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.

Dental Assisting - Associate's Degree 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.

Dental Hygiene - Diploma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - Sacramento.