Durham Technical Community College now has a new 19.6-acre campus centrally located in Orange County! The campus will better serve Orange County residents as they pursue their education, workforce training, and lifelong learning. The first building is a 40,000-square-foot brick structure is located in the Waterstone Development outside of Hillsborough. The building houses 22 instructional spaces, including classrooms, computer and science labs, a library, flexible use space, instructional and student support services areas, and faculty and student lounges.  More information and directions.

NEW! Bus Service to the OCC: Transit's #420 bus route now includes a stop at the Durham Tech Orange County Campus (note changes that took effect Nov. 17). View the new schedule and route map.

English as a Second Language and General Education Development Program (GED) testing and courses are available at the Orange County Campus.

The Building Level One course is designed for the education and training of the Building Level One code enforcement official who is responsible for inspecting small commercial construction up to 20,000 square feet in size. Textbooks with amendments are required and can be purchased at the N.C. Department of Insurance in Raleigh. For more information, contact the Code Council at 919-661-5880 ext. 240. 48 hours. For more information, visit http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/COQB/Documents/CurrentCourses.pdf  Suggested Chapel Hill and Hillsborough Hotels.

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the governmental and legal system with which every code enforcement official works. In addition, with the successful completion of the course and others specified by the N.C. Code Officials Qualification Board, course participants are eligible to take the state examination for inspector certification. The required textbooks are available online from the N.C. Department of Insurance at 919-661-5880, ext. 240. Allow at least three weeks for delivery. 16 hours. Suggested Chapel Hill and Hillsborough Hotels.

The Mechanical Level I course is designed for the education and training of the Mechanical Level I code enforcement official who has responsibility for inspecting residential and small commercial mechanical installations in construction up to 20,000 square feet in size. Textbooks with current amendments are required and can be purchased from the N.C. Department of Insurance in Raleigh. Allow at least three weeks for delivery. For more information, visit www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering/COQB/Documents/CurrentCourses.pdf. 32 hours.

This course assists students in preparing for the N.C. heating and air conditioning (H–3) license examination. Allow at least three weeks for delivery. A study guide is provided to registered students. Required Textbooks. 40 hours. Suggested Chapel Hill and Hillsborough Hotels.

Understand the most efficient and effective ways to obtain income from your investments during retirement to make sure the money lasts! Learn to structure your assets so that they can be passed on to your heirs in a tax-efficient way. Students discuss the most common mistakes that retirees make with their finances and learn how to avoid them. Finally, learn how to create a legacy for your family, a charity, or any other cause that you are passionate about. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 14 hours.

Become a bartender or become a better bartender. Gain mastery in drink mixing procedures and techniques, garnishing, recipes, product usage, sanitation, bar set-up, customer service, etiquette, résumé preparation, and ABC laws and regulations. Open to beginners and existing bartenders wanting to upgrade their skills. Job opportunities are discussed, and each participant compiles a recipe file. Appropriate tools are utilized; however, colored water is used in class. Applicants must be 21 years of age. 3" x 5" cards, and cardholder required. 30 hours.

This course is designed to introduce occupational mathematical concepts and practical examples. Course topics include principles and applications of decimals, fractions, percents, ratio and proportion, order of operations, geometry, measurement, and elements of algebra and statistics. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic computations and solve relevant, multi-step mathematical programs using technology where appropriate. Textbook required. 40 hours.

The Project Management Professional program, delivers practical skills to help you plan, execute, and control projects.This course provides students with the training hours needed to meet the educational requirements for the Project Management Certification. The curriculum is designed to present the nine bodies of knowledge in preparation for the PMP examination. This educational requirement is just one of several requirements needed to be eligible for the certification. Textbook required. 35 hours.

This course combines computer fundamentals with basic keyboarding and mouse instruction. Hands-on experience is designed to demystify the computer for beginners. Experience how applications can enhance your ability to compete in the world of technology. Recommended for new users. 30 hours.

Create and run a presentation by adding templates, text, and objects. nsert and edit pictures, import clip art, link and embed objects, and edit graphs. Use word processing and graphics to create slide shows, presentation pages, handouts, speaker notes, and overheads. Word processing or equivalent experience required. 18 hours.

