Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Accountants examine, analyze and interpret accounting data for the purpose of giving advice and preparing financial statements. Accountants also post details of business transactions, such as receipts, disbursements and payroll.

This degree is designed for students who plan to enter the job market after completion of the program. It prepares students for entry-level positions in offices, private industry, the civil service, etc., and a variety of business fields.

Students will receive theory as well as practical experience in skin care through classroom study, demonstrations and clinical experience. Some areas of study include safety and disinfection control, customer service, and job seeking skills. Students will also develop the skills necessary to perform facials, facial massage, consultation, analysis and microdermabrasion. Upon successful completion of quota and hour requirements mandated by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologists Examiners, students must take a skills certification and written exam for licensure. Esthetics is one of the fastest growing areas in the beauty industry.

Students prepare for employment in the diesel and heavy equipment industry

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician AAS degree educates and mentors students in the latest technology

Students prepare for employment in the diesel and heavy equipment industry

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate students learn how to identify problems and perform maintenance on various vehicle components including fuel

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate students learn how to identify problems and perform maintenance on various vehicle components including fuel

Students prepare for employment in the diesel and heavy equipment industry

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician AAS degree educates and mentors students in the latest technology

Students prepare for employment in the diesel and heavy equipment industry

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate students learn how to identify problems and perform maintenance on various vehicle components including fuel

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate students learn how to identify problems and perform maintenance on various vehicle components including fuel

The Wind Energy Mechanic program combines lecture and hands-on training to provide skills necessary in completing technical troubleshooting and repairs on wind energy turbines. Under minimal supervision, graduates will be able to carry out complex daily assembly, service, repair, and operations of infrastructure to wind turbine generators and related equipment. Wind Energy Mechanics must operate in compliance with company, State, and Federal OSHA requirements and be capable of climbing to 300 feet. They work closely with clients and must have an understanding of environmental issues and politics, written technical skills, and data interpretation.

The Wind Energy Technology program combines lecture and hands-on training to provide skills necessary in completing advanced technical troubleshooting and repairs on wind energy turbines. Under minimal supervision, graduates will be able to carry out complex daily assembly, service, repair, and operations of infrastructure to wind turbine generators and related equipment. Exposure to concepts of basic digital circuits, motor controllers, programmable logic controllers, and computerized data collection, interpretation, storage, and retrieval is evident throughout the program.

Our Windsmith Certificate is designed to introduce the Wind Energy Industry to individuals wanting to increase their working knowledge of this field. Those best suited have previous work experience in mechanical or electrical fields. The Windsmith Certificate is a 16 credit theory based program offered online with the exception of two courses. ELWT 1160 Environmental, Health, & Safety Wind Energy and ELWT 1170 Wind Energy OSHA Standards and Climbing Lab are offered only at the Canby Campus and are required for completion of the Certificate. Students can begin in either the Fall or Spring and can complete all 16 credits in just one semester or choose to take courses over multiple semesters.

The Powerline Technician major is designed to train students to become apprentices in powerline construction and maintenance. Students learn basic skills and applications in transmission and distribution.

The Powerline Technician major is designed to train students to become apprentices in powerline construction and maintenance. Students learn basic skills and applications in transmission and distribution.

The Powerline Technician major is designed to train students to become apprentices in powerline construction and maintenance. Students learn basic skills and applications in transmission and distribution.

Persons trained in this field work for power companies installing and maintaining overhead and underground powerlines. They install equipment such as overvoltage and overcurrent protective devices, transformers, capacitors, and regulators. Powerline technicians are employed by investor owned power companies, consumer owned power companies, municipalities, and by electrical contractors.

The Solar Photovoltaic program combines lecture and hands on training to provide the skills necessary to install solar PV systems. Graduates will develop an understanding of where PV systems started, where they are now and where they will be in the future. Under minimal supervision graduates must be able to define the solar resource and complete a site assessment. They must also develop a comfort level with the capabilities, limitations, and basic construction of all major PV system pieces. Graduates must also be able to size systems to client’s expectations, inspect, commission and maintain the systems.

The Automotive Technician Program provides students with the skills needed to pursue a career in any area of automotive repair. Our program takes great pride in its professionalism. A dress code, attendance policy, and student conduct code are strictly enforced. Because the program is so intensive, class size is limited to ensure optimum training.

