Northland Pioneer College is ready to help you get started on a path to a new career and new opportunities. With more than 70 associate degrees 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 their respective field. For more information, please contact an NPC academic adviser at any campus/center location, or visit www.npc.edu/advising to connect with the adviser nearest to you.

CAS – Certificate of Applied Science CP – Certificate of Proficiency A – Area of study course(s)

*Salaries are medians based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2016


Associate Degrees – www.npc.edu/associate-degree

An undergraduate degree that accounts for approximately two years of college. NPC offers seven different associate degrees from which you can choose. Some of the credits from the following three degrees may transfer to a four-year college or university.

AAS     Associate of Applied Science (direct-to-work programs) AGS     Associate of General Studies

University Transfer Degrees – www.npc.edu/transferU

AA        Associate of Arts
AAEC   Associate of Arts in Early Childhood
AAEE   Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
ABus   Associate of Business
AS        Associate of Science

These two-year degrees are guaranteed to fully transfer to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona for students intending to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You’ll take the same general education classes and get a quality education at 84 percent less than university cost. Those are savings you can use toward the next two years!

Median Weekly Earnings by Degree in 2017

Less than High School   $515
High School Diploma     $718
Associate Degree            $799
Bachelor’s Degree         $1,290

Data is for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers. – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics


Automotive Technology – www.npc.edu/automotive

If you’re into cars and engines and have a mechanical bent, this is the career for you. NPC’s program offers one-on-one instructor guidance in addition to hands-on laboratory learning and self-guided, computer-aided instruction in automotive maintenance. Students perform numerous automotive repairs on training modules and practice on actual vehicles.

Automotive Technology (AAS, CAS)

Automotive Service Operations (CP)
Electrical Systems & Engines (CP)

Northern AZ Salary

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics – $38,980*


Business – www.npc.edu/business-studies

Most job opportunities in the U.S. are in business, whether you own your own company or work in some type of corporate or commercial setting. To address the many aspects of business-oriented needs, NPC offers four valuable approaches:

  1. Direct-to-work degree and certificate programs
  2. A university transfer degree
  3. Individualized consulting and advisement for small business owners
  4. Customized business/industry employee training

Business (AAS)

Accounting (AAS, CAS, CP)
Entrepreneurship (AAS, CAS, CP)
Management & Leadership (AAS, CAS, CP)
Medical Office Technologies (AAS, CAS, CP)
Modern Office Technologies (AAS, CAS, CP)

University Transfer Business Degree (ABus)

Northern AZ Salaries

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers – $53,680*
Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerks – $37,440*
Medical Secretary – $31,760*
Executive Secretaries or Administrative Assistants – $58,200*


Computer Information Systems – www.npc.edu/computer-information-systems

As technology becomes more complex and widespread in our fast-paced world, the demand for workers in computer fields is growing far faster than in other occupations. NPC can provide you with knowledge and skills in programming languages, database management, information systems and cyber-security. We also offer graphic design and web development.

Computer Information Systems (AAS, CAS)
Cybersecurity (AAS, CAS, CP)
Software & Web Development (AAS, CAS, CP)
A+, N+ CompTIA Computer Certification (A)

Northern AZ Salaries

Computer User Support Technician – $41,680*
Graphic Designer – $40,300*


Construction Technology – www.npc.edu/construction

Prospects for building trades are bright because the number of people who want to work or retire in Arizona is increasing. Updated and new infra-structure developments in areas such as energy production and transportation are needed to accommodate the increasing population. New and growing businesses need buildings.

Construction Technology (AAS, CAS, CP)

Mansory (CP)

National Median Salary

Construction and Related Workers – $48,620*


Cosmetology – www.npc.edu/cosmetology

If you appreciate fashion, enjoy connecting with people and take pride in making others feel and look their best, a cosmetology degree can lead to an exciting professional career!

Cosmetology (AAS, CAS, CP)

Cosmetology Instructor (CP)
Hairstyling (CP)
Nail Technician (CP)

National Median Salaries

Cosmetologist – $30,480*
Manicurists and Pedicurists – $24,980*


Early Childhood – www.npc.edu/early-childhood-studies

Few educational fields are more important than those centered on the development and care of infants and young children. NPC offers many options in this field, depending on your interest and goals, all centered around the Early Childhood Studies core classes.

