Iowa Western Community College

Get into a healthcare career at the ground level with the Advanced Nursing Assistant Certificate program. If you are interested in healthcare, want to work closely with patients, and want to get working right away, this might be a great fit for you.

Students in the Advanced Nursing Assistant Certificate program acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to provide basic patient care in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. After completing the Certified Nurse Aid course, students are eligible to become a Certified Nurse Aid.

Are you the type of person that likes fast paced, hands on experience with the opportunity to help the public? The Dental Assisting Program at Iowa Western is just what you’re looking for! Your hands on experience begins as soon as the first week of class, when you’ll be working with other students in the dental clinic at Iowa Western. This program combines the dental field with direct patient care and a little bit of arts and crafts.

f becoming a dental hygienist appeals to you, Iowa Western’s Dental Hygiene program can help you do just that. Successful candidates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree that prepares them to complete both the National Board Examination and a state or regional exam. Working with Creighton University, Iowa Western offers clinical experiences off-campus.

Graduates of Iowa Western’s Dental Hygiene program are some of the most prepared in the area, boasting a 99 percent board pass-rate on national exams, a 95 percent board pass-rate on regional and state exams, and 100 percent pass-rate on the jurisprudence exam.

The fast-paced world of medicine requires the best training available, and you can get that with Iowa Western’s Medical Assistant program. You’ll leave Iowa Western prepared to become an administrative and clinical assistant in physicians’ offices. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma and become eligible to take the American Association of Medical Assistants examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant.

Iowa Western Community College's Medical Assistant Program's goal to prepare competency entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. In this program, you will participate in service learning projects including administering flu shots, providing health screenings, and organizing fundraising efforts for a non-profit organization of their choice. Our students also complete externships and job shadowing. Alegent Health, Methodist Health System, and many local physicians’ offices are among those who have hired Iowa Western graduates.

The Medical/Clinical Assistant Certificate program of study prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties, including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of first aid. This program includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical ethics, patient communications, medical office procedures, and clinical diagnostic, testing and treatment procedures. Graduates of this program are awarded a certificate.

Doctors might be higher profiled in the health care industry, but Practical Nurses play an extremely important role in the care of patients. You can enter this important and exciting profession by enrolling in Iowa Western’s Practical Nursing study program. You will earn a diploma and prepare to write the National Council of State Boards of Nursing examination.

The Surgical Technology Program is designed to prepare students to become skilled operating room technicians. In this program, you will practice under the supervision of a Physician or Surgical Technologist, functioning as a member of the surgical team. You will learn sterile technique, operative procedures, human anatomy and physiology, and microbiology as applied to surgery.

Upon graduation of this program, you will be prepared to accept employment as a surgical technologist and eligible for the National Certification exam. With the Spring 2011 opening of the new Nursing Center of Excellence, students in this program will benefit from state-of-the-art resources to attain their degree in this rewarding career field.

Students working toward an Audio Engineering Associate of Applied Science degree typically intend to go right into the workplace upon completion of this two-year degree, although some individual courses may transfer to a four-year institution. Students in this program will learn about all aspects of music production, including the fundamentals of analog and digital audio and span live music reinforcement, digital audio recording, critique and analysis of recorded music, and the mixing and mastering process.

owa Western is the home of 89.7 The River, the Omaha metro’s only alternative rock radio station! The Media Studies: Radio program of study allows students to work intensively with professional radio personnel and develop the skills needed to succeed in all aspects of the radio industry. There are so many different jobs in radio – On-air talent, production, promotions, event planning, sales, and social media.

This unique, first-of-its-kind program brings together industry and academia to meet the needs of the marketplace. Students in this program learn to build 3D virtual products using Siemens Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, the world’s leading product lifecycle management program. The software will introduce students to product design and development technology used by many of the world’s leading manufacturing, architectural, and construction companies. The coursework will help prepare students to develop technical drawings and plans to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers. Unlike other computer-aided design programs, PLM allows the Design Technologist to build the virtual product, test it, and make adjustments without building a prototype of any kind. This high-tech software allows companies to build better products faster, saving them valuable time and money.

