Western Technical College

The job market is strong for technicians in the areas of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration (also known as HVAC). This could be your area if you have mechanical skills as well as an interest in technology. Technicians are involved in a number of areas including design, sales, installation, maintenance, and service of commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.

There will always be a need for technicians skilled in the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating and cooling appliances and refrigeration equipment. With new emphasis on energy conservation, a concern for air quality, and the environmental impact of cooling agents, demand has grown for personnel trained in the latest technology.

Architecture is a blend of art and science, of beauty and practicality. As an architectural technician, you will learn how to design residential and commercial buildings that are not only functional and fit into their environments, but also how to build them economically. Consider this program if you have excellent computer skills and a strong interest in building and design. Heavy emphasis is placed on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer Aided Design (CAD), with the practical aspects of choosing building materials, estimating, structural principles, and building systems also covered. A capstone project takes the student from preliminary building proposals through the preparation of construction documents.

Our Building Construction and Cabinetmaking program helps you build on your knowledge and develop your skills to prepare for employment in the fields of construction and cabinet making.

In the United States, buildings represent one of our biggest energy consumers. As a result, buildings have been targeted for energy reduction strategies to reduce cost and dependence on carbon based fuels. Building Science and Energy Management will examine the built environment and how it relates to energy using the latest research, tools, and technology available. You will gain hands-on experience working with community projects and in living laboratories in Western’s state-of-the-art facilities. Study topics include energy auditing, energy management, renewable energy systems, and integrated design.

You can have a hand in designing products with your education in Computer Aided Design (CAD). CAD technicians work closely with engineers as they prepare and revise technical drawings and documentation used to build products for a variety of industries.

You will create 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) models of parts and assemblies to meet design requirements; produce working drawings that include dimensions, technical details, and materials to be used; evaluate materials and processes; produce engineering documentation; use CAD models for strength and motion analysis, machining and rapid prototyping; and develop organizational skills to keep projects on track.

Turn your talents into an exciting career with a degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET). In this program, you will study the basics of electronic circuits and devices, technical math, physics, computer language, communication systems, data acquisition, and networking. A combination of classroom study and hands-on lab work leads to a final capstone project in which you will design and complete a project that includes hardware and software components as well as industry-related documentation.

This technical diploma will provide you with the entry-level skills to diagnose, repair, and maintain medical equipment in a healthcare setting. Learn fundamentals in technical areas, such as electronic devices and circuits, terminology, math, and instrumentation.

This technical diploma will prepare you to properly program and operate welding robots. Training on the latest technology will cover the basic engineering principles of programming skills to create welding processes that meet specifications for various patterns, joint types, and positions. In addition, coursework will cover material science, computer-aided design (CAD), automation, codes, inspections, testing, and quality assurance.

Skilled welders are in great demand, and the outlook for employment remains good in our region and nationwide as the manufacturing and construction industries continue to grow. With good math skills, attention to detail, and a preoccupation with quality, you could make welding a career.

This program is designed to give you the skills you need to enter the growing field of automation/robotic systems in areas that include industrial manufacturing, industrial controls and automation, and robotics.

In this role, you’ll work with machine operators and with MMS (maintenance management system) software to maintain industrial equipment and keep operational uptime at an optimal level. When you complete the program, you may transfer directly into the second year of the Electromechanical Technology associate's degree program, or seek employment in the field.

With the mechanical and technical skills developed through our Electromechanical Technology program, you’ll be well prepared for a rewarding career in manufacturing. A combination of theory and hands–on experience, as well as general education courses, will give you the skills needed to enter a high-demand field working with automated control systems that integrate with computers, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical control systems. You’ll be exposed to the latest technology in the field and graduate with an up-to-date skill set.

As an embedded component of the Manufacturing Systems Maintenance technical diploma, this program provides entry-level knowledge and skills in basic manual machining processes and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine operations that are used in the production of machined components and parts.

This program teaches you how to operate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling and turning machines and perform minor setups. Employers are looking for CNC operators who have math, print reading, measurement, and inspection skills. This certificate provides these important skills, and the credits apply directly toward two of Western’s machining technical diplomas. Get an entry-level operator job and continue your education for further career opportunities.

You can be a valuable part of the manufacturing process as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programmer—the most technical of the CNC certificate programs. As a programmer, you write the programs that are used to machine parts in CNC lathes and mills. You’ll learn to program in ISO/EIA “G&M” code, proof the programs, set up the machines, and run the programs. To succeed, you’ll need to have an excellent grasp of technology and math, have the ability to think critically, and be an effective communicator. Instruction takes place in our machine shop and students also have assignments to complete outside of class.

