Western Iowa Tech Community College

This program prepares individuals to perform the duties of administrative assistants for practicing physicians, health care facilities, health service administrators and other health care professionals.

This program prepares students to assign codes to diagnoses and procedures using nationally recognized coding systems required for billing and reimbursement in health care facilities. The Courses in this program can be applied to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Administrative Assistant-Medical.

This program prepares students to perform clerical and administrative tasks in health care facilities.

This program is designed to prepare students to assume an active role in providing quality dental services under the direction of a licensed dentist. Preparation includes infection control management, chairside assisting procedures in general and specialty dentistry; management of medical and dental emergencies; intra- and extra-oral radiographic procedures; patient education; fabrication of oral appliances; and basic business office procedures. Program specific admission criteria must be met.

This certificate expands the scope of practice for a dental assistant performing intraoral functions in general and specialty dentistry. The course has been approved to meet requirements for Iowa. Participants are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with the laws and educational requirements for the state in which they practice.

This certificate expands the scope of practice of a dental assistant to include monitoring of nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation. The course has been approved to meet the requirements for monitoring nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation for both Iowa and South Dakota. Participants are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with the laws and educational requirements for which they practice.

This program prepares students to be multi-skilled allied health professionals specifically trained in administrative, laboratory and clinical procedures. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (www.caahep.org) upon recommendation by the Medical Assisting Review Board (MAERB). National certification is available to graduates.

This course is designed to train nursing assistants and residential attendants to safely administer non-parenteral medications in long-term care (nursing home) facilities and related areas.

This course is designed to provide the student with the fundamentals of patient care in the health care environment. Students will learn basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, meeting human needs, safety measures, infection control, and physical care.

This program will prepare students for an entry-level pharmacy technician positions in both institutional and community pharmacy setting. A pharmacy technician is an individual who, under the supervision of a pharmacist, assist in the day-to-day pharmacy operations that do not require the professional judgment of a pharmacist. Graduates are eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.

Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of a physical therapist. Duties include assisting the physical therapist in implementing treatment programs according to the plan of care as developed by the physical therapist.

This program prepares individuals to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician or dentist. Includes instruction in taking patient vital signs, applying sterile dressings, patient health education, and assistance with examinations and treatment. Pre-requisite: CNA Certification.

The Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare students to function as members of the surgical team in hospitals and clinics with registered nurses and surgeons in the operating room. The graduate is qualified to prepare the surgical environment and function as a team member during the operative procedures. National certification is available to graduates. The surgical technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Job openings are available nationwide for graduates of the surgical technology program. Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Bureau of Labor statistics).

This program prepares students to work as veterinary assistants in a variety of settings including animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, laboratories, zoos, and animal parks. The veterinary assistant provides basic care, performs laboratory procedures, and assists in the veterinary clinic with other functions.

This certificate will provide the student with roles and responsibilities of the EMS provider; well-being including injury prevention and infectious disease; an overview of human systems, pharmacology; venous access; airway management; training for management of medical and trauma emergencies; special considerations of the obstetric, neonatal, pediatric, and geriatric patients; and a focus on assessment based management. This course will also provide the student the opportunity to apply past and current cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills in a supervised clinical or field setting. Student must have current Iowa EMT certification, AGA, HCP card and state approved Mandatory child and Adult Reporter. Instructor consent required.

This certificate emphasizes the development of student skills in emergency medical care procedures. Curriculum includes life-threatening emergencies, injuries to various body parts, techniques of moving patients, CPR-BLS, Mandatory Reporting and blood borne pathogens. Successful completion of course requirements allows students to write certification examination for Emergency Medical Responder. Course meets pre-admission requirements for all health occupations.

This certificate provides students with the knowledge and skill necessary to perform basic emergency care and transport. Some advanced skills are taught. Successful completion of course requirements allows students to write certification examination for Emergency Medical Technician.

This program provides information and skill training to initiate and maintain treatment for medical, trauma, and cardiac emergencies. The Paramedic is the highest level of emergency responder training. The Paramedic AAS Degree offers a comprehensive course of study that prepares the graduate to sit for the EMT and EMT-Paramedic certification examinations as well as meet the requirements for the AAS degree.

