Western Career College

Founded in 1967 in Sacramento, California, the Western Career College philosophy emphasizes outcome-based learning. Our focus on retention, placement and job performance results in graduates who are highly qualified and motivated employees. The health care community benefits from outcome-based learning and the college's flexibility in adapting to the community's changing employment needs. The college opened the San Leandro campus in 1986 and the Pleasant Hill campus in 1997.

Western Career College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Dental Assisting - Associate's and Certificate

The dental assisting degree and certificate programs are designed to prepare students to be capable and skillful entry-level dental assistants. Students are trained to function as a vital partner to the dentist while following guidelines of the Dental Board of California. Emphasis is placed on actual demonstration and practice of instrumentation and operation of the dental operatory. Students become skillful at taking x-rays and impressions as well as performing coronal polish, restorative, oral surgery and orthodontic procedures. The program includes emphasis on patient preparation, law, ethics, administrative duties, telephone techniques and computer skills.

Health Care Administration - Associate's

Health care is the largest and fastest growing career field in the country and the demand for well-trained administrators has never been greater. The health care administration program can get you started on a rewarding career in a medical or dental front office or hospital office setting. The program specializes in administration, with an emphasis on the practice of various medical and health office skills. In addition, the program presents medical terminology, introduction to anatomy, pharmacology, professional development and the measuring of vital signs. The student also practices current skills for word processing and medical office procedures. Field experience during the externship is an important part of the program.

Health Information Technology - Diploma

Because of the many changes and developments in health care, the role of the Health Information Technologist has become one of flexibility and versatility. Upon completion of this program, students will be ready for an entry-level position in any number of administrative health care environments. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work both in the medical office and hospital environment.

Upon completion of this 42-week program, you'll have knowledge and proficiency in medical terminology, medical transcription, computerized medical billing/coding, data entry and recording, and interpersonal relations.

Massage Therapy - Associate's and Certificate

The massage therapy degree and certificate programs are designed to prepare the student for entry-level employment as a massage therapist and/or to enter private practice. The technical portion of the program introduces a variety of massage therapy techniques to facilitate the graduate's ability to address specific problem areas and concerns presented by the client. Techniques include Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Hydrotherapy and site-specific treatment techniques. Anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, interpersonal communication skills and clinic experience are incorporated to provide an integrated approach to learning the needed skills for competency in a professional massage practice. Business, marketing, advertising and presentation skills as well as professional boundaries and ethics also are covered.

Medical Assisting - Associate's and Certificate

The medical assisting program consists of four areas of training: clinical, administrative, laboratory and externship. The curriculum is based on the guidelines prescribed by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The program also prepares the student to sit for the national certification exam for medical assistants. In addition, graduates will have met the state requirements for injection administration and venipuncture. Upon completion, the graduate is well prepared to function competently at an entry level in a variety of medical settings. Employment opportunities include positions in physicians and other health care practitioners' offices, clinics and other health care facilities.

Pharmacy Technology - Associate's

The pharmacy technology degree program provides both technical and practical training which will enable the technician, upon licensure, to function as a competent entry-level assistant to a licensed pharmacist. The program provides the student with the basic knowledge of and practice in pharmacy calculations, drug distribution systems and preparation of sterile dosage forms. The program emphasizes theory, as well as hands-on practice, followed by an externship which prepares the student for the actual work setting.

The graduate will be fully prepared to take the CPhT exam. Employment opportunities for graduates include positions in hospitals, medical centers, skilled nursing facilities, private pharmacies, outpatient clinics and pharmaceutical companies.

Respiratory Therapy - Associate's

Respiratory therapists are in great demand! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment in this dynamic and growing career field is expected to increase faster than average compared to all occupations for the next several years. In California, respiratory care is the ninth fastest growing occupation with an expected 37.5 percent growth rate anticipated through the year 2010. In addition to an excellent job outlook, respiratory therapy is also an extremely rewarding career where graduates work for a variety of patients including newborn infants, children with asthma or pneumonia, trauma victims and older patients with emphysema or cardiac failure. Therapists work in hospital intensive care units, emergency rooms, clinics and outpatient home care. Western Career College can help you prepare for a career as a Respiratory Therapist in less time than you may think.

Veterinary Technology- Associate's

The veterinary technology degree program is designed to prepare the student with the basic knowledge and practical training necessary to function as an entry-level employee in a veterinary medical setting. This program is carefully balanced between theory and practical instruction, including clinical rotation and field experience during an externship. Fundamentals of chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology are emphasized as is the information needed to meet the requirements for the California Registered Veterinary Technician State Board Examination. Employment opportunities include positions in veterinary offices or hospitals, biomedical research institutions, zoological facilities, and the pharmaceutical and pet care industries.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Western Career College - Pleasant Hill.