CNC setup represents the second level in the CNC suite of programs. If you have a certificate as an operator, or are able to demonstrate competency in that area, you’re ready for the CNC Setup Certificate. Our onsite machine shop is the hands-on classroom for instruction in setting up CNC lathes and mills and proving out programs. You’ll set up, run, and inspect simple parts, perform necessary adjustments to the machines to achieve tolerances, and document your results. In addition to hands-on work in the shop, you’ll have assignments to complete on your own.

Combine your mechanical aptitude and attention to detail with computer-based design. As a machine tool operator, you will create precision-machined parts that are used in industrial applications from aerospace to consumer product manufacturing. You’ll develop hands-on skills in computer aided drafting (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software, and the machining equipment it controls. You’ll be involved in every phase of part production, working from blueprints and CAD drawings, programming the equipment, machining the parts to exact specifications, and inspecting them to tolerances of 1/30th the diameter of a hair using precision instruments. Skilled machinists are in great demand for specialized tool-making operations and most types of manufacturing. Opportunities for career advancement grow with your experience.

Western Technical College’s district is expected to see a double-digit increase in the need for workers to maintain automated control systems. The Industrial Machine Controls technical diploma provides you with the basic skills to observe and test the operation of machinery, diagnose problems, repair and maintain the operating condition, and study blueprints or manufacturer’s manuals to determine correct installation or operation.

As a technician, you can work in a manufacturing facility to repair, modify, and maintain machines and components. Some of the skills you will develop in this program include machining, CNC (Computer Numerical Controls), motor controls, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), basic welding, and HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration).

You can be ready for an entry-level position at a repair shop, dealership, or service station after earning this technical diploma. It covers eight areas of automotive maintenance with an emphasis on learning by doing. The program provides training in diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of heating and cooling systems, shop safety, wheel balancing, vehicle safety, and shop management. You will also learn techniques to develop good study habits and improve personal effectiveness. Build upon these foundational skills by continuing with Western's Automotive Service Technician - Level 2 technical diploma.

The knowledge and skills gained from this program will prepare you for a position as an automotive technician with responsibilities that are above entry-level. Coursework includes steering and suspensions, brake systems, and overall engine performance.

Mechanically inclined? Like solving problems? If so, you might find a career as an automotive technician challenging as well as rewarding. With a focus on hands-on experiences in this technical diploma program, you’ll learn to diagnose and repair problems in engines, drive trains, brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension, transmission systems as well as hybrid and alternative fuel systems. Coursework covers the basics of operating an automotive repair business. You’ll learn skills that will help you communicate with customers and gain valuable experience by making repairs on student and faculty vehicles in an actual shop.

For the person who enjoys working with large equipment in a shop setting, the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician Assistant technical diploma combines knowledge of truck and heavy equipment repair, shop safety and industry practices, diesel engine components, fundamentals of electrical systems, transportation welding, and use of online service information. Graduates of this program work in truck and heavy equipment repair shops and are able to assist experienced technicians and perform basic entry level tasks and repairs. This course of study allows for a seamless transition into the second year of the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician technical diploma program for additional career opportunities and earning potential.

As a diesel and heavy equipment technician, you’ll help keep business and industry moving by diagnosing and repairing diesel engines, heavy trucks, and heavy equipment. Our hands-on program covers the power trains, electrical/electronic systems, chassis systems, brakes, and hydraulics of this equipment. Students learn the latest technology used in the industry. Our interdisciplinary approach draws from welding and general studies to provide a solid background for entry into the field through applied, general, and specialized training. Most students compete the course in 21 months. Graduates have excellent career opportunities in a secure and rewarding field.

A central service technician is responsible for the instruments and medical equipment used in surgery, obstetrics, and other patient care areas. They play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infection. If you are interested in a healthcare career, this area offers many opportunities. As a central service tech, you will clean, sterilize, and assemble medical supplies, instruments, and equipment, and also be responsible for maintaining inventory. Once you complete this program, you will be eligible to take a national certification test.

It takes a collaborative effort to ensure that things run smoothly in the operating room, where conditions can be stressful and demanding. If you can stay calm in these types of situations, you may consider the critical role of a surgical technician. You would be the member of the surgical team who makes sure that equipment is working properly, that the environment is sterile and safe, and that the patient is comfortable. Surgeries can be invasive, diagnostic, or therapeutic, and you’ll gain experience in all these areas. Your responsibilities will include pre- and post-op care as well.

