Wharton County Junior College

The Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration and Electrical Technology program, open to both male and female applicants, is comprised of two Level I Certificates. The Entry Level Residential Air Conditioning & Electrical Certificate is a one semester certificate offered each fall semester. The Apprentice Level Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration & Electrical Certificate is a two semester certificate offered each spring/summer semesters. Students may pursue either or both certificates. With the completion of both, the graduate will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the practical application of air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, residential wiring and commercial wiring. The program of study includes, but is not limited to, methods of installing, maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing equipment. Computer simulation programs are used to improve diagnostic skills. Specific competencies taught include: gas brazing and soldering, electrical circuits and motor analysis, system troubleshooting, conduit bending, wire size estimating and circuit installations.

The Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration and Electrical Technology program, open to both male and female applicants, is comprised of two Level I Certificates. The Entry Level Residential Air Conditioning & Electrical Certificate is a one semester certificate offered each fall semester. The Apprentice Level Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration & Electrical Certificate is a two semester certificate offered each spring/summer semesters. Students may pursue either or both certificates. With the completion of both, the graduate will have acquired the knowledge and skills in the practical application of air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, residential wiring and commercial wiring. The program of study includes, but is not limited to, methods of installing, maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing equipment. Computer simulation programs are used to improve diagnostic skills. Specific competencies taught include: gas brazing and soldering, electrical circuits and motor analysis, system troubleshooting, conduit bending, wire size estimating and circuit installations.

The Engineering Design AAS (Associate in Applied Science) degree is a four-semester course of study, offered by the Division of Technology and Business. Specialized learning experiences include the implementation of computer-aided design software in various design disciplines. Instruction emphasizes the development of technical knowledge and drafting skills that are essential to the successful entrance in the job market as a design technician.

The Engineering Design AAS (Associate in Applied Science) degree is a four-semester course of study, offered by the Division of Technology and Business. Specialized learning experiences include the implementation of computer-aided design software in various design disciplines. Instruction emphasizes the development of technical knowledge and drafting skills that are essential to the successful entrance in the job market as a design technician.

The Engineering Design AAS (Associate in Applied Science) degree is a four-semester course of study, offered by the Division of Technology and Business. Specialized learning experiences include the implementation of computer-aided design software in various design disciplines. Instruction emphasizes the development of technical knowledge and drafting skills that are essential to the successful entrance in the job market as a design technician.

The welding program is designed to prepare students with in-depth training and skills for entry-level employment in a wide variety of careers as a welder in light or heavy fabrication, construction, and manufacturing. Training focuses on the theory and application to provide essential skills in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) processes in all positions, using plate and pipe. Students will also gain knowledge in layout and fabrication as well as blueprint reading for welders, safety and metallurgy. The program is offered at the Wharton campus only.

The certificate and AAS degree programs in automotive technology are designed to provide classroom and laboratory experiences on the proper use of hand tools, power tools, diagnostic testing equipment, and technical manuals in all phases of automotive maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, including inspection, engine overhaul, electrical systems, fuel systems and fuel injection, brake systems, transmission and drive train systems (automatic and manual), suspension and steering systems, heating and air‐conditioning systems, and engine performance. The program is based on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and prepares the students for the ASE certification tests. Automotive Technology instructors are ASE Master Certified. The Automotive Program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF.)

The certificate and AAS degree programs in automotive technology are designed to provide classroom and laboratory experiences on the proper use of hand tools, power tools, diagnostic testing equipment, and technical manuals in all phases of automotive maintenance, repair, and diagnostics, including inspection, engine overhaul, electrical systems, fuel systems and fuel injection, brake systems, transmission and drive train systems (automatic and manual), suspension and steering systems, heating and air‐conditioning systems, and engine performance. The program is based on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and prepares the students for the ASE certification tests. Automotive Technology instructors are ASE Master Certified. The Automotive Program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF.)

