Micro Credentials at NWTC
Deliberately Different Higher Ed
Gain new skills immediately and take quicker steps toward a higher salary and rewarding career.
Fast track your opportunities with a micro credential in a variety of fields.
Small credentials. Big benefits.
Micro credentials are small (smaller than a certificate, diploma, or degree), flexible, and highly-focused programs with big benefits. Designed for today’s learners who want results right now, micro credentials quickly provide:
- Specific, in-demand skills that can lead to a new job, career advancement, or a change in your career field.
- Recognition for your mastery of a skill or capability, allowing you to stand out from others in your profession.
- Stackable credentials that provide a pathway to a degree. Credits never expire, so you can come back and complete a certificate, diploma, or degree – whenever it’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can earn a micro credential?
Anyone who is looking to quickly obtain skills to increase their career opportunities and earning potential, including:
Recent high school graduates looking for a new approach to college.
Current students and alumni who want to broaden their skill set.
Working adults who need upskilling to advance or change careers.
Individuals who are returning to the job market.
How do I earn a micro credential?
- Register for a micro credential course - find out how using the instructions in the FAQ below.
- Attend and successfully pass the class.
- Receive your Micro Credential Certificate of Completion to show your newly assessed knowledge and skills.
How do I register?
Our available micro credentials are listed below. When ready to register, simply select your preferred course time/delivery method and use the "Register" link in the far right column. This will add your course to the shopping cart. Visit the cart and complete the checkout process to enroll.
Reminder: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is in place to add a level of security and protect your NWTC account from unwanted access. For more information or for technical support, visit the MFA web page.
Available Credentials
Keep checking back for the most up-to-date list of programs!
Business Field
Lean Operations Intro
Lean Operations Intro (10-182-111) – 1 credit
In this course, you will develop knowledge skills, process of lean operations management/JIT, quality management, quality control, continuous improvement methodologies, statistical process control chart interpretation, material handling, and production logistics.
Cost: $163.30
Lean Manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing (10-182-112) – 1 credit
In this course, you will develop knowledge skills process of lean manufacturing/JIT environment, systems approach, productivity attainment, line balancing, kaizen, Kanban, 5S system, value stream mapping, human resource development, and lean operations management.
Cost: $163.30
Lean Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma (10-182-114) – 1 credit
In this course, you will develop a general awareness of Lean Six Sigma: what it is, why it matters, what makes it successful. This course provides an overview of Six Sigma concepts and language and an introduction to the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) process improvement cycle. This course will prepare you to take the green belt six sigma certification.
Cost: $163.30
Operations Management
Operations Management (10-102-168) – 3 credits
This course covers the process of evaluating alternative courses of action to given problems and arriving at the most suitable plan; entails thorough analysis of the pros and cons of every alternative solution; and explores features of production/service systems to include aggregate planning, forecasting techniques, scheduling, MRP & ERP, and inventory management systems. An operational simulation will apply the learnings.
Cost: $607.15
Leadership Academy
NWTC’s Leadership Academy is designed to develop the leadership skills of the informal leader in every organization. This program is an excellent development opportunity for front line employees and potential team leaders. Foundational topics for this course include planning, controlling, delegating, organizing, human motivation, decision-making, conflict resolution, and managing a diverse workforce. Participants also learn application of these foundational lessons including the benefits and challenges of group work, necessary roles in a team, stages of team development, meeting facilitation, different approaches to problem solving, consensus, data acquisition, analysis, developing alternative solutions, implementation, and evaluation.
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- Access to high-speed internet and Canvas Learning Management System are required.
Cost: $699.00
Project Management
NWTC’s Project Management micro credential covers all aspects of managing projects, from technical and measurable aspects to personnel and other issues. Students work closely in teams, helping them develop skills to tackle complex projects and consider different viewpoints. The combination of courses helps build the skills necessary to become a project manager within a variety of industries.
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- Access to high-speed internet and Canvas Learning Management System are required.
- Online Live courses require access to Microsoft Teams for video conferencing.
Cost: $399.00
Microsoft Excel – Level 1 Training
Participants will be provided with the opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge and skills through hands on project-based learning. This 12-hour course uses a combination of learning tools, projects, and instructor guidance to help participants achieve the level of success they wish. Throughout the course participants will have access to their instructor for assistance and guidance via Online Live Microsoft Teams Meetings, On Campus Meetings, and Email.
