Western Career College

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).

Dental Assisting - Certificate or Associate's Degree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - Citrus Heights.