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What's the Difference Between Credit Courses and Accelerated Skills Training Courses?
View the information below to understand the difference between taking credit courses or accelerated skills training courses at NWACC. Be sure to connect with an advisor to make sure you take the correct courses in the correct order to reach your academic
goals.
Credit Courses
When you take a “credit” course, you earn college credit toward a program degree or certificate. Credit courses typically give you a letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) at the end of the semester.
Most credit programs and courses are offered through NWACC’s divisions – Business and Computer Information, Communication and Arts, Health Professions, Science and Math, Social & Behavioral Sciences and Food Studies.
Examples of Credit Programs:
- Accounting Technology
- Business
- Computer Programming
- Graphic Design
- Artisanal Food, Baking & Pastry, Beverage Arts, Culinary Arts
- Nursing
- Respiratory Therapy
- Health Information Management
- Agriculture, Food & Life Science
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Construction Technology
- Bicycle Technician Program
- And more!
Services Available to Credit Students
- Financial Assistance: Traditional federal and state financial aid (Pell grants, subsidized student loans, etc.) and scholarships can be used to pay for credit courses.
- Advising: Advisors can help you with planning the correct credit courses to take in the correct order, so you can fulfill all requirements and earn a degree.
- Other support services: Student ID, library and tutoring resources, campus labs, fitness center and counseling services.
Questions?
Feel free to email enrollmentsupport@nwacc.edu or text 479-309-5532.
Accelerated Skills Training Courses
When you take an accelerated skills training course, you typically won't earn college credit toward a degree, but you can earn industry-recognized technical certifications and continuing education units (CEUs).
Accelerated skills training courses are typically intended for those who want to gain general knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills, or enrich their understanding about a wide range of topics.
Accelerated skills training courses and programs are usually offered through NWACC’s Workforce Division.
Examples of Accelerated Skills Training Programs:
- CDL Truck Driving
- HVAC Certification
- Plumbing or Electrical Apprenticeship
- Certified Retail Analyst
- Coding Bootcamps
- Professional Development Courses
Services Available to Accelerated Skills Training Students
- Financial assistance: Although traditional federal and state financial aid (Pell Grants, subsidized student loans, etc.) cannot be used to pay for accelerated skills training courses, you are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, program and institutional scholarships and Sally Mae loans for programs that are approved.
- Other support services: Student ID, limited library resources, campus labs, fitness center and counseling services.
Questions?
Feel free to email workforceadmissions@nwacc.edu.
Accelerated Skills Training
Student Application