Career Focus Fall 2011

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Northeast Iowa Community College 1625 Highway 150 Calmar, IA 52132

Winter 2010 Volume 4 • Number 2Fall 2011 Volume 5 • Number 2

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Winter 2010 Volume 4 • Number 2Winter 2010 Volume 4 • Number 2Fall 2011 Volume 5 • Number 2Winter 2010 Volume 4 • Number 2

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Northeast Iowa Community College

NICC Named a Top Ten Community College in the Nation Page 2

Learning Beyond the Classroom Page 3

Start at NICC, Transfer with Success! Page 4

Plan Ahead with Academic Advisors Page 6

Agriculture’s Changing Landscape Page 10

Popular Choice: Over 20 Online Programs Page 5

NICC Dental Assisting Program on Pace with High Tech Advances

Page 8

Improve Job Outlook and Security: Get Advanced Certification

Page 12

NON PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAID AcAdEmIc

mARkETING SERVIcE

REV.0709 N:\Marketing_09\Admissions\Welcome Wednesday\posters

Welcome WednesdayCampus Visit Days

Mark your

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to Attend!

2011-2012

November 16 March 7 and 28December 7 April 25February 8 and 29 July 18

Morning Visits Start at 10 a.m.

November 9 April 11Evening Visits Start at 4 p.m.

www.nicc.edu/comevisit

Online reservations: www.nicc.edu/comevisit.

www.nicc.edu

What will you do in 2 years or less?Save on Tuition.

Complete General Education Requirements.Transfer as a Junior.

Apply Now!www.nicc.edu

Calmar Campus Peosta Campus 1625 Hwy. 150 South 10250 Sundown Road 800.728.2256, ext. 376 800.728.7367, ext. 401

New Programs!

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sCareerFocus is published by Northeast Iowa Community College as a public service to encourage Northeast Iowa residents to think seriously about their lives and careers and to inform the community about the college’s programs of study. For more information, visit www.nicc.edu.

Admissions/Financial Aid:

Calmar – 800.728.2256, ext. 376

Peosta – 800.728.7367, ext. 401

Advising:

Calmar – 800.728.2256, ext. 376

Peosta – 800.728.7367, ext. 294

Registration:

Calmar – 800.728.2256, ext. 233

Peosta – 800.728.7367, ext. 294

Continuing Education/Workforce Development:

Calmar – 800.728.2256, ext. 399

Dubuque – 888.642.2338, ext. 380

NICC Board of Trustees

Dr. Ken Reimer, President

Jim Anderson, Vice President

Larry Blatz

Tobin Britt

Gene Fuelling

Kathy Gunderson

Ronda Kirkegaard

David Schueller

Daniel White

Liang Chee Wee, Ph.D., NICC President

CareerFocus is published twice a year by the Marketing and Communications office at Northeast Iowa Community College, 1625 Highway 150, Calmar, IA 52132, in partnership with Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Mich. Comments are welcome and should be sent to Shea Herbst, 10250 Sundown Road, Peosta, Iowa, 52068, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800.728.7367, ext. 296.

All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

© 2011 Northeast Iowa Community College

Features

2 NICC Named a Top Ten Community College in the Nation

3 Learning Beyond the Classroom

6 Because it Pays to Plan: Academic Advising

7 Which Degree is Right for You?

10 Technology and the Changing Landscape of Agriculture

NICC Programs

4 Start at NICC, Transfer with Success!

5 NICC Online Programs Experiencing Dramatic Enrollment Gains

8 NICC Dental Assisting Program on Pace with High Tech Advances

12 Improve Job Outlook and Security: Get Advanced Certification

ProfilesAlUmNI PROFIlE

4 Ashley McClain

STUdENT FOcUS

10 Josh Conrad

In Every Issue

13 NICC Programs A to ZGo OnlineDownload a free app for your smart phone that will allow you to link to more Web information using a QR code like this one:

More Online

www.mobile-barcodes.com/

View the NIcc Career Focus online at

www.nicc.edu/careerfocus!

Peosta - 800.728.7367 I Northeast Iowa Community College I www.nicc.edu CareerFocus I Fall 2011 I 1

Aspen Institute Names NICC to Top Ten of U.S. Community Colleges

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) was named on Sept. 13 as one of the nation’s top ten community colleges by the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence

Program. In addition to NICC, nine colleges in Mississippi, Florida, Michigan, Texas, Kentucky, South Dakota, California and Washington were awarded this distinction. This finalist award qualifies NICC to compete for a $1 million prize fund that will be awarded in December in Washington, D.C., to the first-ever national winner and up to three runners-up.

The competition began earlier this year when the Aspen Institute studied federal data submitted by all of the nation’s nearly 1200 community colleges. From this data, Aspen selected the top ten percent, or 120 colleges, to compete for the grand prize. NICC was named to this select group earlier this spring and was invited to complete an application and submit additional data. From this application, a nine-member Finalist Selection Committee, comprised of former community college presidents, respected researchers and policy experts, identified NICC for its exceptional and improving graduate completion rates, labor-market results and student learning outcomes.

As part of the competition, the Aspen Institute conducted an on-site visit at the college’s Calmar campus on Sept. 1- 2 to gather additional data and research that will inform its selection of the grand prize winning college.

Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, and a member of the four-person team to personally visit the college, stated, “Northeast Iowa Community College listens to what the labor market is saying, and adjusts accordingly. NICC works really hard to offer job-relevant degrees, and does it better than almost anyone else. Especially in a rapidly changing economy, other

community colleges could learn a lot from this college’s approach.”

Not only is NICC’s graduation rate nearly 24 percent higher than the national average for community colleges, but it makes sure that the degrees students earn have value after they graduate, according to the Aspen Institute. The college effectively uses workforce data to

determine where the labor market is headed, and adapts its programs so that NICC students are more likely to find employment. NICC also continually reviews all academic programs for their graduates’ job placement rates to ensure that programs are viable, and after students graduate, the college stays in touch to learn more about how it has prepared students for their

careers and what the college might do better.

“This is extremely gratifying to be listed among the nation’s elite community colleges,” stated NICC’s interim President, Dr. Liang Chee Wee. “We have worked really hard not only to ensure we have quality programming that meets workforce needs, but also that our students have the tools they need to be successful and graduate. It is tremendously rewarding to be recognized in the top one percent of all community colleges nationwide for this effort.”

The Aspen honor generated more interest in NICC from the White House in mid-September, when interim President Wee received an invite to participate in the “Champions of Change” roundtable event on Sept. 21. The White House recognized the college and Wee for the individual attention NICC pays to every student and for their comprehensive system for student advising, developmental education and disability services.

At the roundtable, Wee expressed that one of a community college’s most important objectives is to leverage its strengths and assets to support educating students of diverse backgrounds and abilities, enabling them to earn a living, to add value to their community and to lead fulfilling lives enriched through life-long learning.

