Northwest-Shoals Community College was founded in 1993 by the merger of Northwest Alabama Community Colleges Phil Campbell Campus and Shoals Community College. The college is a public institution that provides vocational, technical and academic educational opportunities in northwest Alabama region. It is part of the Alabama College System, which is a statewide system of postsecondary colleges and is governed by the Alabama Board of Education. The college offers a range of associate and certificate programs in applied sciences, child development, computer information systems technology, industrial maintenance, criminal justice, emergency medical services and accounting. It also offers various programs in allied health subjects that include diagnostic imaging, human services, occupational therapist assistant, pharmacy technology, and dental assistant and hygiene. The college operates drafting, electronics, English and welding departments. It additionally offers distant, adult and continuing learning programs. Northwest-Shoals Community College is located in Muscle Shoals, Ala.