Western Technical College
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Horticultural Plant Health Care

  • Certificate
Horticultural Plant Health Care image

Program Number: 

610011

Program Credits: 

11.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$1,900.00

Typical Start: 

Fall
Not Financial Aid Eligible

Green thumbs wanted! Prepare to enter the “green industry” with a certificate in Horticulture Plant Health. The program offers a broad view of plants and plant health issues. You will learn plant identification, turf management, care of ornamentals, and characteristics of various soils.

All students will test for the State of Wisconsin Pesticide Applicators License as part of the class.

Upon completion of this certificate program, students are ready to enter the workforce or move into Western's Landscape Technician diploma program and an associate’s degree in Landscape Horticulture.

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

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern [9] self-service portal when registering for class.

First Term

Herbaceous Plant Identification
Course Number: 10001115
Credits: 2.00
Woody Plant Identification
Course Number: 10001158
Credits: 3.00

Second Term

Ornamental Plant Health Care
Course Number: 10001113
Credits: 3.00
Turf Management
Course Number: 10001110
Credits: 3.00

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://mywestern.westerntc.edu/