The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is devoted to a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, and related industries. The college provides open access to innovative technical education, resulting in associate degrees, certificates, and other credentials.

 

NCTA Vision

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture will be an effective and nurturing student-centered learning community with a national reputation for producing graduates in high demand by cutting-edge industries.

 

NCTA Values

• Dedication to student development
• Demonstration of personal integrity and responsibility
• Practical and applied educational activities
• Student engagement in the learning process
• Commitment to seeking and teaching the most recent and accurate academic information
• Educational activities that lead to student lifelong learning and gainful employment
• Respect for the contributions, perspectives, and personal worth of all members of the college community

 

NCTA Key Characteristics

 

Important and distinctive features of the NCTA experience:

• Practical, applied, experiential education activities
• Career-applied technical education
• Programs relevant to job attainment and career development
• Dedicated and caring faculty and staff
• Low student-to-faculty ratio
• Accessible land and animal resources for hands-on learning
• Close working relationship with the UNL Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources (IANR) and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR)

VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY

Are you looking for an exciting profession centered on the health and well-being of animals? If so, NCTA's Veterinary Technology Program is for you! From cattle to llamas, dogs to exotic birds, you'll work with diverse animals and learn in our state-of-the-art facilities. Expand your knowledge even more through internships, work at research facilities, or travel with the Safari Club. The dynamic NCTA Stock Dog Team (the only collegiate competitive team in the country) and STVMA/ Vet Tech Club round out our students' social, educational, and community engagement opportunities.

Your learning environment here encompasses a teaching clinic, digital radiology equipment, ultrasound, surgery suite with observation, necropsy, and a large animal working facility on our large agricultural campus. Horse lovers enjoy our equine facilities, indoor arena, and new full-sized equine simulator.

 

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees:

Veterinary Technician - Hands-on program where you'll prepare to work at a companion animal, mixed animal, or equine practice in the industry or at a research facility. Graduates are eligible to sit for the VTNE and become licensed.

Veterinary Assistant - Similar curriculum as Vet Tech Option. Prepare to work in a vet clinic or industry.

Animal Husbandry - This degree program blends animal science, preventative health care, and veterinary medicine. Equine Health - Stand-alone option, or use to augment your vet tech or assistant degree. Gain skills in equine dentistry, diseases, industrial management, and artificial insemination.

 

Associate of Science (AS) Degree (Transfer Option)

Our Vet Tech AAS (2 yr.) integrated capstone with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a seamless transfer to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in four years.

Certificate: Animal Health Care

 

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Livestock Industry Management

• Hands-on learning in livestock husbandry/management

• Campusfeedlot and rangeland support cow-calf herd

• Hydraulic chute system, artificial insemination stalls

• 2,500+ combined acres of crop and range land

 

Equine Industry Management

• Comprehensive equine health, reproduction, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment

• Climate-controlled indoor arena with stadium seating

• Training, riding, basic equitation

• Access to horses and equine stocks

 

Associate of Science Degrees (AS)- Transfer Options

Animal Science

• Gain two years of hands-on experience and basic standards at NCTA and complete your baccalaureate degree at UNL.

Certificates

• Beef Production

• Equine Training

• Artificial Insemination

 

Our small college makes a big impact through hands-on, student-focused opportunities to engage directly in animal care and make industry connections from day one. The high level of faculty expertise among our academic programs produces graduates destined for success with their own operations or animal industry careers.

 

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

Associate of Science (AS) Degree (Transfer Option)

Launch your teaching career in a small, rural setting. Becoming an Agriculture Educator will give you the power to change students' lives in the ag industry. You will promote agriculture inside and outside the classroom by providing hands-on activities for the students. Our program will provide a hands-on education to give you a great start on your Ag Education degree. Our A to B transfer program seamlessly transfers to UNL.

Our small college makes a big impact through hands-on, student-focused opportunities to immerse any student in the world of agriculture. Our academic programs' high level of faculty expertise produces graduates destined for success in teaching agriculture and as FFA advisors.

Career Outcomes

• Ag Education Teacher

• Extension Specialist

• College Professor

• Ag Research Specialist

• Farm or Ranch Manager and many more!

 

AGRONOMY

In the ever-changing environment of crop production, we prepare agronomists to engage in the latest plant and soil science, water resource conservation, and production techniques to grow the world's food. Our interdisciplinary program offers crop production, precision agriculture, conservation, business, and field practicums courses.

Agronomy Industry Management

• Preparation for the great diversity of careers that support the production of food, grain, and forage crops.

• Applied learning experiences on NCTA's college farm laboratory and access to the latest precision agriculture technology.

• Curriculum integrates science, technology, crop management, and resource conservation.

• Transfer program available.

Diversified Agriculture Management

• Integration of crop management and livestock management courses.

• Great preparation for diversified farm/ranch operations that raise cattle and crops.

• This flexible degree option allows students to select courses that best match their career goals.

 

AG MECHANICS

Irrigation Technician Certificate

NCTA has teamed with Reinke Manufacturing Company, a leading manufacturer of irrigation systems, to provide a hands-on Irrigation Technician educational program. Students will obtain foundational knowledge in electricity and mechanized irrigation systems in order to safely service, re- pair, troubleshoot, and install center-pivot systems assis- tance

Agricultural Chemical Application Certificate

Hands-on courses covering areas such as Pest Manage- ment, Agricultural Chemical Application, and Precision Farming. Co-ops and custom applicator careers abound.

Agricultural Welding Certificate

Nebraska has many agriculture equipment manufacturers that employ full-time welders. This certificate was developed with their consultation to meet their needs, as well as the needs of other farms and aspiring entrepreneurs. The certificate con- sists of 16 credit hours of hands-on courses, which includes three comprehensive welding courses, industrial safety and a welding apprenticeship course.

 

AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

The Agribusiness Management Systems (AMS) academic major supports the college mission by striving to develop students into competent citizens through general education and by promoting financial skills, management ability, entrepreneurship, character, and integrity. Agribusiness Management graduates pursue careers in agricultural finance and at farm cooperatives; as office managers in various agricultural companies and as partners or owners of production agriculture businesses.

Abundant Career Prospects

Commodity Broker, Livestock Buyer, Ag Market Analyst, Farm/ Ranch Accountant, Grain Merchandiser, Farm Insurance Agent, Agricultural Farm Loan Officer, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Agriculture Chemical Sales Rep, and many more!

Transfer to the University of Nebraska- Lincoln - Complete your associate degree at NCTA and transfer to UNL-CASNR as a junior!

Transfer to the University of Nebraska- Kearney - NCTA and UNK are partnering to offer 2+2 Program Pathways! Start by earning an associate degree from NCTA then seamlessly transition to UNK and earn your Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

 

Agribusiness Clubs

• Farm Bureau Club

• Women in Ag

• Business Club

• Phi Theta Kappa

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