JVS announces spring adult education courses

Jefferson County Joint Vocational School has announced certified courses for the spring term of its adult education program, with classes beginning in January.

The JVS will continue its certified nursing assistant program, which launched this fall, and will add a phlebotomy course for those interested in healthcare careers. Adult Education Director Jim Hilton said registration is underway and space remains available.

“Limited seats remain in our phlebotomy course and we still have room in the CNA program,” Hilton said.

Amy Fisher will instruct the phlebotomy course. Hilton said students who complete the program will be prepared to work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories and blood banks.

“The course was originally offered this fall but did not run due to lack of enrollment,” Hilton said. “I was encouraged to offer it again based on the need for phlebotomists in the local medical field.”

Josann Richards will return as the CNA instructor, with JVS health technologies instructor Tammy Sismondo serving as coordinator. The CNA course begins Jan. 5 and will meet Mondays and Wednesdays, while the phlebotomy course begins Jan. 6 and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both classes run from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Schedules are subject to change, and students are advised to confirm details with instructors.

The CNA course costs $800, and the phlebotomy course costs $600. Payment plans are available. A two-payment option includes installments of $390 for CNA and $290 for phlebotomy, with the second payment due in mid-February. A three-payment option allows CNA students to pay $260 on Jan. 6, Feb. 23 and March 23. Phlebotomy students may pay $194 on Jan. 6 and $193 on Feb. 24 and March 24. All payments must be completed before the end of the course and prior to licensure exams.

“Once a student is fully enrolled, they will receive additional information on purchasing textbooks and uniforms,” Hilton said.

Classes will be held in the health technologies classroom and lab and will meet Ohio Department of Health guidelines. Students will train in a full lab setting with mannequins and beds. CNA instruction includes ambulation, feeding, patient care and vital signs. Clinical experiences will take place in late March and early April.

Hilton said the certified programs move the JVS closer to becoming an Ohio Technical Center.

“In order to be granted OTC status by the Ohio Department of Education, the adult education program must be in the accreditation process,” Hilton said. “Once we meet candidacy guidelines, including minimum enrollment, the accreditation process can begin and the JVS can request OTC status. Pending final spring enrollment, we could achieve OTC status in 2026.”

He said interest has grown since the fall term.

“At times it may seem like we are moving slowly, but we are laying a solid foundation for what is to come,” Hilton said. “This is a renewal of interest in the JVS’ original purpose, providing relevant, hands-on training to improve lives in the Ohio Valley.”

More information is available at jeffjvs.edu under the adult education programs tab or by contacting Hilton at 740-264-5545, ext. 309, or james.hilton@jeffjvs.org.