Take on an important role in the healthcare field by becoming a dental assistant. You’ll work closely with patients as you guide them toward good oral health practices. In addition to assisting the dentist as he or she examines and treats patients, you may also have opportunities to work in a dental lab, take x-rays, schedule appointments, and/or manage the office. Our technical diploma curriculum prepares you to enter a private practice for a dentist or group of dentists, or to work with national, state, or local agencies that provide dental services. Chairside skills, dental anatomy, dental radiography, oral hygiene, OSHA standards, and communication skills are all included in the program.

Any business benefits from a competent office assistant, but a medical office in particular needs the right person to fill that role. If you’re a caring individual with good people skills, this could be your field! You’ll gain skills to help maintain office records, assist in billing, greet patients, file claims, and monitor compliance issues. Examples of workplace opportunities include hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and care facilities.

As a medical assistant (MA), you would be an indispensable member of a healthcare team, directly assisting a physician or RN. This program prepares you for an active role in providing care—assisting with examinations, carrying out select medical and diagnostic procedures, collecting specimens, and performing routine laboratory tests.

If you enjoy precision and detail, consider a medical coding career. As a medical coder, you’ll review medical documentation provided by physicians and translate it into numeric codes that represent diagnoses and treatment. In addition to coding, courses also cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diseases, health data management, and computer applications. The coded data are used for many purposes, including healthcare claims and research.

Turn your interest in biology and chemistry into a career in healthcare. As a medical laboratory technician, you will have an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions by collecting and analyzing blood, identifying microorganisms from diverse specimens, conducting microscopic and chemical examinations, and performing blood bank procedures such as cross-matching blood. You will also gain hands-on skills through clinical laboratory experiences in area labs.

Turn your interest in helping people into a meaningful career. As a nursing assistant, you will directly provide care to patients in hospital, long-term care, or adult day care settings. The program includes a combination of classroom and laboratory activities and hands-on clinical experience in a long-term care facility. You will receive training in communication skills, both oral and written, personal care, basic nursing skills, assisting people in maintaining independence, promoting rehabilitation, and caring for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

As a registered nurse (RN), you will be at the heart of a team dedicated to excellence in managing and delivering healthcare. This program provides the skills to integrate social, mathematical, and physical sciences, pharmacology, and pathophysiology into your clinical decision making. You will learn to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and mobilize resources to promote, maintain, and restore health. Critical thinking and problem solving using the nursing process are emphasized, preparing you for a leadership role. The practice of nursing includes adherence to established professional standards—consistently demonstrating caring, respect, and cultural sensitivity. There is a strong demand for nurses, in a wide variety of care settings.

This associate’s degree program prepares you to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or for employment in related jobs. In the traditional setting, the COTA provides services under the supervision of an occupational therapist using goal-directed activities to prevent, lessen or overcome difficulty in attaining, maintaining, or developing occupations: daily living skills, play, leisure and/or work skills. Services are provided in various environments, including hospitals, geriatric centers, schools, homes, and communities.

If you’re ill or injured, you have access to an enormous variety of therapeutic medications, and you trust your pharmacy to correctly interpret and fill your prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians contribute to our safety by assisting pharmacists in a variety of technical tasks. If you’re attentive to detail, organized, a good communicator, and like math, science, and working with people, a career as a pharmacy technician may be your prescription for success.

In this three-credit course, you’ll learn to effectively and efficiently obtain quality blood samples for laboratory testing.

Our Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is as rigorous as it is rewarding. As a PTA, your goal will be to use your knowledge and skills to help patients regain movement after an injury, illness, or other medical condition. You’ll work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist to provide physical therapy services in a variety of settings. To be successful, you must have good technical skills as well as the ability to work closely with a variety of people. You’ll also need to be organized and detail-oriented as you document your patients’ progress.

Radiographers have an important role in the treatment of the ill and injured. It’s their responsibility to ensure that the diagnostic images they produce are of the highest quality so that members of the medical team can make accurate diagnoses and treat patients accordingly. In this program, you’ll learn the effect of radiation on the body, how to position patients correctly, determine the proper settings for optimum exposures, and how to protect yourself and your patient from the effects of radiation. Core classes are taught in classroom and laboratory settings with a heavy emphasis on clinical experience in a healthcare setting. Classes are offered in traditional, online, and blended formats.

