Northwest College recently received formal approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to begin offering a new Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Technician Certificate focusing on drones beginning in the fall of 2026. The college was previously awarded a $475,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create the program in response to regional workforce needs.

The RPAS Technician Certificate provides technical training in remotely piloted aircraft systems, covering flight physics, weather analysis, ethics and FAA remote pilot certification. Students develop skills in aerial mapping, commercial imaging, surveying, agricultural and industrial applications, wildlife biology and natural resource management and flight management systems. The program concludes with an applied project using advanced remote sensing technologies such as lidar and multispectral imaging, preparing graduates for technical roles across multiple industries.

Students participating in the program will take three courses over three semesters, with the first course entirely online. It is envisioned as a stackable credential to a variety of other academic programs already offered at NWC and includes opportunities for a paid internship or work-based learning experience.

Enrollment in the RPAS Technician Certificate is currently open, and questions regarding the program may be directed to NWC Professor of Biology Eric Atkinson at eric.atkinson@nwc.edu, NWC Professor of Engineering and Mathematics Dr. Astrid Northrup at astrid.northrup@nwc.edu, or NWC Professor of Anthropology Dr. Greg Smith at greg.smith@nwc.edu.