Noncredit Programs and Courses
Noncredit Programs and Courses
Noncredit education is designed to support a student's growth through enhancing academic skills, personal development and employment opportunities through a variety of classes ranging from basic skills Math and English to employability skills, vocational preparation and job retraining. Enrollment in noncredit courses is free and continues throughout the school year. Noncredit courses follow the same curriculum approval process used for credit courses, and all classes are taught by qualified instructors.
- Agriculture
- Applied Technology and Employability Business Essentials
- Assistive Computer Technology
- Automotive Career Education
- Business
- Cognitively Diverse Learners
- Educational Assistance Center
- English
- English as a Second Language
- English for Multilingual Students
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Police Science
Agriculture
This course is a general HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) training designed for individuals working in the food industry who want to earn a HACCP certification. This HACCP training course teaches participants how to implement and manage the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, which was designed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food safety management system for controlling food hazards. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn a certificate of completion from the International HACCP Alliance. This HACCP Certificate will be recognized domestically and internationally by food safety inspectors and auditors.
This course is a training in produce safety designed for individuals working in the produce industry. The course is especially relevant for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations § 112.22(c) which requires that at least one responsible party on a farm has completed food safety training recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.
This course will provide participants with the knowledge to implement the requirements of the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) for "Importers of Food for Humans and Animals” regulation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulation is one of a number of regulations and guidance documents that implement the provisions of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which focuses on safe food practices.
This course is intended for individuals working in the food industry seeking to meet the requirements for a human food Preventive Controls Qualified Individual certificate. The Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation (referred to as the Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation) is intended to ensure safe manufacturing/processing, packing and holding of food products for human consumption in the United States. The regulation requires that certain activities must be completed by a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls.
This course is intended for individuals working in the food industry seeking to meet the requirements for an animal food Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certificate. The Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals (referred to as the Preventive Controls for Animal Food regulation) is intended to ensure safe manufacturing/processing, packing, and holding of food products for animal consumption in the United States. The regulation requires that certain activities must be completed by a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventive controls.
This is an introductory course in food safety for those majoring in agriculture and/or working in food safety related careers or industries. The course covers conditions and practices that cause food borne illnesses, organisms responsible for food borne illnesses, elements of a food safety control system, and worker sanitation. The course focus is on establishing good agricultural practices (GAP) in food safety as they relate to the production of farm products, including specific guidelines for key agricultural commodities, state and federal regulations, and food safety monitoring. Students will learn to create standard operating procedures (SOP) associated with employee training and the safe production, transportation, and processing of food. Best practices in the retail and home kitchen environments will also be covered.
This course covers the creation and documentation of key elements in a food safety program, including: evaluating current practices, creating and implementing key aspects of a food safety program, and recognizing and documenting pathogen behavior. This course also covers food safety issues and concerns in processing and manufacturing facilities, including: facility sanitation, recognizing potential hazards, analysis of problems in the cold chain, developing improved practices, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) principles, employee training, and the inspection process.
This course is designed to give the student a better understanding of the issues involved in the regulation of foods and a general understanding of the full scope of food safety laws in the United States. The course covers the laws regulating the production, processing, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of food products in the United States. Topics include the regulation of labeling, food safety, genetic modification, FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), inspections, importation, enforcement, and many other issues of concern in the regulation of food in the United States.
This course is taught primarily in Spanish and aimed at current agriculture laborers or those interested in becoming crew leaders in both agriculture field and facility settings. The course covers human resource management skills, laws regulating agricultural production, and the use of labor in agriculture. Topics include basic human resource management, hiring, required labor documentation, applicable labor laws, wages, and the rights of agricultural laborers. Likewise, effective communication, conflict resolution, negotiation and leadership strategies will be discussed. The course is designed especially for agricultural field supervisors to provide a better understanding of effective management and leadership practices for successful oversight of labor within the production setting.
This course is taught primarily in Spanish and aimed at current agriculture laborers or those interested in becoming crew leaders in both agriculture field and facility settings. The course covers laws regulating agricultural production and the use of labor in agriculture. Topics include agricultural exemptions from labor laws, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, and the rights of agricultural laborers. Likewise, specific regulations and laws governing agricultural production in California will be discussed. The course is designed especially for agricultural field supervisors to provide them with a better understanding of the issues involved in the regulation of agricultural production and labor within the production setting.
