SOWELA Announces Short-Term Training for Fall 2025
Jul 24, 2025 10:13AM ● By Kelsey Swire
SOWELA Technical Community College's Office of Workforce Solutions will offer four short-term training options this fall. Classes include CDL, Clinical Medical Assistant, EMT and HVAC training. All classes are open to the public, and scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training: The Class A license training program is a comprehensive 245-hour classroom and behind-the-wheel program. Curriculum covers Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations, pre-trip inspection, backing pad and on-the-road skills. Start dates for the seven-week class include August 4, September 15, October 20 and November 24. Students meet Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SOWELA’s Lake Charles campus, and the program costs $5,950.
State-approved examiners administer the final skills test necessary to receive a state license. Completers who obtain their state license are qualified to drive tractor-trailers, dump trucks, tow trucks, delivery trucks, tanker trucks and flatbed trucks.
Clinical Medical Assistant: The four-month training starts on Monday, November 17, and prepares students for employment in care facilities, home health agencies and hospitals where basic bedside nursing care is needed. After the training program, Medical Assistant students take exams for OSHA-10 Bloodborne Pathogens, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG and Basic Life Support (CPR). Class meets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $3,999.
Emergency Medical Training (EMT): Training runs August 12 – December 16 at the SOWELA Lamar Salter site in Leesville, LA. Students meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-10 p.m. The program covers the emergency medical service system, the role and responsibilities of the Emergency Medical Technician, anatomy, physiology, patient assessment, airway management, basic cardiac life support and more. The program investment is $1,960.
HVAC Training: The 18-week program includes residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning training. SOWELA’s day class starts Monday, October 27, and the evening HVAC class begins Tuesday, October 28. Successful completers earn 10 hours of OSHA-authorized training and are prepared to test for the EPA Universal 608 license and the Ready to Work NATE certification. At completion, students clock a total of 695 hours. The cost of the program is $5,575.
To learn more or register, visit www.sowela.edu/workforce. If you have questions, contact SOWELA's Office of Workforce Solutions at (337) 421-6560 or email [email protected].
SOWELA is ranked the #1 community college in Louisiana by WalletHub based on Cost and Financing, Education Outcomes and Career Outcomes. It also ranks in the top 40% of community colleges nationally.
According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, SOWELA’s programs lead to 4- and 5-star jobs. The commission bases its rankings on educational requirements, salary and occupational outlook.