Class options for Western Nevada students who missed semester start
Western Nevada College Emergency Medical Services and Paramedicine Program Coordinator Terry Mendez, left, congratulates Joshua Adams during a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the paramedic program last year in Carson City.
Even though spring semester started Jan. 24, there are additional modes of instruction still available to students who haven’t registered for classes at Western Nevada College this semester. WNC provides students with the option of taking short-term, late-start and open entry (self-paced courses) after the semester has started. Self-paced courses are being offered in Applied Industrial Technology, Aviation, Biology, Business Administration and Management, Core Humanities, Construction, Education, English, Environmental Science, Finance, Information Systems, Mathematics, Management Science, Music, Nutrition, Philosophy and Psychology. These classes have more flexible enrollment deadlines between now and the end of the semester (May 21) and a self-paced structure for completing coursework and assignments within the semester. To view the list of spring semester classes and when they are offered, go to wnc.edu/class-schedule/. If you need assistance preparing for spring semester needs, arrange an appointment with Counseling Services at 775-445-3267 or counseling@wnc.edu. Students new to WNC can apply for admission and take care of other pre-registration requirements at www.wnc.edu/starthere/. For information, phone 775-445-3277. Paramedic graduation set Feb. 12 Intensive training to provide life support services in pre-hospital situations has meant many sacrifices for Western Nevada College’ second graduation class. WNC will celebrate the nine graduates of its Paramedicine Program and their accomplishments on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Carson Nugget Hall on the Carson City campus. “WNC's Cohort No 2 has completed another grueling year of education once again through the pandemic,” said Terry Mendez, WNC’s EMS and Paramedicine Program coordinator. “They have worked extremely hard to assure they meet patient needs during this health crisis. They will be prepared as entry level competent Advanced Life Support Providers to integrate into a declining workforce in Northern Nevada.” The graduates are Cheyenne Aarons, Noel Chounet, Zachary Creager, Timothy Hoover, Matthew Nuthall, Camille Samuels, Garrett Schafer, Tyler Schellhammer and Tristin Silva. Ceremony attendance is invitation only. Each grad can invite two family members and other family members can watch the ceremony on Zoom. By completing the program, the graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) National Certification Test. Earlier this decade, WNC expanded its EMS program (Emergency Medical Technician and Advanced EMT) so students could further training to become paramedics. Whether they are focused on becoming an EMT or paramedic, students will gain the knowledge and skills to respond to health emergencies and help people in times of distress. To learn more about the WNC EMS and Paramedicine Program, contact terry.mendez@wnc.edu or 775-445-3231, or Counseling Services at 775-445-3267. Scholarships are also available to students through WNC Foundation. All WNC students invited to apply for scholarships Students shouldn’t hesitate to apply for scholarship funding through the Foundation this semester. The opportunity is for nearly all students now enrolled at Western Nevada College, as well as prospective students. The only requirements are that students be enrolled in at least six units, have a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 and complete the application by April 1. WNC Foundation has more than $700,000 in scholarship funding available for the 2022-23 academic year, making it possible for the Foundation to provide more students with scholarships. The Foundation is able to provide more funding to students because of the generosity of donors from the college, community, corporations and private donations, as well as fundraising events such as the Golf For Education. Best of all, students will be considered for several hundred scholarships when they fill out the simple application at wnc.edu/scholarships. “The application usually takes about 30 minutes to fill out and includes questions that help the scholarship committee determine which students qualify for each scholarship,” said WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys. Some scholarships require financial need, which means that students should make sure to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, there are many scholarships that do not require a financial need and are awarded based on other factors including community service, military service, academic achievement and career plans. For this reason, all students are encouraged to apply regardless of financial need or past academic performance. Students who are training or planning to pursue a career in a technology-driven career are also encouraged to apply for the William N. Pennington Foundation Career and Technical Scholarship. WNC offers scholarship funding to students pursuing meaningful careers in fields such as computer information technology/cybersecurity, welding, automotive, machine tool technology, manufacturing, construction, truck driving, and more. Apply at wnc.edu/scholarships. For more information on applying for a scholarship or to start your own scholarship, contact the WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240. Engaged Driver’s Ed Course offered during Spring Break Looking for a driver's education course that does more than just check the box? Sign up your child today for Western Nevada College’s driver’s education course through its Continuing Education Program. The class is offered April 11-15 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily with a half-hour lunch break and coincides with spring break for local students. The cost is $75. “Our program is meant to be engaging for students, so they do more than hear the information — they actually learn it!” said WNC Continuing Education Coordinator Lauren Slemenda. “Students will interact with each other and the instructor by playing games designed to reinforce lessons, and parents will receive daily summaries of what their student learned that day so that they can help emphasize the information at home and during behind-the-wheel practice.” Suzanne Pipho, an educator and experienced WNC employee who has taught her oldest son to drive, will teach the class. Instruction will include guest speakers from the Carson City Sheriff's Department, DMV and Nevada Department of Transportation who will provide valuable insight into driving safely. The class will conclude with the awarding of completion certificates and a "bonus" session providing parents with tips for behind-the-wheel practice. This course meets NAC 389.568 requirements for 30 hours of classroom driver education training for students under the age of 18. For more information and to register your child, go to wnc.edu/driver-education/. WNC to close for Presidents’ Day on Feb. 21 In honor of all the leaders who have served as president of the United States, Western Nevada College will close its three campuses for Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 21. Even though the college will be closed, information about the college and its programs and opportunities can be accessed at wnc.edu. WNC will resume its regular 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
