Western Nevada College: Spring classes satisfy career requirements

Make the transition to a new career with spring classes at Western Nevada College. A broad range of career-building courses are offered, including Applied Industrial Technology using Solid Works software, Computer Aided Drafting/Design, Real Estate, Education, Manufacturing and more during the spring semester beginning Monday, Jan. 25. For more information, go to www.wnc.edu/academics/schedule. To register for classes, go to www.wnc.edu.

Real Estate Principles 1 and II prepare students for the salesperson exam. Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation classes satisfy requirements for medical careers and more.

Applied Industrial Technology classes 101,155 and 200, groom students for the Manufacturing Technician I certification exam that the Manufacturing Skills Institute has established. It helps workers meet the heightened employment demands of the manufacturing industry.

“Students looking to work at the high-tech manufacturers who are moving into Northern Nevada will get the best results from taking the three-course series. It gives them lots of options for flexible studies and ample hands-on practice,” said Emily Howarth, WNC Electronics and Industrial Technology professor.

“These are not easy or quick courses; they require commitment and focus on the part of students. Those who complete the coursework and earn the credentials will distinguish themselves in the workplace.”

For anyone new to manufacturing and industrial systems, Howarth is recommending that the student take all three classes.

“This is to ensure that they develop both the knowledge of systems and how they interrelate, but it also gives them a solid foundation of the fundamentals to build upon,” Howarth said. “Computer skills are highlighted, as well as data presentation, project-based learning and the opportunity to explore topics in depth.”

For the first time, WNC is offering students a Computer Aided Drafting Design course featuring SolidWorks software. This will help students meet the rising demand of companies that want their technicians, engineers and designers to be proficient in this software.

“It’s a big deal to offer SolidWorks for college credit to our Industrial Technology students, including Machine Tool, Welding, Construction Management and Automotive Technology,” said Howarth. “We are providing this instruction in response to employer requests.”

WNC students will learn to use the SolidWorks interface and tools to become proficient 3D modelers. “The knowhow increases their ability to create and deliver designs, modifications, and prototypes,” she said. “This is a high-demand technical skill to add to a resume.”

Besides a variety of other spring class offerings, students can sample whether a career in education interests them by enrolling in a sequence of classes.

Real Estate Principles 1 and II prepare students for the salesperson exam. Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation classes satisfy requirements for medical careers and more.

Here is a capsulized look at these classes:

Computer Aided Drafting Design (CADD 245): Students learn SolidWorks, the software program that many technicians, engineers and designers are using at nearly 200,000 companies worldwide. Students have two hands-on class options to choose from: 1 to 3:45 p.m. on Tuesdays or 7 to 9:45 p.m. on Tuesdays. Instructors will introduce students to SolidWorks and provide training and instruction in using this parametric solid-modeling software to create parts, assemblies and working drawings. The class can substitute for CADD 100 or DFT 110 in some degree and certificate plans, and be used as an elective in others.

Health Care Provider CPR (EMS 100): The one-day course satisfies the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation requirement for students admitted to the nursing program, nursing assistant and EMS courses. Instruction includes Basic Cardiac Life Support/CPR for the Healthcare Provider, including one- and two-person rescuer for CPR and management of foreign body obstruction of the airway in adults, children and infants. Instruction also focuses on recognition of signs and symptoms requiring automatic external defibrillator intervention, safe administration of AED and common methods that can be used for survival, and prevention of risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Upon successful completion of the course, which includes passing a written examination and practical demonstration, a student receives American Heart Association certification. Students can choose between the four Saturdays the class is offered: Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Feb. 13 and March 19. There is a $25 lab fee.

Real Estate Principles I and II (RE 101 and 103): These three-unit classes ready students for careers in real estate. Classes will emphasize law of agency, listing agreements, encumbrances, legal descriptions, taxes, contracts and escrow. These courses, which can be taken concurrently, satisfy the Real Estate Division and Commission’s requirements for taking the salesperson exam. RE 101 meets from 9 to 11:45 a.m. Saturdays and RE 103 convenes from 1 to 3:45 p.m. Saturdays, beginning Jan. 30.

Fundamentals of Applied Industrial Technology (AIT 101): Students explore the fundamental concepts of electricity used in many applications in this online course. Mechanical concepts of basic levers and forces, friction and pulleys and gears are introduced along with explaining their effects on a system. The class also covers fundamental operation of electric relay controls and explains basic logic circuits that are used to provide automated control of many types of machines.

Applied Industrial Technology Hands-On Lab (AIT 155): Students complete a progression of hands-on lab exercises with Industrial Technology equipment on a variety of topics using computers, workbooks/diagrams, tools and multimedia courseware. Areas of emphasis include AC/DC electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical controls, motors, wiring and variable frequency drives. Lectures, guest speakers and workshops will be scheduled and posted throughout the semester. Basic computer skills required. Students can choose between classes scheduled for 7 to 9:45 Thursdays or 8 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Applied Industrial Technology Projects (AIT 200): Choose between three different sections in this Instructor-led preparation class for the Manufacturing Technician I exam. Students are required to complete an array of study modules and hands-on lab exercises on a variety of topics using computers, workbooks/diagrams, tools and multimedia courseware to prepare for the Manufacturing Technician Level 1 certification. Requires basic computer skills and college coursework/work experience in manufacturing or related industry required. Meets 7 to 9:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 3:45 p.m. Mondays or 8 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“A student with some manufacturing background and experience and/or college coursework under their belt can take AIT 200 as a standalone prep for the MT1 exam,” Howarth said. “It’s not the whole picture of industrial technology, but would be a way to prepare for the topics covered in the MT1 exam series for those who have a foundation to work from.”

Introduction to Elementary Education (EDU 201): This course enlightens students to the foundations of elementary education, current trends and issues in curriculum and instruction, the roles of teachers and issues of diversity. This is a Web-enhanced class, so students must have Internet access. The class meets from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursdays, starting Jan. 28.

Introduction to Special Education (EDU 203): Examines the various types of exceptionalities, with an emphasis on etiology, physical and educational characteristics. This class meets from 4 to 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Jan. 28.

Classroom Learning Environments (EDU 206): Students are provided 15 hours of field experience as they learn function and analysis of elementary school classrooms, daily activities and methods of behavior management. Students must pass EDU 201 and undergo a security check and fingerprinting before taking this course. It meets 7 to 9:45 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 27.

Real Estate Principles 1 and II prepare students for the salesperson exam, one-day Healthcare Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation classes that satisfy requirements for medical careers and more.