Learn basic to intermediate level word processing functions. Create and format documents. Create tables and learn to use automated tools. Keyboarding or equivalent experience required. 30 hours.

Learn basic word processing functions. Enter, insert, delete and replace text; set margins and tabs; save and print documents; create headers and footers; insert page breaks; use spell check, graphic features, and other automated tools. PC Fundamentals or equivalent experience recommended. 30 hours.

This leisurely-paced introduction to the computer is for senior adults. Learn basic computer concepts and procedures. Receive lots of personal attention in a beginner’s class created especially for senior adults. 30 hours.

This course focuses on basic skills and techniques of cake decorating. Students will learn how to cover cakes and make decorations. Master elegant new borders featuring rosettes, reverse shells and rope designs. Give your cakes incredible dimension with the addition of bold color flow decorations and create lovely new flowers like rosebuds, daisies, daffodils, mums and more. A wide range of decorating tools, skills and techniques including piping and how to create decorations using royal icing will also be introduced.   Students receive a supply list of ingredients to purchase before the first day of class. 18 hours.

This course takes those with little or no medical experience and introduces them to emergency care. At the end of the course, students are competent in providing emergency care at the basic level to patients needing care. All classes require Saturdays. The schedule is provided on the first day of class. Requirements are 18 years of age or older and a high school diploma or equivalent. Registration is $65 unless exempt. A supply fee of $25, a CAPS fee of $4, and an insurance fee of $17.35 are required and are not exempt. Summer class includes nine Saturdays. Preregistration and textbooks required. Purchase books prior to the beginning of class. For more information and a list of books, visit EMT Frequently Asked Questions. 184 hours.

The most talented artist must not only create art, but also support himself or herself in some way. Most often this means understanding not only how to create beautiful art, but also how to run a thriving business. Many artists love producing art but have received little training on how to effectively market their work and manage a business. This four-week class is designed to help make the business aspect of the artists' career interesting, enjoyable, and effective. Topics include creating an effective web site, taxes and other accounting basics, increasing confidence in self-promotion, and other techniques to more effectively market your work. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 12 hours.

Develop your rendering skills as well as observational abilities. Use perspective to learn two-dimensional design and the principles of drawing. Use drawing pencils, charcoal, and ink while learning the principles of perspective, line, space, form, and composition as well as other basic drawing techniques. Each class focuses on a specific strategy and includes demonstrations and practices. Basic Drawing and Design is a "must" for students considering a move to painting. 12 hours.

Continue to refine your drawing and design skills while using a variety of materials to draw still lifes and botanical objects, with an emphasis on composition. Expand your ability to create two-dimensional representations and compositions as you study light, shadow, and proportions. Learn specific techniques for rendering a more sophisticated appearance of form, depth, and distance in your drawings. 12 hours.

This interactive course is a general introduction to the history of western art, its ancestry, and heritage. Major surviving monuments of painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistory to circa 1300 AD are shown, including methods and media of their production. Learn fundamental skills of visual analysis and vocabulary and concepts for discussing works of art. Textbook required. 12 hours.

This interactive course is a general introduction to the history of western art, its ancestry, and heritage. Major surviving monuments of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the early Renaissance to present day are shown, including methods and media of their production. Learn fundamental skills of visual analysis and vocabulary and concepts for discussing works of art. Textbook required. 12 hours.

This course is an introductory survey of Islamic art from the seventh century to the modern era. Students study a broad range of art forms, including calligraphy, carpets, manuscript illumination, metalwork, ceramics, and architecture from the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and North American. The course provides students with a basic understanding of the arts in Islamic cultures. No art historical background is necessary. 12 hours.

Gain the basic skills and essentials of grammar and enjoy elementary conversations. This course is designed for adults who have no previous instruction in French. Textbook required. 25 hours.

Students build on basic language skills, with an increase in conversation and vocabulary. Textbook required. 25 hours.

Students build basic language skills, with an increase in conversation and vocubulary. Textbook required. 25 hours.

Continue to build basic skills and essentials of grammar and enjoy elementary conversations. This course is designed for adults who have had basic instruction in German. Textbook required. 25 hours.

Students continue to build on basic language skills through using advanced conversation and vocabulary. Textbook is required. 25 hours.

