Career Training

Non-credit career training programs are perfect for the student who is looking to move into a job as quickly as possible.

Many of the short-term career training options offered by the Center for Continuing Education can be completed in only a few months! We focus on fast-growing professions in health care, real estate, technology and transportation.

Quality Instruction

We utilize experienced and licensed instructors to teach our hands-on classes. Our schedules keep your busy lives in mind as most of our classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends.

Affordable Fees

Our registration fees are budget-friendly and often include the cost of textbooks and supplies. Financial assistance is even available for eligible students in some programs. 

Non-Credit Career Training Scholarships!

Funding for these scholarships is made possible through the Illinois Noncredit Workforce Training Initiative Grant. Applications for the following programs are being accepted for 2025.

  • Forklift Scholarship

    Expand your employment options by obtaining your forklift certification in only one week and save money while doing it!

    • Limited number of $450 scholarships are available for Forklift Training & Certification (FORK 100).
    • If approved, the scholarship will reduce the cost of the class to only $399.
    • The next available forklift certification class is Oct. 20-23 at JJC's Weitendorf Education Center. 

     

    APPLY FOR THE FORKLIFT SCHOLARSHIP

    Please Note: Students who are awarded scholarships are expected to pay any fees not covered by the awards. Students who do not complete the program are required to repay the scholarship funds to Joliet Junior College.

     

  • Pharmacy Technician Scholarship

    This comprehensive, 50-hour program prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam and work in a retail or other pharmacy setting.

    • Limited number of $750 scholarships are available.
    • If approved, the scholarship will reduce the cost of Pharmacy Technician (MGT 5190) to $749.
    • The Free Information Session webinar for the fall semester is Tuesday, Aug. 12. To improve their chances of receiving a scholarship, applicants are encouraged to attend the information session.
    • The next pharmacy technician class begins Tuesday, Sept. 16.

     

    APPLY FOR THE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOLARSHIP

    Please Note: Students who are awarded scholarships are expected to pay any fees not covered by the awards. Students who do not complete the program are required to repay the scholarship funds to Joliet Junior College.

  • Process Operations Technology Scholarship

    You're only one semester away from potentially landing a job at one of the area's many refineries and chemical plants! Our fast-track Process Operations Technology program is already very reasonably priced, but you can save even more on course fees by applying for a scholarship!

    • Limited number of $1,400 scholarships are available.
    • If approved, the scholarship will reduce the cost of Process Operator Technician (PETRO 100) to $1,400.
    • The Free Information Session for the spring semester is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 6-7 p.m. at Main Campus. To improve their chances of receiving a scholarship, applicants are encouraged to attend the information session.

     

    APPLY FOR THE PROCESS OPERATIONS SCHOLARSHIP

    Please Note: Students who are awarded scholarships are expected to pay any fees not covered by the awards. Students who do not complete the program are required to repay the scholarship funds to Joliet Junior College.

  • Real Estate Broker Scholarship

    Do you have the heart of an entrepreneur? With a real estate license, you have the option to start your own brokerage or business. Save money on your start-up costs by applying for our real estate scholarship!

    • Limited number of $400 scholarships are available.
    • If approved, the scholarship will reduce the cost of Real Estate Broker Pre-License (MGT 4300) or the online option (MGT 4305) to $399.
    • The next Free Information Session webinar is Wednesday, Sept. 3. To improve their chances of receiving a scholarship, applicants are encouraged to attend the information session.
    • The fall semester class begins Tuesday, Sept. 30. 

     

    APPLY FOR THE REAL ESTATE SCHOLARSHIP

    Please Note: Students who are awarded scholarships are expected to pay any fees not covered by the awards. Students who do not complete the program are required to repay the scholarship funds to Joliet Junior College. 

Community & Continuing Education Catalog

The best way to see all the career training classes that we offer is to read our catalog. The catalog is published three times a year. Printed copies are mailed directly to those on our mailing list. An interactive version is also available online. 

VIEW THE FALL 2025 CATALOG

Register for Fall Classes

Easy online registration is available any time of day and even on weekends through our registration site, Enrole. If you experience any problems, give us a call at (815) 280-1555 to speak with one of our registration specialists. We would be happy to assist you. 

REGISTER NOW

Career Exploration Classes

Dispensary & Cannabis Industry Career Training

  • Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate (Online)

    Joliet Junior College is partnering with Green Flower to offer online programs in dispensary and cannabis industry career training.

    Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate (Online)

    Get empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to become a respected and in-demand cannabis cultivation professional. Our 9-week online program offers a comprehensive understanding of the cannabis industry and cultivation best practices. The program features a diverse range of learning resources, including engaging video lectures, informative readings and interactive e-learning modules that equip you with the requisite skills and knowledge to excel in the thriving cannabis cultivation industry. Upon completion, you'll have the credibility and knowledge necessary to establish a successful career in cannabis cultivation, work in indoor or outdoor grow operations, or even launch your own cultivation business. Cost of the course is $750. Payment plans available. For more information and registration, visit cannabis.jjc.edu.

    Online | $750 

    MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

  • Cannabis Extraction and Product Development Specialist Certificate (Online)

    Joliet Junior College is partnering with Green Flower to offer online programs in dispensary and cannabis industry career training.

    Cannabis Extraction and Product Development Specialist Certificate (Online)

    Get the knowledge and credibility needed to pursue a career in cannabis extraction, developing and manufacturing cannabis products or even starting your own cannabis brand. Our 9-week online program aims to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a highly regarded and sought-after cannabis professional. With a focus on developing and manufacturing various cannabis products, including edibles, tinctures and topicals, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the cannabis supply chain and foundational skills required to excel in the industry. Cost of the course is $750. Payment plans available. For more information about the course and registration, visit cannabis.jjc.edu. 

    Online | $750

    MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

  • Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate (Online)

    Joliet Junior College is partnering with Green Flower to offer online programs in dispensary and cannabis industry career training.

    Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate (Online)

    Get equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful, in-demand cannabis retail professional. Delivered through a blend of engaging video lectures, comprehensive readings and interactive e-learning modules, our 9-week online program is exclusively taught by distinguished industry experts and operators. This program is designed to equip you with the fundamental knowledge of the cannabis supply chain, as well as the essential skills to succeed in the cannabis retail environment. By completing this program, you'll acquire the credibility and knowledge required to build a rewarding career in cannabis retail, work in a dispensary or even start you own dispensary. Cost of the course $750. Payment plans available. For more information and registration, visit cannabis.jjc.edu.

    Online | $750

    MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

Healthcare Career Training

  • Dental Assistant Training

    Free Information Session

    The need for dental assistants is growing at more than 10 percent per year. This one-hour, free information session provides an overview of the dental Industry and a career as a dental assistant. You’ll also learn more about the curriculum, externship and options for certification. 

    Fall | Monday, Aug. 18 | 6-7 p.m. | Webinar | Free

    REGISTER NOW

    Dental Assistant (MGT 818)

    Prepare for an entry-level position in one of the fastest growing health care professions – dental assisting. This course will familiarize you with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting, focusing on the responsibilities required to function as an assistant in a dental practice. Administrative topics include the history of dentistry and dental assisting, introduction to the dental office, the legal aspects of dentistry, policies and guidelines. Clinical aspects include an introduction to oral anatomy, dental operatory, dental equipment, introduction to tooth structure, primary and permanent teeth, the oral cavity and related structures, proper patient positioning, dental handpieces, sterilization and more. After successful completion of the classroom portion, you have the option of completing a 40-hour clinical externship. The registration fee is $1,399. Includes textbooks and supplies. Costs not included: AHA BLS CPR Certification, health and safety requirements needed before clinical externship, certification exams. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, and at least 18 years old. 

    Fall | Mondays & Wednesdays, Sept. 22-Nov. 12 | 6-9:45 p.m. | Main Campus | $1,399

    REGISTER NOW

  • EKG Technician Training

    Free Information Session

    EKG training is one of the quickest routes to a career in allied healthcare. This one-hour, free information session provides details about a career as an EKG technician. You’ll learn more about the curriculum, externship and options for certification.

    Fall | Wednesday, Aug. 6 | 6-7 p.m. | Webinar | Free

    REGISTER NOW

    EKG Technician

    With an aging population, the need for health care services has grown. EKG technicians conduct tests on patients for diagnostic purposes. In the 60-hour classroom portion of this program, you’ll explore the anatomy and physiology of the heart and techniques for performing a 12-lead EKG. You’ll learn to identify rhythms and rhythm abnormalities and how cardiac medications affect an EKG. You’ll also become familiar with recordkeeping, patient confidentiality and administrative tasks. Students are encouraged to write for national certification with Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old, Adult Basic Learning Examination. Costs not included: textbook.

    Fall | Mondays & Wednesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 19 | 6-9:45 p.m. | $1,199

    Students will register after completing the prerequisite testing and being accepted into the program. 

  • Pharmacy Technician Training

    Scholarship Available!

