Northwest Iowa Community College

The Advanced Welding Technology (AWT) Program is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of the manufacturing world. The program allows students to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in two years.

The program was developed to provide a flexible option for students with interests in the varied areas of manufacturing including welding, computer-aided drafting and machining.

The AWT AAS degree is obtained by completing both the Production Welding (diploma) program and the Engineering Design (diploma) program in either sequence.

If you enjoy using high-tech equipment and want a great job in manufacturing or other industries, NCC’s Production Welding program can help you achieve your goals. The Production Welding diploma program emphasizes all major welding and cutting processes. A Welding certificate is available to students who desire training in only one welding process and is based on availability.

As a Production Welding student you will gain hands-on knowledge of metallurgy, blueprint reading, the properties and identification of metals, welding symbols, and repair procedures. You will also learn to identify and understand welding defects, prevent distortion of metals, and design and fabricate products in a recently remodeled lab. You can perfect your skills through extensive hands-on training on state-of-the-art equipment such as a robotic welder.

If you enjoy using high-tech equipment and want a great job in manufacturing or other industries, NCC’s Production Welding program can help you achieve your goals. The Production Welding diploma program emphasizes all major welding and cutting processes. A Welding certificate is available to students who desire training in only one welding process and is based on availability.

As a Production Welding student you will gain hands-on knowledge of metallurgy, blueprint reading, the properties and identification of metals, welding symbols, and repair procedures. You will also learn to identify and understand welding defects, prevent distortion of metals, and design and fabricate products in a recently remodeled lab. You can perfect your skills through extensive hands-on training on state-of-the-art equipment such as a robotic welder.

This unique program bridges the gap between production and engineering by creating a well-defined graduate who has knowledge of machining and computer aided drafting. The Design Technology program offers extensive “hands-on” and “hands-off” machining applications in both manual and computer-aided manufacturing.

You will learn to prepare detailed working drawings for the manufacturing industry. These drawings will be created in both two-dimensional and parametric modeling software, abiding by industry recognized standards. This two-year program will provide many interactive scenarios between machining and drafting. The program prides itself in operating state-of-the-art equipment and software currently being used by area manufacturers. This program benefits the student by increasing the skills needed in the machining and drafting worlds, allowing for a diversified graduate.

This unique program bridges the gap between production and engineering by creating a well-defined graduate who has knowledge of machining and computer aided drafting. The Design Technology program offers extensive “hands-on” and “hands-off” machining applications in both manual and computer-aided manufacturing.

You will learn to prepare detailed working drawings for the manufacturing industry. These drawings will be created in both two-dimensional and parametric modeling software, abiding by industry recognized standards. This two-year program will provide many interactive scenarios between machining and drafting. The program prides itself in operating state-of-the-art equipment and software currently being used by area manufacturers. This program benefits the student by increasing the skills needed in the machining and drafting worlds, allowing for a diversified graduate.

Electrical Technology is a great program for those who wish to combine wiring skills with industrial electronic fundamentals. Building on the Industrial and Commercial Wiring program, students will develop additional skills in industrial controls and will use the latest technologies for electronic motor drives, and plant automation. Further studies include electrical control of temperature, pressure and liquid flow. Upon completion of the Electrical Technology program, graduates are fully prepared to enter today’s competitive job market.

If you’re interested in being a residential, commercial, or industrial electrician, pursue the Industrial & Commercial Wiring degree. The Industrial and Commercial Wiring program provides a unique combination of class and lab experience combined with a cooperative training program (summer internship). The first year of study builds your foundation of knowledge in electrical theory, wiring applications, and the study and application of the National Electric Code. In your second year, you will gain hands-on training in industrial/ commercial wiring, programmable controls, electronic fundamentals, and motor control circuitry. You will also develop a working knowledge of AC and DC electrical theory, blueprint reading, and three-phase power distribution. The National Electric Code is emphasized in all areas of study.

As a Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance student, you learn both the operation of heavy construction equipment and the preventative maintenance and repair of the equipment. You will be able to develop occupational skills using crawler tractors, motor graders, self-propelled scrapers, rubber-tired loaders, compaction equipment, dump trucks, backhoes, and hydraulic excavators. In addition, the program provides tractor-trailer training, which allows you to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. Loading and safe transportation of heavy equipment to the job site is also covered. Training occurs both on campus and at various off-campus sites.