Graduates are prepared to deliver emergency care to patients prior to their arrival at a hospital. Students are trained in life support procedures performed by following orders of the physicians or by following standard operating protocols. Successful completion of course requirements allows students to write the certification examination for the EMT-P (Paramedic).

The Fire Fighter/Paramedic program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as a firefighter. By pairing the Firefighter diploma with the existing EMS Paramedic diploma, students can obtain the AAS degree thus fulfilling the ever-growing demand for employees in this field. Current trends show increasing EMS related calls for fire service employees and this paring of offerings will increase student employability. Students must meet entrance requirements for the Paramedic program and be a certified EMT in the State of Iowa or National Registry before enrolling in Term 4 of the program.

This program provides information and skill training to initiate and maintain treatment for medical, trauma, and cardiac emergencies. The Paramedic is the highest level of emergency responder training. The Paramedic diploma offers a comprehensive course of study that prepares the graduate to sit for the EMT-P certification examination as well as meeting the requirements for the degree. The course offerings also apply toward the AAS degree.

This certificate is designed to enable the student to become a trained child care assistant with an infant/toddler focus. The following classes are the recommended courses for students working toward a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™. CDA®, administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, is a nationally recognized credential for early childhood educators who understand and are able to put into practice core competencies for working with young children.

This advanced-standing certificate is designed to provide students with leadership and management skills needed to work successfully with diverse individuals in early childhood settings. Completion of the Early Childhood Studies diploma or a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required to be considered for this certificate.

This certificate is designed to enable the student to become a trained child care assistant with a preschool focus. The following classes are the recommended courses for students working toward a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™. CDA®, administered by the Council for Professional Recognition, is a nationally recognized credential for early childhood educators who understand and are able to put into practice core competencies for working with young children.

This program prepares graduates to develop, manage and evaluate early childhood programs as well as implement developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth through age 8. Students develop skills needed to support culturally, linguistic and ability diverse children and their families.

This program prepares graduates to provide early childhood education services within a structured child care program. The program emphasis is on developmentally appropriate activities across developmental domains, guidance techniques, and beginning observation skills.

This certificate provides coursework for the skills sought by entry level firefighters. Successful completion of the program allows the student to test for certification with the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau at the levels of Firefighter One and Firefighter Two. Candidates must be competent in all objectives listed in NFPA Standard 1001, and NFPA 472 Haz mat Operations Level. These certifications along with the EMT certification meet many departmental hiring minimums for entry level into the firefighting profession

This program provides an exploration of the fire science program and provides basic knowledge of the field. It provides an overview of the principles and legal aspects of emergency services, fire behavior and combustion, fire strategies and tactics, fire protection systems, and building construction for fire protection.

The Fire Fighter/Paramedic program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as a firefighter. By pairing the Firefighter diploma with the existing EMS Paramedic diploma, students can obtain the AAS degree thus fulfilling the ever-growing demand for employees in this field. Current trends show increasing EMS related calls for fire service employees and this paring of offerings will increase student employability. Students must meet entrance requirements for the Paramedic program and be a certified EMT in the State of Iowa or National Registry before enrolling in Term 4 of the program.

This program is an advanced-standing diploma which requires that students must be a 2 or 4 year graduate from an Iowa School with a degree in Police Science or Criminal Justice to enter. Students must have approval from the Police Academy Director and meet the requirements of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

This program provides students with classroom, laboratory, and hands-on training as preparation for entry into law enforcement.

Traditional classroom academic education is combined with laboratory courses and the practical application of learned skills to prepare students for job entry. Although traditional law enforcement careers are the goal of most entering students, other available options include positions with private security, corrections, juvenile work, and private investigation. Students may elect to continue their education in colleges accepting transfer credits.

The Legal Secretary Diploma will provide students with the basic legal knowledge and administrative skills to serve attorneys in law firms, or support legal departments in corporations, real estate companies, government agencies, and the banking industry.

The Paralegal - Advanced Standing Diploma will provide students with a previous degree additional legal knowledge to serve as paralegals, working with not only attorneys in law firms, but also corporation, real estate companies, government agencies and the banking industry. Completion of a previous degree is required to enter this program.

