Dubuque Center
You don't have to go far to go further. Located in the heart of downtown Dubuque at the foot of the Town Clock, the Dubuque Center is your local hub for mastering new skills or earning an industry-recognized credential while balancing home and work. Whether you are looking to start a new career or finish what you started, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.
Transforming to Build Your Future Better
The center is undergoing a significant transformation to better align with the evolving employment needs of the region and the local health care sector. This transformation includes extensive renovations throughout the building, including establishing new laboratories for anatomy, physiology, and specialized spaces for EMT and paramedic programs, along with a modern six-bed lab for the certified nursing assistant (CNA) program.
The renovated Dubuque Center will continue to focus on adult education with updated offices, testing center, and classrooms, while the main level will serve as a hub for EMT and paramedic training, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. These enhancements aim to equip students with essential skills for the health care workforce, ultimately strengthening the local economy and improving regional health services.
Project Timeline
Construction is set to begin in April 2026, with Phase 1 focusing on updating spaces used by high school students taking concurrent enrollment courses by fall 2026. Phase 2 will involve renovations of the main and lower levels, expected to be completed by January 2027.
Center Information
Address:
700 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Phone:
563.562.3263, ext. 3700
Hours:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 4 pm
Friday 7:30 am - 3 pm
Testing Center Hours:
By appointment, call 563.562.3263, ext. 3251
*Starting March 2, the Dubuque Center will be closed for renovations. Services will be provided in the NICC Town Clock Business Center at 680 Main Street. Testing services will be available after March 13.
Center Director
- Email: sparrgroves@nicc.edu
- Phone: 563.562.3263, ext. 3252
High School Students
Earn College Credit. Gain Industry Skills. Fast-Track Your Career.
Many high school students are undecided on their future and a career - that’s okay, you're not alone. You can take time to explore careers while still earning college credit and saving on tuition. Participating in a Career Academy at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is an excellent way to gain hands-on skills, earn college credit, prepare to obtain industry-recognized credentials and master technical skills. We currently offer two academies, Computing and Cybersecurity and Advanced Sciences, exclusively at the Dubuque Center.
Take the Next Step - Enroll. Talk to your high school counselor to enroll and secure your spot in our next cohort!
The Computing and Cybersecurity Academy is designed to turn your curiosity into a high-paying career. The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the digital landscape:
- Learn to defend data and tackle real-world security challenges.
- Create the infrastructure that drives the modern world.
- Master the core principles behind software development.
- Explore the capabilities of large-scale computing.
Preview the featured courses in this sample schedule.
Requirements:
- Current high school students (Junior or Senior year strongly recommended).
- Algebra I completion is strongly encouraged; Algebra II is a plus.
The Health Academy is designed to prepare you for a medical career with a strong foundation in Human Anatomy & Physiology. Mastering these skills now gives you a head start on a clinical degree. Preview the featured courses in this sample schedule.
Requirements:
- Current high school students (Junior or Senior year strongly recommended).
- High School anatomy and physiology is strongly encouraged.
Programs Designed for You
The High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET) give those who left high school prior to graduating the opportunity to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). The HiSET exam certifies that your academic knowledge is equivalent to that of a high school graduate in the following subject areas:
- Science
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Language Arts - Reading
- Language Arts - Writing
There is no cost for HSED program students, including HiSET exam fees and study material; these costs are covered by NICC. Learn more about the HSED program and how to enroll at the Dubuque Center.
The Dubuque Center offers English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Our mission is to improve students' English language skills to help them safely and successfully develop personally and academically.
Classes are designed to improve fluency in reading, speaking and writing, while also incorporating a variety of other subjects, including American traditions and culture.
There is no cost for classes or registration! Learn more about the ESOL program and how to enroll.
Career Pathway Certificates (CPC) can be completed in just a few weeks or months and are designed to provide critical job and technical skills through hands-on training. A career pathway certificate can be earned at little to no cost to students and provides a direct path to fast-growing entry-level jobs, increased wages and options to continue your education and training.
The Opportunity Dubuque program, a partnership with Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, offers financial support within eligible programs in the Dubuque and Peosta area.
View our full list of options offered in downtown Dubuque.
Re-engage Dubuque is a partnership between the Dubuque Community School District, NICC and Project HOPE. This community initiative aims to connect students who have recently dropped out of school to alternative educational options and post-secondary education. Learn more about Re-engage Dubuque.