certificate programs free of charge through the HOPE Grant program when the fall semester begins Aug. 23 at Abraham Baldwin College. Courses may include agriculture, business, and nursing.

Currently, there are nine certificate programs offered through the Division of Business Administration including information technology, instructional support personnel, management & marketing, administration & supervision, business systems, small business management, general business, office technology, sales technology, and web technology.

Dr. Jeff Gibbs, Chair of the Business Division, said, “There are an increasing number of people using these certificate programs. Some use them as stepping stones to build up to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.”

There are great advantages to taking certificate programs. Gibbs said, “The HOPE Grant pays for all certificate programs and does not require a B average (for those who qualify). The entrance requirements are not as stringent, so students have another door to go through to participate in collegiate life.”

Another positive factor to the certificate programs is that non-traditional students can work around their schedules and not feel as anxious or self-conscious about returning to a college setting.

In the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources, there are currently eight certificate programs offered including agriculture machinery, children & family services, general animal industry management, general family & consumer sciences, horse operation management, interior design, landscape maintenance, pesticide application, precision agriculture, soil resources, turf grass equipment, and geographical information systems.

Dr. Larry Allen, Chair of the Division of Agriculture and Forest Resources, said, “Certificate programs like these open doors to higher education down the road academically. They are especially good for people who need to retrain for a new career of specific area content.”

Most certificate programs begin in the fall and can be completed by spring. “We make every attempt to make sure certificate program classes do not interfere with other regular classes; especially if there is only one section being offered,” Allen said.

“Our hope is that people will become more aware of the programs and take advantage of what they have to offer,” Allen said.

The Nursing and Health Services Division also offers a certificate to those interested in the field of medicine. “This program was developed in response to area hospitals to help the nursing staff,” said Wanda Golden, Chair of the Division of Nursing and Health Services at ABAC.

This certificate, called the Advanced Nurse Technician Certification, gives basic training above and beyond what a nurse’s aide would do. It teaches skills such as dressing changes, infection control and drawing blood, as well as being able to recognize common patient problems.

For more on the various certificate programs ABAC has to offer, visit the ABAC web site at www.abac.edu or call the admissions office at (800) 733-3653.

For more information on how the HOPE Grant can help benefit in acquiring a certificate, contact ABAC’s Office of Financial Aid at (229) 386-3235.

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