Northeast Iowa Community College serves over 5200 credit students and 38,000 non-credit students annually at the college’s two major campuses in Calmar and Peosta, online and at centers in Cresco, Dubuque, Manchester, Oelwein and Waukon. NICC offers over 75 academic degree, diploma and certificate programs, and 20 programs can be taken completely online as well as many non-credit continuing education, professional development training and certification programs. For more information, visit www.nicc.edu/collegeprograms. CF

The Top Ten!• lake Area Technical Institute (S.d.)• miami dade community college (Fla.) • mississippi Gulf coast community college • Northeast Iowa community college• mott community college (mich.)• Santa Barbara city college (calif.) • Southwest Texas Junior college• Valencia community college (Fla.)• Walla Walla community college (Wash.) • West kentucky community and Technical college

“This is extremely gratifying to be listed among the nation’s elite community colleges. We have worked really hard not only to ensure we have quality programming that meets workforce needs, but also that our students have the tools they need to be successful and graduate.”

Dr. Liang Chee WeePresident

2 I Fall 2011 I CareerFocus Northeast Iowa Community College I www.nicc.edu I Calmar - 800.728.2256

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A college experience is about so much more than what you can learn in textbooks. At NICC, students in the college’s leadership organization, iMPACT, along with the

Student Life offices, plan a variety of on- and off-campus events that teach important lessons about diversity, leadership and service to the community as well as provide opportunities for students to interact with others from all walks of life.

For the past three years, NICC students and iMPACT members at Calmar and Peosta have devoted their spring breaks to learn about urban diversity, communities in need and economic hardship. iMPACT students visited neighborhoods in Chicago in 2009, Denver in 2010 and San Francisco in 2011 to solve problems, address local poverty and make a better day for citizens whose daily lives are an ongoing struggle. The Center for Student Missions helps to plan the itinerary for NICC students, and college staff members said that these off-campus trips go beyond what an instructor can accomplish with a textbook.

“These trips are such great experiences for students,” said Kara Popp, NICC director of the Student Life, Diversity and Leadership office. “They get to see these cities, volunteer in many different areas and interact with people of different ethnicities,” she said. “Our students step out of their comfort zone and learn that it is good to try new things.” Popp said that The Center for Student Missions teaches students to recognize the misfortune of others, to take action and to return home with an appreciation of how fortunate they really are.

During the 2011 trip to San Francisco, 24 NICC students and four advisors participated in a variety of service learning activities that included volunteering for daycare centers, serving at food banks and delivering meals to patients who have HIV/AIDS. The Chicago and Denver trips in 2009-2010 offered NICC students similar

urban experiences, opportunities to volunteer and to see blight and homelessness first hand.

“Trips like these give students a feel of what life could be like if you were put in an unfortunate situation beyond your control. Some of these people have fallen on significantly hard times or have mental illnesses that prevent them from being able to live a normal life,” said Sean Saegling, a 2011 NICC graduate who participated in the trip and served as president of iMPACT. “Service learning really opens your eyes to what things are like in the rest of the world. People, somewhere, are always asking for help. It’s the question of how many people are ready and willing to answer that call that matters,” stated Saegling.

Another purpose for these service learning experiences is to

appreciate diverse cultures and ethnicities and to gain a tolerance and understanding for those who are different than they are. This includes enjoying ethnic foods and events in the cities visited to develop an understanding of and respect for the cultural values of other people. NICC students sampled Thai, Japanese, Indian and a variety of ethnic cuisine and cultures as part of their trips away from Iowa.

Of course, NICC also offers plenty of things to do much closer to home and on campus. NICC students have many opportunities to grow academically, personally and socially throughout the year. Students and staff members formed their own chorus this past year, The Cougar Choristers, to perform at college-sponsored and local events in the community. Several times a year

students put their theatrical talents on display in performances of scenes from Shakespeare plays. The opportunity to perform with peers, faculty and staff creates some of the most memorable college experiences.

New facility spaces like the Student Center at the Calmar campus make it much easier to connect with friends in between classes and gather informally. The Student Center offers a comfortable space to listen to live music over lunch, go to spring dances in the evening, de-stress with free massages during final exam week or listen to speakers share their stories about culture or life lessons.

So get involved at NICC and in iMPACT... that’s what makes college fun! CF

A Great NICC Experience: Student Life and Service Learning

At NICC, students in the college’s leadership organization, iMPACT, along with the Student Life offices, plan a variety of on- and off-campus events that teach important lessons about diversity, leadership and service to the community as well as provide opportunities for students to interact with others from all walks of life.


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Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) August 2010 graduate Ashley McClain, who transferred to the University of

Dubuque (UD) last fall, is demonstrating how an NICC degree can open doors and prepare students for future studies and their professional careers. McClain, of Dubuque, completed her Associate in Arts-Business Administration degree at NICC and is working toward her Bachelor of Arts degree in business. McClain currently works as an intern at IBM in Dubuque.

“I’m inspired every day of my internship at IBM. I enjoy working in corporate America and the

people I work with there are great,” said McClain. “I have the opportunity, on a daily basis, to use my business knowledge and skills gained from NICC and UD.”

Ashley started her college career at NICC for a variety of reasons. “I was initially drawn to NICC because, for a much more reasonable price, I could explore what my interests were until I knew for certain which career path I wanted to take. After I set my goals and began to involve myself in school organizations, I realized how much of a lifetime experience I was earning,” said McClain. “The opportunities provided to me at NICC opened the doors to finding my life’s passions. I also enjoyed

the wonderful experience of caring professionals, willing to help any way possible, in every room or hallway I entered,” she said.

While at the NICC Peosta campus, McClain developed her leadership skills through involvement in student organizations, in the Iowa National Guard and in Des Moines, as an advocate for increased funding to the state’s community colleges. She also served in leadership roles for the NICC student leadership organization, iMPACT, and in campus organizations such as TRiO-Student Support Services. McClain said that her involvement prepared her for the four-year college experience at UD.

“I plan to graduate from UD in December, enter the business field locally and continue raising my family in Dubuque,” the NICC graduate said. “UD’s internship program and the educational foundation NICC provided will serve me well as I begin my professional career.” CF

Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) quality faculty and versatile transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities make perfect sense

for students who want a more affordable first two years of college. NICC graduates and the credits they’ve earned transfer for two major reasons: students work closely with academic advisors to select the right classes to reach their academic goals, and the college’s agreements with other schools save time and money for the four-year degree seeker.

Transfer agreements with four-year institutions provide great benefits to students who know what their next step is. These transfer agreements are established with all three of Iowa’s Regent schools – the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. Just this past August, NICC and the University of Iowa took the collaboration a step further and will now offer four-year degrees, completely online, for NICC Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) graduates.

The new degrees through the university include a Bachelor of

Applied Science (BAS), the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS), the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program. Recent NICC grads won’t have to travel outside of northeast Iowa to earn a bachelor’s degree, and the online options are more flexible and cost-effective.

It all starts at NICC. The quality of a two-year education and its price tag translates into thousands of dollars in savings compared to a full four years elsewhere. There’s financial aid available for your NICC education as well. The majority of NICC students receive some form of aid to finance their education, whether the aid

comes in the form of Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, scholarships or other assistance. Students also find that NICC faculty and staff members understand the challenges students may encounter during the course of their studies. Academic advisors work closely with every student from acceptance up to graduation to be sure students are ready for their next step.