The Cisco Networking Certificate includes four courses from the Cisco CCNA curriculum and aligns to Federal standards for networking job roles of system administrators and security professionals. Graduates will be prepared to take the CCNA certification test. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®) validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. The widely respected Cisco Career Certifications bring valuable, measurable rewards to network professionals, their managers, and the organizations that employ them.

Computer & Networking technicians solve software, hardware and networking issues. They set up and maintain computer systems and networks. Technicians provide hands on and remote support for end users of computers and networks. This degree provides hands-on training in computer hardware, operating system and networks. Students learn skills necessary to provide support of industry leading computer systems and networks.

Although successful completion of the Computer and Information Technology (C.I.T.) program prepares the student for employment within the dynamic computer, electronic information and technology areas, the program is specifically designed to maximize transferability into the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) at Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN. This degree also articulates to Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN and Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, MN. Students are encouraged to consult with counselors, faculty and/or advisors at Minnesota West and the transfer institution of their choice.

Students in the Computer Maintenance and Repair certificate receive training in administrating, installing and configuring computers; installing, implementing and utilizing software; and upgrading and troubleshooting personal computer hardware. This program provides training in personal computer (PC) maintenance and repair, operating systems, including Windows and DOS, and help desk etiquette. This program is designed to prepare the students for CompTIA's A + certification. A successful graduate will be prepared to work in the fields of PC maintenance and repair, help desk and software support. Computer Careers Department Disclosure: Due to scheduling, the courses that satisfy this certificate are not guaranteed to be offered withhin one year.

Computer support technicians solve software and hardware problems, set up computer systems, install new software and hardware, train users, and maintain networks. Support technicians may work directly with computer users in person or provide support over the phone through a help desk. This major provides hands-on training in computer operating system operation, the use of application software, network administration and installation, software installation and removal, computer maintenance and repair, hardware installation, and help desk skills. This training provides the students with practical knowledge needed to solve computer problems.

This certificate prepares the student for an entry level position in the field of information technology. The student will gain knowledge in the current hardware, software operating systems and networks used in business and industry. This certificate prepares students to continue their education in the field of information technology.

This program prepares students to assess, administer, and secure computer information systems and networks by performing technical security audits and implementing numerous technical information solutions to bring networks into compliance.

Students in the Information Security Management Certificate learn to assess the need for security; examine ethical, legal and professional security issues; assess and control risks; design secure networks; examine disaster recovery plans; educate personnel; and maintain a security program. In addition, the students learn about the theory of authentication, encryption, attacks and malicious code; and the components of a secure network, including web servers and remote access. This certificate is designed for the person responsible for the security direction of the organization, including managers, accounting personnel, administrative assistants, and computer technical support personnel.

The Telecommunications certificate includes the basic course work to become a telecommunications technician. This certificate is 17 credits and is designed to be completed in one semester.  It covers the basics of computer technology and careers, computer networking telecommunications and customer service, Telecommunications Technicians are responsible for high-speed communication networks and digital communication through fiber optic cables and wireless network access. Telecommunications Technicians install, maintain and repair telecommunications equipment

The Telecommunications A.A.S. degree includes all of the course work of the Telecommunications Certificate. This degree expands on the knowledge learned in the Telecom certificate program and is designed to be completed in four semesters. It covers advanced routing and wide area network concepts and advanced Telecommunication concepts and field experience. In addition, students will complete 15 credits of general education in the Minnesota transfer curriculum and will be awarded an A.A.S. or Associate of Applied Science degree. Telecommunications Technicians are responsible for high-speed communication networks and digital communication through fiber optic cables and wireless network access. Telecommunications Technicians install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment.

The Dental Assistant program is designed to prepare individuals for a career in a variety of oral healthcare settings. This may be as a clinical chairside assistant to a dentist or dental hygienist or as a non-clinical practice management assistant. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and upon completion the student will take national and state examinations leading to certification and licensure in dental assisting.

The Dental Assistant program is designed to prepare individuals for a career in a variety of oral healthcare settings. This may be as a clinical chairside assistant to a dentist or dental hygienist or as a non-clinical practice management assistant. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and upon completion the student will take national and state examinations leading to certification and licensure in dental assisting.

