Certificate | Western Technical College

Certificate

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817e80c0afda9b4fef72d9e2b306067e

Mechatronics Technician Apprentice

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

This occupation requires combined knowledge of electrical, electronic and mechanical systems used in industrial plants. Workers frequently support automation and robotic technologies. Work processes include installing, repairing, and maintaining equipment/devices. Troubleshooting systems involved in manufacturing and process control are critical requirements for workers in these occupations. Workers typically operate and debug, industrial computer and communication systems including PLC's, PCs, and HMI technologies. Workers machine metal and other materials; fabricate parts and weld/join components. Documenting work performed, maintaining accurate records, and working in a collaborative environment are critical interpersonal skills. Employees in some, but not all plants, support facilities, utilities and grounds.

Degree Type: 

Page Section: 

Program Credits: 

26.25

Total Cost: 

$4 308.94

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

MCTA

First Term: 

Bearings Measurement & Printreading
Mechatronic Principles

Second Term: 

Industrial Electricity
Motors & Motor Control for Mechatronics

Third Term: 

Electrical Codes for Mechatronics
Power Transmission Systems for Mech

Fourth Term: 

Welding for Apprenticeship
Servos and Drives for Mechatronics
Intro to Programmable Logic Controllers

Fifth Term: 

Fluid Power Systems for Mechatronics
HMI Tech & PLC App for Mechatronics

Program Number: 

506201

Sixth Term: 

Intro to Industrial Robotics

Seventh Term: 

Automation Systems Integration
Cut-Off Machines for Apprentices
Turning Machines for Apprentices
Milling Machines for Apprentices

Eighth Term: 

Advanced IO Device Applications

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Software and Technology: 

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Digital Photography

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

Take your creativity to the next level with Western's Digital Photography Certificate. In this short-term program, you'll master the essentials of digital imaging-from composition and lighting to image editing and visual storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a creative professional in marketing, design, or media, our hands-on curriculum will help you produce impactful visual content. Build your skills, expand your portfolio, and open the door to new career opportunities in today's image-driven world.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

Digital Photography

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Career Opportunities: 

Photographer
Photo Editor/Retoucher
Social Media Content Creator
Assistant Photographer

Program Credits: 

9.00

Total Cost: 

$1 477.35

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

DGPC

First Term: 

Adobe Photoshop
Digital Photography 1

Second Term: 

Digital Photography 2

Program Number: 

90203A

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

New Program: 

Yes

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring

Software and Technology: 

This program requires specific software and technology to complete classwork. Click here to see the list of items you will need for your courses.

If you do not have access to the items listed for your program, or if the items you have do not meet the requirements, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Internet access is required to access student accounts from off campus. The Learning Commons can provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.

For additional specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

3D Design & Prototyping

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

This certificate program is an introduction to 3D modeling and rapid prototyping. Utilizing Solid Works, you will create 3D parts and assemblies which can later be printed using manufacturing processes on our 3D printers. Learn how to create models, set up a 3D printer and connect it to Wi-Fi, troubleshoot the system, and prepare the model for printing.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

3D Design & Prototyping Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Program Credits: 

3.00

Total Cost: 

$492.45

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

DSPR

First Term: 

Solidworks
3D Printing

Program Number: 

90664B

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Robotic Programming

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

This certificate program is an introduction to robotic programming. Using a teach pendent and simulation software, you will create and modify a program in order to execute movements of a robot. Upon completion, you will use these skills to operate a Yaskawa robot.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

Robotic Programming Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Program Credits: 

2.00

Total Cost: 

$328.30

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

RPRG

First Term: 

Intro to Industrial Robotics

Program Number: 

90664A

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Typical Start: 

Spring

ECE: Professional Development

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

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.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

ECE: Professional Development Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Career Opportunities: 

Child Care Assistant
Child Care Teacher

Program Credits: 

6.00

Total Cost: 

$984.90

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

PRDV

First Term: 

ECE: Infant & Toddler Dev
ECE: Hlth Safety & Nutrition
ECE: Child Development
ECE: Children w Diff Abilities
ECE: Guiding Child Behavior
ECE: Family & Community Rel

Program Number: 

90307G

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Choose any two courses listed below.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Cabinetmaking

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

Get started in cabinetmaking with this introduction to design concepts and construction methods. Courses cover woodworking tools and machinery, safety, cabinetmaking fundamentals, finishing techniques, and construction. Working with the latest technology, you will construct various types of commercial and residential cabinetry in a lab environment.