The Graphic Design program of study provides students a foundation in visual design and graphic communciations. Students are introduced to traditional methods in visual arts, 2-D and 3-D design, principles of marketing, and web development. Students also learn essential skills that translate into areas of e-commerce, business, and graphic arts. This program is designed for transfer to a four-year institution. Graduates of this programs are awarded an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree.

Media Studies: TV/Video is a highly specialized program, allowing students to work with state-of-the-art equipment while learning first-hand the skills needed to succeed in all aspects of storytelling in video, television/cable, and new media applications.

Students build proficiencies in courses such as studio and field production, video editing, and script writing, from beginning through advanced production classes. These skills sets benefit students, independent filmmakers, freelance producers and young professionals who wish to pursue careers in news, documentaries and sports.

If you’re considering a career in automotive repair, IWCC’s Automotive Mechanics study program will prepare you for an entry-level position in just one year.

Students complete a minimum of 42 contact hours of parts procurement orientation that’s included as part of extensive lab work. Graduates of this program will leave with the skills needed to go into business for themselves or work for an employer.

Do you like to tinker with cars and seek to make that a career? The Automotive Technology program of study will get you into the field with an Associate of Applied Science degree in just two years. The program combines classroom work with hands-on lab experience to prepare you as an automotive technician.

Students gain real-world experience in IWCC’s remodeled and roomy lab, arming themselves with the specific knowledge to qualify for an entry-level position.

A career in the aviation industry is exciting but requires a solid educational background. That’s just what you’ll get by enrolling in Iowa Western's Aviation Maintenance Technology Airframe Certificate program. Students who successfully complete the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements are awarded a certificate that paves the way into the aviation maintenance field.

This unique program – rarely offered at other community colleges – allows you the option to focus solely on Airframe Maintenance Technology. About 50 percent of a student’s time is spent doing hands-on lab work, practicing on an actual aircraft in Iowa Western's state-of-the-art Aviation building located at the Council Bluffs airport.

This program is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified, and unique to the region, focusing solely on the powerplant aspect of aviation. You’ll learn how to inspect, service, and repair aircraft reciprocating and turbine engines. Half of the class time in this program is spent in the state-of-the-art lab, where you’ll work on an actual aircraft in the hangar of Iowa Western's Aviation building located at the Council Bluffs airport.

Advanced Air, Con Agra, Mutual of Omaha and Delta Airlines want you – after you complete the requirements for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program. Those are just a few of the companies that hire Iowa Western students who earn their Associate of Applied Science degree to become a Certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician.

Few community colleges offer this unique program. The quality of instruction is second-to-none with an abundance of information given to each student. You’ll spend 50 percent of your time in the classroom and the other 50 percent in the lab getting hands-on experience.

Students gain valuable lab experience working on real airplanes. Iowa Western's facilities are state-of-the-art and make for a perfect learning environment.

Students in this program learn to build 3D virtual products primarily using Siemens Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, the world’s leading product lifecycle management program. The software will introduce students to product design and development technology used by many of the world’s leading manufacturing, architectural, and construction companies. The coursework will help prepare students to develop technical drawings and plans to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers. This Certificate is offered in Atlantic and the certificate classes would be held two days a week. There is a free shuttle from Council Bluffs main campus.

Students in this program learn to build 3D virtual products primarily using Siemens Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software, the world’s leading product lifecycle management program. The software will introduce students to product design and development technology used by many of the world’s leading manufacturing, architectural, and construction companies. The coursework will help prepare students to develop technical drawings and plans to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers. This Certificate is offered in Atlantic and the certificate classes would be held two days a week. There is a free shuttle from Council Bluffs main campus.

The Drafting and CAD Certificate program of study teaches basic drafting and design fundamentals utilizing multiple industry computer-aided design (CAD) programs. Students work in entry level drafting or design positions for civil engineering firms, architect firms, and manufacturing companies. Basic surveying and constructions skills are also taught. Graduates of this program are awarded a certificate.

