The Virtual Reality Innovation Academy (VRIA) -- a collaboration between UNMC iEXCEL and EON Reality -- will begin its second cohort on Sept. 30, and will provide the foundation for developing 3D and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) content including coding, animation and project management.

Recruitment for VRIA's second class is now under way, and a series of open houses will begin on Tuesday at UNMC. The open houses are for individuals interested in developing specialized skills and obtaining industry certification* in one of the fastest growing technology sectors of the economy -- AR/VR. These technologies are spreading far beyond the gaming and entertainment worlds into business, education and beyond, including health care.

With openings for up to 20 students, eligible candidates will be highly-motivated with an aptitude for developing creative digital content. A degree in computer science, gaming, visual arts or similar is ideal, but not required.

Prospective applicants are invited to attend an open house to learn more about VRIA and how the AR/VR course will help build experience in this growing field.

VRIA students will learn the basics of AR/VR content creation and the different specialties required to create a complete experience. The academy provides a comprehensive curriculum incorporating two stages of training and application. The first stage provides 16 weeks of theoretical and practical training. The second stage focuses on project-based training.

Students will learn from EON Reality's AR/VR professionals and develop a portfolio that can be used to showcase their work. Academy students may have the opportunity to assist in the creation of content for industry and corporate collaborators, as well as medical content for UNMC's iEXCEL (Interprofessional Experiential Center for Enduring Learning) program.

The graduating cohort of 2020 will be the first class to be housed in the Davis Global Center on the UNMC campus (opening September 2019).

*Please note: the EON Reality AR/VR Developer Certification is not affiliated with UNMC.