Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Each year American drivers log millions of miles on the highways, and each year there are thousands of accidents that will require the service of a trained technician to repair these vehicles. The Auto Collision Repair & Refinish program teaches students to examine vehicles to determine type and extent of damaged parts, both cosmetic and structural. This program is fast-paced and intensive, as today's complex vehicles are constructed with high strength steel, plastics and computer systems. During the year, the student learns mig welding, straightening techniques, proper use of plastic fillers, surface preparation, and refinishing techniques. This program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.

The Automotive Technician program teaches students essential servicing techniques, including the testing, repairing, and rebuilding of basic automotive systems, as well as diagnosis and repair of automotive and light truck electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Individuals who are mechanically talented, like to solve problems, and enjoy working with people may find success in the automotive technician field. This program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.

Building Trades-Carpentry students are trained to construct residential structures using both standard and sustainable building materials. Students will prepare for this career through a blend of classroom theory and hands-on experience. Students will become adept at using hand tools, portable power tools, and other equipment common in the carpentry profession, as well as working with lumber, panel products, concrete, roofing materials, fasteners, and a variety of hardware. The skills needed for site layout and foundation work, rough framing, roof framing, and exterior and interior finish work will also be developed. In addition, blueprint reading, math, and estimating components will be studied.

Construction electricians lay out, assemble, install and test electrical circuits of fixtures, controls and switches, alarms, communications, and light and power systems. The Construction Electrician Apprenticeship Program is five years in length, consisting of 8,000 hours. The apprentice attends 576 hours of paid related instruction classes at Southwest Tech. Classes are usually one 8-hour day every other week between August and May. Apprentices must also complete unpaid related instruction in OSHA safety, NEC code, First Aid, CPR, and Transition to Trainer. Apprentices must take and pass the State Electrical Journeyman Exam prior to the completion of the Apprenticeship Contract.

The industrial electrician maintains and repairs many different types of electrical equipment. They may also modify or install electrical equipment like motors, transformers, generators, machine controls and lighting systems in industrial, commercial and public establishments. The electrician is responsible for the periodic inspection of equipment to locate and repair defects before breakdowns occur.

The Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship Program is four years in length. The apprentice attends 720 hours of paid related instruction classes at Southwest Tech.

Plumbers install, repair and maintain the water supply, waste water treatment, drainage and gas systems in homes, commercial and industrial buildings. The work includes plumbing tasks to assemble, install and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water and drainage systems according to specifications and plumbing codes.

The Technical Plumbing Apprenticeship program is five years in length, with a minimum of 8,000 hours. This includes 572 hours of paid related instruction and 260 hours of unpaid instruction, plus an 8 hour Plumbing Prep Test-Out Exam or a 54 hour Plumbing Code Review Course.

The welding program trains students in manual, semiautomatic, and robotic welding processes used in a variety of fabrication and construction industries. Students develop skill proficiency through practice in over 19 welding processes, in all positions, and with a variety of metals. In addition, welding students learn to identify base and filler materials and their properties, operate equipment properly, practice correct procedures, test for strength and appearance, work safely and productively, be responsible for quality control, read blueprints for necessary information, measure and use math, and practice good interpersonal relations.

This program provides training in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum for specific age levels, using positive guidance techniques to manage an early childhood classroom, providing for the health, safety and physical needs of the children, and working with parents to provide a link between the Center and the home.

The Early Childhood Education program teaches students to implement developmentally-appropriate activities for children aged infant through eight years old. A focus on maintaining a safe and healthy environment, building relationships with parents and staff, and guiding children's behavior is emphasized. With an on-campus daycare facility, students have the opportunity to put theory into practice before embarking on a rewarding career.

The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program provides training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law.

The Criminal Justice Studies program provides training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. The profession of law enforcement, also known as police science, is becoming very people-oriented. Law enforcement officers spend a great deal of time communicating and interacting with an increasingly diverse population. Officers are more active in community relations and crime prevention, and they must always be able to react immediately to any level of emergency.

This (720) hour Law Enforcement Academy is designed for those seeking a law enforcement career in the State of Wisconsin. Southwest Tech’s premier Academy delivers the criteria established by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Training and Standards Bureau. The training instructors are a combination of educators and active or retired law enforcement officers. The training is delivered via lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises, and scenario participation.

Completion of the Academy prepares you for certain Law Enforcement fields in the State of Wisconsin.

Southwest Tech serves the communities of Southwest Wisconsin with many options for all levels of training in the criminal justice and law enforcement industry.

Most of the training takes place on campus at our Public Safety Complex in Fennimore, Wisconsin.