    APPLY FOR THE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOLARSHIP

    Free Information Session

    Learn about the pharmacy industry, the program's curriculum, the clinical externship and certification. 

    Fall | Tuesday, Aug. 12 | 6-7 p.m. | Webinar

    REGISTER NOW

    Pharmacy Technician (MGT 5190)

    This comprehensive, 50-hour program will prepare students to work in a retail or other pharmacy setting and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. Course includes: pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Through classroom lecture and hands-on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the "top 200 drugs," I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement. This program meets the necessary requirement to take the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board (PTCB) -- Certified Pharmacy Technician exam. As part of the program, you will be eligible to participate in an 80-hour clinical externship. Price includes textbooks and supplies. Costs not included: PTCB certification exam and health and safety requirements. Prerequisite: high school diploma and GED equivalent, at least 18 years old. 

    Fall | Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 16-Nov. 4 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Main Campus | $1,499

    REGISTER NOW

     

  • Phlebotomy Technician Training

    Free Information Session

    The health care industry is consistently in need of phlebotomists. This one-hour, free information session provides information about a career in phlebotomy and an overview of the non-credit program.

    For Spring Semester | Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 6-7 p.m. | Webinar | Free

    REGISTER NOW

    Phlebotomy Technician Training

    Prepare for a career as a phlebotomy technician. This 60-hour course will consist of lectures, discussions, skills practice and tests, written exams and a clinical experience to provide students adequate preparation to be hired as an entry-level phlebotomist. Lab time will be provided during each class allowing students to develop skills in venipuncture and skin puncture techniques as well as specimen processing. A supervised, 120-hour clinical experience allows students an opportunity to further develop the competencies needed to become a phlebotomist. Successful completion of the classroom and clinical experience provides eligibility to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification exam. Costs not included: textbook, AHA BLS CPR certification, health and safety requirements needed before clinical externship, certification exam. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old, Adult Basic Learning Examination. 

    Fall | Mondays & Wednesdays, Aug. 11-Oct. 1 | 5-9 p.m. | Main Campus | $1,699
    (No class Sept. 1) 

    Students are registered after completing the prerequisite testing and being accepted into the program.

Process Operations Technology Career Training

  • Process Operator Technician Training

    Scholarship Available!

    APPLY FOR THE PROCESS OPERATIONS SCHOLARSHIP

    Free Information Session

    This one-hour session provides information about a career in process operations technology and just how quickly students can complete training.

    For Spring 2026 | Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 6-7 p.m. | Main Campus | Free

    REGISTER NOW

    Process Operator Technician

    Switch to a career with a future and train to work in process operations technology. You'll gain the fundamental skills needed to work as a process technician in this fast-track program that prepares you for the job market in four to-five months. After gaining a foundation in math, chemistry and physics, you'll be provided basic skills in electrical, motors, instrumentation, pumps, furnaces/heaters, plant systems, refrigeration, cooling towers and much, much more. The registration fee is $2,800. Includes textbooks and materials. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old and Adult Basic Learning Examination. 

    Students are registered after completing the prerequisite testing and being accepted into the program.

    For More Information

    Call 815.280.1555 or email processoperator@jjc.edu. 

    PROGRAM MODULES

    Course Fees

    The course fee is $2,800. There are no additional charges for books or supplies.

    Financial Assistance

    You can take advantage of the Workforce Investment Act. Contact your local job service office to see if you qualify for Workforce Investment funds.

    New Scholarships Now Available!

    PETRO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Real Estate Career Training

  • Home Inspection Training

    Home Inspection Training (BG 650)

    This is the first step to obtain an Illinois home inspector license. This program is great if you want to learn what the home inspectors know. It is not just for those seeking a home inspector license. Real estate brokers, investors and anyone wanting to know more about building construction, building science and just plain figuring things out will want to take this class. Topics include the physical systems and components of a home, communication skills, Illinois law, knowledge of professional practices, as well as what may go wrong and the cause and implications of the problems that result. Our instructor is a veteran licensed home inspector and active member of the Illinois Association of Home Inspectors. In addition to taking this class, applicants must complete five field events hosted by our instructors and pass the Home Inspection State Licensing Exam before they are eligible for a license in the state of Illinois. Email access and an internet connection are required. The online portion of the class is self-paced. The in-person field events need to be scheduled through the instructor because seats are limited. Each field event lasts around 3 hours. Field events occur at least once a month throughout the state of Illinois. The course fee is $250. Costs not included: field events, state exam and license. 

