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AO-K Railroad Conductor Pathway

Earn a high school diploma while you complete a short-term certificate program in the railroad field, leading to industry-recognized credentials and improved job prospects. Become an AO-K student today!

Two National Academy of Railroad Science students walking between the rails of a track in the simulated rail yard on the JCCC campus.

Launch a successful career while simultaneously receiving academic instruction, specialized support and technical certificates. You may even qualify for free tuition for pathway courses.

AO-K Teaching Approach

  • Maximizes individual attention for success
  • Specialized teaching team
  • Improves basic reading, writing and math skills related to your technical career
  • Teaches both technical and professional skills 

The courses in the Railroad Conductor pathway include:

  • Introduction to Conductor Service
  • General Code of Operating Rules
  • Conductor Mechanical Operation
  • Conductor Field Application
  • Conductor Service
  • Workplace Skills

When all courses are completed, you’ll have earned a college credential with a Railroad Conductor certificate.  

Valdo P., GED® and railroad conductor pathway graduate

“To be honest, this has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do so far in my life. My story doesn’t start with I quit school this year or last, or 5 years ago. Mine is I quit school 20 years ago. JCAE staff and volunteers made it comfortable and were always helpful and easy to talk to. I continued on the AO-K Railroad Conductor Pathway and graduated with a 3.75 GPA - third highest in the class. It was hard and painful but well worth it in the end.  It takes a lot for me to say, but I am very proud of myself.”

Launch a New Career

The Railroad Conductor pathway can help build your credentials, education, and earning potential.

You will study at the National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS), a partnership between Johnson County Community College and BNSF Railway. Using both classroom and in the field training, you will learn about rules and signals, safety policies and procedures, train mechanics and on-the-job requirements.

As a Railroad Conductor, you will adhere to strict safety regulations and guidelines, ensure rail cars are in proper working order, distribute cargo and weight evenly along the train, and maintain communication with the train’s engineer, traffic control and other crew members.

Commerce Department Outlook for Railroad Conductors

The Kansas Department of Commerce reports wages for Railroad Conductors are very competitive. The median wage for Railroad Conductors is $57,480 per year in the state of Kansas.

Learn More!

To learn more, email Holly Wimer, AO-K Coordinator, or call 913-469-8500, ext. 7687.

Do you or someone you know need a GED and have an interest in training for a career?