Founded in 1967 in Sacramento, California, the Western Career
College philosophy is centered around outcome-based learning and
our focus on retention, placement, and job performance results in
graduates who are highly qualified and motivated employees. The
health care community benefits from this focus on outcome-based
learning and the college's flexibility in adapting to their
changing needs. In 1986, the college opened the San Leandro
campus, and in 1997 the Pleasant Hill campus was opened.
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 - Certificate or Associate's Degree
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The Health Care Administration certificate and degree programs
are designed to prepare the student for entry-level employment 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, medical terminology, introduction to anatomy,
pharmacology, professional development and the measuring of vital
signs are presented. The student will complete classroom work
using a personal computer. Current skills for word processing and
medical office procedures are practiced. Field experience during
the externship is an important part of the program.
Massage Therapy - Certificate
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The Massage Therapy program is 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.
Medical Assisting - Certificate or Associate's Degree
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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 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.