Illness, injury, premature birth, and chronic respiratory conditions can rob people of their ability to breathe. A respiratory therapist is the person on the healthcare team who is involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating breathing disorders.

If you want to contribute to your community by helping people and protecting them, a career in the criminal justice field may be very rewarding. This degree helps you develop the multidisciplinary base of knowledge, skills, and abilities you will need. Your coursework will address a wide range of legal and procedural subjects, plus written and verbal communication skills and knowledge of psychology and related contemporary social issues.

The 720 Academy provides aspiring law enforcement officers with the training they need to become certified in Wisconsin. Students must demonstrate their competency in a number of crucial areas based on criteria set forth by the Training and Standards Bureau of the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The Academy is conducted at the Sparta Public Safety Training Center and is taught by full-time educators, law enforcement officers, and supervisors who are recognized as leaders in law enforcement training.

A fun and rewarding career awaits you in early childhood education! In this role, you will use play, art, music, language, and educational tools to help children birth through age eight develop to their full potential. Through a combination of classroom study and field experiences in actual child care settings, you will nurture children of varying abilities and backgrounds, maintain safe and healthy child care environments, and communicate effectively with families. Program includes child development, guiding behavior, and curriculum planning, as well as assessment and regulations in the industry.

The Early Childhood Professional technical diploma provides the knowledge and experience necessary to truly make a difference in the lives of children. Hands-on fieldwork and related academic work will prepare you to work with children from birth through five years of age in a child care center setting. Start your child care teaching career with this credential, or continue your education with Western’s Early Childhood Education associate’s degree.

As a child care provider working in the field, this certificate will expand your skills, provide new insights, and meet state licensing and quality criteria through credit-based courses for professional development. It’s not necessary to be enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program to participate, but credits will transfer to the ECE associate’s degree program if you choose to continue your education.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. As an educational assistant (paraprofessional), you can make a difference by working directly under the supervision of a licensed classroom teacher to implement teacher-created lesson plans. You will likely work with small groups of students in the areas of reading or math as well as in one-on-one instructional settings. Some of the responsibilities you might have include tutoring in the content areas of reading, writing, math, and science; implementing teacher created plans in small group learning center activities; and offering technical support in the classroom.

Helping students succeed in the classroom is challenging as well as rewarding. Our technical diploma program will prepare you to work in the classroom and provide needed support for the teacher. You will likely work with special education students implementing goals of an Individual Education Plan and adapting instruction to meet student needs. Other duties may include setting up displays, grading assignments, providing one-on-one instruction, playground and lunchroom supervision. The primary focus of the technical diploma is behavior management, developmentally appropriate practices, and special education.

If you are already certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), this course provides additional training that allows you to provide even more lifesaving care. Advanced patient assessment, communication, and beginning advanced life support interventions are among the topics covered.

As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you’re on the front lines providing lifesaving care to people in need. You’ll learn how to assess a patient’s illness or injury, render aid, and use proper procedures and precautions when treating a patient. This 180-hour course covers all the situations you are likely to encounter as an EMT, including emergency childbirth, airway obstruction, bleeding, fractures, shock, heart attack and stroke, and other medical emergencies, as well how to stabilize and safely transport the patient to a medical facility.

Save lives as an EMT-Paramedic. Paramedics respond to emergencies and provide aid to victims of accidents or those experiencing a medical emergency such as cardiac arrest. Under direct medical control, these professionals render advanced aid by administering medication, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as EKGs, and intubating patients, in addition to performing the basic lifesaving measures of an EMT. The program offers a combination of classroom learning and field experiences.

Can you respond to life or death situations in a calm and controlled manner? As a paramedic technician, you’d be first on the scene to provide critical care to the ill or injured. You need to be able to work independently, make decisions quickly and, most of all, be trained to use advanced lifesaving techniques in emergency situations. Through classroom instruction and valuable field experience, this associate's degree program will provide you with the skills you need to work for ambulance services, fire departments, police departments, or hospitals.

If you enjoy an adrenaline rush and have a desire to help people in need, think about a future in the fire protection field. Fire protection technicians respond to accidents, fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies that threaten life or property. They work in teams to rescue victims, render aid, recover property, and operate fire-fighting equipment such as ladders and pumpers.

The Human Services Associate program trains people to provide information, resources, support. and advocacy for those most in need. Through classroom work and field experience activities, students acquire the skills needed to work with diverse groups of youth and adults facing a multitude of challenges such as poverty, discrimination, child abuse homelessness, addictions, physical and mental health problems, and disabilities.