The Paralegal - Advanced Standing Diploma will provide students with a previous degree with additional legal knowledge to serve as paralegals. This part time option will allow students to spread the class work out and allow them to maintain a job. Completion of a previous degree is required to enter this program.

This program will provide students with the legal knowledge and administrative skills to serve as paralegals, working closely with not only attorneys in law firms, but also corporations, real estate companies, government agencies and the banking industry.

The courses taught in the program will focus on realistic projects, case studies, and practical application of classroom instruction. In both the classroom and through internships the students will develop professional networking relationships and have the opportunity to investigate various aspects of the paralegal/legal assistant profession. The program provides the educational background enabling the student to prepare for and take the NALA and NALS national certification exams.

This program is designed for the student who wishes to work in the field of corrections or take classes to transfer to a four-year institution. The graduate will be prepared for positions in law enforcement as well as positions with private security, corrections, juvenile work, and private investigation.

This program includes a study of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration for residential and light commercial equipment. Students are trained to be HVAC technicians in a real-world, hands-on lab environment.

This certificate will prepare the student to maintain and troubleshoot residential air-conditioning equipment. Students are trained to be cooling technicians in a real world, hands-on lab environment. The HVAC facility is equipped with state-of-the-art and conventional air conditioning systems in which students experience ample hands-on training. Students may receive credit for coursework taken and skills learned toward completion of Apprenticeship Related Training Instruction (RTI) requirements. 

This certificate will prepare the student to maintain and troubleshoot residential heating equipment. Students are trained to be heating technicians in a real world hands-on lab environment. The HVAC facility is equipped with state-of-the-art and conventional heating systems in which students experience ample hands-on training. Students may receive credit for coursework taken and skills learned toward completion of Apprenticeship Related Training Instruction (RTI) requirements.

This certificate prepares graduates for entry level jobs in the construction industry. The latest in carpentry techniques and building materials will be taught.

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for employment as a carpenter or concrete specialist. Study includes residential and commercial construction, with all phases explored and applied on a job site or in the lab. Specialized coursework includes drywall installation and finishing, blueprint reading, construction estimating, concrete stamping, and construction materials.

This program offers an industry-recognized curriculum providing the basic knowledge and skills in applied electrical theory. Students will develop entry-level skills and knowledge needed for residential, commercial, and industrial wiring, blueprint reading, estimating, building codes and national codes. Important safety practices are strongly emphasized while working on electrical circuits and in the use of test equipment and hand and power tools. The program also provides students an opportunity to develop their electrical skills to enable them to work with AC and DC motors, controls, distribution panels.

This diploma will provide students with hands-on, industry-relevant drafting, design and Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) training using the most-recent computer software such as AutoCAD and Solidworks. Students in this program will understand the fundamentals of drafting and design of two-dimensional drawings and quickly progress to three-dimensional designs and models. Students learn the proper sketching, computer drafting techniques and views of drawings.

This program is designed to train a welder in all the basic competencies necessary to gain entry into the welding industry. Students will learn basic safety procedures, how to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals, how to perform out of position welds using GMAW and SMAW processes, and be introduced to common hand tools used in the industry.

This certificate program is designed to provide a student the basic skills needed to obtain entry level employment in the welding industry. Students will learn entry level skills in GMAW (MIG), SMAW (stick), and Oxy Fuel processes. Students will also be able to obtain OSHA 10 hours certification and have experience with basic measuring and layout tools.

This advanced standing certificate program is designed to advance a welder’s skill by training them in the GTAW (TIG) and FACW (Flux Core) welding processes and increasing their skill in out of position SMAW (stick). Students will also learn advanced blueprint reading. Competencies are based on skills needed for custom production, industrial services and steel construction industries.

This program, the Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology, prepares students for a career in the manufacturing, fabrication, and structural steel industries. The program includes hands-on application of SMAW, GMAW, Oxy Fuel, FCAW, GTAW and Robotic Weld processes, using ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and evaluated to AWS D1.1 structural steel code or other codes (ASME sect. IX, API 1104, etc.) as appropriate. The program’s curriculum is aligned to AWS national standards for entry level welders and includes safety, blueprint reading, and welding procedure specifications. Upon successful completion of all competencies, students will have the opportunity to test for numerous AWS and ASME certifications. Students may incur additional fees for testing for these certifications.