This course can help persons who are doing business with Russian companies, planning to travel, or simply desiring to learn about the customs and culture of Russia, along with study of basic grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Learn useful everyday expressions and phrases. 25 hours.

Learn Spanish at Durham Technical Community College. The Continuing Education Division offers classes in four levels of Beginning Spanish. These levels become progressively more advanced, building on the skills learned from the prior course. Spanish I and II are designed for students with no or little previous exposure to the Spanish language. Spanish III and IV are more advanced and help better prepare you for the specialized or intermediate-level course. These courses allow you to gain the fundamentals necessary to pursue further Spanish study. Textbook required. Each class is 25 hours. 2.5 TRCs.

Targeted to beginners, this course focuses on a different topic each week, including alignment of the body in postures, positive thinking, breathing exercises, philosophy, basic anatomy, deep relaxation, and asana (practice of postures). The class emphasizes both the principles of yoga as well as stress management, breathing techniques, and postures. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 24 hours.

The class emphasizes both the principles of yoga as well as stress management, breathing techniques, and postures. Students focus on a different topic each week, including therapeutic alignment of the body in postures, positive thinking, breathing exercises, philosophy, deep relaxation, and asana (practice of postures). Designed for students who have completed Beginning Yoga. 24 hours.

Prepare for national certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) as a Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CSS-P) and/or Certified Coding Apprentice (CCA), depending on previous background and experience. Learn to apply coding principles to correctly assign diagnosis codes, physician and hospital procedural codes. 40 hours.

How does the human body function? This course provides a basic overview of the human body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, circulation, the immune response, and electrolytes. Students gain an understanding of how different systems within the human body relate to one another. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology. Textbook required. Required skills for the online course include the following: comfortable with keyboarding, comfortable with and have access to word processing software, good file management skills, and familiar with basic grammar.  Students must request permission to register for online courses. 60 hours.

Using the vocabulary from Medical Terminology, you now learn to apply your skills in a coding environment. This course compiles and summarizes the official coding guidelines concerning the most common yet complex diagnosis coding issues. Real-life coding problems illustrating the issues are presented with ICD-9-CM solutions. Prerequisites: Expanded Medical Terminology for Health Care Professionals and Anatomy and Physiology for the Medical Office Professional. Textbook and Coding Manual required. For online classes: Online packet required and students must request permission to register for online courses. 72 hours.

Continuing the study of coding and classification systems, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS/CPT-4 are emphasized. These coding systems are applied to reimbursement and billing, encoders and groupers, case mix management, and the relationship between coding and managed care. Detailed medical history reports are provided from which CPT codes are determined. The textbook plus the Coding Manual from Medical Coding I are used. Prerequisite: Medical Coding I. Online packet required and students must request permission to register for online courses. 72 hours.

Students learn about the healthcare environment through this practical approach to healthcare insurance claims processing. This course provides training in the skills required to successfully operate a medical office or insurance office environment. Course topics include health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, BC/BS, workman's compensation, and legal and regulatory considerations in medical billing. Textbook required. In addition, for the online class, Medical Coding I is also required and Coding Manuals. Students must request permission to register for online courses. 48 hours.

Learn the details of medical record filing systems while also gaining a better understanding of the confidentiality of health records with an emphasis on HIPAA, the retention of medical records, and the laws regarding release of medical record information. 22 hours.

The contributions of Asian civilizations and the relationship of Asia and the West are primary to understanding current global issues. Students review both ancient and modern writings; view art and symbols; discuss belief systems of South and East Asia; and experience culture through art and artifact, film, music, dance, and food. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 20 hours.

This course covers the basics of furniture upholstery and is for those with basic sewing skills. Students learn about fabrics and how to cover chairs, cushions, footstools, and small sofas. Cost of materials depends on the chosen project. 27 hours.

This class teaches students about the financial services profession and general investing strategies. Discuss the pros and cons of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other accounts such as IRAs, and 401(k)s. Gain knowledge about working in the industry, and better understand strategies to help you and others reach financial goals. 14 hours.

Are you looking for the next steps for living sustainably beyond changing your light bulbs? Learn sustainable principles and practices through backyard edible gardens, community gardens, support of local food systems, and using native plants in landscaping. Learn more about water conservation and reuse energy efficiency, healthy spaces, green products more. 20 hours.