The Criminal Justice program provides students with training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. See the Criminal Justice Career Pathway for more details.

Information on the 2020 Law Enforcement Acadmey will be available in early October 2019.

The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program provides training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law.

The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program provides training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law.

The Criminal Justice Studies program provides training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. The profession of law enforcement, also known as police science, is becoming very people-oriented. Law enforcement officers spend a great deal of time communicating and interacting with an increasingly diverse population. Officers are more active in community relations and crime prevention, and they must always be able to react immediately to any level of emergency.

The Criminal Justice Studies program provides training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. The profession of law enforcement, also known as police science, is becoming very people-oriented. Law enforcement officers spend a great deal of time communicating and interacting with an increasingly diverse population. Officers are more active in community relations and crime prevention, and they must always be able to react immediately to any level of emergency.

This (720) hour Law Enforcement Academy is designed for those seeking a law enforcement career in the State of Wisconsin. Southwest Tech’s premier Academy delivers the criteria established by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Training and Standards Bureau. The training instructors are a combination of educators and active or retired law enforcement officers. The training is delivered via lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises, and scenario participation.

Completion of the Academy prepares you for certain Law Enforcement fields in the State of Wisconsin.

This (720) hour Law Enforcement Academy is designed for those seeking a law enforcement career in the State of Wisconsin. Southwest Tech’s premier Academy delivers the criteria established by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Training and Standards Bureau. The training instructors are a combination of educators and active or retired law enforcement officers. The training is delivered via lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises, and scenario participation.

Completion of the Academy prepares you for certain Law Enforcement fields in the State of Wisconsin.

Southwest Tech serves the communities of Southwest Wisconsin with many options for all levels of training in the criminal justice and law enforcement industry.

Most of the training takes place on campus at our Public Safety Complex in Fennimore, Wisconsin.

The Criminal Justice program provides students with training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. See the Criminal Justice Career Pathway for more details.

Information on the 2020 Law Enforcement Acadmey will be available in early October 2019.

Southwest Tech serves the communities of Southwest Wisconsin with many options for all levels of training in the criminal justice and law enforcement industry.

Most of the training takes place on campus at our Public Safety Complex in Fennimore, Wisconsin.

The Criminal Justice program provides students with training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. See the Criminal Justice Career Pathway for more details.

Information on the 2020 Law Enforcement Acadmey will be available in early October 2019.

Southwest Tech offers initial and continuing education for area emergency medical service providers at various levels including EMR, EMT and AEMT. All courses are based on the State of Wisconsin adopted curriculum with the inclusion of the National Education Standards. Depending on provider level and service requirements Southwest Tech also offers required and supplementary continuing education to maintain and enhance the level of care provided by our community's emergency responders.

Southwest Tech offers initial and continuing education for area emergency medical service providers at various levels including EMR, EMT and AEMT. All courses are based on the State of Wisconsin adopted curriculum with the inclusion of the National Education Standards. Depending on provider level and service requirements Southwest Tech also offers required and supplementary continuing education to maintain and enhance the level of care provided by our community's emergency responders.

The Human Services Associate program trains students to provide information, support, care, and advocacy in a human service setting. Students acquire the skills needed to work with individuals, groups, and communities. They learn to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. General education courses included in the program teach students to better understand social problems. During the second year of the program, students receive fieldwork placement in a human service setting.

Southwest Tech serves the communities of Southwest Wisconsin with many options for all levels of training in the criminal justice and law enforcement industry.

Most of the training takes place on campus at our Public Safety Complex in Fennimore, Wisconsin.

The Criminal Justice program provides students with training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. See the Criminal Justice Career Pathway for more details.

Information on the 2020 Law Enforcement Acadmey will be available in early October 2019.

Southwest Tech serves the communities of Southwest Wisconsin with many options for all levels of training in the criminal justice and law enforcement industry.

Most of the training takes place on campus at our Public Safety Complex in Fennimore, Wisconsin.

The Criminal Justice program provides students with training in protecting lives and property, as well as preserving the peace while upholding the law. See the Criminal Justice Career Pathway for more details.

Information on the 2020 Law Enforcement Acadmey will be available in early October 2019.

Today's advanced manufacturing businesses are looking for employees that have experience with tools, machines, and mechanicals.

As a student in the CNC Machine Operator/Programmer program, you'll learn to operate a variety of machine tools, setup, operate, and program CNC machines, read and analyze engineering drawings, and use precision measuring and inspection instruments.

