Programs help launch a career in two years or less

A variety of health and public safety, computer and personal interest classes are also available. New opportunities being planned include Welding/Fabrication, Cosmetology, Nail Technician, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Dental and Medical Assisting and Massage Therapy.

Tuition and fees vary depending on the program. The center works with prospective students to obtain financial aid, including federal grants, funding through Lucas County Department of Job & Family Services and Veterans benefits.

Oregon Career & Technology is located at 2424 Seaman St., Toledo. For more information and to view an online course catalog, visit www.oregoncct.org.

Toledo Dental Academy
Established in 1994, the Toledo Dental Academy emphasizes hands-on training to meet employers’ clinical and administrative needs.

Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of dentists. Assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties.

• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

• Daytime classes run Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for 12 weeks, followed by 90 hours of externship.

• Evening classes are held Monday through Wednesday 5 to 10 p.m. for 16 weeks, followed by a 90-hour externship.

• Upon completion, students earn a certificate in dental assisting and are licensed in Ohio for radiology.

• Preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety Exam and placement assistance provided.

• Various payment plans available.

Classes are forming now. Toledo Dental Academy is located at 4352 Sylvania Ave., Suite F., Toledo. Call 419-841-1292 or visit www.tdacademy.com for more information.

Trainco Truck Driving School
Trainco Truck Driving School in Perrysburg offers a full-service truck driver training program.

• Day, night and weekend classes are offered to fit any schedule. Trainees can finish the truck driver training program in as little as four weeks with day classes, and in five weeks with night classes.

• The Perrysburg location is situated on a large expanse of land for practicing skills drivers will need to obtain a CDL.

• Training is facilitated by qualified instructors.

• Tuition is $3,995.

• Ohio Job and Family Services approved. The school also works with several credit unions for personal loans.

• Trainco, which boasts a greater than 90 percent job placement, is partners with Owens community college.

Schedule a tour of the Trainco campus, located at 26718 Oregon Rd., Perrysburg, by calling 419-837-5730 or visit www.traincoinc.com.

Penta Career Center Adult & Continuing Education
Penta Career Center offers hands-on education and training in a number of fields, including Business and Computer Technology, Medical/Health Occupations (Dietary Management Training and State Certified Nurse Aide Program), Trade/Industrial (Builder, Contractor & Remodeler Technology; Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration; Machine Trades and Welding and Fabrication); and Transportation (Auto Body Collision Repairs, Automotive Technology and Marine Skills Training).

A wide range of part-time courses is also available in areas such as computer, machine trades, medical/health occupations, trades/industrial and transportation.

Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Penta Career Center is located at 9301 Buck Rd., Perrysburg. For more information, call 419-661-6555 or visit www.pentacareercenter.org.

Toledo Academy of Beauty
Toledo Academy of Beauty has been training students for careers in the salon and spa industry for more than 50 years.

Nationally accredited, the academy offers programs in cosmetology, nail technology and esthetician (skin care). Programs train students to meet and surpass state requirements. The school trains using product and technique variety (not controlled by any one product).

The Academy’s South School is located in South Toledo on the corner of Byrne and Glendale; the East School is located on Navarre Avenue in Oregon.

For the combined Cosmetology & Manager Program:

• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

• Requires 1,800 hours of coursework – 14 months for full-time students, 16 months for part-time students and 25 months for evening students. An accelerated 12 month program is also available at the East School, located in Oregon.

• Information is available about payment plans, grants, scholarships and student and private loans.

• Lifetime placement services offered.

A new class begins the first Monday of each month (subject to availability). Call 419-478-6660 for tuition information, a personal interview, tour or more information. More information is also available at www.ToledoAcademyofBeauty.com.

Healing Arts Institute
Founded in 1997, Healing Arts Institute provides training and continuing education in massage therapy and allied fields.

Graduates receive a diploma in massage therapy, qualifying them to take the state medical board exam to become licensed massage therapists. Graduates who move out of state may choose to take the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) exam.

• Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate.

• Program includes 750 clock hours (12 months full-time, or 24 months part-time to complete).

• Students develop the knowledge and skills of massage techniques as well as an understanding of business procedures and communication skills.

• Base tuition is $8,550 plus $1,780 (lab fee, books, supplies, liability insurance, CPR certification, etc.).

• 21 credits transfer toward an associate’s degree at Northwest State Community College.

Spring semester begins April 11. Fall 2011 begins Oct. 10. Healing Arts Institute is located at 340 Three Meadows Dr., Perrysburg.

Call 419-874-4496 or visit www.haiohio.com for more information.

Mercy College of Northwest Ohio
In addition to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, Mercy College of Northwest Ohio offers short-term certificate programs, most of which can be completed in less than a year.

Programs include credit certificate programs such as Ophthalmic Technology and Polysomnograhic Technology (training for health care practitioners who perform and help interpret sleep studies); and non-credit certificate programs such as Activity Professional, Home Care Aide, Medical Coding, Medical Transcription (offered online), Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy. A number of online courses are also available.

Financial aid options are available for credit courses. Mercy College of Northwest Ohio is located at 2221 Madison Ave., Toledo. For more information, call 1-888-80-MERCY, ext. 1-1799 or 1-1865, or visit www.mercycollege.edu.

Resources for job-seekers 
There are a number of resources to help job seekers throughout the Northwest Ohio area.

• The Source is a one-stop center offering resources for people looking for jobs and businesses and organizations looking for new employees. 1301 Monroe St., Toledo Call 419-213-JOBS (5627) or visit www.thesourcenwo.com for more information.

• The Northcoast Jobs Connection Job Stores and the Seneca One Stop offer numerous services and resources for job seekers and employers. A variety of seminars are offered free to anyone in the community. Locations are available in Ottawa and Sandusky counties, as well as Seneca, Erie and Huron counties. In Ottawa County, call 1-800-665-1677, ext. 270; in Sandusky County, call 419-332-2169 or visit www.northcoastjobs.org

In Wood County, job-seekers can call JOBSolutions of Wood County, 1928 E. Gypsy Lane Rd , Bowling Green.

1-888-282-1118 or www.woodcountyjobs.com