This course is designed for the “do-it-yourself” homeowners, those hiring a design professional, and those interested in becoming an interior decorator, re-designer, real estate stager, or interior designer. Topics include design flow, space planning, selecting color and paint techniques, furniture, fabric, lighting, accessories, and organizing. The last two sessions focus on making a career out of your passion, hiring contractors, and bringing design/decorating into perspective. 25 hours.

This course is designed for “do-it-yourself” homeowners, those hiring a design professional, and or those interested in becoming an interior decorator, re-designer, or real estate stager. The course focuses on advanced discussions of design flow space planning and exploration of color, furniture, fabric, lighting, and accessories. Students are required to submit a complete room design that incorporates concepts from Interior Design and Decorating I and II. The final two class meetings are a review of the rooms before and after students’ designs. 25 hours.

This course is designed for conscientious homeowners who are interested in communicating with a professional designer or exploring the possibility of a profession in the interior design or related field. Topics include the need for “green” lifestyle changes, understanding how interior design affects the built environment, and using life cycles and trade-offs in analyzing products for “green-ability.” The course’s goal is to incorporate good design that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-friendly. Students learn the three “Rs” of eco design: reduce, reuse, renew and how to apply them to a project. A prerequisite to this course is Interior Design and Decorating I. 27 hours.

Make treasure from trash?  In this fun and creative class you will learn to make keepsake treasures using recycled materials. Discover your creative side, have fun, and save a little space in the landfill be reusing cast off items to make art with a personal touch. 6 hours.

Have fun learning to create a new wardrobe! Save money and dress in style as you learn to sew. Learn about pattern selection; choose an appropriate fabric, pattern layout, and construction; and develop skills to create a flattering garment. No sewing skills required. Students need to bring their own sewing machine the second night of class. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed. Additional expenses may be incurred in purchasing materials for participant projects.) 18 hours.

Learn requirements for preparing tax returns for yourself, others, or for a firm. Gain a marketable skill which provides an overview of the necessary tax forms for many taxpayers. Learn the “ins and outs” of tax returns while not under pressure and be ready for the next tax season! IRS publication 17 required. 24 hours.

Whether you are a food and wine lover thirsty for increased knowledge or a hospitality industry worker looking for new skills and greater job satisfaction, join Todd Wielar, owner of the Chapel Hill Wine Company and the Hillsborough Wine Company, as he takes you on a tour of the basics of wine. Learn how to taste, serve, store, open wine, and read a label. In addition, gain insight into the main grape varietals and the regions in which they grow. Students must be at least 21 years of age. 12 hours.

You know how to point and shoot and the basics to operate your camera. You realize the camera can do so much more. Want to learn how to take better pictures? This course guides students deeper into the controls of a digital camera. Digital offers more control over your pictures compared to a film camera. Do you shoot in jpeg, raw, or even tiff? How do you control your own white balance? How should you save your work? What can you do to improve or alter the picture after you have the shot? How can you get a better exposure? How can you improve your lighting? All of this and more will be answered in this course. Students should have completed Photography: The Basics prior to this course or have basic camera knowledge. 24 hours.

Do you want to improve your digital photographs by sharpening or color correcting them? Would you like to modify your images by "aging" them, removing backgrounds, adding frames, and using other effects? Bring images from your camera to class or use those provided. Increase your knowledge in this interactive lab workshop using Photoshop. Topics include retouching photos for color balance, sharpness, perspective, corrections, contract, and “red eye” removal. Participants learn to work with text and create digital frames around images. 16 hours.

This course takes the learning outside. What better place to learn photography? It is recommended that you have a basic understanding of photography, but it is not necessary. This class concentrates on developing your “photographic eye” to take better pictures! Every other class meeting will be held at a different location. Learn to take better nature, portrait, action, close-up, architecture, and travel shots on location! After every location shoot, the photos taken are reviewed to improve your ability and understanding of good photography! Learn photography and have fun outdoors doing it! 24 hours.

Have you ever taken a picture of a beautiful scene, and it didn't turn out as pretty as you remembered? Have you ever tried to take a picture where it was too dark, and the photo turned out murky? Have you ever purchased a new camera and didn't understand how it worked or the manual wasn't helpful? These are the types of topics discussed. You should be able to pick up a camera and use it easily. Improve your ability to get that right shot the way you want it! Students may need to purchase additional project materials. 21 hours.

