After nearly 10 years as a stay-at-home mom, Diana Cooper decided it was time to go back to work. However, she came to realize that during the time she took off to spend raising her family, computer and office skills continued to change. She was ready to re-enter the workforce but her skills were stale.

Cooper enrolled in the medical office specialist program at adult and community education, Wayne County Schools Career Center (WCSCC). The program covered a broad range of classes, including office basics, Microsoft Office and medical administrative assistant skills, giving her a wide range of career options.

“For the former career women who chose to be stay-at-home moms, it can be intimidating to get back out there,” said Cooper. “Wayne County Schools Career Center Adult & Community Education is a great place to make that transition.” The staff is very supportive, and many of them have been in the same situation at one time. There are many computer classes to take at an individual pace, one on one help from instructors and extra computer time is available if needed.

Students can choose between medical billing and coding, accounting or administrative office training in the 12-month office technology program. The full-time programs include resume preparation, interviewing skills and a 120-hour externship experience. The program concludes with the CHASE (Continued Help to Achieve Successful Employment) job club.

As an authorized testing center, industry certifications are included in each office technology program. Students may also qualify for up to 20 credits toward an associate’s degree at The University of Akron Wayne College, or 24 credits toward a bachelor’s degree from Franklin University. Financial aid is available for those that qualify.

For more information about adult and community education, go to the adult education link at www.wcscc.org or call 330-669-7070.