(Columbia, Tenn. - February 3, 2011) - - - Columbia State's Center for Economic and Workforce Development is offering several non-credit courses during the month of February covering a variety of topics.

Getting Started as a New Leader is the first class in a series of leadership courses that teaches you to quickly and effectively achieve results in your new role as a leader, 2) focus your time and effort on high-priority tasks, 3) effectively lead your teams to contribute to the organization's business strategies, and 4) achieve results through others by building strong relationships with team members. The class will be held on the Columbia campus on Friday, February 4 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The fee of $149 includes text.

Delegating for Results is offered in conjunction with the Leadership series. This course helps you identify tasks and responsibilities that can be delegated and determine the most effective method of allocation; and to assess the scope of delegated tasks and identify the appropriate level of authority and support to give the people doing the work. It also uses a set of criteria to select the best people for tasks and responsibilities. You will learn how to use the Interaction Process to conduct delegation discussions that meet personal and practical needs. The class will be held on Columbia campus Wednesday, February 16 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The fee of $149 includes text.

Creative Writing will inspire creative growth in all writing genres: poetry, fiction and nonfiction. The workshop will focus on the craft of writing, how to develop techniques to improve one's ability to think creatively and write with a purpose and originality. Included in the course is direction on where to submit work for publication and how to compose a letter. The workshop is based on lecture, writing exercises, suggested readings with handouts specific and appropriate to an individual's work, and in-class critiques designed to support and encourage the writer and the writing process. The eight hour class will be offered starting Tuesday, February 1 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. thru February 22. The fee for the class is $89.

Basic Medical Coding live lecture format class will prepare a student to 1) analyze medical records and assign codes to medical conditions, symptoms, diseases, lab, x-ray, surgery and diagnoses, 2) establish proper documentation for billing any code to an insurance company to maintain accuracy is important to the coder, 3) understand how components of the documentation will be applied. The training involves 90 classroom hours, and each student should be prepared to spend an additional 20-30 hours per week in self-study. The course prepares students to take a nationally recognized certification exam. The tuition of $2495 includes books and certification exam. The class is scheduled to start on February 15 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Advanced Medical Coding live lecture format develops the ability to transfer previously learned knowledge with a wide array of cases from across medical specialties. The course will consist of coding actual reports and case studies and provide a realistic picture of coding on the job. The 17-week course will encompass 10 weeks of general medical specialty training, plus seven weeks of a specific specialty coding class of choice that will prepare a student to sit for a nationally recognized specialty examination for certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders. A person should have a CPC or CPC-A credential or a previous basic medical coding class, or at least one year of coding experience to take this class. Tuition: $2495 includes books and certification exam. The class will start on Monday, February 21 and will meet from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Paralegal Career Advancement Certificate trains you to interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, prepare legal documents, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. Topics include legal terminology, introduction to the evidentiary predicate, identifying relevant authority, legal research, and legal writing and appellate procedure. The class is scheduled for six weekends on Saturdays and Sundays beginning February 19 through March 27, 2011 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The fee of $1189 does not include text. (Students are also required to purchase texts, approximately $340).

Introduction to Excel 2007 teaches the student how to get started with Excel 2007 and work with formulas and functions. The class will be held on the Columbia campus on Friday, February 25 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The fee of $129 includes text.

The Essentials of Leadership course will teach you to evaluate your use of important leadership behaviors and identify your leadership strengths and areas for development and to assess your communication skills and develop particular skills you want to develop further. The class is scheduled for Friday, February 25, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The fee of $149 includes the text and all class materials.

The following are Gatlin some of the online classes offered in February: Microsoft Office Specialist, Web Database Developer, Search Engine Marketing. Green classes offered are: Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager, Principles of Green Buildings, Natural Gas Plant Operations and Solar Power Professional.

The Online: Gatlin Education programs are in-depth, career training courses in association with Gatlin Education Services, the world's largest provider of online, instructor-supported training to colleges and universities. The self-paced courses are available anytime, anywhere. All you need is a web-enabled computer and a desire to learn skills that will prepare you for a new career or update current skill sets. Even though you don't have to attend class, you won't be on your own. A team of available online professionals, anytime scheduling, and educational textbooks combine to give you a relevant, interactive learning experience. Programs typically take three - six months to complete.

To register, go to www.gatlineducation.com/cscc and select a topic. On the next page click in the box next to the course title, then scroll down to the bottom of the page, and complete the requested information. A representative will contact you within one business day.

To register for Columbia State's non-credit continuing educations courses go to: www.columbiastate.edu/ewd. For additional information call (931) 540-2660.