This certificate provides the foundation for a career and is a pathway to the Building Construction and Cabinetmaking technical diploma, which opens up even more opportunities.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

Cabinetmaking Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Career Opportunities: 

Cabinet Assembler
Cabinet Builder
Cabinet Installer
Cabinetmaker
Framer
Woodworker

Program Credits: 

10.00

Total Cost: 

$1 641.50

Pathway: 

Cabinetmaking

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

CBMK

First Term: 

Residential Cabinetmaking
Commercial Cabinetry
Applied Math 1 - Wood

Program Number: 

614101

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring

Digital Content Specialist

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

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.

Courses are offered in several flexible delivery methods, including face-to-face one evening per week, at our La Crosse campus or our regional locations, or completely online.

The Digital Content Specialist certificate is an embedded credential within the Digital Marketing Specialist certificate and the Digital Marketing associate degree. Continue your education for more earning potential.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

Digital Content Specialist Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Career Opportunities: 

Content Specialist
Content Coordinator
Social Media Specialist

Program Credits: 

22.00

Total Cost: 

$3 611.30

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

DGCS

First Term: 

Business Concepts
Computer Apps for Business
Marketing Principles
Digital Design Components
Strengths Seminar

Second Term: 

Internet Marketing
Digital Advertising
Content Marketing
Technical Reporting

Program Number: 

90104B

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Sales Fundamentals

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

The Sales Fundamentals program is designed to prepare you for a career in sales or customer service. This one-term, four-course certificate program teaches the skills that help you represent a business or service. You'll learn customer service and problem-solving, professionalism, selling principles, and business software in preparation for roles in which first impressions matter including inbound sales representatives and customer service professionals.

Completion of the course puts you on the path to a technical diploma in the Sales Representative program, which can lead to an associate degree in Sales Management if you choose. Either way, you'll be developing the skills that employers value.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

Sales Fundamentals Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Career Opportunities: 

Sales and Related Workers

Program Credits: 

12.00

Total Cost: 

$1 969.80

Pathway: 

Sales Fundamentals

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

SLFN

First Term: 

Business Concepts
Computer Apps for Business
Selling Principles
Quality Customer Service

Program Number: 

611043

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Solar Installation Technician

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

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.

Western has several solar panel systems that not only provide power to buildings, but offer the perfect, real-life training opportunity.

This certificate is a pathway into the Building Science and Energy Management associate degree, which can lead to career advancement opportunities.

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

Solar Installation Technician Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Career Opportunities: 

Solar Installer/Service Technician
Solar Site Evaluator/Permit Technician
Solar Electrician
Electrical Technician

Program Credits: 

14.00

Total Cost: 

$2 298.10

Pathway: 

Solar Installation Technician

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

SOIT

First Term: 

Construction Industry Basics
PV Design and Install 1
Intro to Energy Effic & Mgmt
Introduction to Building Science
College Math
Strengths Seminar

Program Number: 

614815

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Phlebotomy

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

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

Career Cluster: 

Program Image: 

Phlebotomy Image

Degree Type: 

Location: 

Page Section: 

Career Opportunities: 

Phlebotomist
Healthcare Support Worker

Program Credits: 

3.00

Total Cost: 

$492.45

Additional Information: 

Course Sequence and Delivery

The Phlebotomy Skills and Experience course is 3 credits and runs the entire length of the term. For the first half of the term, you will attend lecture and practice your skills in lab for two hours a day, two days a week. After you complete the lecture and lab portion of the course on campus, you will begin clinical rotations to obtain real-world experience. The clinical rotation consists of 64 hours and is completed during the second half of the course. You will be scheduled for at least two 4-hour blocks of time at your clinical site each week for a total of 8 hours per week.

The availability of clinical slots for Phlebotomy students is wholly dependent on the operational demands of our clinical partners. Clinical time may be held at any time between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on any weekday, Monday through Friday. Although our Clinical Coordinator will do her best to accommodate students’ work and class schedules, we are unable to determine in advance where and when students will be assigned to clinical. This information will be shared with students during the fourth week of class.

Additional Admission Requirements: 

To enroll in the Phlebotomy program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards and complete a background check.

 You can find links to these documents below.

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Transcript: 

High School or GED/HSED Transcript

Application: 

Application

Import Uniquifier: 

e3843ded315b20de9999e32296022e56

Program Code: 

PHLE

First Term: 

Phlebotomy Skills & Experience

Program Number: 

90513A

Explore Courses Body: 

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

Secondary Description: 

Program-specific courses are held in the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page for specific location information.

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring

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