Medical assistants help physicians examine and treat patients, as well as perform routine tasks needed to keep an office running efficiently. In small practices, medical assistants handle both clerical and clinical duties and report directly to the office manager or physician. Those employed in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators. Clerical duties may include patient scheduling, receptionist duties, medical record management, office correspondence, medical insurance procedures, and management of office accounts, fees, and collections. Clinical duties may include interviewing patients, patient education, taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during exams, performing routine laboratory testing and electrocardiography, sterilizing instruments, and administering medications

Medical assistants help physicians examine and treat patients, as well as perform routine tasks needed to keep an office running efficiently. In small practices, medical assistants handle both clerical and clinical duties and report directly to the office manager or physician. Those employed in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators. Clerical duties may include patient scheduling, receptionist duties, medical record management, office correspondence, medical insurance procedures, and management of office accounts, fees, and collections. Clinical duties may include interviewing patients, patient education, taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during exams, performing routine laboratory testing and electrocardiography, sterilizing instruments, and administering medications.

Medical Coding Specialists work closely with other health care professionals in coding diagnosis and procedures on patient medical records, analyzing medical records for completeness of documentation, working with insurance companies, and reimbursement procedures.

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program at Minnesota West is designed to prepare students for employment in the medical, clinical, research and public health laboratories. A MLT collects and/or receives patient specimens and performs general laboratory tests to aid physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The MLT program combines academic general education with a concentration in the basic sciences, didactic studies in medical laboratory science and clinical training (externship) in a hospital laboratory.

Nursing Assistant is a three credit class designed to prepare students for entry level jobs in nursing homes and other health care facilities and introduces concepts of basic human needs, health/illness and basic nursing skills.

Program description: Prepare pharmacy technicians to assist licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medications in pharmacies. The Pharmacy Technician training program will prepare students to work in a pharmacy and be eligible to take a certification examination at the age of 18. An externship provides the student with hands on experience as well as providing the necessary skills to pass the certification exam to be successful in the industry.

The Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program prepares graduates for entry level careers working under the direction of a trained and licensed Pharmacist in retail, clinic or hospital settings. A pharmacy technician assists the pharmacist in all aspects of prescription processing, customer services, and administrative duties in accordance with the standard written procedures and guidelines under the supervision of a professional pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians will perform different duties depending on the practice setting in which they are employed. In general, a pharmacy technician may perform the following duties: receive and verify prescriptions, and prepare medications for customers/patients through mixing, counting and labeling prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians also consult with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient information, allergies, and lab results to determine optimal patient care. This program prepares graduates for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam which is necessary for certification.

The curriculum prepares the student for employment as a Phlebotomist/Laboratory Assistant in a hospital, laboratory, or clinic. The training is designed to prepare students to collect specimens, perform venipunctures and dermal punctures, prepare and transport specimens, and perform laboratory computer operations.

Practical Nursing is designed to create upward mobility nursing education opportunities. After successful completion of the Practical Nursing Program, students will receive the Practical Nursing Diploma and be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN examination. Students may exit at this point or continue in the program to receive the Associate Degree in Nursing and are then eligible to take the RN licensing examination.

Prepares students to gain knowledge and skills necessary to perform various radiologic procedures through didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences and carries out these functions under the supervision of a Registered Radiologic Technologist. Instruction in x-ray procedures, equipment operation, patient care, and CT imaging included.

This certificate program prepares graduates for employment in a K-12 school district and provides a curriculum which meets the core competencies. The curriculum will provide a career pathway for paraprofessional which will allow them to begin, continue and enhance their education.

Prepares individuals with the foundation of emergency medical knowledge,
psychomotor skills and application of those skills to provide basic life support as an
Emergency Medical Technician. Including initial patient assessment, comprehensive
care in emergency situations under general supervision of a coordinating Medical
Director Physician following the most current educational standards outlined by the
Minnesota EMS Regulatory Board and the National Registry of EMTs.

This certificate meets the initial requirements of the EMS Regulatory Board and the National Registry for EMTs for direct employment with an Emergency Ambulance Service, basic transport service, and emergency room, law enforcement or fire department. Successful completion of this course, the practical skills exam and the designated readiness written exams allows the student eligibility to take the National Registry Exam.

Curriculum includes extensive hands-on practice and theory in single and three phase metering, overcurrent and complex relaying, single-and-three phase transformers, regulators, capacitors, generation, transmission, distribution and many other subjects.

