Black River Technical College (BRTC) is announcing a new Technical Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business, a program designed to help students build practical AI skills for today’s workplace.
The certificate is not intended to train AI developers or computer scientists. Instead, it focuses on teaching students how to apply AI tools to business operations like communications and marketing, information analysis, task automation, productivity, customer service, and decision-making support. Students will also learn about the limitations of AI and how to use it responsibly and ethically.
“AI for Business focuses on how students can actually use AI technology in a business or workplace setting,” program instructor Keri Zimmer said. Zimmer explained the certificate would also fill gaps between the Business program, which teaches students how organizations operate, and the Information Technology program, which focuses on the technology itself.
The certificate is designed for a broad audience: recent high school graduates seeking a fast track into the workforce, working adults looking to add in-demand skills, and current BRTC students who want to strengthen their resumes. BRTC also sees the program as a valuable resource for the local workforce. While not every business needs someone who can develop AI, every business can benefit from employees who know how to use it effectively.
“Students would not have to be ‘computer people’ to benefit from this program,” Zimmer noted. “The focus is on teaching them how to use AI as a practical workplace tool.”
BRTC developed the certificate in response to how quickly AI has moved into everyday work across nearly every industry, not just technology careers. “As a college, we have a responsibility to prepare our students for the workforce they are going into,” Zimmer said. “Students need to understand the ethical and responsible use of AI, and recognize when information it provides may not be accurate.”
The Technical Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Business will be available beginning in the spring of 2027.
For more information about the certificate, contact Keri Zimmer at (870) 248-4058 or
