Western Career College

All programs include classroom work as well as hands-on field work. Some programs offer a certificate at completion, and many programs lead to an Associate's of Science (AS) degree. There are campuses throughout Northern California and degree programs offered online.

Medical Programs and Degrees

Western Career College offers numerous medical programs. They cover front office and back office procedures, and train students to work in records and billing as well as in laboratories and with patients. Students learn to deliver healthcare as massage therapists, registered nurses, vocational nurses, and respiratory therapists. They also receive training in performing ultrasounds and assisting in surgeries. Some of the programs qualify students to sit for certification exams in addition to obtaining their associate's degree.

Administrative healthcare programs include:

Health information technology
Healthcare administration
Medical billing

The biotechnology program teaches students to work in a variety of laboratory settings.

Massage therapy students learn everything from traditional massage to therapies which are employed in pain relief clinics.

Nursing and assisting programs include:

Registered nursing. The registered nurse (RN) program at Western Career College is an Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN program, providing LVNs with the training they need to work as registered nurses and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Vocational nursing. Western Career College trains these hands-on nurses, who can work straight away or continue their education at any point to become registered nurses.
Medical assisting. Classes prepare students to work with doctors in a variety of settings. After finishing the program, students are ready to take national certification exams as well as work in healthcare practitioners' offices.

Other healthcare degree programs include training for:

Surgical technologists are trained to assist at surgery. They can be employed in hospitals and surgical centers.
Ultrasound technology teaches students to do medical sonograms. This is an 18-month course, after which students can sit for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) national registry exam.
Respiratory therapy students are taught to help make sure patients can breathe. They may work with anyone from infants to elderly patients, usually in hospitals.

Dental Care Degrees

Western Career College also offers dental degree programs for:

Dental assistants work in dentists' offices, taking x-rays, handling supplies, and performing other procedures. Students are trained to help dentists' offices function smoothly and at graduation are ready to take the State of California Dental Board examination. The dental assistant degree program is offered at a number of campuses.
Dental hygiene students learn the many ways to clean teeth and remove plaque. They can also assess the condition of teeth and the health of the mouth, apply fluoride, and instruct patients. Students who finish this course are prepared to take national or regional licensure exams.

Pharmacy Technology Degrees

This program teaches students how to assist pharmacists. They learn computer skills and pharmaceutical skills. Students are prepared to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam after this course.

Veterinary Technology Degrees

This is a challenging program in which students learn veterinary medical information as well as how to handle animals. The field externship is very important. Students are prepared to sit for the California Registered Veterinary Technician State Board Examination.

Criminal Justice Degrees

The criminal justice program emphasizes criminal investigation and loss prevention security. Students can go on to work in many areas of law enforcement. This program is offered at several campuses and online.

Graphics

Graphics degree programs include:

Design drafting programs give students the tools to draft designs, including technical drawing for structures and mechanical devices. There are many opportunities for graduates with these skills.
Graphic communications includes training in Web design, computer animation, multimedia, and other desktop computer skills. A graduate may be ready for a mid-level or higher position in computer graphics.

Online Programs and Degrees
The online programs are very much like their campus counterparts in terms of content. Students can finish the criminal justice program in 18 months. Graphic design can also be finished in 18 months, healthcare administration in 20 months, and health information technology in 20 months. The health information technology program requires an externship in a healthcare facility.

Western Career College goes out of its way to help people pay for college, including a "gap" program, aimed at people who recently lost their jobs and need retraining.

Western Career College - Online

Associate's Degrees

Art & Design