NICC to add three new programs this fall at its Calmar campus

Northeast Iowa Community College has announced it will be starting three new academic programs this coming fall, including three at the NICC Calmar campus.

The new Calmar campus Associate of Applied Science programs include the Beef Science Technology, Chemical Technician and the Large Animal Veterinary Technician programs.

The Beef Science Technology program provides agricultural students with hands-on experience in genetics, artificial insemination, pasture, feedlot and nutrition management, as well as the practical skills of farm financial management, record keeping and marketing. Other coursework covers farm business management, agronomy, disease management, animal reproduction, reproductive techniques, agricultural markets and animal diagnostics.

The Chemical Technician program employs state-of-the-art chemical lab instrumentation to teach students chemical laboratory procedures and processes.  An internship in a food processing industry, pharmaceutical lab or biofuels manufacturing industry offers real world experience to develop students' technical knowledge and skills.  In the Calmar area, many job opportunities are emerging for skilled Chemical Technician graduates, particularly in agriculture and food science.

In the Large Animal Veterinary Technician program, students will learn to provide animal medical care under the supervision of a veterinarian.  The program is designed to meet veterinarian technical certification.  Students will gain knowledge through coursework with a primary focus on livestock.  Several courses in the program and an internship opportunity in Decorah also focus on small companion animal veterinary care.