Curriculum includes extensive hands-on practice and theory in single and three phase metering, overcurrent and complex relaying, single-and-three phase transformers, regulators, capacitors, generation, transmission, distribution and many other subjects.

Career opportunities include installing and calibrating electrical watt-hour meters, planning and working in electrical substations, testing and installing high voltage and high current relays used in transmission and distribution lines, electrical dispatcher, or a power plant maintenance technician.

The electrician program prepares individuals to apply their knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric - power wiring: and D.C. and A.C. motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. Also, included is instruction in the use of test equipment.

The electrician program prepares individuals to apply their knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric - power wiring: and D.C. and A.C. motors, controls, and electrical distribution panels. Also, included is instruction in the use of test equipment.

The Plumbing and Heating Technology degree provides graduates with foundation skills and experiences in the construction and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems. Plumbers/heating technicians are in high demand and are an important part of public health and safety. Students will learn installation of fixtures, pipe threading, the tools and equipment used, water supply, water pumps, drainage systems, fabrication and testing, maintenance and repair, and hydronic and residential heating systems.

The Plumbing and Heating Technology degree provides graduates with foundation skills and experiences in the construction and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems. Plumbers/heating technicians are in high demand and are an important part of public health and safety. Students will learn installation of fixtures, pipe threading, the tools and equipment used, water supply, water pumps, drainage systems, fabrication and testing, maintenance and repair, and hydronic and residential heating systems.

The Welding Certificate is a one semester program providing technical knowledge and hands-on welding skills for Shield Metal Arc, Gas Metal Arc, Plasma and Oxy-Fuel cutting processes. Students will learn to recognize welding symbols, read and interpret welding blueprints, and practice weld shop safety protocols. Welds will be made to industry standards using the American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Code. Upon completion students are prepared for an entry level welding position in advanced manufacturing, production, maintenance and repair, and construction.

Program description: In this two semester program students gain technical knowledge and hands-on welding skills for Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Metal Arc and Gas Tungsten Arc, Pipe Welding, Plasma and Oxy-Fuel cutting processes. Students will learn to recognize welding symbols, read and interpret welding blueprints, and practice shop safety. Welds will be made to industry standards using the American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Code. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for a high demand welding career in advanced manufacturing, production, maintenance and repair, and construction.

Industrial technology is a career for technical professionals designed to make industrial environments operate efficiently and with the highest quality using the latest equipment and manufacturing technologies. The industrial technology field has a variety of career options and employs professionals with expertise in mechanical, electrical, and automated systems.

Industrial technology is a career for technical professionals designed to make industrial environments operate efficiently and with the highest quality using the latest equipment and manufacturing technologies. The industrial technology field has a variety of career options and employs professionals with expertise in mechanical, electrical, and automated systems.

Introduces students to production technologies and information to start on a manufacturing career pathway. Students are given opportunities to enhance or develop important work-place knowledge a

Industrial technology is a career for technical professionals designed to make industrial environments operate efficiently and with the highest quality using the latest equipment and manufacturing technologies. The industrial technology field has a variety of career options and employs professionals with expertise in mechanical, electrical, and automated systems.

Program description: Mechatronics integrates mechanical, electronics, fluid power, and computer control systems to create automated manufacturing production systems. The Mechatronics program prepares students for entry-level technician positions in the areas of robotics, industrial manufacturing and maintenance, fluid power, instrumentation, electronics, and process control automation.

Designed for students who desire national certification as a Fluid Power Specialist. The skills learned will prepare students for taking the International Fluid Power Society hydraulic and pneumatic specialist exams. Passing both will certify them as a Fluid Power Specialist. Students with this certification are recognized in the industry as possessing the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as technicians in the fluid power industry.

Program description: Mechatronics integrates mechanical, electronics, fluid power, and computer control systems to create automated manufacturing production systems. The Mechatronics program prepares students for entry-level technician positions in the areas of robotics, industrial manufacturing and maintenance, fluid power, instrumentation, electronics, and process control automation.

Program description: The Precision Machining program will provide hands-on, practical experience with lathes and mills, computer-aided-drafting and design software, precision machinery, and other computerized equipment.

Program description: The Precision Machining program will provide hands-on, practical experience with lathes and mills, computer-aided-drafting and design software, precision machinery, and other computerized equipmen

The Precision Machining program will provide hands-on, practical experience with lathes and mills, computer-aided-drafting and design software, precision machinery, and other computerized equipment.