This program is regulated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability. Students will learn to give direct client care including communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver, promoting residents' independence, and respecting residents' rights. As well as, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, and basic restorative services. CNAs often work in a wide variety of settings; nursing homes, hospitals, adult day care centers, personal homes and assisted living facilities. This is an entry-level allied health preparation course. Students can proceed into higher level allied health course such as ADN, LVN, Physical Therapy Assistant, etc. Clinical training is required for completion of this course. Our students demonstrate hands on skills in a long term care facility and hospital clinical rotation. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible but must be received prior to the registration deadline.

This nationally accredited program educates students in two years with one summer session in-between. Upon program completion, students receive an associate in applied science degree. As a forerunner for dental hygiene programs, WCJC established the first accredited dental hygiene program in a Texas community college setting. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, a Regional Board Examination, and the Texas Jurisprudence examination for licensure. Upon receipt of state licensure, the Registered Dental Hygienist may provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services.

As part of a dental team in a private dental office, dental hygienists perform numerous services designed to detect and prevent diseases of the mouth. These include performing a prophylaxis (cleaning teeth); examining head, neck, and oral areas for signs of disease; obtaining a thorough dental and medical history; educating patients and the community on oral hygiene and nutrition; exposing and developing radiographs; and applying fluoride and sealants. In addition to private dental practices, dental hygienists may seek employment in public health settings, correctional facilities, mental health facilities and as sales representatives. Opportunities for dental hygiene education are also available.

Health Data Analyst is designed to prepare the student for an entry level clerical position in a medical record or health information management department. Students who graduate with the Level I Certificate will possess knowledge of medical terminology and requirements for the collection, storage, and retrieval of medical record content for varying types of medical facilities. TSI readiness or other testing is not required for this Level I Certificate.

EHR Support Specialist trains students to perform technical and electronic health information functions in various health care facilities. This level builds on the knowledge gained in the Level I Certificate and provides a more in depth study of Health Information Technology. TSI readiness is required for this Level II Certificate.

Health information management (HIM) is the practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. It is a combination of business, science, and information technology.

HIT professionals work in a variety of different settings with various job titles and are responsible for the quality, integrity, and protection of patient's health information. Health information professionals care for patients by caring for their medical data.

This comprehensive program was designed to assist students in gaining the skills and procedures necessary to become an effective Medical Assistant. This program prepares students in the many different administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients’ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and coding. Students will also be taught how to take medical histories and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for examination, and assist during diagnostic examinations. Trainees will learn how to collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They will be instructed on how to inform patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. This program is concluded with students completing 48 hours hands on clinical rotation. Students are allowed to choose their own clinical at which they will complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities. Please be aware that additional expenses may arise during clinical rotations. Upon completion of the program, students may elect to sit for National Healthcareer Association's (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) examination for an additional fee. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible but must be received by the application deadline.

This course trains students in the following: pharmaceutical calculations, state and federal laws, IV admixture, prepackaging, inventory control, pharmacy terminology, pharmacology, computer applications, and the practice of pharmacy. A pharmacy technician is a health care provider who performs pharmacy-related functions. Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of locations usually in community, retail, and hospital pharmacies, but can also work for long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, third-party insurance companies, computer software companies, or in government or teaching. Job duties include dispensing prescription drugs and other medical devices to patients and instructing on their use. They may also perform administrative duties in pharmaceutical practice, such as reviewing prescription requests with doctor's offices and insurance companies to ensure correct medications are provided and payment is received. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible but must be received prior to the registration deadline. Students will be eligible to sit for the ExCPT (Pharmacy Technician Certification) exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or National Healthcareer Association at the completion of this course.

This course provides skill development in the performance of a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and standard precautions. The duties of a phlebotomist may include properly identifying the patient, interpreting the tests requested on the requisition, drawing blood into the correct tubes with the proper additives, accurately explaining the procedure to the patients, preparing patients accordingly, practicing the required forms of asepsis, practicing standard and universal precautions, performing the skin/vein puncture, withdrawing blood into containers or tubes, restoring hemostasis of the puncture site, instructing patients on post-puncture care, ordering tests per the doctor's requisition, affixing tubes with electronically printed labels, and delivering specimens to a laboratory. Additional topics include professionalism, ethics and some medical terminology. This course includes 120-hours of work based instruction through clinical rotations. Phlebotomy students are trained to draw blood from a patient for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research.

