President’s Message
Welcome to the second issue of NPC’s CareerFocus magazine, a semiannual opportunity for us to share how the college and its community partners play a vital role in providing affordable educational opportunities to all residents of Navajo and Apache counties.
On these pages you will find students’ success stories; an overview of our transfer and career degree programs; the essentials of...
In Demand: Medical Doctor Assistants
America is aging, requiring the services of an increasing number of health-care professionals. In rural northeastern Arizona, the demand for qualified healthcare workers continues to grow along with a surge in the number of physicians’ offices and outpatient care facilities utilizing technological advancements to perform procedures that were once handled only in hospitals.
That’s what makes...
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Automotive Technology
It’s more than turning a wrench.
Safety, honesty, respect and integrity are vital components of the Automotive Technology program at Northland Pioneer College. When combined with the skills learned on computerized trainers and hands-on shop experience, the result is ASE-certified students and graduates that local employers are eager to hire.
“Our industry partners are hiring our students...
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Closing the Gaps
Knowledge, technology & culture come together.
It’s not often that Northland Pioneer College has a professor born and raised in China, but Wei Ma has been able to combine his Chinese roots and his love of technology to bring a unique opportunity to NPC students.
As Ma grew up in China and started to pursue a career, he worked to become a producer in the television industry. Working for...
posted in: Education
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Fun Summer Program Expands Kids’ Minds
When Northland Pioneer College started Kids College, there was a priority in mind: make learning fun while introducing kids to college in a positive way. Years later, after seeing substantial growth, the program is doing just that for youths ages 6 to 14.
“Our vision is to have Kids College not only be something fun to do in the summer, but to make it a program that can get children...
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Metal Art is more than Armour
A dancing reflection of sunlight drew University of Arizona history major Howard Noble to a window overlooking a medieval festival on the lawn below. His curiosity led him to join the merriment and change his life forever.
“I had so much fun that I went home, designed and built a suit of armour and was back as a participant a month later,” recalls Noble. He created a second suit for a...
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
If you would like an exciting career where you can serve the community in which you live, consider becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic.
Emergency medical services (EMT) is a demanding field requiring physical fitness and emotional stability in the face of often stressful work conditions. You must be capable of making fast, sound decisions that can mean the difference...
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A Burning Curiosity: NPC Cadet Saves Life & Property
There’s a creed in the fire service: while others are running away from a fire, firefighters are running toward it.
Northland Pioneer College/NAVIT Fire Science Academy Cadet Kasey Kelley is already living that creed, applying her 11 days of training to investigate and report a structure fire and aid in the rescue of a Lakeside restaurant owner.
Kelley was on her way to Blue Ridge High...
posted in: Success Stories
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Your Art’s Desire
Art classes aren’t just for degree seekers
Artistic expression takes many forms, each honed through practice and guided by a mentor who has been where you are today. That’s why Northland Pioneer College art classes are open to all, regardless of age or experience.* Studio art courses are geared specifically to guide students in preparing a portfolio of their work.
NPC offers many options for...
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Knowledge is Power
Sometimes a phrase by itself is inspiring. NPC’s new slogan “Knowledge is Power. Be Powerful” is commanding, but what really makes it inspiring is knowing the person and story behind that phrase.
Meet Rhonda Paladino, a new NPC student with a story to tell. Something that stands out about Paladino is that she has no qualms when she talks about her past. When Paladino tells her stories she...
posted in: Financial Aid, Success Stories
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Parents: Your High School Student Can Earn College Credits for Free!
Preparation for the rigors of college studies begins with dual enrollment programs at 19 area high schools in which students earn both high school and Northland Pioneer College credits for college-level courses taught at the high school.
“Parents and students don’t have an understanding of what a wonderful program this is,” said Jeff Strong, a dual enrollment mathematics instructor at...
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Transfer U: No debt, guaranteed transfer
Starting at Northland Pioneer College and then trans-ferring to a four-year institution is a smart strategy for students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree. As tuition continues to climb at Arizona’s public state universities, more students are discovering they can save nearly $17,516 in just tuition by completing one of NPC’s guaranteed transfer degrees. These degrees contain the needed...
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You’ll Earn an A+ in Computers
If you’re interested in the development, mainten-ance and use of computer systems, software and networks, then information technology (IT) may be the career for you. A great way to start is by earning the industry-recognized A+ and Network+ certifications. These certifications verify to an employer that you can troubleshoot computer hardware and software issues, mobile devices, networking and...
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Veterans Benefits Pay for College
Transitioning out of the military very often means transitioning into a new career.
Veterans benefits such as the ones listed below will provide financial support for
education for veterans for a variety of educational programs. Forty-three percent of
all military veterans attending college are enrolled in community colleges. The educational benefits available at Northland Pioneer College...
posted in: Financial Aid
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NPC Rocks SkillsUSA
For the past 14 years Northland Pioneer College Career and Technical Education (CTE) students have demonstrated both their skills and career readiness at SkillsUSA regional, state and national competitions for secondary and college students.
In 2015, NPC students won 23 medals at the state competition with two NPC Cosmetology students, Cassandra Gardner, Show Low, and Nayeli Morales, St. Johns,...
posted in: Student Life
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Quieres Aprender Español?
“Costa Rica is just so green!” says Joshua Wenger, “Everywhere I looked was amazing. When you’re from Arizona and you go to Costa Rica, it’s just a life-changing experience.” Almost half of Costa Rica’s land is covered by lush, green forest with dozens of national reserves and parks. The country boasts close to a thousand different species of birds; over two hundred volcanic...
posted in: Education, Student Life
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Super Bowls: NPC project fights hunger
Community members joined North-land Pioneer College students, faculty and staff in creating over 200 handmade bowls for the Empty Bowls Community Project. The donated bowls were then used on November 20 to raise money for the Love Kitchen in Pinetop, to aid the fight against hunger in our local communities.
For a donation of $10, participants received one of the handcrafted glazed bowls and were...
posted in: Student Life
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Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back!
“I was very nervous about having to go into a class-room,” reflects Colleen Readel. “It wasn’t about the course work, but my fear of being the oldest student in class.”
Like many Northland Pioneer College students, Readel had delayed her education until her youngest son was a senior in high school. “I was interested in interior design, and had taken a few classes in the Valley. Then...
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Get Started Now on your future career at NPC
Enroll Now
Northland Pioneer College is ready to help you get started on a path to a new career and new opportunities. With more than 70 associates degree and certificate programs available, a new career is easy to attain. We’ll help you chart a course that’s right for you. The following list provides a snapshot of the programs NPC offers and national average incomes in the field. For more...
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