student success building

WPE FAQ

Where are you located?

The Workforce and Professional Education Department has two primary locations on campus. For open enrollment information, including Healthcare, Business, and Technology courses, visit us in the Administration Building (Building #01) on the Ocean County College Campus. For adult education, civics, and workforce programs, visit us in the Continuing Learning Center (Building #4) on the Ocean County College Campus. We are located next to Parking Lot 1.

OfficeRoom
Open Enrollment RegistrationAdministration 129
Healthcare Training ProgramAdministration 129
Business, Technology & Specialized CareersAdministration 129
Work ReadinessContinuing Learning Center 100
WPE OperationsAdministration 129
Wellness & Recovery CenterContinuing Learning Center 113
Non-credit RecordsAdministration 129
English as a Second Language (ESL)Continuing Learning Center 107
Adult Education, HSEContinuing Learning Center 107

Do I Need an Appointment to Visit the WPE Building?

You do not need an appointment to visit us. You can walk in to speak to someone Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For open enrollment information, including Healthcare, Business, and Technology courses, visit us in the Administration Building (Building #01) on the Ocean County College Campus. For adult education, civics, and workforce programs, visit us in the Continuing Learning Center (Building #4) on the Ocean County College Campus. We are located next to Parking Lot 1.

What Is the Phone Number for WPE?

We can be reached Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

To reach the WPE office regarding certificate courses, registration assistance, business partnerships, or other inquiries call 732-255-0409.

For questions related to ESL, high school equivalency, or adult basic education, call 732-255-0400 x2354 to reach the Ocean County Achievement Center.

Are There Daytime/Evening/Weekend Options?

Yes.

Our courses offer a variety of flexible options including evening and weekend meeting times. Please see our online catalog to see meeting times for courses currently available for registration.

How Long Are Your Courses?

The length of courses can vary depending on the term, whether it is daytime or evening, regular or fast-track, in-person or online. Please see our Course Guide below for approximate course lengths.

What Are the Cost of Your Courses?

The cost and length of courses can vary depending on the term, whether it is daytime or evening, regular or fast-track, in-person or online.

Please see our Registration Catalog to see what courses are open for registration and to see exact dates, prices, and course lengths.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees?

Additional costs or fees are specific to the course selected. Some courses will require purchasing of books, exam fees, and class supplies (Notebooks, pens, calculator, *BP cuff or stethoscope & liability insurance if taking CCMA.)

Are Books Required? What Are the Textbook Costs?

Books are required for most classes. Books can be found on our website www.ocean.edu go to bookstore, find textbooks, and put in the course number. Your course materials will be displayed.

I Am Interested in Teaching for WPE. How Can I Get in Touch With You About That?

Postings for WPE positions can be viewed at Ocean County College Jobs. If you are interested in teaching a course that is not currently in our catalog, please email us at wpeinfo@ocean.edu.

What Are the Prerequisites for My Specific Course?

The prerequisites can vary from course to course. Please visit the Workforce and Professional Education page and find your specific course to learn more about the prerequisites. Most Allied Health courses require a High School Diploma. Most business and technology courses do not require a High School Diploma.

Where Can I Register for a Course?

Register for our current offerings at go.ocean.edu/WPEPrograms

How do I access my OCC email once I register?

Your Ocean Connect account will give you access to your Ocean email and our online course platform, Canvas.  Your Ocean email is the best way for your instructor to communicate with you, so it is important for you to log on and check it regularly.

After registering for a course, we recommend waiting 24 hours before creating a profile in Ocean Connect.

Access Ocean Connect by selecting “Ocean Connect” from the “My Ocean” drop-down menu at the top of the Ocean website.

Your initial password is your 7-digit Student ID number.

Student ID number is always 7 digits long and always starts with a 0.

Example:

Username: john_smith
Password: 0123456

You can also find your Student ID# by using What’s My OCC Id?​ 

You can change your password by using Reset My Password.

Once I Register, How Do I Access the Course in Canvas?

You will access the Canvas course site through Ocean Connect. Access Ocean Connect by selecting “Ocean Connect” from the “My Ocean” drop-down menu at the top of the Ocean website.

What Is the Difference Between In-Person, Online, Hybrid, Synchronous, and Asynchronous Courses?

  • In-Person Courses – Courses that are taught by an instructor on our campus or another specified location.
  • Online Courses – Courses that are taught virtually in real-time by an instructor.
  • Hybrid Courses – Courses that Contain in-person sessions and virtual sessions held online.
  • Synchronous Courses – Courses that are taught by a live instructor at specified weekly meeting times.
  • Asynchronous Courses – Courses that contain prerecorded sessions or self-paced material taught by an instructor. Asynchronous courses do not have required weekly meeting times.

Where Is Campus Located? Where Are WPE Courses Located?

Ocean County College’s main campus is located at College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754. WPE courses may be in the Hovnanian Health Science Building (Building #102) or the Continuing Learning Center (Building #4) or in another building on OCC’s campus, at an offsite location, or held online.

Can I Use Financial Aid for WPE Courses?

Traditional financial aid is not available for WPE courses. Students can apply for a Smart Option Loan offered through Sallie Mae.

Where Can I Find Info on Ways to Subsidize the Cost, Such as Grants, Etc.?

Many of our courses qualify for grants, scholarships, or other types of funding. Please contact the WPE office to discuss specific funding options. Click here to visit our scholarships page.

What Is Your Refund Policy?

WPE will provide a refund for a class only if you withdraw at least four (4) Business days, 8:30AM – 5:00PM prior to the start date of the class for which you are registered.

If a course is canceled due to low enrollment, or any other unforeseen circumstance, the student will be issued a full refund.

Can I Set up a Payment Plan?

Payment plans are set up 60 prior to the start of class. Eligible courses for a payment plan must be over $600. 50% is required when registering and the last 50% before the class start date.

To set up your payment plan, please contact us at 732 255-0409.

What Is the Vaccination Policy for Students? Are Masks Required in Class?

COVID-19 vaccinations are not mandated by the college. Masks remain optional at this time. Some WPE courses, (i.e. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy Technician) require personal medical history. In some cases where students are required to complete externship hours at offsite locations, they may be required to wear masks or be vaccinated.

Can I bridge completed WPE courses to receive academic credits toward a degree?

Yes, certain courses within the WPE department can bridge your academic transcript and can be utilized as credit toward a degree. Please refer to our full course list to see which courses are applicable. Transferable credits may not be awarded automatically but may be dependent on passing one or more certification exams. In order to transfer WPE credit, you must fill out the Prior Learning Credential to Credit Application.