As an Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology student you will study the vehicle from bumper to bumper and roof to road. This program will prepare you to meet the needs of today’s automotive industry including light duty diesel systems. The program utilizes current industry trends including student laptops with access to service information databases and shop management software widely used in the field. Students also have access to factory and aftermarket diagnostic tools. In this program your time will be spent learning how to diagnose and repair systems in a hands on environment to give you working knowledge of complex automotive and light duty diesel systems. A real world atmosphere will prepare you to enter the workforce with the problem solving skills you will need to be successful. This program will prepare you for employment in automotive dealerships, independent shops, performance shops, fleet facilities, or owning your own business.

As an Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology student you will study the vehicle from bumper to bumper and roof to road. This program will prepare you to meet the needs of today’s automotive industry including light duty diesel systems. The program utilizes current industry trends including student laptops with access to service information databases and shop management software widely used in the field. Students also have access to factory and aftermarket diagnostic tools. In this program your time will be spent learning how to diagnose and repair systems in a hands on environment to give you working knowledge of complex automotive and light duty diesel systems. A real world atmosphere will prepare you to enter the workforce with the problem solving skills you will need to be successful. This program will prepare you for employment in automotive dealerships, independent shops, performance shops, fleet facilities, or owning your own business.

With this computer science program you can choose from one of three sought-after specialty areas: Programming, Networking, or Web Development/Programming. This program is taught through a combination of lecture and hands-on project development in the specialty area of your choice. The computing/networking classes you receive will help to ensure that you have the necessary skills to find employment in the Computer or Internet Technology industries. The core classes you receive will assure that you can seamlessly continue your studies at a four year college if you desire.

NCC’s Information Technology Specialist graduates will be prepared to provide technical assistance to computer users, particularly in a small-business setting. Students will gain experience in a variety of IT skills including hardware, software applications, networking and programming, and principles of customer service. Students interested in this field should enjoy working with people, be able to answer questions and give advice to customers and co-workers. People working as Information Technology Specialists should be adept at learning about new technology and be willing to work on both hardware and software systems. Students will work towards a diploma during their first year of study and complete their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in the second year of study.

NCC’s Information Technology Specialist graduates will be prepared to provide technical assistance to computer users, particularly in a small-business setting. Students will gain experience in a variety of IT skills including hardware, software applications, networking and programming, and principles of customer service. Students interested in this field should enjoy working with people, be able to answer questions and give advice to customers and co-workers. People working as Information Technology Specialists should be adept at learning about new technology and be willing to work on both hardware and software systems. Students will work towards a diploma during their first year of study and complete their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in the second year of study.

The Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology Program is an instructional program that provides students with competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment

The Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology Program is an instructional program that provides students with competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment

Powerline installers construct and maintain electrical overhead and underground powerlines in this challenging out-of-doors career. As a student, you receive training in a 40-acre outdoor laboratory as well as in the classroom. You learn to climb, set, and remove various sized poles; frame structures; install conductors and street lights; install underground cable; trim trees; and operate trucks along with various equipment. In conjunction with the hands-on experience, you learn about electrical concepts and theory, construction techniques, transmission and distribution systems, safety, materials, and hardware. In addition, you learn communication skills and earn a First Aid Certificate. You also have the opportunity to earn a Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

Before entering this exciting program, you should consider whether you meet the general occupational and program work requirements: lift at least 80 pounds, have manipulative skills to work in awkward positions to accomplish tasks, work in both extremely hot and cold weather, work in a team environment, and meet manufacturer’s weight limit restrictions for various pieces of equipment (350 pound maximum weight), physically operate standard industry equipment, and ascend and descend from various heights.

The Powerline Technology program provides you with an opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree often necessary for future advancement in the powerline industry. These positions could include line foreman, line superintendent, operations manager, office manager, sales associate, technician, or member service advisor.

The coursework provides you with additional skills beyond the one-year lineworker training. You will choose a combination of business/management or technical courses. These courses may be taken either prior to or after completion of the Powerline diploma. You must complete the requirements of the NCC Powerline Diploma program.

As an Engineering Design student, you will learn to prepare detailed working drawings for the manufacturing industry. The program provides extensive training on up to date software in Computer Aided Drafting and Parametric modeling software. You will also learn to take these drawings and make “life sensitive” parts that are critical in everything from tractors to medical equipment to jet engines. You will learn the latest techniques on state of the art equipment. You will learn hands off machining by use of computer numerical controlled (CNC) as well as hands on skills by use of bench tools, measurement devices, drills, lathes, milling machines and more. After completing this program, you will be able to translate design ideas, specifications, and calculations into a working drawing, a mock-up, or into a hands-on project for industry use.