This program prepares individuals to pursue a career as a licensed plumber. Plumbers make it possible to transport water, air, steam, gases, wastes, and different kinds of liquids throughout all types of buildings, from homes and offices to factories and hospitals. The students will have hands-on opportunities to install, maintain, and repair plumbing pipes, fixtures and appliances. This program also includes instruction in blueprint reading and final inspection and testing of all finished systems while adhering to the local codes and standards that are enforced by the State of Iowa.

This certificate will prepare the students to install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot residential plumbing equipment and fixtures. The student will be introduced to residential codes in both the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and International Plumbing Code (IPC). Students will be trained in a real world environment with hands-on lab activities. Students attaining this certificate will be eligible for employment as an apprentice, by plumbing contractors. Students may receive credit for coursework taken and skills learned toward completion of Apprenticeship Related Training Instruction (RTI) requirements.

This program presents the world audio, sound studio operations, current music technologies, and music and sound production as they are implements for music, film, video, television, and interactive media. Students will acquire skills in sound mixing and editing, using various kinds of audio recording equipment, and the ability to engage in sound design.

This program presents the world audio, sound studio operations, current music technologies, and music and sound production as they are implements for music, film, video, television, and interactive media. Students are introduced to audio theory and competency with industry standard tools.

The Video and Media Production program presents the techniques and technologies of video and film production as they are implemented in the film, video, television, and interactive media industries. Through a combination of hands-on exercises, lecture. group projects, and real-world applications, students are introduced to video production with industry standard tools. Familiarity with professional standards and the aesthetic considerations of video and film production are emphasized. Skills students will acquire include the ability to shoot and edit video, lighting techniques for location and studio productions, and basic scripting for television and film. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment in the broadcast and cable television and video production industry.

This program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and a portfolio needed for employment as a designer. This field involves the use of specialized software combined with creativity, design, and problem solving skills to create visual communication. This program focuses on developing the creativity and software skills necessary to be competitive in this field. It is completed with an internship in the graphic design field that allows the student to transfer academic skills to a professional environment.

The Video and Media Production program presents the techniques and technologies of video and film production as they are implemented in the film, video, television, and interactive media industries. Through a combination of hands-on exercises, lecture. group projects, and real-world applications, students are introduced to video production with industry standard tools. Familiarity with professional standards and the aesthetic considerations of video and film production are emphasized. Skills students will acquire include the ability to shoot and edit video, lighting techniques for location and studio productions, and basic scripting for television and film. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment in the broadcast and cable television and video production industry.

This certificate will offer students training to be prepared to complete minor auto collision damage. Emphasis will be placed on alignment and replacement of damaged fenders, light sheet metal work, interior dismantling and reassembly, windshield replacement, and sheet metal welding.

This diploma option prepares the student to do standard refinishing procedures, color blending, and color tinting. Students will identify and solve issues related to common paint problems.

This certificate program provides students exposure, fundamental knowledge and skills related to the auto collision industry. Students will have the opportunity to develop entry-level skills related to the repair of auto body fenders and finishes. Topics include welding, fender repair and preparation to finish and painting techniques.

This diploma option prepares the student to perform basic body repairs, panel replacements, frame repair and analysis, and unibody structural repairs. Students will be introduced to the use of a frame machine, MIG welding, plastic welding and spot welding. Students will also learn how to take a crashed vehicle and fix all of the damage up to being painted.

This program prepares the student for a career as a specialist in auto body repair. The automobile repair business is becoming even more important today as many car owners are having their present vehicles repaired rather than buying new ones. Students will receive training in sheet metal welding and cutting, cost estimating, basic business procedures, metal straightening, frame repair, suspension, glass, plastic, and fiberglass repair, body construction, automotive painting and refinishing. The student will gain practical experience by working on damaged vehicles in a state-of-the-art auto collision facility.

This program prepares students to enter the auto repair industry with basic skills in electrical/electronics, engine overhaul, cooling, and suspension systems.

