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.
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.
Dental Hygiene - Diploma
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The Dental Hygiene program prepares students to excel in the
challenging and rewarding position of a Dental Hygienist. The
instruction includes assessment of a patient's general and
oral health, removal of plaque, stain and calculus (tartar),
dental radiography (x-rays), administration of local anesthesia,
application of preventative agents (fluoride), oral hygiene
instruction and dietary counseling, among other knowledge and
skills. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will
be prepared to take national written and regional clinical exams
leading to licensure. Career opportunities for graduates include:
clinical positions in dental offices, public health agencies,
hospitals and community dental clinics, educational and
administrative positions and research and marketing of
dental-related products.
Health Care Administration - Certificate or Diploma
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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 programs 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.
Massage Therapy - Associate's Degree 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 Degree and Certificate
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The Medical Assisting degree and certificate programs consist 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.
Medical Billing - Associate's Degree
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The Medical Billing degree program is designed to prepare the
student for employment as a medical biller in a medical or dental
office, hospital, clinic, or by an independent billing company.
Instruction will consist of theory and practice to meet the
competencies identified as necessary for entry-level employment.
Students will learn to prepare various health claims forms
required by the insurance industry using medical billing
software, which involves practicing accurate interpretation of
medical records, including procedures performed and the diagnosis
determined by the health care provider, and correctly documenting
and coding the information for submission to the insurance
company for payment.
Pharmacy Technology - Associate's Degree
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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.
Veterinary Technology - Associate's Degree
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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.
