Programs:
Continuing Education/Workforce Development
The Continuing Education/Workforce Development department offers a wide variety of courses ranging from occupational training to personal enrichment interests. Courses in this department may also be customized to meet specific industry and agency requirements as requested. We offer licensing and certification courses in Artifical Intelligence (AI), Construction, Notary, Electronic Notary, Real Estate Pre-Licensing, Escort Vehicle Operator, NC Auto Inspections, Nurse Aide I, II, and Refresher, Nursing Educator Training, Phlebotomy, Central Sterile Processing, Intro to Service Tech (HVAC), Manicure/Nail Technician, and Natural Hair Care Specialist, Wastewater, and Truck Driving. Non-licensing/certification courses are offered in Defensive Driving and TEAS prep, as well as many online courses through our partnership with Ed2Go. We offer several personal enrichment classes range in subjects such as Genealogy and Motorcycle 2-wheel safety courses. Class availability is spread throughout Gaston College’s three campuses located in Dallas, Belmont, and Lincolnton, as well as online. Continuing Education is also an approved provider for a wide variety of CEU classes that are required for many occupations. In addition to our seated classes, we offer over 400 internet-based courses in which many are approved for teacher renewal, as well as online Career Training Programs. All Continuing Education classes are convenient, affordable, and reflect the highest of quality. For additional information on any of these courses, call 704.922.2244 or email us at coned@gaston.edu.
Criminal Justice Academy
The Criminal Justice Academy provides professional in-service and advanced training for regional criminal justice agencies. The Academy offers courses for law enforcement and detention personnel designed to meet state-mandated training requirements, support certification and recertification standards, and provide advanced specialized instruction.
In addition to mandated in-service training, the Academy offers pre-service certification programs, certification and recertification courses, and specialized training to support professional growth and public safety readiness.
Pre-Service Certification Programs
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) is a state-mandated program that prepares entry-level law enforcement officers for certification. Coursework includes criminal and constitutional law, patrol operations, investigations, officer safety, firearms, subject control, ethical decision-making, and driver training.
Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC)
The Detention Officer Certification Course (DOCC) prepares individuals for employment as certified detention officers. Instruction addresses inmate supervision, legal responsibilities, defensive tactics, communication, report writing, and facility operations in accordance with state standards.
Training Facilities
Gaston College De-Escalation Training Facility
The Gaston College De-Escalation Training Facility provides scenario-based training for students, instructors, and partner agencies. The facility supports instruction in communication and crisis intervention strategies, decision-making under stress, and use-of-force judgment in a controlled training environment.
Covered Outdoor Firing Range
The Academy maintains a covered outdoor firing range designed to support firearms training and qualification in a controlled, standards-based environment. The range provides 16 protected firing lines to allow training in varied weather conditions while maintaining safety and operational consistency.
The facility supports basic and advanced handgun, patrol rifle, and instructor-level firearms training. Instruction includes marksmanship fundamentals, tactical movement, judgmental shooting drills, qualification courses, and remedial training aligned with state certification standards. The covered structure enhances year-round training capacity while preserving an outdoor ballistic environment appropriate for law enforcement applications.
Driver Training Track
The Driver Training Track supports law enforcement driver training and emergency vehicle operations instruction. Training may include vehicle dynamics, braking and skid control, evasive maneuvers, intersection and lane management, pursuit policy considerations, and other practical driving exercises aligned with applicable standards.
State-Mandated In-Service Training
Law Enforcement
- Firearms Training and Qualification
- In-Service Training Topics (Departmental Topics of Choice)
- Law Enforcement Driver Training
Certification and Recertification Courses
- General Instructor Certification Training
- Radar Operator
- LIDAR Certification
- Drug Recognition Expert
- General Instructor Certification Training
Specialized Training Courses
- Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Aerosol Spray
- Rapid Deployment: Immediate Response to an Active Shooter
- Law Enforcement Driving
- SWAT Training
- Patrol Rifle
- Advanced Patrol Rifle
- TASER Training
- PRISim (Simulator) Use of Force Training
- School Resource Officer Training
- Driving Simulator Training
The Academy works collaboratively with regional agencies to deliver high-quality, standards-based training that supports professional excellence and public safety.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program provides initial certification, continuing education, and specialized training for emergency medical professionals, public safety agencies, business and industry, and members of the community. Programs are designed to meet state and national certification standards while supporting workforce readiness and professional advancement.
