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 program is 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 or Associate's Degree
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The Massage Therapy degree 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.
This program is also offered in an online hybrid format.
Classes are delivered online with a required one-day campus
classroom session.
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.
Surgical Technology - Certificate or Associate's Degree
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The Surgical Technology program includes both the didactic and
clinical instruction necessary to perform required duties of a
Surgical Technologist. The curriculum includes surgical
techniques, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology,
medical terminology, preoperative and postoperative routines and
care of the surgical patient, surgical procedures including
instrumentation and techniques, patient communication and care,
professional ethics and risk management. The objective of the
Surgical Technology program is to prepare the student to secure
entry-level positions as a Surgical Technologist.
Ultrasound Technology - Certificate or Diploma
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work with the most sophisticated
and advanced medical equipment and perform a critical function in
maintaining the health of a wide variety of patients. The
Ultrasound Technology program includes both the didactic and
clinical instruction necessary to perform required duties of a
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. The 16-month program encompasses
classroom instruction, laboratory training and hands-on
experience and covers general sonography with the main focus on
abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological ultrasound with an
introduction to vascular ultrasound. Graduates from this program
receive sufficient instruction of general ultrasound to acquire
entry-level knowledge and skills to pass the RDMS national
registry examination.
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.
