Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of North Central Association, Johnson County Community College is also partnered with the National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) and offers a few programs that lead to careers in railroad sciences. Two-year degree programs include railroad operations-mechanical options associate of applied science (A.A.S.), which provides a variety of skills associated with the maintenance, service and repair of locomotives. The college also offers vocational certificate programs such as Locomotive Electrical Certificate and Locomotive Mechanical Certificate, each 12 hours long and designed to introduce students to the basic theory of locomotive electrical systems, basic operation, maintenance, repair of EMD and GE diesel engines and more. Tuition rates range from $75 to $173 per credit hour, as of 2011. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
The training center is a provider of employee training and certification for the U.S. rail industry. It was founded in 1988, and trains individuals interested in railroad careers. Advanced equipment and facilities are provided with accredited educational programs. Among its many railroad courses the academy also offers a locomotive engineer program. Students can increase existing skills and learn to operate new technology and equipment as well as learn to handle trains under extreme conditions. The training is targeted at both veteran engineers and newly hired employees. Trainees learn through both classroom study and simulated practice that replicates operation of a locomotive engine. NARS is based in Kansas but the training course can be taken in NARS satellite locations across the United States.
The academy started in 1995 and offers state-of-the-art technology such as Type II locomotive simulators. It offers a new locomotive engineer training program (among other railroad courses) and provides a locomotive to teach basic engineer skills and techniques to new students. Engineer classes are offered only in January and July, and students first need to take and pass the certified conductor class in September or May if they are not already a certified conductor. As of 2010, tuition costs range from $6,492 to $25,484.
The minimum age for conductor and locomotive training is 18 and a high school diploma or GED is required. Students must be reasonably fit and able to lift up to 60 pounds and climb ladders, for example. A clean, criminal record for the past eight years is also required.