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National Academy of Railroad Sciences at JCCC

Earn a college certificate at the National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS), a partnership of Johnson County Community College and BNSF Railway.

NARS logo featuring a black and white drawing of a locomotive and the words Railroad Training Excellence

Established in 1988, NARS offers training to those seeking a job in the railroad industry.

Learn in laboratory conditions and simulated situations that duplicate on-the-job tasks. Our training facility spans 130,000 square feet of office, classroom, laboratory, and multimedia studio space.

You'll learn from former railroad conductors who have met industry and Higher Learning Commission standards.

At the end of NARS training, you may earn an interview with BNSF Railway or other employers. NARS is strictly an educational opportunity.

Affiliate program: Locomotive Mechanical

Spoon River College in Canton, Illinois.

The National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) provides our affiliate college with industry-guided curriculum and expertise to enable their students to study locomotive mechanical courses within state-of-the-art training lab facilities.

Learn to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and repair EMD and GE diesel engines and support systems, including locomotive air brakes.