Students in the AA, AS or AAS transfer programs succeed at NICC because instructors help students meet their educational and career goals. NICC instructors prepare students for the academic world of the four-year college and university by staying current on the latest advances in technology and

instructional methods. By staying attuned to what skills careers and employers demand, and the college’s embrace of the latest in technology, students know what to expect in their next educational endeavor.

Jacob Krapfl, a 2008 NICC Associate in Arts graduate, transferred to Loras College, earned a B.A. degree and graduated this year. Krapfl said that his first two years of college made a huge impact on his writing abilities, and has written and published a book since his graduation from NICC. “Without NICC, I would have not met (composition instructor) Jim Brimeyer who inspired me and pushed me to continue writing. He helped me see that I had a talent I didn’t know I had. I received an excellent education at NICC,” said Krapfl, a native of New Vienna.

Enroll in a two-year program at NICC and keep going! Faculty members put teaching and their students’ success first and foremost, and the college has established agreements with colleges and universities to ensure your credits transfer. For more information, contact the Calmar campus admissions office at 563.562.3263, the Peosta campus admissions office at 563.556.5110 or go to www.nicc.edu/transfer.

Start at NICC, Transfer with Success!

NICC Graduate Demonstrates Transfer Success


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For those with full-time employment, family commitments and other responsibilities, college may seem like a pipe dream. But with NICC’s flexible online degree programs, it doesn’t have

to be. With over 20 online degree programs to choose from, Northeast Iowa Community College has a program to fit your busy schedule.

Many NICC students enroll in online programs to earn their degree and college officials say, this trend is here to stay. “With an online class, you can contribute to class discussions and get your work done anytime, day or night,” said Dr. Christopher Ostwinkle, NICC Director of Distance Learning. Ostwinkle pointed out that NICC students who take online courses or traditional face-to-face courses on campus are taking the exact same course for credit. The homework, class expectations and responsibilities are identical.

“The perception among some was that an online degree wasn’t equivalent to a degree earned in the traditional face-to-face format,” said Ostwinkle. “This perception has changed. Many employers, four-year colleges and universities are much more accepting of degrees earned completely online. Non-profit schools like Penn State, the University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa now offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees online, which adds a little more validity to the online degree,” he said. Current enrollment figures for online coursework back up the growing popularity of this opportunity at NICC.

Students from 40 states, plus armed forces personnel who are based internationally, are currently

enrolled in at least one online class through NICC. The college’s online enrollment has grown more than tenfold since the very first online classes rolled out 11 years ago – from 179 students in 2000, to 2,094 students as of fall semester 2011. Students this fall semester are taking nearly 8,000 credit hours all completely online.

The online class delivery format can be either asynchronous, with discussions and homework delivered periodically during the week or each day, or synchronous, when online students participate in online virtual classrooms in real time, posing questions to their instructors

and peers and getting questions answered right away.

This semester NICC is rolling out a pilot test of a real time, synchronous class for students seeking a Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) degree. The Health Consortium, as it is named, gathers high school and college students in several northeast Iowa locations to earn certification to work in the nursing profession. Students don’t need to wait at all to get an answer to a question via email, message board or journal tools – everything happens in real time with headphones, microphones, a webcam and a live instructor with whom students can see and virtually interact.

When community members in northeast Iowa and states throughout the country want to earn a degree online, they enroll at NICC. The college offers over 20 programs that can be earned completely online. For more information, visit www.nicc.edu/online. CF

NICC Online Programs Experiencing Dramatic Enrollment Gains

NICC students who take online courses or traditional face-to-face courses on campus are taking the exact same course for credit.

toemail,toolstimeawhominteract.

With over 20 online degree programs to choose from, Northeast Iowa Community College has a program to fit your busy schedule.


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From acceptance to graduation and beyond, many college resources are available at NICC to offer guidance and direction while you work toward a certificate, diploma or two-year

degree. NICC helps students be successful from start to finish, whether it is through advising, career planning or counseling.

The advising process gets started from the very beginning of the journey – when students are accepted for admission at NICC. Once accepted, the Academic Advising Office discusses the student’s program of choice, the academic requirements that need to be met, and every student’s educational and career goals. Because it helps to keep the future in mind, advisors work closely with Career Services throughout the process to ensure that the courses students are taking match their career plans.

"The advising approach we implement at NICC is holistic. We attempt to address the various facets of the student's life to make a smooth transition. We make an initial phone call to introduce ourselves and attempt to answer any immediate concerns. We want to build an informative relationship with the student as soon as we can after they apply," said Marilyn Campbell, an NICC advisor at the Calmar campus.

NICC academic advisors and the student services team see and advise NICC students throughout the year and career planning is an important piece of the puzzle. Advisors help students review their program’s education plan, discuss changes in major, talk about recent test scores and their impact on course requirements and chart long term plans.

“Students are often indecisive regarding their major or program,”

said Michelle Langenberg, an advisor on the Peosta campus. “We often suggest they speak to our Career Services staff to take an online self-assessment test that helps students map out a career path that makes sense for them,” she said.

NICC academic advisors create a friendly, approachable atmosphere for students and enjoy helping the process along. “Working as an advisor has many benefits. I am able to meet such a diverse group of new students every year, and one of the best perks is seeing your advisee

walk across the stage accepting their diploma on graduation night,” Langenberg said.

Students at NICC are required to contact their assigned advisor each semester to make sure they’re on track with their course sequence and program. This frequent contact ensures that students have the information and tools to be successful.

“Overall, the students at NICC are quite vocal about how much they appreciate the support and assistance one-on-one advising

offers. Many transfer students have commented on how much the advising process eases the transition to NICC, as well as how much it continues to give them needed support,” added Campbell.

Get to know your academic advisor right from the start. It pays to plan your academic journey at NICC, and academic advisors are here to guide you. CF

Because it Pays to Plan:

Academic Advising

The advising process gets started from the very beginning of the journey – when students are accepted for admission at NICC.


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By James Militzer

Which Degree is Right for You?These questions will help you decide

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1 Did you have less than a

3.0 GPA in high school?

If so, says Lynn O’Shaughnessy, you might have trouble tackling a bachelor’s program. “To evaluate whether you’re ready to handle a four-year school, the main criteria you should use is your GPA. And there’s just something about that 3.0 mark that’s important–studies suggest that people who get a 3.0 or higher in high school do better in college.”

2 Are you willing to practice a specific trade for your entire career?

If you are, an associate’s or trade school degree should be sufficient. “If there’s something very specific you want to do, the vocational route works,” says Jason Rich. “But your career path is going to be very focused. If you go to school to become an electrician or a plumber, that’s what you’re going to do for the rest of your professional life. Whereas if you go to a four-year school and pursue business, for example, you could learn as you go and mold that into a lot of different things.”

3 Do your life circumstances

require you to launch your career quickly?

