NCTA adds two undergraduate certificate programs
College students taking courses for credit in agricultural welding or agricultural chemical application from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) can earn an undergraduate certificate in these programs, effective in January.
Industry input indicates there is a strong demand for graduates in these two fields. The two received approval at the December 3 meeting of the Nebraska Coordinating Commission on Post-Secondary Education. Proposals for NCTA’s academic programs are first reviewed on campus, then by the University of Nebraska system and the Coordinating Commission.
Students can complete a certificate program within one academic year and enter the workforce with an undergraduate certificate on their resume. Or, they can continue to pursue another year of instruction to earn a two-year degree.
We are excited for students to enter these areas of education and seek employment in technical trades. NCTA serves an important role in preparing students with an affordable, quality education for careers in the agricultural profession.
As a two-year technical school with a statewide mission, NCTA generally provides an associate of science (A.S.) degree or associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree. We educate students in agribusiness management systems, agricultural production systems, veterinary technology and general studies in support of these agricultural programs.
Each academic division also offers various options or certificates. Dr. Brad Ramsdale, agronomy professor, is the division chair responsible for overseeing the two new certificate programs.
Dr. Ramsdale designed the curriculum for the Agricultural Chemical Application Certificate based on input from industry advisors. Producer-owned cooperatives and other agricultural chemical businesses need well-trained individuals with applied knowledge and skills.
Courses include precision farming, pest management, pesticide certification, agricultural chemical application, equipment principles and preventative maintenance. Students will be able to successfully complete Commercial Applicator License exams and enter the workforce with a well-rounded educational experience.
NCTA has been working diligently on expanding the agricultural mechanics program through updates in classroom equipment and the addition in 2014 of the Irrigation Technician Certificate program. As a result, student interest and enrollment has grown.
Dan Stehlik, an alumnus of our college, joined the faculty this fall in agricultural mechanics. He is an outstanding instructor who brings decades of classroom and lab experience as an agricultural educator in Nebraska and Kansas. He has a proven record in preparing students to pass certification exams from the American Welding Society.
Students in NCTA’s welding program experience hands-on instruction in arc welding, oxyacetylene welding, TIG, MIG, cutting, blueprint reading, and metal project construction techniques.
These practical skills in welding and agricultural chemical application can also “ladder” students into an associate degree.
For more details on the new certificates, contact Dr. Ramsdale at bramsdale2@unl.edu or Mr. Stehlik at dstehlik2@unl.edu. We look forward to filling these new certificate programs in the New Year.