The EMS program offers pre-service certification programs, renewal and continuing education courses, specialty training, and American Heart Association instruction to support high-quality patient care and public safety.
Pre-Service Certification Programs
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course prepares individuals to provide immediate lifesaving care in the prehospital setting. Instruction includes patient assessment, airway management, trauma care, and medical emergency response.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program prepares students for state and national certification. Coursework includes patient assessment, trauma and medical emergencies, airway and oxygen therapy, cardiac care, and ambulance operations.
Paramedic
The Paramedic program provides advanced instruction in emergency medical care, including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring, pharmacology, trauma management, and leadership in emergency response systems.
EMS Instructor and Administration Programs
The program offers EMS Instructor Methodology, Level I and Level II EMS Instructor certification, and EMS Administration courses designed to prepare professionals for instructional and leadership roles.
State-Mandated Renewal and Continuing Education
The EMS program offers renewal and recertification courses for EMR, EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic. Courses are available in traditional and online formats and include monthly continuing education opportunities.
Specialized Training Courses
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Provider, Instructor, and Renewal
- Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) Provider, Instructor, and Renewal
- Professional Development for EMS Educators
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC)
- National Registry (NREMT) Preparation Courses
American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center
Gaston College serves as a full-service American Heart Association Training Center for Gaston and Lincoln counties. Courses include Healthcare Provider CPR, Heartsaver CPR, Heartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Instructor courses are available as needed.
Training Facilities
Driver Training Track
The Driver Training Track supports emergency vehicle operations training for EMS personnel. Instruction may include vehicle dynamics, braking techniques, hazard avoidance, intersection management, and defensive driving strategies aligned with applicable standards.
Ambulance Simulator Room
The Ambulance Simulator Room replicates the interior of a working ambulance to provide realistic, scenario-based clinical training. Students practice patient assessment, airway management, cardiac care, trauma interventions, team communication, and equipment utilization in an environment designed to mirror field conditions.
The EMS program collaborates with regional healthcare providers and public safety agencies to deliver standards-based training that supports clinical excellence and community health outcomes.
Fire and Rescue Training
The Fire and Rescue Training program provides certification, continuing education, and advanced specialty training for municipal, volunteer, and industrial fire departments and rescue agencies. Programs are delivered in accordance with North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal standards, the NC Fire and Rescue Commission, and applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.
Training is offered on campus, at the Regional Emergency Services Training Center (RESTC), and at off-site locations throughout the region to support workforce readiness, firefighter safety, and operational excellence.
Pre-Service and Academy Programs
Basic Firefighter Academy
The Basic Firefighter Academy provides comprehensive entry-level training for individuals seeking certification as firefighters in North Carolina. The academy includes instruction in fire behavior, fire suppression, rescue operations, hazardous materials awareness, emergency medical response support, and firefighter safety in accordance with state certification requirements.
Fire College
Fire College offers advanced leadership and professional development courses for career and volunteer fire service personnel. Coursework may include Fire Officer development, Fire Instructor training, incident command, strategic operations, and administrative leadership designed to enhance agency management and operational readiness.
Certification Programs
- Firefighter
- Technical Rescue
- Hazardous Materials
- Fire Officer
- Fire Instructor
- Emergency Vehicle Driver
- Driver Operator
- Pumps
- Aerial Operations
Regional Emergency Services Training Center (RESTC)
The Regional Emergency Services Training Center (RESTC) provides basic, continuing, and advanced training in fire, rescue, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. Located on the Dallas campus, the facility includes multiple live-burn and technical rescue training environments designed to improve emergency response capabilities across North Carolina.
The RESTC includes a multi-story commercial burn structure used for live fire training, industrial simulations, vertical confined space exercises, and a simulated smoke maze.
A residential fire training building simulates a single-family dwelling with pitched-roof ventilation areas, allowing firefighters to train in realistic residential fire scenarios.
The facility also includes confined space training areas, flammable liquid and LPG pits, and hazardous materials props.
Flashover Simulator (Mobile and Stationary)
The program operates both stationary and mobile flashover survival training units. The mobile flashover simulator can be transported to regional and industrial locations to support off-site firefighter survival training and realistic fire behavior education.
Industrial Emergency Response and Fire Brigade Training
The program specializes in Nuclear Fire Brigade and high-risk industrial response training. Customized programs are developed for local, regional, and national industry partners, including confined space rescue, hazardous materials response, advanced fire suppression techniques, and industrial rescue operations.
