Western Technical College
Published on Western Technical College (https://www.westerntc.edu)

Home > Horticultural Plant Health Care

Horticultural Plant Health Care

  • Certificate
Horticultural Plant Health Care Image

Program Number: 

610011

Program Credits: 

6.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$984.90

Typical Start: 

Fall
Not Financial Aid Eligible

Are you passionate about plants and eager to enter the "green industry"? Get ready to kickstart your career with a certificate in Horticulture Plant Health. This program provides a comprehensive overview of plants and plant health-related topics, offering valuable insights into plant identification, ornamental care, and soil characteristics.

As part of this program, you will undergo testing to obtain the State of Wisconsin Pesticide Applicators License, enhancing your qualifications in the field.

Upon successfully completing this certificate program, you will be well-prepared to either begin your career in the workforce or seamlessly transition into Western's Landscape Horticulture Technician technical diploma program for additional career opportunities and earning potential.

Career Opportunities

Lawn Care Technician
Golf Course Crew
Greenhouse Grower Staff
Garden Center Associate
Landscape Maintenance Crew
Organic Vegetable Assistant Grower

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

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 [1].

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

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [2].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [3] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [4]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [5].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [6] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [7]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Career Pathways: 

Horticultural Plant Health Care

Prior Learning: 

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [8] about what may apply to this program.

Certificates: 

Horticultural Plant Health Care

Technical Diploma: 

Landscape Horticulture Technician

Courses

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 [9] 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 [10] self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

Fundamentals of Plant Identification
Course Number: 10001101
Credits: 2.00
Holistic Plant Health Care
Course Number: 10001114
Credits: 2.00

Second Term

Advanced Horticulture Practice
Course Number: 10001140
Credits: 2.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[2] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[3] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[4] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[5] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[6] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[7] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[8] https://www.westerntc.edu/credit-prior-learning
[9] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[10] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/