Even though we’re offering most of our classes in an online format due to COVID-19, there have been a lot of changes happening on campus, which include the creation of two new academic divisions and the new leadership of Dean Barb Walden for the Technical Sciences Division. If you’re just joining us in this series, be sure to read about the Math and Physical Sciences Division, and the Life Sciences, Applied Health and Public Safety Division.
For this final installment of this three-part series, we’re looking at what’s new with TMCC’s Technical Sciences Division, which has plenty of opportunities for students to experience hands-on learning and take advantage of short-term training programs if you’re looking to start a new, exciting career.
In-Person Labs for Fall 2020
While many of TMCC’s courses have been moved to an online format for Fall 2020, most of the classes at the Pennington Applied Technology Center will be meeting in-person for the hands-on lab assignments. According to Dean Barb Walden, “The format for these courses will be slightly different from pre-COVID-19 in-person delivery, due to the state’s requirement to maintain social distancing. For most programs, the lecture portion of the course will be delivered online, with the class split into two groups to meet for labs,” she said.
If you are a student whose program was disrupted by the rapid shift to remote learning in Spring 2020 and who received an incomplete (I) grade, you can work with your instructor to complete coursework by Dec. 12, 2020. “While many courses were able to flip entirely to an online format, other courses have hands-on lab assignments that required students to come back to complete.”
Job Retraining Opportunities
COVID-19 quickly changed the economic conditions in Nevada and has dramatically increased regional unemployment. TMCC’s Technical Science Division has multiple programs and formats for individuals who wish to retrain for new careers or to sharpen their skills in their existing field. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Here is a brief overview of what training programs are available for students starting Fall 2020:
- Job and Short-Term Training Programs (Skills Certificates.) Skills Certificates require students to complete less than 30 credits and are designed for entry-level employment into industries. Credits earned will “stack” into a higher level credential, such as an associate degree, if you plan to continue your education. Also, did you know Technical Sciences has Skills Certificates available in almost every program of study? These include: Automotive, Diesel Technology, Computer Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing (Automation and Robotics), Machining, Welding, Architectural Drafting, Construction Management, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R).
- Learn when you want with the flexible delivery format. TMCC has several open entry (OE) programs of study. These programs allow students to change their attendance schedule if they have to change work schedules or family commitments. Open entry programs are self-paced and include both online and lab components. OE programs include Advanced Manufacturing (Automation and Robotics), Machining, Welding, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R).
- Get back on track with accelerated programs. Are you looking to get into a new career... quick? Accelerated programs provide a fast path to get you up and running in your new hands-on career. Students in an accelerated program attend classes Monday through Thursday (morning or afternoon) and complete the coursework for one class before moving on to the next. This means that you can complete a single course in 3–4 weeks. If you’re ready to jump-start your new path, the Automotive, Diesel Technology, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R) programs offer accelerated training opportunities.
For more information about Technical Sciences programming, please visit or contact Nancy Roe at 775-857-4950.