The Civil Engineering Technician program of study prepares students for a career as a technician working under the supervision of an engineer, contractor or architect. Students learn skills in drafting, computer aided design (CAD), construction inspection, soil hydrology, GIS/GPS, and surveying techniques. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

The Construction Technology program of study provides a basic knowledge of carpentry and related skills used in the residential and commercial construction industry. Students learn the building or remodeling of homes, apartments, and commercial structures. The program provides the opportunity to learn and apply all phases of the industry with an emphasis on carpentry and the related areas of electricity, HVAC, blueprint reading, and math. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

The Construction Technology: Carpentry Certificate program of study prepares students for entry level jobs in the residential construction industry. This certificate program will expose students to carpentry theory, techniques, and building materials. Students receive safety training and complete the 10-hour OSHA and EPA training.

The Electrical Technology Certificate Program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. Includes instruction in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.

The Electrical Technology Diploma Program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. Includes instruction in the principles of electronics and electrical systems, wiring, power transmission, safety, industrial and household appliances, job estimation, electrical testing and inspection, and applicable codes and standards.

The HVAC/R Maintenance Certificate program of study provides the basic skills necessary to gain meaningful employment as an entry-level Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) apprentice or assistant. The certificate program is designed to train students to assist in becoming HVAC technicians. Students will learn to troubleshoot and service HVAC/R systems. The certificate does not qualify graduates for the State of Iowa's specialty license. Graduates of this program are awarded a certificate.

The HVAC/R Technology Diploma program of study provides all of the skills necessary to gain meaningful employment as an entry-level Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician. The diploma program is designed to train students to be HVAC technicians in a real-world, hands-on environment. Students will learn to troubleshoot, install, and maintain HVAC/R systems. This program is designed to meet the related technical instruction for some DOE apprenticeship programs. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

The Plumbing Technology program of study prepares students for entry-level skills positions in both the residential and commercial plumbing industry. Classes focus on safety, hand and power tools, materials, pipe joining methods, code book layout, pipefitting, troubleshooting, print reading and trade calculation. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

The Welding Certificate program prepares students to enter into the industry as beginning production, maintenance, or job shop welders. Students are trained in the latest techniques in fabrication of materials by welding processes. The Welding Certificate is designed to teach fundamental techniques and principles. The pathway also provides for an overview of related topics, such as metallurgy and fabrication, layout, estimating and repair.

The CNC Machining Diploma Program prepares students for an entry level position as a CNC machine operator or general machinist. Students program, set-up, and operate a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, inspect parts, perform production runs and set-up jobs. Students gain a strong foundation of blueprint reading, CAD and basic manual machining skills. Students will work on lathes, mills and a variety of CNC machinery.

The field of electronic engineering is wide and varied, and it offers new and exciting options for college students. Iowa Western’s Electronic Engineering Technology program can prepare you to enter four primary electronics areas:

Computers
Telecommunications
Bio-medical electronics
Industrial electronics
Working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, you’ll also be versed in high technology theory in industrial electronics, microelectronics, and optoelectronics. You’ll start by studying basic electricity concepts and advance toward more complex devices and systems.

If you have an interest in electronics and enjoy problem solving, you will find a career in electronic technology rewarding. Students in the Electronic Technology Diploma program develop the skills needed to install and maintain electronic equipment and systems in fields such as communications, health care, manufacturing, security, finance, and others. Theory is supported by hands-on activities whenever possible.

The Industrial Engineering Technology program of study is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully respond to a broad range of work requirements and duties within industrial, manufacturing, processing, and building maintenance environments. Students learn skills in maintaining and troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems and machinery. The diverse education includes training in welding, electrical, hydraulics, pneumatics, print reading, instrumentation, applied mathematics, critical thinking skills, and computer operation. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Applies Science (A.A.S.) degree.