The PTA program is located with nursing and other allied health programs in the Johnson Health Occupations Center on the main campus in Wharton Texas. Classroom and laboratory instruction are provided in a spacious, well-equipped classroom that also contains an adjoining departmental library and student locker area. Equipment and supplies are maintained in-house and updates are regularly made to keep the program current with changing technology. Clinical experiences are provided off campus at a variety of locations and supervised by on-site clinical instructors.

The PTA curriculum is a 21-month (66 credit hours) integrated curriculum with 56 credit hours of classroom instruction and 10 credit hours of supervised clinical education. Graduates of the program receive an associate’s degree of applied science (AAS) and are then qualified to take the national licensure examination. Licensed PTA’s may find employment in , rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals, pediatric centers, outpatient clinics, home health care, school systems, or other specialized health care settings.

Radiologic Technologists are those healthcare professionals who, primarily take x-rays and administer non-radioactive materials to patients for diagnostic purposes. Some radiologic technologists specialize in certain diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.

Radiologic Technologist prepares patients for exams, explains their x-ray procedure, and preps the patient for the radiologists. They must follow physician’s orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients and their co-workers from unnecessary exposure.

In addition, to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment.

The Vocational Nursing Program prepares students to serve on nursing teams as entry-level vocational nurses. Upon completion of this 12-month program graduates are eligible to make application to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Candidates successfully passing this exam earn the title of Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Licensed Vocational Nurses are likely to find career opportunities in settings such as nursing homes; hospitals; residential care facilities; physician's offices and clinics; and schools. Average annual starting salaries are $26,000 to $37,500.

Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, and the administration of drugs. Clinical practice is in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

The mission of the Early Childhood Program is to specifically assist students in increasing their knowledge about child development and best practices in Early Childhood Education in order to support the fullest achievement of each student's potential and to facilitate the creation of optimum children's programs in the larger community.

These courses prepare students as emergency medical care providers in a pre-hospital setting. Persons certified as Paramedics provide a higher level of care than Emergency Medical Technicians or Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, as specified by the Texas Department of State Health and the National Registry of EMTs.

These courses prepare students as emergency medical care providers in a pre-hospital setting. Persons certified as Paramedics provide a higher level of care than Emergency Medical Technicians or Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, as specified by the Texas Department of State Health and the National Registry of EMTs.

These courses prepare students as emergency medical care providers in a pre-hospital setting. Persons certified as Paramedics provide a higher level of care than Emergency Medical Technicians or Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, as specified by the Texas Department of State Health and the National Registry of EMTs.

The Human Services Technician Level One Certificate will provide students an opportunity to gain entry level skills to enter fields such as, but no limited to, psychiatry, psychology, human services, social work, child welfare, health, family services, criminal justice, substance abuse, education, or working in environments assisting the homeless. It will also train students to observe patients and record information, conduct patient interviews, implement treatment plans, employ problem-solving techniques, and develop an awareness of elements relative to a multi-culturally diverse community population. Certificate completers will participate in external learning experiences in a variety of contexts and will be required to complete a supervised practicum or clinical experience consisting of 160 hours. Effective communication, ethical protocol cultural diversity, and interpersonal and time management skills will be emphasized throughout the program.