Applied Technology and Employability Business Essentials
This course enables the student to identify and strengthen the assets and attributes necessary for gaining and maintaining employment. This course focuses on employment preparation, employer expectations, employee transferable skills, and basic workplace expectations. In this course, students will demonstrate resume preparation, prepare for a job search, demonstrate successful interviewing skills, develop time management skills, understand the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication, participate in personal goal setting, and understand appropriate attire for the workplace.
This course covers the skills that are essential to working in any type of business. It is intended to emphasize the soft skills that are necessary to create a positive and functional work environment. Most soft skills contribute to increasing performance and productivity at the workplace. In this course, students will learn business communication strategies, emotion and stress management, conflict resolution, negotiation skills, decision-making and problem-solving skills, leadership skills, group development, teamwork, and change management.
Assistive Computer Technology
This course is designed to teach students basic keyboarding computer skills, techniques, and assistive computer technology that will enable them to be successful in accessing the computer in general work environments. Students will review ergonomics, software that will accommodate students with disabilities (such as Kurzweil 3000, Dragon, or JAWS), and other assistive technology tools. Students will utilize and practice skills in individualized weekly typing tutorials and MS Word assignments that will focus on developing keyboarding skills applicable to various work environments and mastery of assistive computer software.
This course is designed to teach students basic computer skills and assistive computer technology that will enable them to be successful in utilizing various industry standard platforms, such as Microsoft Office and Google Docs. Students will review software that accommodates students with disabilities, such as Kurzweil 3000, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and TextHelp. In addition, they will be introduced to other assistive computer technology tools and alternative applications. Students will practice skills in individualized weekly computer oriented assignments that will focus on developing better awareness of assistive computer technology skills, tools, and software and their application in the home and work environment.
This course is designed to teach students computer skills, techniques, and assistive computer technology that will enable them to successfully complete writing projects at home and in the workplace. Students will review English basics, including grammar, sentence structure, composition, and writing skills. Focus will be on introducing software that will accommodate students with disabilities. Students will utilize and practice skills in individualized writing assignments that will focus on writing skills.
Automotive Career Education
This non-credit course provides the basic knowledge and skills to service, adjust, and repair engine performance and emissions systems as related to the Smog Check Inspection Program. The course meets the California Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Inspector Level 1 certification requirements. This is a noncredit course, non-degree applicable.
This non-credit course provides students with the procedural skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform Smog Check Inspections. The course meets the California Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Inspector Level 2 certification requirements.
This course provides students with current and emerging emissions control and smog inspection technology updates. On-Board Diagnostics II, emissions systems, and diagnostic test equipment are emphasized. This is a noncredit course, not degree applicable.
Business
This course introduces Microsoft Word. Students will learn to create, edit, and format various business documents such as letters, memos, forms, reports, newsletters, and templates. Integration of images, use of macros, tables, labels, mail merge, and creation of forms will also be covered. The emphasis is on tasks typically required in an office or business environment. The skills taught in this course are fundamental to success in careers in business, accounting, marketing, management, and medical assisting.
This course provides a foundation of the knowledge and skills needed for creating and using spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel. Students will learn how to create, edit, and format spreadsheets. Topics will include formulas, functions, pivot tables, sorting, and filtering in worksheets. The course is designed to provide the fundamental skills needed for application in an office or business environment. The skills taught in this course are fundamental to success in careers in business, accounting, marketing, and management.
In this course, students will learn how to use a powerful graphics presentation program to create effective presentations for business or for college courses using Microsoft PowerPoint. The course covers accepted standards for developing and formatting a presentation, use of design templates, and adding images, graphs and charts. Advanced topics include slide show enhancement using transitions, animation, sound, and hyperlinks.
This course introduces the basic skills needed to use a personal computer, including working with multiple windows, file management, Windows accessories, software applications, and computer safety. Use and features of productivity tools such as Outlook, Google Docs, and cloud services will also be covered.
Cognitively Diverse Learners
This course provides training in personal, social, and job skills for students who have intellectual disabilities, autism, and/or significant cognitive deficits. Through role-playing and class discussion, students will develop the skills necessary for responsible independence and enhanced quality of life and improving soft skills. Topics will include developing healthy relationships, values and decision making, sexuality, health, and personal protection and safety. In addition, students will be introduced to the interpersonal skills necessary in a job setting. Finding, getting, and keeping a job are the goals of this class.
