Northcentral Technical College. Image courtesy: NTC/Facebook
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — There will be some new technical degree options when students go back to school this fall in Wausau.
Northcentral Technical College (NTC) has announced that they are adding three new associate degree programs starting in the fall semester of 2021. The technical college will be adding programs focused on data analytics, updates to law enforcement practices, and veterinary technicians.
NTC Vice President for Learning Dr. Darren Ackley says each of the new programs will help fill a growing gap in the job market. “Our data analytics program, that’s a program that we see is a huge need for all industries. Being able to use data to make a determination and solve problems and use it to strategically think about problems and how to fix those problems.
“The Law Enforcement in the 21st Century is a program for people that are currently employed in public safety industries. It’s offered completely online through our virtual college program. So students can take it kind of at their own time and at their own pace. And if they’re working in the industry and they want to get that associate degree for a promotion or just for some additional knowledge, that’s an option for them where they won’t have to quit their job and do it.
“And then our veterinary technician associate degree, we are in the process of getting that certified through the AVMA. Students in that program will be able to work at veterinary clinics where they’ll learn how to work with like dogs and cats. But also bigger animals like cattle, horses, reptiles, different mammals so that they can work and be certified and make sure that their providing medical and nursing care for these types of animals.”
When figuring out what degrees the college could look at adding this year, Ackley says they studied a variety of sources. “We look through data online through multiple sources through what are the top jobs in the state. But then also listening to our advisory committee members and also our community members.
“So once we have an idea typically what we do is we put together a small ad hoc group of different companies that might be interested in hiring people with these degrees. And then look at what they’re really looking for. Is there a need, what type of skills are they looking for in students and then how can we fill that. So yes we work closely with our industry partners to make sure that this is a need and that students will be able to be employed after graduating.”
Ackley also recommends that potential students look into NTC’s collegiate transfer degree program with Madison College. The program lets students who graduate with an associate’s degree from NTC and Madison College get guaranteed admission into UW-Madison for a bachelor’s degree in the same subject.
Anyone interested in the new degrees can go to NTC.edu to request more information about the program or apply for the fall semester.
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