Early Childhood (AAEC) (AGEC-A transfer courses)
Early Childhood Development (AAS, CAS, CP) (direct-to-work degree/certificate programs):

Early Childhood Studies

Northern AZ Salaries

Childcare Worker – $25,2000*
Preschool Teachers – $40,260*
Elementary School Teachers – $42,600*
Special Education K-3 Teachers – $41,730*


Education – www.npc.edu/education-studies

Teachers make a difference in the world by enabling each student to fully maximize his or her talents, imagination, skills and character. They mold the future through their impact on students and get incredible joy out of seeing students gain new insights, become more interested in a subject and learn about themselves.

Depending on your teaching interests, NPC has four university transfer degrees to get you started. We offer the following associate degrees:

  • Arts
  • Arts in Elementary Education (AAEE)
  • Business
  • Science

If you want to go straight to work, NPC offers:

Education Professions (CP)

For those already teaching, NPC offers online certification classes in

  • Arizona and/or U.S. Constitution
  • Structured English Immersion

Northern AZ Salaries

Teaching Assistant – $24,750*
Elementary School Teachers – $42,600*
Middle School Teachers – $43,410*
High School Teachers – $46,390*


Energy & Industrial Technician – www.npc.edu/energy-industrial-technician

Are you good at working with tools? Do you have strong mathematics and science skills? This program prepares you to be a technician, operator or maintenance worker capable of understanding the entire modern industrial system. You’ll be prepared to work in a com-puterized manufacturing or energy industry.

Energy & Industrial Technician (AAS, CAS, CP)

Areas of specialization:

  • Electrical
  • Electrical & Instrumentation
  • Industrial Electrical, Motors & PLCs
  • Industrial Mechanics & Fluid Power
  • Industrial Plant Operations
  • Instrumentation
  • Mechanical Maintenance
  • Operations/Maintenance

National Median Salaries

Power Plant Operators – $75,970*
Stationary Engineers and Boiler  Plant Operators – $62,710*
Electromechanical Technician – $59,490*


Film & Digital Video – www.npc.edu/film-digital-video

Are you interested in a job producing commercials, web videos, TV shows or movies? Study and practice video production techniques, such as audio, lighting, camera, video recording, graphics and sets, producing, directing and field production.

Film & Digital Video (AAS, CAS, CP)

Visual Communications Fundamentals (CP)

National Median Salaries

Film & Video Editors – $83,950*
Camera Operators, Television, Video & Motion Picture – $65,530*


Fire Science – www.npc.edu/fire-science

A desire to help others and a willingness to take risks to save someone else is the primary reason most people become a firefighter. It’s a challenging occupation, often with difficult and dangerous duties, but it offers good pay and, often, excellent benefits.

Fire Science (AAS, CAS)

Firefighter (CP) Driver/Operator (CP) Leadership (CP)

National Median Salaries

Firefighters – $51,930*
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists – $45,990*


Health Care Support – www.npc.edu/health-care-support

Are you a compassionate individual who likes working with and helping others? NPC offers three direct-to-work programs in health care support to help you get started working in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes or pharmacies.

Direct Care Worker (A)
Pharmacy Technician (A)
Phlebotomist (A)
Surgical Technology (AAS)
Therapeutic Massage (AAS, CAS, CP)

(CNA: see Nursing)

Northern AZ Salaries

Home Health Aides – $24,870*
Pharmacy Technician – $37,280*
Phlebotomist – $30,900*


Medical Assistant/MDA – www.npc.edu/medical-assistant

You’ll be proud to perform side by side with doctors and other health professionals in providing competent, caring patient services in a medical office setting. Your responsibilities may include both administrative and clinical tasks. You might schedule patients, process paperwork, obtain and prepare laboratory specimens, measure vital signs, instruct patients about their medications, assist doctors during examinations and more!

Medical Assistant (AAS, CAS, CP)

This program includes a four-credit, 160-hour externship where you work and learn in an actual medical office setting.

Note: The MDA degree and certificate program does not lead into the NPC nursing program. See an academic adviser for details.

Northern AZ Salaries

Medical Assistants – $30,850*


Nursing – www.npc.edu/nursing

Are you a compassionate individual who has dreamed of doing something with your life to improve the lives of others? NPC offers you one of the state’s foremost nursing programs, where faculty members who are experienced, caring nursing professionals instruct you in evidence-based medical practices.

Nursing (AAS)

Practical Nursing/LPN (CAS)
Nursing Assistant/CNA (CP)

RN Refresher Course –

For registered nurses who want to renew their lapsed RN licenses.