Topics include the agent’s duties to principals and third parties, pre-listing and listing practices and procedures, preparing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), the Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement, working with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO), Multiple Listing Service (MLS) rules and procedures, marketing listed property, working with buyers, and license status and education issues. Prerequisite: License issued after October 1, 2005. Proof is required at the first class meeting. Textbook required. 30 hours.

The primary objective of the course is to provide instruction at a level beyond that provided in prelicensing courses on topics deemed to be of special importance to licensees. Topics addressed in this course include selected basic contract law concepts, real estate sales contracts and addenda, and closing procedures and statements. Prerequisite: License issued after October 1, 2005. Proof is required at the first class meeting. Textbook required. 30 hours.

The primary objective of the course is to provide instruction at a level beyond that provided in prelicensing courses on topics deemed to be of special importance to licensees. Topics addressed in this course include commercial real estate brokerage, residential property management, land use controls, loan fraud, license law issues and case studies, fair housing, establishing a brokerage firm, and manufactured and modular homes. Prerequisite: License issued after October 1, 2005. Proof is required at the first class meeting. Textbook required. 30 hours.

This is the course you need to take to enter the real estate profession. It is required for persons wanting to take the North Carolina real estate license examination and obtain a real estate broker license. This course may be offered only by schools and instructors approved by the N.C. Real Estate Commission. The primary objectives of this course are (1) to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to act as a licensed real estate broker in a manner that protects and serves the public interest and (2) to prepare students for the N.C. Real Estate license examination. Major topics include basic real estate property law, property taxation, land use controls, environmental hazards, brokerage relationships and practices, real estate contracts, real estate financing, closing real estate transactions, real estate valuation, fair housing, landlord and tenant, property management, federal income taxation of real estate, basic house construction, and property insurance. The N.C. Real Estate License Law and N.C. Real Estate Commission Rules and Trust Account Guidelines are also covered. Textbook required. 80 hours.

This course is written by the N.C. Real Estate Commission. Main topic is the revised Offer to Purchase and Contract. Coverage of the new contract includes a practical exercise. Other topics are various licensing and education issues. Costs of course materials are included in the registration fee. Student must show license pocket card for class entrance. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 4 hours.

This course is written by the N.C. Real Estate Commission for Brokers-In-Charge only. This year’s topics include background to agency principles, history of rule A.0104, mandated agency disclosures and written agency agreements under rule A.0104. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 4 hours.

This course introduces the student to the entire concept of real estate appraisal and the valuation process. Topics include real property concepts and characteristics, legal considerations, influences on real estate value, types of values, economic principles, overview of real estate markets, and analysis and how ethics apply in appraisal theory and practice. Textbook required. 33 hours.

This course introduces procedures used to develop an estimate of value and how the various principles of value relate to the application of such procedures. Topics include an overview of approaches to value, valuation procedures, property description, and residential applications. Textbook required. Prerequisite: Basic Appraisal Principles. 33 hours.

This course teaches students the components of a market analysis and how to test for and analyze highest and best use. Topics include market fundamentals, characteristics and definitions, supply and demand analysis, use of market analysis, test constraints and application of highest and best use, special considerations and case studies. Textbook required. Prerequisites: Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures. 15 hours.

If you’ve taken the QuickBooks Pro Intro class or are already writing checks and making deposits in Quick-Books, are you ready to learn more? Register for this intermediate-level class to gain insights into job-cost tracking, payroll and time sheets, customizing reports, and much more. Seating limited. Taught by Paula Brown of Almost Perfect, Inc. 12 hours.

Successful businesses have strong business plans. This course is for anyone starting or operating a business who wants to learn how to write a better, more complete business plan. The course focuses not only on the mechanics of writing a business plan but challenges you to perform the critical thinking necessary to write an extraordinary plan!! Taught by Carl Baumann, SCORE Volunteer. 30 hours.

The fastest, easiest way to manage your business! This introduction to one of the most popular small business accounting applications tracks general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, checking accounts, and provides easy-to-use reporting features. Taught by Tonya Brewington of T. Brewing Consulting, LLC and Paula Brown of Almost Perfect, Inc. 12 hours.

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