If you’re in a hurry to start working, a community college or trade school might be preferable to a longer program. “Because they’re so career-focused, community colleges are a good way to learn a highly saleable skill in a fairly short amount of time,” says Laurence Shatkin. “And they usually have a good rapport with the local industrial base, who encourage them to offer programs that will provide the workforce that employers are going to need. So they’re not likely to offer programs that lead to unemployability.”

4 Do you want a professional career, but are unsure about which profession?

Attend a community college at much less expense, explore classes in different areas and get an AA-general degree that will transfer anywhere. “Spend the first two years learning as much as you can about what’s out there,” Rich says. “Take electives that go out in totally different directions, pursue internships in different industries, just to figure out what your interests are. Then after two years at a community college, you can transfer with all your general education credits complete. This will allow you to focus on the classes you need for your major.

5 Do you want to acquire diverse skills that will prepare you for a variety of job opportunities?

According to Shatkin, a bachelor’s can provide the general knowledge and thinking skills that will help you continually evolve in your career. “Lifelong learning is becoming more and more important, because technology and market conditions are going to change. For example, if your company starts dealing with a foreign market they haven’t dealt with before, language skills will suddenly become really important. And if a new technology or computer application comes along, you need the critical thinking and self-discipline to learn it.

6 Does your dream career require highly specialized knowledge and strong research or teaching skills?

If so, says Shatkin, a graduate degree could be for you. “Basically, unless it’s a professionally oriented school where you learn the tools and techniques of a particular occupation, most graduate degrees teach you how to do research. If you’re going into college teaching, those research skills are useful, and the demand for college teaching will be huge. But there are a limited number of occupations for which those are useful skills.”

7 Are you willing to spend significant time and money in the short term to improve your career prospects in the long term?

Graduate-level classes are considerably more expensive than undergraduate classes–and they require a lot more work. But in Rich’s view, “That relatively short commitment will pay off big later on, when you get the degree and it translates into a much higher-paying job. You’ve really got to think long-term, and focus on what your career goals are, both immediately and in the next five or ten years. Ultimately I really recommend you get as much education as you can, as long as it’s relevant to the work you want to pursue.”

Scoring:

Questions 1-3: If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, an associate’s or trade school degree might be your best bet.

Questions 4-5: If you answered yes to both of these questions, you probably should start with a bachelor’s degree.

Questions 6-7: If you answered yes to both of these questions, a graduate degree could help you achieve your goals. CF


The dentistry field has for decades looked for a variety of methods to make patients’ trips to their dentist pleasant, comfortable, painless and efficient – not the popular

falsehood portrayed in something out of “Little Shop of Horrors.” New digital technology at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), relaxed reception areas at the college’s on-site clinic and an emphasis on chair side time with patients is preparing students in the Dental Assisting program for the here and now of contemporary dental practice.

Some NICC graduates, such as Natane Boll, a 2007 Dental Assisting and 2009 Associate in Arts graduate, never harbored the commonplace phobia for dental visits that so many people say they have. For a variety of reasons, Boll developed the opposite reaction – she grew to have a passion for dentistry. “I’ve always enjoyed going to the dentist,” said Boll, who is preparing to enter the University of Iowa School of Dentistry next year.

The NICC program fueled her career dream, said the former Dubuquer, who now resides in Cedar Rapids to be closer to her studies. “NICC was the platform that allowed me to find my passion. When I returned to college, I had little direction. My goal was to complete training that would allow me to secure a job, work fewer weekends and holidays, and give me more time to spend with my family,” said Boll. “Now I believe I will complete dental school, and I won’t look back one day and say, ‘I wish I would have tried,’” she said.

The alumna said that NICC Dental Assisting instructors provided extra guidance in her return to college later in life. “The small layout of NICC made navigation much easier, and all of my instructors were accessible and helpful. Tina Adams and Gloria Kluesner (Dental Assisting instructors) were very supportive and first instilled the idea of continuing my education,”

she said. After completing her Dental Assisting program, Boll earned her Associate in Arts degree, transferred to the University of Iowa in 2010 and is completing a four-year degree in Biology prior to entry into the School of Dentistry.

Facility upgrades at the Peosta campus will produce continued NICC student success stories. The new Health Science Wing renovations offer students much more in terms of space, technology and lab areas as they work toward their Dental Assisting degrees. “We have expanded facilities to accommodate health sciences faculty

and staff members in comfortable spaces that foster interaction with students and designed classroom space wired with advanced technology to simulate real-world work environments,” said Dr. Amy Esterhuizen, NICC Peosta campus provost. “For example, now the Dental Assisting program has a reception and service area that is

similar to what patients encounter in real health facilities,” she said.

In the tri-state area, the NICC Dental Assisting program at Peosta is arguably the most convenient and comprehensive option for students: the nearest degree programs are located in Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. Also, a great benefit to the NICC program is that the new

NICC Dental Assisting Program on Pace with High Tech Advances

The new Health Science Wing renovations offer students much more in terms of space, technology and lab areas as they work toward their Dental Assisting degrees.

Kathy Nacos-Burds, Ph.D., Dean of Nursing and Allied Health; Dental Assisting instructors Gloria Kluesner and Tina Adams.


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on-campus dental clinic – which caters to qualifying, low-income patients in need of care – is staffed by professional dentists and Dental Assisting students who receive real work experience as part of their coursework.

“The new Health Science Wing is preparing the workforce for the next decade,” said Gloria Kluesner, NICC Dental Assisting instructor. “Our lab and clinic is fully digital now, too. Digital x-rays and paperless practices are what graduates will encounter in the workplace. We also have an overhead camera in the new lab that records dental assisting procedures to aid in students’ learning,” said Kluesner.

The use of digital imaging technology in dentistry is a fairly recent phenomenon. Only in the past decade have dental professionals incorporated digital x-rays in patient diagnostics and professionals envision a future where film images will disappear. Today, dental hygienists and assistants produce digital x-rays with sensors, software and computers to make a routine twice-annual visit more comfortable for patients and more efficient for dental professionals. Unlike the

traditional film x-rays that produce an image the size of a postage stamp, new digital images can be displayed on a 19-inch computer screen to assist in short- and long-term diagnosis.

The technology of dentistry is changing all the time, and NICC programs and facilities are moving right along with new advancements. The NICC Dental Assisting program includes chair side procedures associated with general and specialty dentistry, academic components on radiology, laboratory and business office assistance. Clinical experience is an integral part of the educational program with rotations through various dental facilities.

NICC maintains transfer agreements with the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa, as well as with many other colleges and universities throughout the state. For more information, contact the Calmar campus admissions office at 563.562.3263, the Peosta campus admissions office at 563.556.5110, or visit www.nicc.edu/dentalassisting. CF

The technology of dentistry is changing all the time, and NICC programs and facilities are moving right along with new advancements.


Technology and the Changing Landscape of Agriculture

When many think of farming in the upper Midwest they don’t realize how technologically and scientifically based the

industry has become. The introduction of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology, precision farming and the application of marketing, ag business and science to the study of agriculture, have transformed the traditional agricultural economy.

Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) 26 agricultural degree, diploma, certificate and online programs (see box on next page) are at the forefront of science and technology. In fact, the strength and comprehensiveness of NICC’s agricultural programs and services consistently garner national awards and recognition.

The variety of the programs and the depth of the college’s talented faculty show a farming industry that

has gone beyond the traditional, long hot days in the summer sun. From Ag Business programs in marketing management and dairy operations, to an on-site dairy herd near the Calmar campus, NICC students are learning the latest in farm operations, crop and livestock production and veterinary medicine.

“Having a herd at the Dairy Center that is accessible to the students without having to travel, a full time faculty member who is a veterinarian and the opportunity to travel to Iowa State University to gain valuable clinical experience at the university’s vet college make this a unique learning opportunity,” said Curt Oldfield, NICC vice president of academic affairs. “Students enrolled in many NICC Calmar campus agricultural programs benefit throughout their studies at the Dairy Center, which is a unique component of the college’s ag education curriculum.”

NICC and Iowa State University partnered with the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation to create the

Dairy Center in 2000, with a state-of-the-art milking parlor and a 200-cow dairy farm. Students in NICC’s Dairy Science programs train and develop their expertise in the milking parlor twice daily, using state-of-the-art technology in an authentic lab environment. Other NICC students in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program learn prevention and treatment of farm animal health through the application of vaccinations and antibiotics. The original teamwork that built the Dairy Center with Iowa State also helps to transition many of these NICC students into four-year agriculture programs at the University.

President Barack Obama’s Aug. 16 visit to NICC to host the Rural Economic Forum speaks volumes about the strong agricultural programs and services at the NICC campuses in Calmar, Peosta and online. The president’s visit highlighted a new federal initiative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop biofuel refineries and capitalize on the

strength of our area’s farming base. New NICC agriculture programs are poised to deliver the education and training needed to make this new initiative a reality.

This fall, NICC opened two new Associate in Applied Science degree programs, Chemical Technician and Large Animal Veterinary Technician. The Chemical Technician program

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Josh Conrad of Yarmouth grew up helping his father repair agricultural equipment. So when a high school friend mentioned

the John Deere Ag Technician program at Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) Calmar campus, Conrad enrolled and saw his career plans in the ag field start to take shape.

Conrad currently works at Elder Implement in Mediapolis, and he is applying his repair and service skills every day. “I do pretty much everything at the dealership. I repair tractors, combines, service lawn mowers and set up new equipment,” he said. “In the area I live there’s a lot of agriculture

and that’s where my interest is. The college’s program is ag-related and I’m doing what I like to do, anything mechanical.”

As a John Deere Ag Technician student, Conrad currently works at the dealership job site, receiving pay and college credit for his time. The second-year NICC student, who has worked for Elder Implement since his senior year at Mediapolis High School, has been promised a full-time job there after he completes his degree at NICC.

The John Deere Ag Technician program at NICC is a partnership with John Deere dealerships to prepare talented students for

employment through on-the-job training and college coursework on Deere products and services. Classroom instruction covers the latest developments in all of John Deere’s agricultural and consumer products.

Conrad said that his NICC John Deere Ag Technician instructor, Duane Bouska, definitely helped him get a grasp of John Deere products and mechanical repair. “He’s a really good instructor and very approachable. Duane goes into great detail about repairing

tractors and combines and takes it a step further from what we’ve read. He anticipates questions and things I didn’t think to ask,” said Conrad.

NICC Ag Student Ensures That

“Nothing Runs Like a Deere”


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teaches students the science of the emerging biofuels industry in agriculture. Graduates would qualify for local chemical testing, analysis and data collection jobs in the biofuel sector, such as corn-produced ethanol.

“This program will expand our capabilities to teach advanced science coursework, while offering a career path in an emerging career field. Science is influencing agriculture more and more, and we felt it was a perfect match to our already strong and respected agriculture and dairy programs,” said Oldfield.

Both Chemical Technician and Large Animal Veterinary Technician students will conduct their lab requirements in a recently completed addition on the Dairy Center. Large Animal Veterinary Technician graduates could pursue careers as local veterinarians, work on livestock farms managing herd health, work in an animal shelter with small animals, become a technician in a research laboratory or work in animal pharmaceutical sales.

NICC students in agriculture programs have won a bevy of awards in the past decade, including top honors in regional, national and even international competitions.

Since 2001, Dairy Science students have twice earned first place victories at the annual World Dairy Expo, with wins in the national Traditional Dairy Evaluation Contest and the Practical Contest. Those first place honors and a top three finish qualified students to attend the International Dairy Expo in Edinborough, Scotland.

Additionally, NICC students competing at the Postsecondary Agricultural Students (PAS) Conference have won four national championships. This year, all 17 NICC students in PAS competition qualified for nationals, the only college in the state to accomplish this unlikely feat.

“I think our students succeed in these competitions because, compared to other two-year schools, we’re not a traditional vocational and technical college,” said Dave Lawstuen, NICC Dairy Science instructor. “Our instructors are highly specialized in dairy, agronomy, veterinary medicine and agricultural business.” This depth and breadth in subject areas works to the advantage of NICC agriculture students, he said.

Chris Harvey, D.V.M, has 21 years of practicing veterinarian experience, and specializes in animal anatomy and physiology, animal health and

animal reproduction; Lawstuen has career and teaching experience in genetics, animal science and dairy; and Tad Mueller has a combined 20 years working and teaching in agronomy, grain and forage farming production, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) farming. Instructor Nate Gabel specializes in the marketing, sales and ag business side of farming; and for those who want to learn how to fix John Deere agriculture equipment, they learn from three well-qualified instructors with 28 years of combined experience: Duane Bouska, Neil Grube and Rodney Necker.

Knowledgeable NICC instructors and state-of-the-art facilities give students the solid academic preparation they need to be successful, taking a hands-on approach to learning. “We work hard translating the information from a tech manual into something where students need to apply what they’re learning. Our program takes a very

consistent approach,” said Duane Bouska, John Deere Ag Technician instructor.

For more information, contact the admissions office at the Calmar campus or visit www.nicc.edu/collegeprograms. CF

Agriculture Programs at NICCC= Calmar Campus P= Peosta Campus O= Online

Ag Business - Ag Office Technician - C

Ag Business - Agronomy Custom Application - C

Ag Business - Animal Science - C, O

Ag Business - Dairy - C, O

Ag Business - Manager and Marketing - C, O

Ag Business - Precision Agriculture - C

Ag Production - Applied Agriculture Studies - C

Agriculture - C, P

Agriculture Business - C, O

Agriculture Production - C

Animal Science - C

Companion Animal Science - C

Dairy Science - C

Dairy Science Technology (DST) - C

(DST) - Dairy Breeding Specialist - C

(DST) - Dairy Feeding Specialist - C

(DST) - Dairy Health Specialist - C

Enology - C, P, O

Enology Specialist - C, P, O

Enology Specialist (Diploma) - C, P, O

John Deere Ag Technician - C

Large Animal Veterinary Technician - C

Pre-Vet Medicine - C

Viticulture - C, P, O

Viticulture Technology - C, P, O

Viticulture Technology (Diploma) - C, P, O


Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) Continuing Education and Economic Development team launched a new initiative this past fall that joins NICC,

area employers and prospective employees in training programs that upgrade workers’ skills and award credentials upon completion. This new business partnership identifies underemployed and unemployed workers who would benefit from additional skills training in one of many advanced skills programs.