In the world of manufacturing, constant technology change brings with it more complex systems of assembly, control measurement, and material processing of manufactured products. The Electro-Mechanical Technology program provides training in electrical and electronic controls, robotics, utilization of computers and computer-based controls, as well as the knowledge of how these controls integrate with hydraulics, pneumatics and other mechanical drive elements to form automated systems.

Nearly all industries are becoming increasingly reliant on highly specialized, automated, and interconnected systems to increase productivity and quality. Become a part of this challenging and financially rewarding career field by enrolling in the Instrumentation and Controls Technology program at Southwest Tech which is one of only three offered in Wisconsin.

As a student in the Instrumentation and Controls Technology program you will learn how to install, configure, program, troubleshoot, and repair these complex systems. In addition, you will learn to about the instruments that control process variables such as pressure, level, flow, composition, and temperature. Graduates of this program have career opportunities in a variety of industries including energy, food, dairy, and manufacturing.

A Mechatronics Technician is an electrical, mechanical, and electronics systems technician in industrial plants. The job includes work in automation and robotics in modern manufacturing processes. Work processes include installing, repairing, and maintaining equipment/devices. Workers typically troubleshoot, operate, and debug industrial computer and communication systems, including Programmable Logic Controls (PLC), and Human Machine Interface (HMI) technologies. They also machine metal and other materials, fabricate parts, and weld/join components.

The Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship program is five years in length, with a minimum 10,000 hours. The apprentice attends 864 hours of paid, related instruction classes at Southwest Tech and will complete the Transition to Trainer course in the final year.

The Industrial Mechanic program teaches technical skills in mechanical drive systems, electrical systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, laser alignment, basic welding and machining, and many other in-demand skill sets that employers are looking for. Graduates have the option of seeking employment or enrolling in the two year Electromechanical Technology program.

The Computer Support Technician program prepares students to effectively interact with PC, Mac, and mobile users, providing first-line technical support. Students are trained in a hands-on atmosphere to install, support, and troubleshoot PC, Mac, mobile, and audio/video devices.

Students gain an understanding of how a help desk functions, and the role of customer service in today's world of technology. Understanding the importance of call management and ensuring all calls and problems are dealt with quickly and effectively is also emphasized. Students actively participate in an on-the-job help desk internship/work experience with instructor supervision in a campus-wide help desk, providing support for peers, college faculty, and staff.

The IT-Network Specialist program prepares students to maintain and support local and wide area networks, computer communications systems including router and switch configurations, hardware & software infrastructure management/design, voice and video over IP, private telephone systems (PBX), voicemail systems, and video production. Network Specialists are needed in almost any business using local and/or wide area networks, the Internet or Intranets, and telephony systems.

The IT-Network Specialist program prepares students to maintain and support local and wide area networks, computer communications systems including router and switch configurations, hardware & software infrastructure management/design, voice and video over IP, private telephone systems (PBX), voicemail systems, and video production. Network Specialists are needed in almost any business using local and/or wide area networks, the Internet or Intranets, and telephony systems.

Graphic and web designers create a wide variety of materials, including advertisements, displays, packaging, signs, logos, web sites, and web pages to meet the needs and preferences of their various clients for communication and promotion. Graphic and web designers work as in-house designers for a company, as staff designers for a graphic design firm, or as freelance designers. This growing profession needs creative minds that have excellent visualization, computer, and design skills.

Graphic and web designers create a wide variety of materials, including advertisements, displays, packaging, signs, logos, web sites, and web pages to meet the needs and preferences of their various clients for communication and promotion. Graphic and web designers work as in-house designers for a company, as staff designers for a graphic design firm, or as freelance designers. This growing profession needs creative minds that have excellent visualization, computer, and design skills.

The IT-Network Specialist program prepares students to maintain and support local and wide area networks, computer communications systems including router and switch configurations, hardware & software infrastructure management/design, voice and video over IP, private telephone systems (PBX), voicemail systems, and video production. Network Specialists are needed in almost any business using local and/or wide area networks, the Internet or Intranets, and telephony systems.

The Culinary Arts program provides training in all aspects of food preparation and production, and helps students to acquire skills ranging from advanced food preparation techniques to food service management. Students learn the skills needed to be successful in this expanding and evolving industry, including quantity food preparation, nutrition, catering essentials, decorative foods, wines, baking, and gourmet dining.

The Culinary Management program prepares students to enter management and supervisory positions in restaurants, institutional and health care facilities, and the marketing segment of the food service industry. General food service skills as well as specialized training opportunities provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully train and supervise employees as well as to operate a food service establishment.

