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).
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