The college’s Economic Development team conducted a business survey in fall 2010 to identify what area employers’ needs are, and many companies identified deficiencies in worker skills in advanced manufacturing and industrial technology. According to Wendy Mihm-Herold, NICC vice president of economic development, the survey responses identified that employed workers at many area businesses need to develop their skills to improve their job outlook and their employers’ profitability and efficiency.

“In this business partnership, NICC is working with employers to deliver certificate training programs for area employees who lack basic skills, who need the hard skills for advanced manufacturing and technical areas, and soft skills, such as customer service,” said Mihm-Herold. Currently, NICC non-credit programs cover all of these training topics, she said.

Mihm-Herold said the new certificate training options available accomplish several things for community members and area employers. “These certificate programs, such as Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing, improve area workers’ skills levels to move up in an organization, to gain an entry-level position with a company and build a student’s confidence to continue their education. Hopefully, the training creates in participants

the desire to become lifelong learners,” she said.

The certificate training programs through NICC appeal to area businesses because they have difficulty finding skilled employees and they want to invest in the workers they have. Employees who are willing to learn new things, have a solid attendance record at their place of employment, possess a strong work ethic and do quality work would benefit the most from the advanced coursework and, ultimately, improve their employers’ bottom line.

These certificate programs also offer a unique benefit to workers who complete the program, earn certification and want to continue their education. The Intro to Advanced Manufacturing course, as one example, gives participants the opportunity to enroll in the NICC Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) program at the Peosta campus, a three-semester diploma program for academic credit. Students who earn their training certificates may “ladder in” to the credit program, bypass several introductory classes and begin taking upper-level CNC coursework on campus.

In the short term, many of these certification opportunities through the college’s non-credit division may qualify workers for entry-level positions or a promotion at a employee’s current workplace; in the long term, those who continue their studies after earning a certificate could see great rewards, such as new supervisory and management positions, increased pay and benefits, and job security. CF

Improve Job Outlook and Security:get Advanced Certification

Business/Information Technology• A+ Certification

Cyber Security Certification

• Leadership Certification

• Media Relations Certification

• Project Management Certificate

• Windows Server Certification

Energy Management/Engineering• BPI-Building Performance

Institute-National Certification

• Infrared Camera Certification

• Introduction to Solar Thermal Certification

• RESNET Home Energy Rater-National Certification

• Solar Thermal Installation Certification

• Sustainable Construction Certification

• Worm Composting Certification

Health Occupations• EMT

• Nurse Aide Certification

• Paramedic

Manufacturing/Industrial Technology• Career Welding Certificate

• Computerized Machining Center Certificate (Basic and Intermediate)

• Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing

• Paint Technician

Transportation• Bus Driver Certification

Begin your Path to a Better Paying Career Consider one of these certificate training programs at NICC that can lead to employment within northeast Iowa.


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NICC A to Z index What follows is an alphabetical listing of programs and areas of study offered by Northeast Iowa community college. Visit NIcc at www.nicc.edu/collegeprograms for more information.

*Reflects average program length and is based on full-time status.

NICC Credential Gives you Length of program

Certificate Additional skills to help you move up with a promotion 6 courses / 1 semester*

Diploma The skills you need to move into an entry-level job 11 courses / 2 semesters*

Associate in Applied Science Degree The credential required or preferred by some employers for employment 21 courses / 4 semesters*

Associate in Arts Degree/Associate in Science Degree The coursework you need to transfer to a four-year college 21 courses / 4 semesters*

C=Calmar • P=Peosta • O=Online

Associate in Arts (C, P, O)

The AA general degree transfers the first two years of courses toward a bachelor’s degree at most colleges and universities. The general education courses are useful regardless of whether you complete your education at NICC or continue at another college.

Award: Associate in ArtsState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: transfer degree

Accounting Clerk (O)

Develop skills to work as an accounting clerk, bookkeeper, cost accounting clerk, or payroll clerk. Students can continue their studies in the Accounting Specialist Program.

Award: Diploma State of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $30,000

Accounting Specialist (C)

Builds advanced skills in cost accounting, general accounting and other areas of financial reporting.Award: Associate in Applied ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $41,000

Administrative Assistant (C, P)

Students will take upper-level courses in management, law, computers and accounting as well as coursework in human relations and business communication. Students may transfer up to two years of credits to several colleges.

Award: Associate in Applied ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $373,000

Agriculture (C, P)

This degree provides a course of study which will readily transfer to many agricultural baccalaureate majors.Award: Associate in ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: transfer degree

Agriculture Business (C, O)

Develop the technical, agricultural skills necessary in agribusiness, as well as communications, human relations, management and sales. You can earn a certificate in Agronomy Custom Application, Animal Science, Crop Advisor, Dairy, Office Technician, Manager & Marketing, and Precision Agriculture. Award: Associate in Applied Science, Certificate

State of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $31,000

Agriculture Production (C)

Designed to train people to work in the agriculture production industry. Award: Associate in Applied Science, Diploma (in Applied Agriculture Studies)State of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $31,000

Animal Science (C )

Students enrolling in this program can expect to immediately enter into the workforce after completion of their two year degree or transfer to a four year college to purse a B.S. degree.

Award: Associate in ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $31,000

Associate in Science (C, P, O)

Receive preparation in high quality technical and general education courses that readily transfer to a general Bachelor or Science program at a four-year institution.


Associate Degree Nursing (C, P)

Learn to assess, plan, implement and evaluate all aspects of a client’s health care needs and gain clinical experience in hospitals, home health care, long-term care facilities and community settings. After earning the two-year degree you can complete the licensure exam to be a registered nurse (RN) or enroll in a BSN program.


It certainly can feel like an overwhelming decision, whether you are choosing a first career or considering a change. Think about it, most people spend half their waking hours on the job. The right career is one that satisfies you as well as pays the bills.

NICC offers many options in a wide range of fields such as health care; computer technology;

automotive, industrial and welding technology; science and graphic design. Certificates, associate degrees and transfer options are available in most courses of study. Take a look at NICC’s A-Z listing and see what interests you.

NICC also offers free online assessment tools located at www.nicc.edu/undecided. These tools can be used by anyone, and help you explore your interests and aptitudes. You could also start your decision process by making an appointment with the Career Services office on the Calmar campus at 800.728.2256 or the Peosta campus at 800.728.7367. CF

What Career is Right for You?


Computer Analyst-Business & Web Programming Option ( P)

Computer Programmers design code, test, and debug computer programs; review and update existing programs as changes are needed. Web Designers develop, manage, and maintain web sites and overall Internet presence for an organization.