An exciting and challenging career awaits you in a growing field. As a paralegal, you will be involved in all facets of the law while working under the direction of a licensed attorney. A successful paralegal is a good communicator, enjoys working with diverse populations, pays attention to details, is a strong problem solver, and is ethical.

If you’re considering a career in marketing, an understanding of effective digital content is essential. This certificate program will provide an introduction to marketing principles, with an emphasis on developing quality content for various digital formats. You will also explore elements of promotional campaigns, including design basics, media buying, and the use of analytics to measure results.

A love of video, photography, art, and computers is a great foundation for contributing to an organization as a digital media producer. Advertising agencies, marketing firms, the film industry, businesses, government, and education all need effective communicators to craft and target messages for internal and external audiences.

Graphic designers have a passion for art, design, and high-impact visual communication. They also have excellent computer skills. Businesses and organizations depend on effective brand and marketing communications, including logos, signage, brochures, packaging, advertising, and website design.

The Web Design certificate gives students and working designers experience with the software, methods, and best practices for designing web content and online experiences.

Managing medical information is a critical component of healthcare. The health information professional must be detail-oriented, comfortable with spreadsheets and databases, and have an interest in the healthcare field.

Achieve a satisfying balance with a career that lets you work with people and computers. A computer support specialist is a problem-solver with a technical background in hardware, software, network maintenance, and networks. A good listener with an arsenal of problem-solving skills, technical manuals, and knowledge of computers, you will help customers resolve issues and restore productivity. You may also be charged with selecting hardware and software, managing a Local Area Network (LAN), maintaining a support ticket tracking system, and training employees.

Hands-on learning in the Computer Support Technician program can lead you to employment as a level-one tech. You’ll learn the necessary skills to install, diagnose, and repair hardware and offer support to computer users in a business environment. The course covers networking, scripting, and server administration.

Being an office support specialist means that you are the person who keeps things running efficiently. No two days will be the same. You will use your skills to communicate with customers and other team members, perform essential office tasks, create business correspondence and presentations, and use business software to create databases and spreadsheets. You could use desktop publishing, electronic presentation, or word processing software to create internal and external marketing pieces.

Western’s IT-Cybersecurity and Network Administration program provides students with the skills required to maintain a secure operating system along with the expertise to design, install, and manage the integrity of a computer network infrastructure. Equipment and technology used in this program includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, anomaly identification systems, cloud computing, and associated physical security technologies. Coursework covers the most popular business class operating systems such as Microsoft Windows (Server and Workstation), Linux, and UNIX-like systems. On the network administration side, we focus on how to configure routing and switching devices. You will work with real-world equipment to gain the extensive knowledge required to accurately configure networks to transmit signals across the globe.

A person with good computer skills and a desire to gain additional knowledge will benefit from the Network Technician program. Through a combination of classroom and hands-on training, you will learn how to provide endpoint support in small- to medium-sized businesses and home offices. You will also be trained in the fundamentals of Linux and Windows server administration.

Western’s IT-Web & Software program offers an exciting, challenging, and hands-on curriculum to prepare students for employment in the field of Information Technology as entry level programmers.

Hospitality is the fastest growing industry in the world, and the second largest industry in Wisconsin. Western’s Hospitality Management program will prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to supervise staff and manage basic operations in hospitality-oriented organizations. You will gain exposure to different facets of the industry, including food and beverage service, travel and lodging, and recreation and tourism. This associate’s degree program covers relevant topics such as customer service, supervision, software applications for business, human resources, event management, sales and promotions, finance, and more. Courses are offered in a convenient online format.

If you enjoy helping others, and you’re looking for a rewarding career that offers both variety and opportunity, explore the Human Resource Management program. Jobs in this field provide an opportunity to interact with diverse groups of people in a variety of settings. The success of any organization depends on getting the right person in the right job, and in this role you can make a huge impact. The program covers the seven key areas of HR: safety, employment law, training, employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, international human resources, and staffing. Positions are available in business, manufacturing, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Working in HR or have experience, but no formal training in human resources? Interested in increasing your skills and taking on more responsibility at work? Knowledge of human resource issues can help you expand your present role and increase job satisfaction.

Solar energy is a growing industry in western Wisconsin. The Solar Installation Technician certificate is designed to address the needs of regional utility power suppliers that offer renewable energy options, as well as private companies that provide solar solutions for residential, commercial, non-profit, and government sectors.