Training Facilities
Driver Training Track
The Driver Training Track supports emergency vehicle operations training for brush trucks and other smaller emergency response vehicles. Practical instruction focuses on vehicle control, braking, hazard avoidance, and maneuvering in controlled scenarios.
The program also utilizes a Driving Simulator capable of replicating the interior of a fire apparatus, allowing personnel to practice apparatus operations, decision-making, and hazard recognition in a controlled environment.
Fire and Rescue Training collaborates with regional agencies and industry partners to deliver standards-based instruction that supports firefighter safety, operational readiness, and professional development.
Human Resources Development (HRD) Program
The Human Resources Development Program offers courses that provide employability skills training and career development for adults who are trying to find employment, transitioning back into the workforce, or working to redefine their professional vocation in today’s workforce. Courses are taught to equip individuals with the knowledge, values, and practical skills essential to applying, keeping and advancing in their careers. Many of the HRD courses are tuition-waived for qualifying adults and are offered at convenient locations throughout Gaston and Lincoln counties. For additional information on any of these courses, call 704.922.2244 or email us at hrd@gaston.edu.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a job training program for older Americans operated under a U.S. Department of Labor grant. We thank CWI Works, Inc. for selecting our organization to operate SCSEP in our community. The Gaston College SCSEP program is funded by an almost $47 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding provides 90% of the support for SCSEP with CWI and its subgrantees providing approximately $5 million in nonfederal match. The SCSEP Program is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For additional information and program eligibility call 704.922.6461.
Small Business Center
The Small Business Center is a specially funded program that provides no-fee consulting and seminars for prospective and existing small business owners. The Gaston College Small Business Center is one of 58 Small Business Centers comprising the NC Community College Small Business Center Network. The Small Business Center provides assistance in business planning, marketing, accounting, financing, and management concerns relating to small business. To register for Small Business Center seminars, or to schedule a counseling appointment, please visit gaston.edu/sbc-events.
Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a unique academic program that integrates classroom study with practical real work experience. Blending classroom instruction and one or more semesters with an industry partner or non-profit organization related to the program of study provides students with essential skills to advance their understanding and employment readiness. Students who are already employed may be eligible to participate in WBL and earn academic credit by using their current job as their placement.
Students receive academic credit toward degree, diploma, or certificate requirements with WBL work experience enrollment. The WBL work experience is paid or non-paid and is selected and/or approved by the WBL staff. Students can work full-time or part-time depending on location and class schedule. Students are evaluated periodically by a faculty coordinator and receive on-site supervision from the employer.
WBL Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria to be accepted into the program:
- Be enrolled in an approved WBL curriculum.
- Have a minimum 2.00 GPA or departmental approval.
- Be recommended by a faculty member.
- Completed at least 9 credit hours within your program of student.
(Note: Enrollment in the WBL program does not guarantee placement for every student.)
Application Procedure
Interested students must speak with a member of the Work-Based Learning staff and complete a WBL application packet. Note: WBL staff will advise students to determine the correct WBL course(s) based on program area and state requirements.
Presently Employed Students
Students may qualify to receive academic credit if they are already employed in an area directly related to their academic major. The following general criteria will be used to determine eligibility:
- The student must be acquiring new skills or knowledge related to their academic major
AND/OR
- The student must be developing a recently learned skill or applying recently-learned knowledge related to their academic major
AND/OR
- The student must be receiving increased levels of responsibility related to their academic major
AND
- The employer agrees to assist with an evaluation of the student’s progress and to permit at least ONE on-site visits by WBL Faculty Coordinator each semester.
Student Employment Services
Student Employment Services assists students and graduates who are seeking employment by making them aware of the range of career opportunities available, helping them present themselves effectively as candidates, and aiding them in finding part-time, full-time, temporary, or summer employment.
Some of the specific services and activities offered are Career Fair; employer on campus visits; recruiting events; resume writing information/workshops; interview techniques information/workshops; and posting of part-time, full-time, and temporary job openings on electronic Job Board collegecentral.com/gastoncollege.
Customized Training Program
North Carolina’s Customized Training Program supports economic development efforts through education and training opportunities for eligible businesses and industries. The program recognizes the fact that one of the most important factors for a business or industry considering locating, expanding, or remaining in North Carolina is the presence of a well-trained workforce. The Customized Training Program is designed to meet business needs and respect the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information within those businesses.
The Customized Training Program provides assistance for full-time production and direct customer service positions created in the State to enhance the growth potential of these companies and simultaneously prepare the State’s workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries.
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