WESTFIELD—Phlebotomy, Human Resource certification, self-defense, and Tai Chi non-credit courses will be offered this semester through Westfield State University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Education.

 

Self-Defense and Tai Chi course starts February 26: An adult Self-Defense and Tai Chi course will be held Wednesdays from February 26 to April 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., on the WSU campus. Taught by local instructor Lenny Burlingame, these eight interactive sessions are great for anyone interested in martial arts. The Self-Defense section will allow students to gain a sense of confidence when finding themselves in an uncomfortable situation. Through Tai Chi, students will learn techniques and practices meant to improve flexibility, balance, muscle tone, joint mobility, and mental awareness.

 

The cost for the Self-Defense or Tai chi sections alone are $60 each, or $105 for both. To register for this program, visit www.westfield.ma.edu/taichi.

 

Burlingame began studying body movement arts through martial arts training in 1982. He has trained, studied, and taught in several external and internal martial arts over the past 35 years. The main focus of his training over the past 26 years has been in the internal arts of Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua, and Qigong. Burlingame earned a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and a black belt in Arnis.

 

Human Resource Certification Preparation course starts February 27: A Human Resource Certification Preparation course starts February 27 and is offered in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). An intensive 36-hour course, this program is designed to prepare those students seeking certification as a Certified Professional (CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SCP). The course relies on the 2020 SHRM Learning System, which provides interactive tools and updated content that reflects the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK) as tested on the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams. The total cost of this course is $1,255. It will meet on Thursdays, Feb. 27 through May 21, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the offices of the Employers Association of the Northeast, 67 Hunt Street, Agawam, Mass. To register, visit www.westfield.ma.edu/hrcert.

 

Phlebotomy Technician program starts March 3: A Phlebotomy Technician program will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 3 through May 12, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., on the Westfield State University campus. In addition to these scheduled evening classes, the course includes three full-day Saturday sessions on March 14, April 4, and April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Taught in partnership with Condensed Curriculum International, the Phlebotomy Technician program will prepare students to collect blood specimens from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Students will become familiar with all aspects related to blood collection, and they will develop comprehensive skills to safely perform venipunctures.

 

Classroom and lab work includes terminology, anatomy and physiology, blood collection procedures, specimen hands-on practice, and training in skills and techniques to perform puncture methods. Students who complete this program may peruse the National Health Career Association (NHA) Phlebotomy Technician Exam.

 

The cost of this program is $1,799, which includes all required textbooks and materials. Students may also complete a 40-hour clinical externship for an additional $100 fee. To register for this program, visit www.westfield.ma.edu/phlebotomy.