Computer Analyst-Network Administration & Tech Support Option (P)

Network Administrators design, install, and support and organization’s Network or Internet System. As well as, maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure availability to users. Technical Support Specialists investigate and resolve problems with computers. They listen to issues, find solutions, and write technical reports.


Computer Applications Technician (C)

Develop skills in electronic data entry, access, construction, and manipulation of data that will make you a valued employee of any business. Continue into the Administrative Assistant program or continue your education in other computer related areas.

Award: DiplomaState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $26,400

Computer Technology (C)

Be able to manage computer systems and databases and gain a foundation in math, physics, electricity, electronics, and computer networking.


Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Specialist (P)

In less than one-year, learn to make two and three dimensional computer generated drawings, blueprints, and computer animation and simulation.

Award: CertificateState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $30,160

Construction Technology (P)

Students will increase their skills and improve advancement opportunities through hands on construction experience, communications, business and math.


Cosmetology (C)

Earn an associate’s degree or a diploma in the NICC full service salon. The two-year program provides a strong foundation with theory and salon experience. After successfully completing the licensure exam, students can work in an established salon or become a salon owner.

Award: Associate in Applied Science, DiplomaState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $22,100

Criminal Justice (C, P, O)

Provides a course of study which will readily transfer to most four-year colleges and universities. This is a useful beginning to get a start in law enforcement, criminal and juvenile justice systems, corrections, or security.


Dairy Science (C)

Students enrolling in this program can expect to transfer to a four-year college with junior status after completion of their two-year degree.

Award: Associate in ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: transfer degree

Dairy Science Technology (C)

For students entering a dairy career, or transferring for a four-year degree. Get 120 hours of hands-on experience in a 200-cow, state-of-the art training facility. You can earn certificates in Dairy Breeding Specialist, Dairy Feeding Specialist and Dairy Health Specialist.

Award: Associate in Applied Science, Certificate State of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $22,200

Dental Assisting (P)

Assist the dentist in all phases of dentistry including general and specialty chair-side procedures, materials, radiology, lab procedures, and business office management.



Automotive Mechanics (P)

Basic auto repair and the use of modern diagnostic equipment make up this one-year program. Students will be able to complete the ASE certification exam in several areas.


Automotive Technology (C )

Develop expertise in maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing technologically advanced vehicles in this two-year program. Students will be eligible to complete the ASE certification in exam in several areas.


Building Materials Management (C )

Market and manage material supplies for the construction field.Award: DiplomaState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $31,000

Business Administration (C, P, O)

An excellent beginning if planning to pursue a professional degree in accounting, finance, management, marketing, human resources, business education and computer science.


Business Specialist (C, P, O)

Develop general business skills in areas such as accounting, marketing, management, supervision and business law.


Carpentry (C, P)

Develop skills in basic residential and light commercial carpentry. Receive hands-on experience as part of a team that will build a home. You can earn certificates in Cabinet Making, Finishing, Floor and Framing, and Foundation Skills.

Award: Diploma, CertificateState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $34,200

Chemical Technician (C)

Use state-of-the-art chemical lab instrumentation to learn routine to complex chemical laboratory procedures and processes. An internship in a food processing industry, pharmaceutical lab, or biofuels manufacturing industry offers real world experience developing technical knowledge and skills.


Computerized Numberical Control (CNC) Machinist Technician (P)

Being trained as an all-around machinist provides students with the opportunity for employment throughout the region and across the country. Competency-based instruction includes safe operation of engine lathes, milling machines, grinders, saws, drills and hand tools. Students will learn to operate computerized numerical control (CNC) machines. Student initiative is emphasized in the development of speed, accuracy and safety to prepare for successful employment in machining occupations after graduation.


Commercial-Residential Electrician (C)

Learn about alternating and direct current, National Electric Code, electrical design, motor control principles, and motor repair. Receive hands-on experience as part of a construction project.


Communication (C, P, O)

Get on a the career path for a professional degree in business, education, journalism, media, public relations, and other communications related areas.


Companion Animal Science (C)

Students enrolling in this program can expect to immediately enter into the workforce after completion of their two-year degree or transfer toa four-year college to pursue their B.S. degree.

Award: Associate in ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $28,500


Diesel Mechanics (P)

Prepared as an all around mechanic capable of performing work on all systems of the vehicle.


Early Childhood (C, P)

Enter the early child education field as an assistant or lead teacher in a day care, preschool, or Head Start program, and with experience in a position as a director. This is an excellent first step if planning to earn a four-year degree in early childhood or elementary education.

Award: Associate in Arts/DiplomaState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $21,900

Education (C, P)

Students can complete their first, two-years of a teaching degree at a four-year college. Complete general education courses as well as specialized education experiences.


Electroneurodiagnostic Technology (C, P)

technologist record and study electrical activity of the brain and nervous system using a variety of techniques and equipment. This program is in cooperation with Eastern Iowa Community College.

Award: Associate in Applied Science (award granted from EICC)State of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $29,300

Electronic Technology (P)

This two-year program combines science, engineering and math. Learn to solve problems in the development, manufacture and service of electronic equipment and systems.


Enology (C, P, O)

Provides the necessary skills to enter the field of wine-making either as an entrepreneur or a skilled worker for an established winery. A certificate in Enology is also offered.

Award: Associate in Applied Science, Diploma, CertificateState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $34,900

Entrepreneurial Cosmetology (C, P, O)

The degree will provide the needed training to successfully open and operate a cosmeotology business.Award: Associate in Applied ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $22,100

Fire Fighting Specialist (C, P)

The program is designed for firefighters affiliated with an existing paid or volunteer fire department. Emphasis is placed upon specialized firefighting courses offered through the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau and the National Education Council for Agricultural Safety Center.


Gas Utility Construction & Service (P)

Prepares students to install, maintain and operate high and low pressure natural gas distribution systems to resident, commercial and industrial companies.


Graphic Design (P)

A design based educational program that equips students with skills and materials necessary to compete for professional design positions upon graduation or continue their education at a four-year institution.


Health Information Technology (C, P, O)

The Health Information Technician is responsible for maintaining health information in a manner consistent with current medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements. A primary job function is coding of health care data for research and reimbursement.



Heating and Air Conditioning (P)

Learn to install and repair heating and air conditioning equipment in this one-year program.


HIT - Coding Specialist (P, O)

Designed for the student who wants to be employed in health care settings to do coding activities for health care reimbursement purposes.


Human Services (C, P)

Prepares students to work in human service as a counseling staff or youth care supervisor. Transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a degree in psychology, social work, sociology, special education or substance abuse.


Human Services Generalist (C, P)

Prepares students to enter the workplace in human services agencies, services and delivery systems. Award: Associate in Applied ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $25,800

Industrial Electrician (C)

Prepares students for employment as an electrician in an educational institution, a utility, municipal, state or federal agency, food processing plant, manufacturing facility, and other businesses that rely on the skills and experience of qualified electricians.