Paramedic to RN –

For currently certified paramedics who wish to become registered nurses.

Northern AZ Salaries

Registered Nurse – $74,710*
Licensed Practical Nurse – $44,000*
Certified Nursing Assistant – $31,240*


Paramedicine – www.npc.edu/emergency-medical-services

EMTs and paramedics have exciting careers serving the communities in which they live. It’s a demanding field that requires 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 between life and death. Few careers are as challenging or rewarding.

Paramedicine (AAS, CAS, CP)

EMT Basic Studies –

Completion qualifies you to sit for the EMT basic national certification exams.

NPC also offers a number of advanced EMS skills training opportunities as well as recertification courses for currently certified EMTs and paramedics.

Northern AZ Salaries

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics – $43,890*

Salaries vary by level of education and certifications.


Performing Arts & Music – www.npc.edu/performing-arts-center

NPC speech, theatre and music studies develop talent, deepen knowledge and provide students of all ages and backgrounds with the appreciation and excitement of performance.

Music (A) –

Voice and instrument instruction, music theory, composition, ear training, music appreciation and conducting.

Theatre (A) –

Play production, including directing, acting, stagecraft, makeup, costuming and management, scene design, lighting, play writing, principles of drama and theatre dance. The Children’s Theatre Project is offered every summer to kids ages 8 to 14.

National Median Hourly Wage

Actors – $17.49/hr.*
Producers & Directors – $34.43/hr.*
Musicians & Singers – $25.95/hr.*


Police Academy – www.npc.edu/law-enforcement-training

Being a law enforcement officer gives you an opportunity to save someone’s life every day and make a difference. It’s also a challenging, stressful occupation with often difficult and dangerous duties. Officers must always be alert and ready to react throughout their entire shift. A great part of the job is that no two days are ever the same.

NPC’s Police Academy is full time and runs 18 weeks Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., with over 700 hours of classroom instruction and 300 or more hours spent outside the classroom engaging in physical fitness, hands-on training and studying. NPC’s academy is offered twice a year, starting in January and again in August (subject to change). Contact an NPC academic adviser for more information on how to apply.

Northern AZ Salary

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers – $61,350*


Welding – www.npc.edu/welding

With a solid foundation in welding, you’ll never lack for job opportunities, offering you excellent employment prospects and a secure future.Nearly every form of manufacturing uses weld-ing during production or for equipment repair and maintenance. The basic skills of welding are the same across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another.

Welding (AAS, CAS)

Welding Level 1 – Entry-Level Welder (CP)
Welding Level 2 – Intermediate Welder (CP)
Welding Level 3 – Advanced Welder (CP)

Northern AZ Salaries

Welders, Cutters, Solderers and  Brazers – $64,630*


College & Career Preparation

Prepare for College Classes – www.npc.edu/college-career-preparation

If you have been out of school for a while or are afraid your skills are a little rusty, Northland Pioneer College can help. We offer many basic classes in reading, writing and math to help build and refresh both your knowledge and your confidence.

GED®www.npc.edu/GED

Earn an equivalent high school diploma. Many GED® graduates experience a remarkable improvement in how they feel about themselves and their lives. Get a better job and increase your pay. Employers accept the GED® transcript just like a high school diploma. You can do it, and NPC can help you succeed.

Noncredit Classes

Classes Just for Fun – www.npc.edu/noncredit-classes

At NPC, our mission is to create, support and promote lifelong learning. You’re never too old to learn something new! Enjoy all kinds of noncredit leisure learning classes, ranging from exercise and fitness to expanding your computer skills or learning how to belly dance. These are short-term classes offered throughout the semester. See our website for course offerings.

Kids College – www.npc.edu/kids-college

NPC offers a summer enrichment program just for children and teens ages 6 to 14! Each class is an awesome, amazing adventure that’s so much fun that kids forget they’re learning! Classes run May through July and fill up fast, so don’t wait to register.

Corporate Training & Small Business

Corporate Training – www.npc.edu/corporate-training

NPC training sessions are designed to help employers develop outstanding employees who help you stay competitive in these challenging economic times. Our training isn’t just generic; we focus on specific best business practices that are tailored to meet or exceed your company’s own standards and expectations.

NPC Small Business Development Center – www.npc.edu/sbdc

Growing a business or thinking of starting one? The SBDC provides professional, one-on-one business management advice, educational programs and resource centers aimed at serving the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. We have a wealth of resources at our fingertips and can help you reach your business goals.