As an Engineering Design student, you will learn to prepare detailed working drawings for the manufacturing industry. The program provides extensive training on up to date software in Computer Aided Drafting and Parametric modeling software. You will also learn to take these drawings and make “life sensitive” parts that are critical in everything from tractors to medical equipment to jet engines. You will learn the latest techniques on state of the art equipment. You will learn hands off machining by use of computer numerical controlled (CNC) as well as hands on skills by use of bench tools, measurement devices, drills, lathes, milling machines and more. After completing this program, you will be able to translate design ideas, specifications, and calculations into a working drawing, a mock-up, or into a hands-on project for industry use.

Instrumentation and Control technicians solve electrical, electronic, and computer problems using their minds and hands. These technicians install, upgrade, maintain, and repair automated equipment in industries that produce everything from appliances, medical equipment, ethanol and electric power. As an Instrumentation and Control student you learn calibration and control of industrial process equipment. You learn about process variables such as motor speed, temperature control, humidity control, pressure, level, and flow rate.

To enter this high-tech program you should have an interest in problem solving. The program has high school options and part-time schedules available. The program includes a 42-day Internship in the fall semester of the second year.

Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems books and software. The classification system often determines the amount for which healthcare providers will be reimbursed. Coders may use several coding systems in a variety of healthcare settings.

As a student in the online medical coding program, you will learn the necessary skills to apply codes, submit bills, and communicate with other healthcare professionals.

Pharmacy technicians work under the care of a licensed pharmacist and perform many pharmacy related functions. Job duties include providing medication and other health care products to patients as well as working with third party and doctors’ offices in resolving adjudication of patients’ insurance or state programs. Pharmacy technicians often do the routine tasks associated with preparing prescribed medication and doctor calls, expense and medication orders, returns and expired credits, and non-licensed pharmacy management.

Pharmacy technicians work under the care of a licensed pharmacist and perform many pharmacy related functions. Job duties include providing medication and other health care products to patients as well as working with third party and doctors’ offices in resolving adjudication of patients’ insurance or state programs. Pharmacy technicians often do the routine tasks associated with preparing prescribed medication and doctor calls, expense and medication orders, returns and expired credits, and non-licensed pharmacy management.

NCC’s Practical Nursing—Extended program was developed to provide a more flexible option for students with other family and work responsibilities.The Practical Nursing—Extended program prepares you to provide comprehensive care for clients’ physical and psychosocial needs. Nursing courses provide basic knowledge and skills in the medical surgical, geriatric, maternity, pediatric, and mental health nursing areas. Courses also focus on care giving, communication, teaching and safe patient care. Local health facilities provide the opportunity to participate in supervised clinical experience. The NCC Nursing Simulation lab provides additional clinical learning experiences.

The Practical Nursing program prepares you to provide comprehensive care for clients’ physical and psychosocial needs. Nursing courses provide basic knowledge and skills in the medical-surgical, geriatric, maternity, pediatric, and mental health nursing areas. Courses also focus on care giving, communication, teaching, professional, and managerial roles. Local health facilities provide the opportunity to participate in supervised clinical/preceptor experience.

Radiologic Technology is a great career choice for someone interested in the healthcare field. This two-year comprehensive program consists of radiologic courses, clinical experience, and general studies. The classroom courses are taught at the NCC campus, and clinical experience is obtained at various approved clinical sites.

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, produce x-ray films of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. With the ever-changing technology in the health care arena, radiologic technologist are becoming more involved with computerized tomography scanners (CT), which produce cross sectional views and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which utilizes giant magnets and radio waves rather than radiation to create a diagnostic image, as well as other specialized fields that can draw a new graduate of the Radiologic Technology program.

NCC’s Web and Graphic Design program will prepare students to work in the virtual world of web design or digital graphics. Combining artistic skills with the latest technological applications, the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree will prepare students to design and manage a web presence including web page and digital image design. Students will work towards a diploma during their first year of study and complete their AAS in the second year of study with an emphasis in either web development or graphic design.

NCC’s Web and Graphic Design program will prepare students to work in the virtual world of web design or digital graphics. Combining artistic skills with the latest technological applications, the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree will prepare students to design and manage a web presence including web page and digital image design. Students will work towards a diploma during their first year of study and complete their AAS in the second year of study with an emphasis in either web development or graphic design.