This basic personal and vocational finance course is designed for the student with developmental disabilities, autism, and/or significant cognitive deficits who is preparing for independent living and vocational training. Topics related to consumer finance will include basic mathematics, currency, budgeting, responsible spending and saving, shopping, banking, insurance, taxes, and consumer loans. In addition, students will review the financial and personal skills necessary in the workplace, such as the ability to access workplace software and technology, customer service, and appropriate workplace behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the application of financial concepts and skills in real-world situations.
Educational Assistance Center
Educational Assistance Center (EAC) courses are designed for students with disabilities.
This course is designed for persons with disabilities who wish to improve their job-seeking strategies. Topics will include assessment of personal and work-related skills, job search and planning techniques, employee rights and responsibilities, interview techniques, applications, and resumes for use in job placement.
English
This course is focused on developing effective sentences, coherent paragraphs, and well-structured essays; students will also analyze short passages as models for writing. The course emphasizes practical strategies for academic writing success through structured activities and expert guidance. Designed to enhance writing skills and build confidence, students can enroll at any time and progress at their own pace, making it a flexible and valuable resource for academic growth.
This critical reading course focuses on the effective use of critical thinking in a cross-disciplinary framework. Emphasis is on the development of critical reading skills related to interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of various academic texts across disciplines.
English as a Second Language
This is a beginning course for non and limited English proficient students who want to acquire the communication skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. Integration of computer literacy, such as basic computer knowledge and keyboarding will help students build the basic skill set needed in the workplace, in school, and other aspects of their daily lives.
This is a high-beginning course for limited-English-proficient students who want to acquire the communication skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. Integration of computer literacy, such as basic computer knowledge, keyboarding, and use of applications will help students build the basic skill set needed in the workplace, in school, and other aspects of their daily lives.
This is an intermediate course for students who want to continue developing the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. This course will focus on communication and critical thinking skills and will help students continue to develop computer literacy.
This is a high-intermediate course for limited-English proficient students who want to develop the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills necessary for living, working, and attending school where English is used. Students will develop communication and critical thinking skills and continue to develop computer literacy.
The course is designed to increase a beginning English learner's basic ability to understand spoken English and use English in conversation. Students practice dialogues and role-play in a variety of common situations, such as making phone calls, shopping, and asking directions, in order to build active listening and speaking skills.
The course is designed to develop an intermediate English learner's ability to comprehend spoken English and improve fluency in conversation. Emphasis is on oral communication through the practice of situational dialogues, role-playing, and skits on functional topics, including visiting health practitioners, interacting at work, and fulfilling daily household necessities.
This course prepares beginning-level, non-native-English-speaking students to enter the workforce or a CE/vocational program for general or specific occupations. The course focuses on workplace communication, work-related vocabulary skills, job applications and postings, workplace safety and issues, and vocational readings with emphasis on verbal communication through basic language skills instruction.
This course prepares high-beginning-level, non-native-English-speaking students to enter the workforce or a CE/vocational program for general or specific occupations. The course focuses on workplace communication, work-related vocabulary skills, job applications and postings, workplace safety and issues, and vocational readings with emphasis on verbal communication through high-beginning language skills instruction.
This course prepares low-intermediate-level, non-native-English-speaking students to enter the workforce or a CE/vocational program for general or specific occupations. The course focuses on workplace communication, work-related vocabulary skills, workplace safety and issues, workplace culture, and vocational readings with emphasis on verbal communication through intermediate language skills instruction.
This course prepares high-intermediate-level, non-native-English-speaking students to enter the workforce or a CE/vocational program for general or specific occupations. The course focuses on workplace communication, work-related vocabulary skills, workplace safety and issues, workplace culture, and vocational readings with emphasis on verbal communication through intermediate language skills instruction.
English for Multilingual Students
This academic listening and speaking course is designed for intermediate multilingual students. Instruction will focus on the improvement of oral fluency and listening comprehension. Emphasis is on vocabulary development, pronunciation, fluency, presentation skills, and comprehension.
This course is designed to instruct the intermediate ESL learner in the fundamental skills of academic reading and writing. Writing topics include compound and complex sentences, verb tenses, and punctuation applied to academic paragraphs. Reading skills include identifying main ideas in paragraphs and longer passages, vocabulary development, use of context, literal and inferential comprehension, and recognizing basic patterns of organization.