While business operation is an emphasis of the program, students also receive experience with large quantity food preparation and kitchen operations. Sanitation Certification is included as part of the curriculum.

The Dental Assistant program includes instruction and practical experience on how to use and care for dental equipment instruments, expose and process radiographs, record medical and dental information, assist with dental emergencies, perform basic office procedures, and maintain an inventory of supplies. Dental assistants are vital to the safe and efficient operation of the dental office, assisting the dentist in the treatment room, the lab, and with business administration.

Health information technology management (HIT), is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information. The health care industry depends on electronic information systems. As health data becomes more digitized, opportunities are created for trained health information technicians with the skills and knowledge to collect, analyze, monitor, maintain and report health data according to established data quality principles, legal and information security standards and professional best-practice guidelines. The Health Information Technology program will prepare you to become an expert in patient health data management.

The Medical Coding Specialist program prepares students for employment as entry-level coding specialists in health care facilities such as hospitals, clinics, physician practice groups, surgery centers, long-term care facilities, and home health care agencies. This program teaches students to review medical documentation provided by physicians and other health care providers, and translate it into universally recognized numeric codes.

Food quality technicians work in a fast-paced environment. Enjoy plenty of variety in your work day in the high-demand food processing industry. You’ll work as part of a food quality team, producing internationally-recognized products, such as cheese, yogurt, butter, and more.

Students in the Medical Laboratory Technician program learn to perform routine clinical laboratory tests such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular and other emerging diagnostics. They develop communication skills, as this career requires frequent interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service, and patient education. A combination of fundamental laboratory techniques and clinical experience prepares graduates for work in laboratories serving the health care sector. Graduates are prepared to complete the ASCP Board of Certification to become certified Medical Laboratory Technicians.

Medical assistants serve an important role on the medical team by performing a wide variety of clinical and clerical duties. The Medical Assistant program is designed to orient students to the duties of a physician’s office employee, from general office procedures to the technical phases of exam room assisting, and elementary medical laboratory techniques. Occupational experience is provided through placement in a local office/clinic during the last four weeks of the final semester, and graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination immediately after graduation.

Nursing Assistants play an important role in basic patient/resident care activities in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care settings, including home health care. The Nursing Assistant course meets state and federal requirements for training and testing, and is open to individuals 16 years of age or older. The course also serves as one prerequisite for individuals applying for the Nursing – Associate Degree program.

The Southwest Tech Nursing Assistant Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, preparing the student to be successful in meeting state and federally regulated competencies as a nursing assistant. The graduating student is eligible to take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program Exam, which includes both a written and skills exam.

The Pharmacy Technician program is a shared program between Southwest Tech and Lakeshore Technical College (LTC). Please call 888.468.6582 or visit gotoltc.edu for more information or to apply.

This program trains students to assist registered pharmacists in institutional and community pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians perform many tasks, including record keeping, preparation of medications, and distribution and delivery of medications.

Students in the program attend core program courses via live interactive TV sent from Lakeshore Technical College to Southwest Tech. Students also receive laboratory training in local pharmacies, participate in real-world, hands-on training during a four week clinical program, and take general studies classes at Southwest Tech.

This program teaches students to evaluate, treat, and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders in a wide variety of clinical settings. Graduates are qualified for admission to the entry-level and advanced practitioner examinations to become a registered respiratory therapist.

The Respiratory Therapist program prepares practitioners to work with physicians in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring patients of all ages with lung diseases or disorders. Respiratory care practitioners are responsible for delivery and monitoring of patients on oxygen, inhaled medications and breathing exercises/treatments, and the management of patients requiring artificial airways and mechanical ventilation. Career opportunities exist within hospitals, home health care agencies, clinics and extended care facilities. Graduates must be prepared to work in a highly technical environment under pressure to perform life-preserving procedures.

Students in this program take general studies classes at Southwest Tech in their first year and all core program classes and clinicals at Western Technical College.

Electric lineworkers install and repair cables and wires used in electrical power and distribution systems. They erect poles and light- or heavy-duty transmission towers. They locate line trouble, climb poles, use hot line tools, and operate and maintain substations. This program provides theoretical and hands-on training in all phases of power line construction and maintenance. It provides fundamentals of electrical theory, as well as application of electrical equipment with emphasis on safety.

Graphic and web designers create a wide variety of materials, including advertisements, displays, packaging, signs, logos, web sites, and web pages to meet the needs and preferences of their various clients for communication and promotion. Graphic and web designers work as in-house designers for a company, as staff designers for a graphic design firm, or as freelance designers. This growing profession needs creative minds that have excellent visualization, computer, and design skills.