This certificate prepares students to trace and troubleshoot electrical and electronic problems, and make repairs on automotive electrical systems. The electrical systems to be studied will include on-board computer systems, door locks, automatic windows, airbags, and lighting

This certificate provides students with auto collision skills in the areas of painting. Students will have the opportunity to prep and paint sheet metal and fiberglass panels

This program is designed to prepare the student to perform a wide range of diagnostics, repair, and preventative maintenance tasks on automobiles and light trucks. Students will have extensive hands-on training in engine overhaul, manual and automatic drive train, front end alignment, brake service and repair, fuel systems, ignition systems, and air conditioning. In addition, the program provides training in electrical and electronic control systems, engine performance diagnosis, and on-board computerized engine control systems diagnosis.

This program is designed to prepare students for over-the-road tractor-trailer driving employment by providing classroom instruction, simulator training, along with hands-on inspection and actual driving.

This program prepares the student to perform a wide range of computer PC troubleshooting and maintenance. Students will also be trained to perform entry-level LAN network troubleshooting, diagnosis, network monitoring, and maintenance of LAN networks. Students also receive hands-on training with various computer applications and hardware.

This certificate program provides training in computer PC repair. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of a PC through hands-on and theory based instruction. Specific topics include computer hardware and software installation, troubleshooting and maintenance related to a career as a PC repairer or someone in a help desk position.

This program is designed to fill a critical and growing need for cyber security personnel in the public and private sector. Students completing this curriculum will be capable of investigating computer crimes, properly seizing and recovering computer evidence, and aiding in the prosecution of cyber criminals. To combat computer related crime, students in the Cyber Security and Digital Crime program will also understand counter measures against hacking, spam, and computer viruses through network intrusion detection and evidence gathering.

This program prepares the student to be responsible for network intrusion detection and mitigation. Students will learn to monitor computer networks, install and maintain security measures, and document security breaches. Students will also be taught to develop security best practices. Throughout the program students will be able to work with various security appliances and technologies. This program prepares students for an entry level position in information security.

This program is a comprehensive course of study. Students will be trained for computer PC repair and maintenance, operating systems installation and troubleshooting, computer networking, and system administration and security. Through both theory and hands-on instruction, students will achieve a thorough understanding of the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computers, operating systems and wired/wireless networks.

This program prepares students to provide professional chef and related cooking services in restaurants and other commercial food establishments. Includes advanced techniques in culinary skills, as well as kitchen management and supervision.

This certificate is designed to prepare students to perform entry-level industrial maintenance repairs. Students will learn to identify, perform scheduled maintenance, troubleshoot and perform repairs on equipment and machines. The theory of fluid power, hydraulics, mechanical systems and electricity will be learned through lecture and hands-on lab experiences.

This diploma program is designed to prepare students for an entry level position as an industrial mechanic or maintenance position. Electromechanical Technicians utilize knowledge and skills developed from learning various topics including electrical, mechanical, fluid power to maintain and repair industrial equipment and systems.

This program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and high-tech skills to integrate, install, maintain, and repair industrial and automated systems. Students will learn entry-level skills to perform work on mechanical and electrical systems such as motors, conveyors, controls, programmable controllers (PLC’s), and other electro-mechanical devices related to manufacturing or production. An emphasis will be placed on learning the proper techniques and procedures to work safely.

This program provides students with hands-on training in the use of conventional and automated machining and manufacturing equipment and software. Today manufacturing includes the use of computers, robots, 3D printing, CNC-computer numerical controllers, virtual reality, and many automated processes. Students will have the opportunity to work with industry recognized equipment and software such as HAAS, MasterCam, AutoCAD and ProEngineer.

This program provides students with the opportunity to enter the engineering technology field as a drafter, designer, or various other positions within an engineering or manufacturing design team. The program of study includes computer-assisted drafting, design engineering practices, and mechanical design. Students will be exposed to basic metallurgy, material identification, material strengths and proper manufacturing procedures related to machining and manufacturing.

This advanced-standing certificate is designed to provide students with a knowledge of various industrial predictive maintenance methods. Students will gain entry-level knowledge of how to predict mechanical and electrical problems through the use of vibration analysis and thermography. The value of using ultrasound will also be introduced. The Electromechanical Technician Diploma or prior work experience approved by the Division Chair is required for entry into this program.