This academic listening and speaking course is designed for high-intermediate multilingual students. Instruction will focus on the improvement of oral fluency and listening comprehension. Emphasis is on vocabulary development, pronunciation, fluency, presentation skills, and comprehension.
This academic listening and speaking course is designed for advanced multilingual students. Instruction will focus on the improvement of oral fluency and listening comprehension. Emphasis is on vocabulary development, pronunciation, fluency, presentation skills, and comprehension.
This course is designed to instruct the high-intermediate ESL learner in further developing skills of academic reading and strengthening paragraph writing. Writing topics include sentence structures and phrases used to write paragraphs to compare, contrast, show cause, and/or show effect. Reading skills include identifying main ideas in multi-paragraph passages, vocabulary development, use of context, literal and inferential comprehension, and recognizing basic patterns of organization.
This course is designed to instruct the advanced ESL learner in further developing skills of academic reading and the fundamentals of essay writing. Writing topics include paraphrasing and summarizing, paragraph organization and support, thesis statements, and introductory and conclusion paragraphs. Reading skills include reading charts, graphs, and visual data, identifying main ideas in multi-paragraph passages, vocabulary development, use of context, literal and inferential comprehension, and recognizing basic patterns of organization.
Interdisciplinary Studies
This course is required for students who are interested in being tutors at Ventura College. It is an introduction to the theories and methods of effective tutoring including communication techniques, learning theories and individual and group instruction. The course is designed to provide the student tutor with experience, information, and techniques that will make him/her a more effective tutor.
This is an open-entry/open-exit supervised tutoring course that provides students assistance in understanding college course assignments. Individualized/small group tutoring sessions are conducted outside of class time in a learning assistance center, and are structured to help students achieve specific course objectives or improve learning and study skills in specific subject matter. The content of this course varies according to the course for which tutoring is sought.
Mathematics
This course reviews the core prerequisite skills, competencies, and concepts for college algebra. It is intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in MATH V04, College Algebra. Just-in-time support topics include learning skills, computational skills developed in intermediate algebra, the vocabulary of algebra, translation from English to algebra, and evaluation of literal expressions and functions.
This course is a review of the core prerequisite skills, competencies, and concepts from arithmetic and algebra for Math for Elementary Teachers. It is intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in MATH V38. Just-in-time support topics include understanding the basic concepts and operations involving the natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers; solving arithmetic and algebraic application problems; simplifying, evaluating, creating, and interpreting algebraic expressions; applying Polya’s problem solving principles; and applying effective learning skills for success in college.
A review of the core prerequisite skills, competencies, and concepts for college algebra. Intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in MATH V04, college algebra. Just-in-time support topics include: learning skills, computational skills developed in intermediate algebra, the vocabulary of algebra, translation from English to algebra, and evaluation of literal expressions and functions.
This course provides just-in-time support and review for transfer-level Statistics. Math V44J is intended for students who are concurrently enrolled in Math V44. Topics include learning skills and just-in-time support for concepts from arithmetic, pre-algebra, elementary and intermediate algebra, and descriptive statistics that are needed to understand the basics of college-level statistics. Recommended for students with little or no recent knowledge of algebra.
Microbiology
This course is an introduction to the principles of food microbiology and food safety. The course investigates the beneficial and harmful effects of microorganisms on food, and includes a survey of the types of microbes found in various types of food, as well as methods for their detection. Evaluation of methods of microbial control and mechanisms of disease of important food microorganisms, as well as sources of food contamination, are presented. An examination of the implementation and effectiveness of food safety programs is also covered.
Police Science
This is a basic training course for new law enforcement officers which includes administration of justice, patrol procedures, firearms, defensive tactics, physical training, First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), traffic investigation, water safety, and driver training. This course covers the 910 hours required by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department POST Certification.
This course is an orientation for the P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Regular and Modular Academy training. Emphasis is placed on assisting the student in preparing for successful completion of the P.O.S.T. regular or modular academy training.
Certificates of Completion
- Agriculture Field Supervisor (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion
- Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion
- Food Safety (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion
- Innovative Cognitive Achievement Network/Journey Overcoming Barriers (ICAN-JOB) (Noncredit), Certificate of Completion