The Human Services AAS Degree will prepare students for careers in a variety of fields such as, but not limited to, psychiatry, psychology, human services, social work, child welfare, health, family services, criminal justice, substance abuse, education, or working in an environment assisting the homeless. Job titles might include human service worker, case management aide, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health assistant, community outreach worker, life skills counselor or gerontology aide. Working conditions may vary considerably. Some may work in offices, clinics, and hospitals, while other graduates may work in group homes, shelters, day programs or may spend their time in the field visiting clients. Human service assistants may provide direct and indirect client services. Students will be trained to observe patients and record information, conduct patient interviews, implement treatment plans, employ problem-solving techniques, handle crisis intervention matters, use proper case management and referral procedures, and develop an awareness of elements relative to a multi-culturally diverse community population. Graduates will have a strong background in the appropriate cores of psychology and sociology; will participate in external learning experiences in a variety of contexts; and will be required to complete a supervised practicum or clinical experience for two consecutive semesters completing 125 hours each semester. Effective communication, ethical protocol, interpersonal and time management skills will be emphasized throughout the program. Program coursework does address a multicultural emphasis. The AAS degree is designed to facilitate a transition from WCJC to a university or 4-year college with little or no loss of transfer credit giving the student an opportunity to obtain an advanced degree in fields such as human services, psychology, social work, criminal justice, and sociology.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is intended for those planning on working in local law enforcement and includes the Police Academy curriculum. With the exception of the four internship hours and the Police Academy hours, courses taken in either degree plan are eligible for transfer to Texas universities. Many local law enforcement units require a minimum number of academic college credits and in many instances promotion within the department can be dependent on additional education.

Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, who work under the supervision of a licensed attorney, can perform many of the day-to-day tasks of the law office, governmental agency, legal aid clinic, or corporate legal department. They assist the attorney in the preparation of legal documents, client interviews, research and investigation, trial preparation, and many other tasks. Some legal assistants prefer working in small, solo practices, where they can function as legal secretary, paralegal and administrative assistant for a single lawyer, while others work more autonomously as specialists in probate, criminal law, family law, or real estate, in larger firms and governmental offices. Entry level salaries vary based on location and legal specialty area, and raises and bonuses are common for the legal assistant whose efforts help makes a profit for the firm.

The WCJC Electronics Engineering Technology program has been training students for over 50 years. If you enjoy working with technology and solving puzzles, then a career in Electronics is a good choice.

Students may enter the program in the fall or spring semester with no previous Electronics experience required.

Students enrolled in the program learn electronics theory, and experience hands on training and skills in the laboratory setting. WCJC offers several Electronics labs equipped with industry standard test, measurement, and rework equipment enabling students to design, build, and test a multitude of circuits and projects.

This program requires students to complete highly technical tasks requiring advanced skills and knowledge. An engineering technician installs and maintains automated manufacturing machines, production lines and security systems. Engineering technicians are required to work on and with equipment integrating electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics and computer controls. The manufacturing technology program teaches a combination of skills that prepare students to perform many different jobs in industries, including petroleum-field services and automated manufacturing. An AAS Degree in Manufacturing Technology (Mechatronics) will be awarded upon successful completion of this two year program.

This certificate is designed to give students a technical-level specialized career tract option in the areas of mechanical maintenance. The program prepares individuals to apply basic engineering technology principles, mechatronics, and other technical skills in support of maintenance and mechanical equipment used in many sectors of industry; including power generation, chemical processing, manufacturing and others.

The Cisco Network Administrator specialty is designed to teach individuals network skills through a partnership with the Cisco Systems Networking Academy. The Program is designed for individuals to work with predominantly Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) routers and LAN switches. The Cisco Router Networking program is offered in full at the Richmond campus, while several courses are also offered at the main campus in Wharton and online. Many of the classes offered in the PC Technical Support certificate program can also be applied toward this AAS.

The Information Security Analyst specialty is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in IT security and CyberSecurity. Courses offered with this specialty will include data recovery and data loss prevention, as well as network security. The Information Security Analyst specialty can benefit virtually every aspect of information technology in addition to other fields including; health care, law enforcement, military, manufacturing plants, and other industries. This program is currently offered in full at the Richmond campus, while several courses are also offered at the main campus in Wharton or online. Many of the classes offered in the PC Technical Support certificate program can also be applied toward this AAS.

