Aviation Courses at WNC

Do you feel the need? The need for speed? Western Nevada College will hold a special event presenting the movie Top Gun to launch its aviation courses this fall. The promotion will take place July 12 and 13 from 6-7 p.m. at the Fallon Theatre, 71 S. Maine St., and will feature presentations from local pilots followed by a screening of the movie.

Lisa Gallo Swan, Director of Fallon Campus & Rural Outreach, said the college will offer three aviation ground school courses this coming fall, both online and in person at the Fallon campus. The three courses are Aviation 110 Private Pilot Ground School, Aviation 210 Instrument Ground School, and Aviation 250 Commercial Aviation Ground School.

“WNC is beginning to explore the possibility of offering an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation and is actively working with members of the Fallon community to potentially form a partnership with a flight school,” Gallo Swan said.

When speaking at a recent Fallon Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Gallo Swan gave an overview of the programs the college is offering this fall, including welding, commercial driver's licenses, and programs they hope to revive. 

The welding programs include a 30-credit certificate completed in two semesters and a 60-credit AA degree completed in four semesters. The college is currently in discussions with a national company that is pursuing contracts with NAS Fallon to secure job opportunities on the base for students who complete the certifications. While this opportunity is initially only for the welding students, the college plans to include HVAC and Auto Mechanics programs within a year.

Gallo Swan said that the welding instructor, Jep Jeppesen, is already working with area businesses to help students find jobs after completing their certifications. Graduates also find work in the Iron Welders Union and the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union in Nevada and in states such as Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

“WNC is committed to building partnerships with any company to ensure workforce sustainability,” she said.

The CDL certification program is a five-week course instructed by Joe Terry, and scholarships may be available. The next classes will be held from August 12 to September 13 and November 3 to December 13. Gallo Swan said applications for each course need to be received by the Wednesday before the start of each class.

The nursing program will be greatly enhanced over the next two years and feature a new state-of-the-art facility for students. Gallo Swan said the school received $2.3 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration and will use the funds to transform the Pinion Building and to expand the rural nursing cohort from eight students to 12 per year. The renovated building, expected to open in Fall 2026, will also offer programs like phlebotomy, medical assistant, and nurse assistant training. 

Gallo Swan said that WNC Fallon Campus is currently looking for an HVAC instructor to join the team. Flexible teaching days and times are available to accommodate an instructor’s schedule. She also said the college will host four art shows in the Getto Hall gallery during the 2024-2025 school year, featuring works by instructors, students, and local artists. Gallo Swan concluded her talk to the chamber by mentioning that the local Rotary Club would help with small projects to upgrade the campus.

“Open enrollment for Fall 2024 classes is now open. We offer a wide range of General Education requirements, degree-specific courses, and many fun electives,” Gallo Swan said. 

For more information on courses or certifications, visit wnc.edu/starthere. To schedule an appointment with Academic Advisor Kathryn Whitaker, please call 775-445-3379.