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
Cost: $149.00
Microsoft Excel – Level 2 Training
Participants will be provided with the opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills developed in the Level 1 Training. The learning outcomes focus on the exploration and development of logical functions to analyze and visualize large sets of data. This 12-hour course uses a combination of learning tools, projects, and instructor guidance to help participants achieve the level of success they wish. Throughout the course participants will have access to their instructor for assistance and guidance via Online Live Microsoft Teams Meetings, On Campus Meetings, and Email.
Pre-requisite: Microsoft Excel – Level 1 Training
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
Cost: $149.00
Microsoft Excel – Level 3 Training
Participants will be provided with the opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills developed in both the Level 1 & Level 2 Training. The learning outcomes focus on the exploration and development of PivotTables as a tool to analyze large sets of data. This 12-hour course uses a combination of learning tools, projects, and instructor guidance to help participants achieve the level of success they wish. Throughout the course participants will have access to their instructor for assistance and guidance via Online Live Microsoft Teams Meetings, On Campus Meetings, and Email.
Pre-requisite: Microsoft Excel – Level 2 Training
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
Cost: $165.00
Health Field
OSHA for Dental Professionals
OSHA for Dental Professionals
This comprehensive program equips dental professionals, especially new hires, with the knowledge and skills to excel in infection control. Through a 4-hour online module followed by a 2-hour live virtual session, you'll gain a thorough understanding of OSHA standards, practical program development, and best practices – ensuring a safe environment for both dental staff and patients. This course fulfills the Wisconsin Dental Examining Board Continuing Education Requirement (Chapter DE 13).
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course.
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
Cost: $149.00
IT Field
Programming in Python
Programming in Python (10-152-170) – 3 credits
In this course, students investigate the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python programming language. Students examine data types, variables, conditional statements, looping, array structures, and structured programming techniques. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to use Python to apply problem solving skills to create applications for delivery to various platforms.
Cost: $480.90
Database Development
Database Development (10-154-125) – 3 credits
This covers database uses, database terminology, analyzing information requirements, data models, database design phases, entity relationships, normalization processes, database management systems, database objects, development environments, creating tables, writing queries using SQL, and testing.
Cost: $486.90
SQL Programming
SQL Programming (10-152-184) – 3 credits
In this course, you will learn to write queries in a relational database: creating tables, setting primary/foreign keys, populating tables, manipulating data and reporting. You will explore join types, stored procedures, functions, and database administration SQL statements.
Cost: $480.90
SQL Programming Advanced
SQL Programming Advanced (10-152-151) – 3 credits
In this course, you will learn to write advanced SQL statements, design robust databases, and explore performance issues and solutions at the server level and query level. Additional topics include database transformations, alternate database technologies, emerging database trends and database administration and security.
Prerequisite: 10-152-184, IT: Web: Programming-SQL
Cost: $480.90
Power BI
Power BI (10-103-175) – 1 credit
Power BI is a set of business analytics tools utilized to connect, aggregate, and visualize data from multiple sources to create interactive reports. You will learn how to extract, transform, and load data, as well as build a data model using modeling features, proper relationship creation, and efficient design.
Prerequisites: 10-103-131, Micro:Excel-Intro; 10-103-132, Micro:Excel-Part 2
Cost: $163.30
Public Safety Field
Becoming a Private Investigator and Business Start Up
Becoming a Private Investigator and Business Start Up
This course equips you to explore PI specializations, master licensing requirements (including DSPS regulations and ethics), and launch your own firm (covering business structures, marketing, and legalities). Gain the knowledge and skills for a rewarding PI career in Wisconsin!
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course.
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
- Session 1 of Private Investigators Academy. Can be taken stand-alone or as a series.
Cost: $149.00
Professional Communication and Interviewing
Professional Communication and Interviewing
Unleash your inner investigator! This course equips you with essential skills: interview techniques (from initial client meetings to witness interviews), detecting deception through verbal and non-verbal cues, and crafting professional reports. Master the art of interviewing, understand human behavior, and navigate diverse personalities throughout the investigative process.
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course.
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
- Session 2 of Private Investigators Academy. Can be taken stand-alone or as a series.
Cost: $149.00
Open Records and Open Sources
Open Records and Open Sources
This course unlocks the power of open records: public databases, FOIA requests, land records, and more – to aid in missing persons, witness location, and background checks. You'll also learn to leverage libraries, social media, and even DNA databases to find what you need, navigating legalities and timeframes for requests. Unleash the power of desktop investigation!
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course.
