Are you trying to map out your future career or bring your existing career to the next level? Our Career Planning and Advancement class will expose you to various career pathways and focus on topics like marketing yourself, networking, and career exploration, all while assembling your updated job tool kit. Guests from local organizations will inform students of opportunities and resources available to them. Students will take pro-active steps toward their future through mock interviews, career fairs and the creation of a personal career development plan.

Need assistance paying for this class? We have scholarship money available to those that qualify! Email davenm@portlandschools.org for the application.

This course covers the foundational skills needed to feel comfortable using computers and to increase digital literacy skills:

• keyboarding
• email
• internet use
• using Google Drive to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
• social media
• Google Classroom
• online meeting technology like Zoom and Google Meet

It is appropriate for English Language Learners at ESOL3 and above as well as native English Speakers.

Prerequisite: ESOL level 3 with teacher recommendation or ESOL level 4

Need assistance paying for this class? Scholarship money is available to those who qualify. Email davenm@portlandschools.org for more information.

Using specialized computer software, students will learn the medical coding skills needed for completing all required documentation according to national coding standards. This involves understanding patient charts and converting the applicable information into a series of alphanumeric codes known as ICD-10-CM or CPT codes. The course also teaches students how to interpret and correct coding errors.

Note: This class does not meet requirements to become a medical coder.

Course fee includes cost of book, $140.

Prerequisites: Computer basics and a completed course in (or working knowledge of) Medical Terminology.

Need assistance paying for this course? Scholarship money is available to those who qualify. Email davenm@portlandschools.org for the application.

This class is intended for the person who has prior experience using Microsoft Office products. We will cover work related skills; building tables, mail merge and graphics using Word. We will create a slide show using PowerPoint that will include graphics, transition and animations. Additionally, we will explore MS Outlook and Outlook calendar. This will be taught using Microsoft Teams as the remote platform.

Prerequisite: Microsoft Office Suite 1 or instructor approval

Need assistance paying for this class? We have scholarship money available to those that qualify! Email davenm@portlandschools.org for the application.

Learn how to more successfully and effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, and teams in an office environment. Skills covered include listening, oral communication that involves speaking assertively, positively, and clearly, and handling difficult situations in the workplace with conflict resolution skills. Other skills practiced will include customer service communication skills and communication issues in a team-based environment and how to ace an interview.

Need help paying for this course? Scholarship money is available to those that qualify. Email davenm@portlandschools.org to get the application form.

Gain the skills and confidence to write effectively in today's workplace. Using a series of writing exercises, you will learn how to compose clear business letters, memos, and emails and format them correctly. Brush up on punctuation, sentence structure, and basic grammar rules to give your documents a final polish. PAE certificate and academic students should discuss this course with their advisor before registering.

Course fee includes cost of book, $15.

Prerequisite: Basic Computer course or familiarity with computers

Need assistance paying for this class? We have scholarship money available to those that qualify! Email davenm@portlandschools.org for the application.

Certification course to become a CNA for English Language Learners held at Portland Adult Education. Students first complete Medical Terminology, before beginning the CNA training course and a supported English course for academic support. 

Stipend of up to $2,000 available for those who qualify.

Click here to learn more.    Click here for the program schedule. 

Prerequisites: CASAS score of 225-230 with medical background, otherwise CASAS score of 230-239; high school diploma or equivalent; approved application including two letters of reference; immunizations required; US work authorization

 To begin your application: Click here to start the application process. The deadline to enroll is December 22.

Scholarship money is available to those who qualify.

What does a College Transitions program offer you?

• Free courses to build skills
• Academic, financial aid & career advising
• Digital preparation tools
• Access to free training programs for employment or to try out possible careers
• Opportunities to meet other students wanting to go to college, just like you

Why prepare at Portland Adult Education rather than going straight to college?

• Support: Preparing for college and a career can be complicated; we offer guidance to help you plan.
• Quality: Our teachers design courses that focus on  the necessary skills to be successful in college.
• Cost: Developmental courses in college cost more than $300, but they may not earn college credit. Try similar courses for free at PAE and practice balancing work, school, and other responsibilities.

To learn more, email hansoa@portlandschools.org or call 207-842-4611.