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 Information Technology - Certificate or Associate's Degree
Back to top
[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.
Career choices emanating from this course of study include
occupations such as: outpatient clinic manager, medical office
manager, insurance biller/coder, medical records manager,
administrative assistant, surgery scheduler, admitting clerk;
physician, dentist or hospital team member; or medical
transcriptionist.
Massage Therapy - Certificate or Associate's Degree
Back to top
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 - Certificate or Associate's Degree
Back to top
As a Medical Assistant, you pursue an exciting and rewarding
career in the field of medicine, and play a critical role in
today's health care system. The medical assisting 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). Students work on personal computers using
word-processing, typing, and keyboarding software. The program
emphasizes professionalism, client relations, critical thinking,
adherence to the ethical and legal requirements of a medical
practice, and proper communication skills. 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 for an entry-level
position 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
Back to top
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
Back to top
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
Back to top
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.