Industrial Technology Teacher Education (C)

Earn an Associate in Science degree from NICC and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Teacher Education with a 7-12 teaching endorsement in Industrial Technology from Upper Iowa University.

Award: Associate in Applied ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: transfer degree

John Deere Ag TECH (C)

Receive classroom and lab experiences on John Deere products and a unique opportunity to work at a John Deere dealership. The program is supported by John Deere Company, Kansas City branch and operated by NICC.


Large Animal Veterinary Technician (C)

A Large Animal Veterinary Technician is a professional who performs animal medical care under the supervison of a veterinarian. Designed to meet veterinarian technical certification, students in this program will gain knowledge through coursework and hands-on experieince with a focus on livestock..


Law Enforcement (C, P, O)

Work with police departments, sheriffs’ offices, highway patrol departments, narcotics bureaus, correctional institutions, crime prevention laboratories, or industry and private investigation services.

Award: Associate in ArtsState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $46,100

Legal Assistant/ Paralegal (P)

Prepare for a professional career in the legal field. This degree makes students eligible for the National Association of Legal Assistants(NALA) exam. Students can transfer the degree to a four-year college.

Award: Associate in ArtsState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $40,200


Radiologic Technology (P)

Prepares students to work in a hospital, clinic or a physician’s office producing diagnostic X-rays. Award: Associate in Applied ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $45,700

Respiratory Care (P)

Working closely with physicians, students will be involved in managing the care of patients with heart and lung disease.


Surgical Technology (P)

Prepares students to work in operating rooms or in ambulatory surgery areas. Students will work in the scrub (sterile field), circulating (outside the sterile field), or as first assistant-directly assisting the surgeon. This program is in cooperation with Kirkwood Community College.


Tourism (P)

Develop skills for the hospitality and travel industry. Students will be prepared for immediate employment in an entry-level position.


Viticulture Technology (C, P, O)

Provides the necessary skills to enter the field of grape growing either as an entrepreneur or a skilled worker for an established vineyard. A certificate in Viticulture Technology is also offered.

Award: Associate in Applied Science, Diploma, CertificateState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $19,800

Welding (P)

Students have opportunities to repair, perform fabrication or construction in a variety of industries.Award: DiplomaState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $33,000

Wind Turbine Repair Technician (C)

This program prepares students to become qualified in various entities of the Wind Energy Industry. Students will be expose to the fundamentals of site acquisition, design, construction, turbine service, operation, preventative maintenance and repair.

Award: Associate in Applied Science, DiplomaState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $31,500


Management Information Systems (P)

Will prepare you to enter the workforce or transfer to a computer-related major at a four -year college or university.

Award: Associate in ArtsState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: transfer degree or $39,200

Marketing Management (P)

Class work and on-the-job training to teach skills needed in retail operation and management functions. Award: Associate in Applied ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $32,400

Medical Laboratory Technician (C, P)

Work under the supervision of a medical technologist, pathologist, or other qualified physician, performing tests to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Award: Associate in Applied Science (award granted from HCC)State of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $36,800

Medical Transcriptionist (C, P, O)

Translate and edit recorded dictation by physicians and other health care providers. Students need to understand the language of medicine, human biology, diagnostic procedures and treatment.


Office Technology: General (C)

The office assistant is able to interpret the needs of the employer, maintain poise and friendliness, and apply good human relations principles at all times.


Office Technology: Medical (P)

The office assistant is able to interpret the needs of the employer, maintain poise and friendliness, and apply good human relations principles at all times.


Para-educator Certification (C, P, O)

Support and assist teachers and students in a wide range of educational and community service settings. An opportunity to work with children, especially those with disabilities.


Paramedic (P)

Learn to evaluate and manage ill or injured people at pre-hospital and emergency sites. Paramedics work with other highly trained people to provide quality emergency care in the least amount of time. You can also earn an EMT-Basic certificate.

Award: Associate in Applied Science, CerticateState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: $27,800

Pre-Veterinary Medicine (C)

Upon graduation transfer to Iowa State University as a junior and complete a four-year degree for eventual application to its veterinary school. Studnents complete their general education requirements and are trained in dairy cattle management at a 200-cow dairy training center.

Award: Associate in ScienceState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: transfer degree

Professional Massage Therapy (C)

Prepares students for entry-level work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, health clubs, spas, salons, pain management centers, sports medicine, and private practice.


Psychology (C, P)

Provides a solid base for students interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Psychology. Award: Associate in ArtsState of Iowa Median Salary Range*: transfer degree

*All salaries from this source unless otherwise noted. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey; Iowa Wages and Income**National Data and Graduate Data: Salary will vary widely based on location and employer.***Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey: National Wages


www.nicc.edu/courses

REGISTER TODAYfor Winter Break Courses!

Take a class to lighten your load (not your wallet).

Don’t worry, our courses transfer!

Calmar Campus Peosta Campus 1625 Hwy. 150 South 10250 Sundown Road 800.728.2256, ext. 376 800.728.7367, ext. 401

Continuing student registration begins October 26 New student registration begins November 8

Winter Break Courses begin December 19 Search for course offerings at www.nicc.edu/winterbreak.

Providing Quality, Personal and Professional Opportunities.

www.nicc.edu/continuinged

Coaching Authorization ... Real Estate ... Oil Painting ... Foreign Language ... Cooking Green Career Training ... Driver Education

Whether you are interested in building workplace skills, career development or something just for fun, Northeast Iowa Community College Continuing Education has the course that fits your needs.

Search, register and pay for classes online! www.nicc.edu/continuinged

www.nicc.edu

The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence recognizes community colleges with outstanding academic and workforce outcomes.

This finalist award qualifies NICC to compete for a $1 million prize fund that will be awarded in December in Washington, D.C., to the first-ever national winner and up to three runners-up.

student driven...community focused

NICC named to Top 10Communit y Colleges Nationally !

The NICC graduation rate is nearly 24% higher than the national average for community colleges

“NICC works really hard to offer job-relevant degrees, and does it better than almost anyone else. Especially in a rapidly changing economy, other community colleges could learn a lot from this college’s approach.”

- Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program

www.nicc.edu

The Aspen Prize for CommunityCollege Excellence recognizescommunity colleges withoutstanding academic andworkforce outcomes.

This finalist award qualifies NICCto compete for a $1 million prizefund that will be awarded inDecemberDecember in Washington, D.C.,to the the first-ever first-ever national winnerand up to three three runners-up. runners-up.

student driven...community focused

NICCNICCNICCNICCNICCNICCNICC named to TopTopTopTop 10 10 10 10 10 10Communit y Colleges Nationally !

The NICC graduationrate is nearly 24%higher than thenational average forcommunity colleges

“NICC works really hard to offer job-relevantdegrees, and does it better than almostanyone else. Especially in a rapidly changingeconomy, other community colleges couldlearn a lot from this college’s approach.”

- Josh Wyner, Executive Director of Director of Directorthe Aspen Institute’s CollegeExcellence Program

Documents

Career Focus Fall 2011