    Dates and times vary | Hybrid

    REGISTER NOW

    Resources

  • Housing Counseling Training

    Free Information Session

    Housing counselors play a vital role in assisting people with achieving their housing goals. Learn more about this career path by attending a free information webinar.

    Fall | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 1-2 p.m. | Webinar | Free

    REGISTER NOW

    Housing Counseling (MGT 3812)

    Housing counselors play a vital role in helping people achieve their housing goals, and housing counseling agencies in Illinois and across the nation are hiring now. Housing counselors work directly with families and individuals to help them improve their finances, rent an apartment, navigate the homebuying process, and more. Join our career path, training to learn what you need to start your housing counseling career and prepare for the HUD Individual Certification Exam, which qualifies you for hire by a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

    Fall | Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 21-30 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Webinar | $300

    REGISTER NOW

  • Real Estate Training

    New Scholarship Now Available!

    APPLY FOR THE REAL ESTATE SCHOLARSHIP

    Free Information Session

    Start your career in real estate! This one-hour, free information webinar answers many questions first-time real estate students have about getting their license. Review classes needed and exam requirements while discovering the many benefits that a career in real estate has to offer.

    Fall | Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 6-7 p.m. | Webinar | Free

    REGISTER NOW

    Real Estate Broker Pre-License (MGT 4300)

    Complete this introductory 60-hour webinar course, plus the 15-hour Advanced Real Estate Principles Course (MGT 4310), to qualify and prepare for the Illinois Real Estate Broker License state examination. All required topics are covered, including license law, real property, agency, seller and buyer relationships, state and federal laws, marketing, market analysis, appraisal and contracts. Registration fee is $800. Includes textbook. Costs not included: MGT 4310 and licensing exam. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old. 

    Fall | Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 25 | 6-9:45 p.m. | Webinar | $799
    (No class Nov. 11)

    REGISTER NOW

     

    Real Estate Broker Pre-License - Online (MGT 4305)

    Complete this introductory 60-hour online course, plus the 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles Course (MGT 4310), to qualify and prepare for the Illinois Real Estate Broker License state examination. All required topics are covered within our online learning management system, including: license law, real property, agency, seller and buyer relationships, state and federal laws, marketing, market analysis, appraisal and contracts. NOTE: This class includes a complete, self-guided, online course, with virtual instructor support. Registration fee is $800. Includes textbook. Costs not included: MGT 4310, licensing exam. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old. 

    Fall | Sept. 30-Nov. 25 | Online | $799

    REGISTER NOW

     

    Applied Real Estate Principles (MGT 4310)

    Complete this 15-hour course, plus the 60-hour Real Estate Broker Pre-License Course (MGT 4300 or MGT 4305), to qualify and prepare for the Illinois Real Estate Broker License state examination. Apply what you’ve learned in the introductory course through case studies and role playing activities. All required topics are covered, including: listing presentations, buyer representations, purchase agreements, negotiating, closing costs and antitrust. Registration fee is $250. Includes textbook. Costs not included: MGT 4300/4305, licensing exam. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old. 

    Fall| Tuesdays & Thursdays, Dec. 2-11 | 6-9:45 p.m. | Webinar | $249

    REGISTER NOW

Transportation & Logistics Career Training

  • CDL A Training

    Commercial Driver's License - Class A (CDL 101)

    Designed for individuals with little or no commercial driving experience, this program includes everything you need to receive a Commercial Driver’s License. You will receive a Department of Transportation physical, Commercial Driver’s License learner’s permit and endorsement preparation as well as Department of Transportation rules and regulations, log books, instruction in map reading and trip planning, and complete vehicle training to prepare you for an entry-level position in the trucking industry. In addition, the program includes the Class A Road Test, which is administered by the Secretary of State. A minimum of 160 hours of instruction is required. Training is Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students are required to take a physical/drug screening test.

    For More Information

    For more information or to register, call 815.280.6902 or email CDLinfo@jjc.edu.

    Classroom (40 Hours)

    • Orientation
    • CDL Permit Study
    • Endorsement Study
    • Job Procurement
    • Log Book, Hours of Service
    • Map Reading, Trip Planning
    • DOT Regulations
    • Hazard Perception
    • Night Operations
    • Extreme Driving Conditions
    • Railroad Crossing Safety
    • Accident Reports
    • Double Trailers

     

    Yard & Road Skills (120 Hours)

    • Pre-trip Inspection
    • Couple/Uncouple
    • Straight Backing
    • Offset Backing
    • Parallel Parking
    • Shifting
    • Double Clutching
    • Turns
    • Hazard Perception
    • Uphill/Downhill
    • Ramps
    • Lane Changes
    • Space Management
    • Secretary of State Class A Skill Test

     

    Class Schedule

    Full-time day classes start every Monday.

