CVTC Offering Online Drone Certification Program

Chippewa Valley Technical College is offering a series of three eight-week online classes this summer to help owners of drones become Unmanned Aerial Systems Certified. The nine-credit course is designed to give students a solid foundation in understanding unmanned aerial vehicle systems technologies, capabilities, regulations, safety and legal responsibilities.

“We try to keep up with emerging technologies,” said Lynette Livingston, CVTC dean of business and academic initiatives. “We are the first college in the Wisconsin Technical College System to provide this.”

Livingston said the idea of offering drone certification came as a result of conversations with business leaders and CVTC faculty in areas in which drone technology is being used–such as agriculture and law enforcement. Construction companies, real estate agencies, school districts, media outlets and marketing agencies might also use the technology, along with general hobbyists.

The three classes include UAS Fundamentals and Theory, UAS Operations, and Commercial UAS Policy Development. All courses will be fully online, with operations training through a simulator.

Applications for the program can be completed at www.cvtc.edu/certificates.