The Industrial Maintenance Technician program of study provides basic skills in welding, print reading, pneumatics and hydraulics, blue print reading, lean manufacturing, and predictive and preventative maintenance. Students utilize hands-on training to install, maintain, and troubleshoot the equipment utilized by today's industries. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

The Industrial Technology Certificate program of study prepares students to be employed as technicians in the fields of electrical maintenance and production. The program is developed especially for the industry in the development, installation and maintenance of complex industrial processes as well as their electronic, controller, and computer devices. Graduates of this program are awarded a certificate.

The Robotics/Automated Systems Technician program of study prepares students to be employed as industrial automation technicians. Graduates are trained for entry-level jobs involving the implementation, installation, and maintenance of industrial automation systems. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

Robotics and automated systems engineering technologies are producing one of the world’s fastest growing career opportunities for highly trained, skilled technicians. Students in the Robotics/Automated Systems Technology program can obtain that training in a unique learning environment at Iowa Western.

Through a partnership with Acieta of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western students will spend about half of their time in the classroom learning applied robotics, robot controller maintenance, electronics, circuits, and programming. The other half of their time is spent applying their laboratory projects in the lab at Acieta, working with the same high-tech robots and controllers used by today’s leading manufacturing firms.

If you're looking to broaden your computer skills and take advantage of high-tech employment opportunities, the Application and Web Programming program of study is made just for you. What’s special about this program? How about:

The use of smart boards
State-of-the-art technology
A totally wireless campus
A smaller class size for more individual attention
This program is designed to get you on the ground floor of any company. It prepares you to become a web programmer, programmer, or database programmer. Job placement is 100 percent, and there is the opportunity to transfer to a four-year institution. Not all program courses are offered on-line or every year.

In as little as two semesters you could be on your way to working as a computer programmer by completing the Computers: Programming Certificate program of study at Iowa Western.

Students in this program get hands-on experience in multiple computer environments while learning programming languages and World Wide Web technologies. Coursework is limited to the essential hands-on courses you will need to be a successful programmer.

The Web Design and Development diploma is an accelerated program that provides students the opportunity to prepare for a position in front-end web design, graphic design principles and server-side web programming. Graduates of the program are awarded a diploma.

The Web Design and Development A.A.S. program of study focuses on preparing graduates for an entry-level position in front-end web design and back-end web programming and app development. Students create static and dynamic websites, web applications and mobile apps from start to finish. Graduates of the program are awarded an Associate of Applied Studies (A.A.S.) degree.

The Cyber Security Diploma program prepares students for an entry level cyber security position. Students learn how to apply various methods of cyber security investigation and forensics. Students demonstrate an understanding of network systems and network security, manage firewalls, and install and configure systems and applications. Graduates of this program are awarded a diploma.

The Cyber Security program of study prepares students to be employed in a cyber security position upon graduation. Students hone their skills and focus on becoming experts at identifying threats. Students perform threat assessment and apply best practices towards definding and securing a computer network. Graduates of this program are awarded an Asssociate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

The world of computers is fast changing, and you can keep up with the times with Iowa Western's Desktop Support program of study. It’s an ideal way to learn installation and management of computer hardware and operating systems. Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn a certificate.

Using the Microsoft Academic Alliance, this program is unique and cost-effective. Students can obtain some Microsoft software free or at a reduced cost. The program is perfect if you wish to become proficient in help desk operation, computer repair, and computer sales and service.

Information technology continues to grow day by day, and you can take advantage of the many opportunities in this field through Iowa Western's Network and System Administration program. Here you'll learn how to install, maintain, and administer network operating systems. Training in the installation and maintenance of hardware and software for servers and desktops is also offered.

As you work toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, you'll learn from Microsoft and Cisco certified instructors while using the most up-to-date equipment. Hands-on labs provide an ideal learning environment. Not all program courses are offered on-line or every year. This program will prepare you for entry as a help desk expert, system administrator, or data center technician.

Careers in information technology are abundant, and you can be on your way to working as a system administration tech in just two semesters with Iowa Western’s System Administration Certificate program.

Students in this program learn from Microsoft and Cisco certified instructors in our state-of-the-art computer labs. Coursework is limited to the most hands-on applied courses you will need to successfully learn how to install, maintain, and administer network operating systems.

