The saying, “Good things come in small packages” accurately describes the Colorado Northwestern Community College experience. CNCC is a small community college that provides pathways to huge opportunities. Our programs are gems focused on in-demand careers with high starting salaries that parents and students alike should keep their eyes on. Here are a few to consider.
Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity program is our newest offering to students. The program offers 2 occupational certificates – network and systems, and cybersecurity; that stack into an A.A.S degree. Five additional industry recognized certificates are also available as part of key classes. Students learn the basics of network security, server applications, as well as network defense/countermeasures, and digital forensics.
Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree, so it is important to evaluate transfer options post-CNCC, however, your A.A.S. will still make you a hirable candidate. Another benefit of careers in this field is the remote work capability. If you have a reliable internet connection and a willing employer, this is one career where you could literally live or work from anywhere.
Nursing
Though demand was high for nurses prior to 2020, the Nursing profession has seen a major increase in the need for nurses post-COVID. CNCC offers an A.A.S. degree in Nursing that prepares students to obtain a registered nurse (R.N.) license. Colorado is part of a nurse licensure compact (NLC) and once an R.N. license is obtained, it is recognized in 39 of 50 states.
CNCC also provides the opportunity for students, after completion of their first year of nursing school, to obtain their Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) which also includes IV certification. Program lecture courses are only 2 days a week, and then clinical rotations vary, but often students can work
3-4 days per week outside of nursing school.
Dental Hygiene
There is no better place to attend for training in dental hygiene than CNCC. Just this spring, CNCC was ranked #14 nationally as a “Best Accredited Colleges 2023” in dental hygiene training. This ranking is determined based on financial aid awards, quality of education, faculty, campus resources and other criteria.
CNCC’s DH Program offers students an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene preparing students to become registered dental hygienists (R.D.H.). It also provides opportunities for further certifications in local anesthesia, diode laser therapy, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), interim therapeutic restoration, airway and myo-function training, and oral DNA diagnostic training. We are steps away from being certified to offer Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT); once approved, CNCC will be 1 of 6 institutions nationally offering this training. This job often enjoys workday and hour flexibility. Due to the nature of this career, you can
go just about anywhere and be able to
find employment.
Aviation Technology – Flight
CNCC’s Aviation Technology (Flight) program is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 certificated and offers an A.A.S. in Aviation Technology, and industry recognized certificates in private pilot, instrument pilot, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor (CFI). Students completing the A.A.S. also can take electives in mountain flying, crew resource management (CRM), and more. Our student aviation group, National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) provides students the opportunity to compete in ground competitions, flight competitions, and more importantly, showcase their safety levels.
As Part 141 certificated, our students only need 1,250 flight hours to earn their airline transportation pilot (ATP) rating. Students can transfer for a bachelor’s degree to an approved 4-year institution and be eligible to obtain their ATP with only 1,000 flight hours upon graduation. This is a huge financial help for prospective pilots, and something every future aviator should consider.