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
- Session 3 of Private Investigators Academy. Can be taken stand-alone or as a series.
Cost: $149.00
Intro to Private Process Serving
Intro to Private Process Serving
This course covers everything you need to know: state laws, process manuals, using CCAP and online resources to find people, and proper approaches for successful service. Learn what constitutes a legal serve and navigate out-of-state deliveries with confidence. Become a process serving pro!
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course.
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
- Session 4 of Private Investigators Academy. Can be taken stand-alone or as a series.
Cost: $149.00
Surveillance - Techniques and Equipment
Surveillance - Techniques and Equipment
Important Notes:
- This is a non-credit course.
- This is a self-paced online course.
- Access to high-speed internet is required.
- Session 5 of Private Investigators Academy. Can be taken stand-alone or as a series.
Cost: $149.00
STEM Field
Automation 1: Control Logic
Automation 1: Control Logic (10-664-100) – 1 credit
This course covers control logic: electric motor control components such as switches, relays, starters, transformers; and safely mount and install motor and motor control components and perform related wiring and troubleshooting of motor control circuits.
Important: This class consists of both lecture and hands-on lab activities. You can watch the lectures on video through the NWTC Canvas learning management system. You will complete the hands-on lab activities in either ET129 or ET120 lab space during the posted open lab times. Plan on spending approximately 30 hours to complete this course. Before beginning work in this class, please meet with an instructor in ET129 or ET120 during posted open lab times.
Cost: $176.30
Automation 2: Motor control
Automation 2: Motor Control (10-664-101) – 1 credit
This course covers electric motor control components such as sensors, timers and counters. ( Pre-requisite: 10-664-100, Automation 1: Control Logic)
Important: This class consists of both lecture and hands-on lab activities. You can watch the lectures on video through the NWTC Canvas learning management system. You will complete the hands-on lab activities in either ET129 or ET120 lab space during the posted open lab times. Plan on spending approximately 30 hours to complete this course. Before beginning work in this class, please meet with an instructor in ET129 or ET120 during posted open lab times.
Cost: $176.30
Automation 3: PLC
Automation 3: PLC (10-664-102) – 1 credit
This course covers basic programmable logic controller (PLC) programming and troubleshooting.
Important: This class consists of both lecture and hands-on lab activities. You can watch the lectures on video through the NWTC Canvas learning management system. You will complete the hands-on lab activities in either ET129 or ET120 lab space during the posted open lab times. Plan on spending approximately 30 hours to complete this course. Before beginning work in this class, please meet with an instructor in ET129 or ET120 during posted open lab times.
Cost: $176.30
Automation 4: PLC
Automation 4: PLC (10-664-103) – 1 credit
This course covers troubleshooting a programmable logic controller (PLC) system, applying Event Sequencing, developing PLC applications, applying timer instructions and counter instructions. ( Prerequisite: 10-664-102, Automation 3: PLC)
Important: This class consists of both lecture and hands-on lab activities. You can watch the lectures on video through the NWTC Canvas learning management system. You will complete the hands-on lab activities in either ET129 or ET120 lab space during the posted open lab times. Plan on spending approximately 30 hours to complete this course. Before beginning work in this class, please meet with an instructor in ET129 or ET120 during posted open lab times.
Cost: $176.30
Automation 5: PLC
Automation 5: PLC (10-664-104) – 1 credit
This course covers programmable logic controller (PLC) application, troubleshooting, and implementation of program control; math and data move instructions; analog I/O modules; and producing a PLC program from specification. ( Pre-Requisite: 10-664-103, Automation 4: PLC)
Important: This class consists of both lecture and hands-on lab activities. You can watch the lectures on video through the NWTC Canvas learning management system. You will complete the hands-on lab activities in either ET129 or ET120 lab space during the posted open lab times. Plan on spending approximately 30 hours to complete this course. Before beginning work in this class, please meet with an instructor in ET129 or ET120 during posted open lab times.
Cost: $176.30
Trades Field
Blueprint Reading for Welders Level 1: Essentials (Beginner Level)
Blueprint Reading for Welders Level 1: Essentials (Beginner Level)
This beginner-friendly welding blueprint reading course equips you with essential skills: interpreting orthographic projections, sketching, using dimensions, and reading welds from blueprints. You'll also master basic trades math, setting the stage for future welding success!
Important Notes:
- This course is offered at NWTC Sturgeon Bay.
- Price includes books and materials.
Cost: $925.00
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about our new micro credentials, please contact us: microcred@nwtc.edu