Western Technical College in Wisconsin Nursing Program Review

Western Technical College (WTC) is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin and provides education for individuals located in the region and beyond. The college is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System andwas previously known as Western Wisconsin Technical College (WWTC).

Associate in Applied Science Degree (N-AD)

The Associate in Applied Science Degree at Western Technical College is composed of 70 credits and prepares individuals to work in client care in the discipline of nursing. Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science Degree at Western Technical College, individuals can apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for Registered Nurses.

Once the individual becomes a Registered Nurse, he or she can work in a variety of healthcare environments including; hospitals, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, hospices, and various other healthcare environments. The Associate in Applied Science Degree at Western Technical College is accredited by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and the NLNAC of New York.

In order to be admitted into the Associate in Applied Science Degree at Western Technical College, individuals must complete either the COMPASS, ASSET or ACT test, however, if an individual has appropriate post-secondary education, he or she can have the standardized testing requirement waived. Individuals must complete the Western Technical College application form and then complete a criminal background check prior to being admitted into the program. Applicants must also have complete immunization records, including current TB. Individuals applying to the Associate in Applied Science Degree program must have also completed CPR certification and have completed General Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of “C” or above and complete the Intent to Enroll Form.

Applicants must have completed one year of high school Chemistry or college chemistry and high school biology of developmental biology with a grade of “C” or above. Applicants must also have completed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services approved Nursing Assistant course, which is composed of a minimum of 120 hours and must include a clinical practice portion. It is also recommended by Western Technical College that individuals applying to the Associate in Applied Science Degree work as a Nursing Assistant for a time period, as he or she will need a moderate level of experience before being admitted into the program.

Nursing Assistant Certificate (NA)

The Nursing Assistant Certificate at Western Technical College is composed of three credits and prepares individuals for entry-level nursing employment in a variety of long-term care settings, hospitals or day facilities for adults. The Nursing Assistant Certificate program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services as a Nursing Assistant Training program. Once an individual has completed the program, he or she is able to apply to take the Nursing Assistant Registry examination (NNAAP) offered by Pearson Vue.

In order to be admitted into the Nursing Assistant Certificate program at Western Technical College, individuals must complete either the COMPASS, ASSET or ACT test, which will be waived if the individuals has already completed post-secondary education. The Nursing Assistant Certificate is offered at La Cross campus and the Regional Learning Centers each semester, including summer. The online option for the course is composed of 38 hours of video lecture and worksheets. Individuals are required to meet with the teacher and classmates for the final 82 hours of lab time.

Contact:
Western Technical College
400 Seventh Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 785-9200, (800) 322-9982