The Network Administration AAS degree: Network and System Virtualization Analyst Specialty program is designed to prepare students for positions in the networking, cloud, and virtualization field. The program curriculum covers planning, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting a network infrastructure. Topics include Microsoft client & server operating systems, Linux client & server operating systems, PC hardware, network hardware, routing, security, and server applications.

The Network Administration program has a core set of classes that guides the students through first year of classes at Wharton County Junior College. After the core classes have been completed, the Network Administration program is split into three separate specialties in order to give students an area of emphasis upon completing the program.

The Network Support Technician program is designed to prepare students for entry-level PC desktop support and network support positions. Typical job duties may include providing hardware and software technical assistance to end users, resolving basic computer and network problems, installing or repairing hardware and software, and training end users. This program is currently offered between the Wharton campus and the Richmond campus. Courses in the Network Support Technician program can easily lead into the Network Administration AAS degree program if a student chooses to further their education after completing the certificate program.

The Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, or Instrumentation & Control Technician certificates are standalone or may be used as specialty enhancements to existing related degrees: Nuclear Power Technology, Process Technology, Manufacturing Technology or other AAS Degrees by providing students more flexibility in their employment options.

The certificate programs meet requirements for ACAD 08-005 and prepare individuals to apply basic engineering technology principles, mechatronics, and other technical skills in support of maintenance and operational requirements of electrical, instrumentation and control, and mechanical equipment used in many sectors of industry; including power generation, chemical processing, manufacturing and others.

This program is designed to prepare students for entry level employment in the nuclear/power generation industry and will provide the academic and technical competencies required. Students can obtain only one AAS Degree in one of four specialty areas: Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, Instrumentation & Control Technician, or Mechanical Technician. Students enrolled in the AAS degree has nuclear core coursework during the first two semesters and must then select a specialty track to complete the final two semesters of the program to complete the AAS degree.

The Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, or Instrumentation & Control Technician certificates are standalone or may be used as specialty enhancements to existing related degrees: Nuclear Power Technology, Process Technology, Manufacturing Technology or other AAS Degrees by providing students more flexibility in their employment options.
The certificate programs meet requirements for ACAD 08-005 and prepare individuals to apply basic engineering technology principles, mechatronics, and other technical skills in support of maintenance and operational requirements of electrical, instrumentation and control, and mechanical equipment used in many sectors of industry; including power generation, chemical processing, manufacturing and others.

This program is designed to prepare students for entry level employment in the nuclear/power generation industry and will provide the academic and technical competencies required. Students can obtain only one AAS Degree in one of four specialty areas: Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, Instrumentation & Control Technician, or Mechanical Technician. Students enrolled in the AAS degree has nuclear core coursework during the first two semesters and must then select a specialty track to complete the final two semesters of the program to complete the AAS degree.

This program is designed to prepare students for entry level employment in the nuclear/power generation industry and will provide the academic and technical competencies required. Students can obtain only one AAS Degree in one of four specialty areas: Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, Instrumentation & Control Technician, or Mechanical Technician. Students enrolled in the AAS degree has nuclear core coursework during the first two semesters and must then select a specialty track to complete the final two semesters of the program to complete the AAS degree.

The Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, or Instrumentation & Control Technician certificates are standalone or may be used as specialty enhancements to existing related degrees: Nuclear Power Technology, Process Technology, Manufacturing Technology or other AAS Degrees by providing students more flexibility in their employment options.

The certificate programs meet requirements for ACAD 08-005 and prepare individuals to apply basic engineering technology principles, mechatronics, and other technical skills in support of maintenance and operational requirements of electrical, instrumentation and control, and mechanical equipment used in many sectors of industry; including power generation, chemical processing, manufacturing and others.

This program is designed to prepare students for entry level employment in the nuclear/power generation industry and will provide the academic and technical competencies required. Students can obtain only one AAS Degree in one of four specialty areas: Non-Licensed Operator, Electrical Technician, Instrumentation & Control Technician, or Mechanical Technician. Students enrolled in the AAS degree has nuclear core coursework during the first two semesters and must then select a specialty track to complete the final two semesters of the program to complete the AAS degree.