Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts has become the first community college in the state to offer a UAS certificate program.

The certificate program will feature a “series of online and in-person courses” designed to give students a comprehensive education on UAS, while helping them prepare to take and ultimately pass the FAA Drone Pilot Exam.

“Through the Quinsigamond Community College Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education, we are pleased to be able to offer individuals and companies a complete package of courses addressing the brand new tech careers drones are creating and the skills needed to work in these fields,” says Kathleen Manning, dean of Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education.

Through the program, students will learn a variety of lessons, including the basics of getting started with UAS, FAA rules and regulations of commercial UAS, and market projections within the UAS industry, to name a few things.

Additional classes offered through the program will include test preparation classes, classes on learning how to start a UAS business, and classes on aerial photography.

According to Manning, businesses in the state need to prepare for the impact that UAS will have in the future.

“Drones are one example of a disruptive technology that many businesses in Central Massachusetts need to prepare for,” Manning says.

“As an educational institution, with a mission focused on ensuring individuals have the skills necessary to work in this innovation economy, it is incumbent on us to keep abreast of the innovations that are bringing change to industry and help individuals and companies manage the impact.”

A flight training session will be offered to students through the onsite, 8-hour “Phantom and Inspire” flight training course, and will provide them with a hands-on opportunity to learn to fly UAS like a pro. The course will be held at the West Boylston Street campus.