Main Content Start
NWACC's Programs Designed to Meet Student and Community Needs
NWACC has been serving the NWA region for over 30 years. The college offers programs ranging from Construction and Fire Science to Business and Computer Science and Health Professions, as well as a brand-new Bicycle Technician program. With convenient locations in Springdale and Bentonville and more than 75 degrees and certificates, there’s an option for everyone at NWACC.
Programs
NWACC’s educational offerings are designed with a single purpose in mind – meeting the needs of students and the local community. “NWACC’s programs are created in direct response to student interests and community and industry partners telling us the employment skills and education needed, and our students are quickly obtaining jobs because of it,” says NWACC’s Dean of Workforce and Economic Development Megan Bolinder
The college’s new Bicycle Technician program is one example of NWACC responding to the needs of the NWA community. According to Bolinder, “The bicycle industry reached out to NWACC and said they have hundreds of jobs, many in NWA, that are going unfilled and that they have no standardized job training that they can reference to award higher wages. So, we partnered up to provide this training to students and elevate the status of what one can do as a professional bicycle technician.”
As the call for health care workers continues to grow throughout NWA, NWACC is embracing the demand with nationally accredited health profession programs in Nursing, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Technician (EMT), and Health Information Management.
“NWACC’s health profession programs have a great reputation. We lead in the state in the National Council Licensure Examination pass rates for registered nurses, our EMT program is one of the largest, and our graduates’ starting salaries range from $31,000 to $60,000 with only a two-year degree,” says NWACC’s Dean of Health Professions Mark Wallenmeyer
State-of-the-Art Technology
At NWACC’s Springdale location, health profession students learn using state-of-the-art technology such as the CAE Learning Space camera system integration and the Anatomage Table. The camera system integrates with mannequins to offer students a patient simulation
that is recorded and then reviewed with an instructor for a more effective learning
experience. And the Anatomage Table goes a step further by offering students a 3D
anatomy visualization of a real human cadaver that is ready for virtual dissection.
Students are able to see detailed digital images of the whole body and assess real-world
patient information. And unlike real cadavers, if one makes a wrong cut, the body
can just be reloaded, and can try again.
“There are multiple options when it comes to accessing technology at NWACC’s Springdale
facility. The computer lab is very well put together for forming in-person study groups
or for individual student needs,” says NWACC nursing student Emily Gilberson.
Removing Barriers
Beyond its wide variety of programs, NWACC strives to remove barriers to higher education by pushing back on the notion that college is only for those pursuing bachelor’s degrees, seeking desk jobs and signing on to numerous student loans.
“College isn’t just a four-year degree, it’s any credential after high school, whether that’s an associate degree, job training and certification or a bachelor’s degree” explains NWACC’s President of Student Service Justin White. “And with our concurrent high school program, NWACC gives young students the option to get a head start on their college education and reduce tuition costs by taking college courses while still in high school.”
NWACC’s concurrent high school students receive a 60% discount on tuition and often have fees waived. Currently, the college
has 200 concurrent students in the pipeline to graduate from NWACC with an associate
degree before they graduate from high school.
For those who don’t want to be deskbound during their education and career, there
are plenty of degree or certificate options to get them up and moving, says NWACC’s
Director of New Student Relations Clay Wyllia. “Many come to NWACC looking for a college
education that involves using their hands and we guide them toward programs such as
construction technology, electrical or plumbing trades or integrated design. We have opportunities for you.”
With the cost of tuition at major universities rising every year, student loans can be an intimidating obstacle. Completing your general education courses at NWACC is a smart choice for minimizing loan debt. “We encourage students to go to NWACC for their first or second year to complete their general education and transfer their credits to universities such as the University of Arkansas. It makes college much more affordable,” says White.
Wyllia offers this final advice. “Don’t be afraid to consider all college opportunities.
Community colleges like NWACC offer something for every type of student. Maybe it’s
affordable courses with smaller class sizes or maybe it’s something like construction
technology or nursing. You’ll find your place here.”
There’s a Place for You at NWACC.
Visit nwacc.edu or call 479-986-4000 to learn more about choosing a higher education with NWACC.
Article written in partnership with the Springdale Chamber.