    Course Fee

    For the current course fee, please email CDLinfo@jjc.edu. Check, money order, MasterCard, Visa will be accepted. There are no additional charges for books or supplies. The Class A licensing fee, drug screening and physical examination is included in the registration fee.

    Financial Assistance

    You can take advantage of the Workforce Investment Act. Contact your local job service office to see if you qualify for Workforce Investment funds. CDL also qualifies for the WEI program at JJC. 

    Refund Policy

    To receive a refund (less any expense incurred), a student must withdraw, in writing, by the end of the second day of class.

    Wages & Employment Outlook

    For updated information about Wages & Employment Outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

  • CDL B Training

    Commercial Driver's License CDL - Class B

    Developed in partnership with Pace Suburban Bus, students will gain an understanding of the current laws, rules and regulations that govern the operation of a Class B Commercial Motor Vehicle. This course provides students with the tools and resources needed to sit for and pass the examinations to obtain an Illinois Secretary of State Class B Commercial Driver's License. Upon successful passage of the examination at the end of the two-week course, students will continue their training as employees of Pace. Participants must be 21 years old, have a valid Illinois driver's license and obtain a court-ordered Motor Vehicle Report (also called a Driving Record Abstract) with a good driving record for the last five years. The cost of the MVR is $20, but Pace covers all other costs associated with training, making the program free for participants. 

    Pace Bus Pre-Hire Event

    In order to take the class for free, students must attend a Pace Pre-Hire Event to be eligible to take the course and start working for Pace. Please contact kcampbel@jjc.edu for more information regarding pre-hire events.

  • Forklift Training

    New Scholarship Now Available!

    APPLY FOR THE FORKLIFT SCHOLARSHIP

    Forklift Training & Certification (FORK 100)

    Experience drive time on various forklifts including the Walkie Rider, Sit Down and Narrow Aisle/Stand Up and earn the National Safety Council Certification for Industrial Lift Trucks. The Joliet Junior College district has become a distribution center for the Midwest in the last decade. Local warehouses and distribution centers offer numerous job openings for trained industrial truck drivers. The powered industrial truck, commonly referred to as the forklift, is used in every distribution center, major retail store and manufacturing facility. Includes textbook and certification. Prerequisite: at least 18 years old.

    Fall | Monday-Thursday, Oct. 20-23 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Weitendorf | $849

    REGISTER NOW

    Wages & Employment Outlook

    For updated information about Wages & Employment Outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Online Career Training

The Center for Continuing Education partners with educational providers to offer online training programs. This allows you to start your new career on your own time from your own home.

Financial Assistance for Non-Credit Career Training

  • Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act

    The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides scholarships for those students who meet eligibility guidelines based on income and/or unemployment.

    Qualifying Non-Credit Programs at JJC

    • Commercial Driver's License - Class A
    • Dental Assistant
    • EKG Technician
    • Phlebotomy Technician
    • Process Operator Technician
    • Real Estate Broker

    For more information about WIOA and to see if you qualify, contact your county Workforce Development office:

    • Will County: (815) 280-1526
    • Grundy County: (815) 942-0566

  • Workforce Empowerment Initiative

    Joliet Junior College has received grant funding from the Illinois Workforce Empowerment Initiative to provide free workforce training for participants who meet the grant's eligibility requirements.

    To learn more about JJC'S WEI program, please visit the WEI webpage.

    JJC WEI PROGRAM

  • Career Training Scholarships

    Funding for these scholarships is made possible through the Illinois Noncredit Workforce Training Initiative Grant. Applications for the following programs are being accepted for 2025.

    • Forklift Training & Certification (FORK 100)
    • Pharmacy Technician (MGT 5190)
    • Process Operator Technician (PETRO 100)
    • Real Estate Broker Pre-License (MGT 4300 or MGT 4305)

    More information about these scholarships, as well as links to apply, can be found at the top of this webpage.

Additional Information

  • Contact Us

    Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding our short-term career training programs. We are here to help!

    Center for Continuing Education at JJC

    Phone: (815) 280-1555
    Email: continuinged@jjc.edu

    Kira Campbell

    Training Coordinator
    Phone: (815) 280-1423
    Email: kcampbel@jjc.edu

  • Photographing Program Participants

    Joliet Junior College reserves the right to photograph or film program participants. Photos and recordings are for college use only and may be used in college publicity materials and social media. Please notify programming staff if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.