Challenging. Demanding. Exciting. Those words appropriately describe the field of law enforcement, and if it’s a field that interests you, Iowa Western's Criminal Justice program is the perfect choice. In two years, you can earn an Associate of Arts degree and become a probation officer or state trooper, or you can choose to transfer to a four-year institution to work toward a bachelor’s degree.

Iowa Western instructors have work-related experience in criminal justice, so you’ll gain first-hand knowledge of what’s involved in this field. Guest speakers and tours of correctional facilities also help prepare you for entry into law enforcement.

Challenging. Demanding. Exciting. Those words appropriately describe the field of law enforcement, and if it’s a field that interests you, Iowa Western's Criminal Justice program is the perfect choice. In two years, you can earn an Associate of Arts degree and become a probation officer or state trooper, or you can choose to transfer to a four-year institution to work toward a bachelor’s degree.

Iowa Western instructors have work-related experience in criminal justice, so you’ll gain first-hand knowledge of what’s involved in this field. Guest speakers and tours of correctional facilities also help prepare you for entry into law enforcement.

If you like working with children, Iowa Western’s Early Childhood Studies Diploma program could be for you. In this program, you learn how to care for infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children.

Graduates of this one-year program earn a diploma, and graduates can go on to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree by enrolling in the Early Childhood Studies program. All students receive supervised hands-on work experience in the lab school on the Council Bluffs campus and in community sites. The Children's Center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

Few careers can give you as much pleasure as teaching the very young, and the Early Childhood Studies program can prepare you for this field. This program gives you a chance to immediately work in an on-campus childcare facility. Students get field experience and practicum in numerous early childhood settings while earning an Associate of Applied Science degree.

The interaction of students and children in Iowa Western's childcare facility is an invaluable teaching tool that helps these future teachers understand how children interact with others, and how they react to the world around them. After two years, graduates can go right into preschools, family childcare homes, and Head Start programs.

This certificate program is designed for working professionals with a degree to courses providing the foundation for operating a child care business. Students will study leadership and management skills necessary to successfully administer an early childhood program.

The Early Childhood Certificate is designed to enhance the quality of child care experiences by increasing and recognizing the competence of those who care for and education young children. The Certificate introduces a student to the foundational skills needed in working with young children, ages birth to 5 years.

Iowa Western’s Fire Science Technology program is designed primarily for working firefighters and volunteer firefighters seeking a paid position. Here you will learn state-of-the-art firefighting techniques from instructors who are experienced firefighters. The program awards graduates with an Associate of Arts degree.

This rigorous program is offered only Monday and Tuesday nights, and courses are offered on a three-year rotation. In three years you’ll be well-versed in many aspects of firefighting and administrative duties. Hands-on training prepares you for this intensely competitive career, and you can take Firefighter I and II prerequisites at Iowa Western through its Continuing Education program or through local volunteer departments.

It takes a special personality to serve as a human services professional, and if you’re that kind of person, consider improving your chances in the field by enrolling in Iowa Western’s Human Services Generalist program. You’ll be trained in such areas as domestic violence, crisis intervention, child welfare, and assisting the elderly as you work toward an Associates of Arts degree.

Get on the cutting edge of cooking by enrolling in Iowa Western’s Culinary Arts program of study. You’ll learn the fundamental and intermediate techniques of food preparation, production, and baking skills. Graduates are awarded a Diploma and find immediate employment in this exciting field.

You’ll get hands-on cooking experience in Iowa Western’s new facility in the Student Center. Iowa Western also participates in the Iowa Beef competition and the Iowa Pork competition each year.

Courses in Diesel Technology prepare students for employment in diesel service and repair management services. Upon completion of the courses

Courses in Diesel Technology prepare students for employment in diesel service and repair management services. Upon completion of the courses

Courses in Diesel Technology prepare students for employment in diesel service and repair management services. Upon completion of the courses

Courses in Diesel Technology prepare students for employment in diesel service and repair management services. Upon completion of the courses