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The Individualized Technical Studies (ITS) associate degree is a flexible program intended for students with specific career goals that can’t be met by other degree programs at Western. It is a customized program that allows you to draw from a variety of existing courses in traditional disciplines and programs. You are encouraged to explore credit for prior learning (CPL) based on previous work experience, coursework, and military service training. CPL enables you to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

Examples of an ITS degree could be:

• Childcare Administration: Combining Early Childhood core program classes with Human Services and Business and Management courses
• Marketing and Design: Pairing courses from Marketing with Art, A/V Technology, and Communications courses
• Criminal Justice Management: Combining Law, Public Safety, and Security courses with Business, Management, and Administration courses
• Business Management & Sales: Coupling Business and Management with Administration and Marketing courses
• Computer Support Manager: Pairing Information Technology courses with Business or Management with Administration courses

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.

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.

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.

This technical diploma is designed to provide you with the skills to move into a leadership position. You will work on developing the interpersonal skills that effective managers and supervisors possess. Project-based learning activities include team building, managing workplace diversity and change, problem solving, human resource management, supervisory and leadership skills. Also included will be safety and loss prevention, which are key responsibilities of a supervisor. This 14-course program is intended for individuals already in the workplace. You may also choose to complete the seven-course Foundation of Leadership technical diploma or the Leadership Development associate's degree.

Gain a strong foundational understanding of business management as well as enhanced skills in leadership, business communications, critical thinking, and problem solving with Western's Business Specialist technical diploma. This program emphasizes fundamental business knowledge through exposure to broad areas such as human resources, finance, leadership strategies, process control, computer applications, and basic business law.

You'll come away with relevant skills and abilities to achieve your professional and personal goals. This technical diploma program is a pathway to the Business Management associate degree for those who are interested in further advancement. Courses are offered entirely online or in a blended format that combines in-person and online learning to meet your preferred learning needs.

The Nursing Assistant program is your pathway to a rewarding NA career and also serves as a foundation for pursuing other health-related programs. Over the course of 81 hours, you will acquire and demonstrate essential skills, including effective communication, basic nursing and personal care, respect for client's rights, and the care of clients with dementias. This program is proudly recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

With this technical diploma, you become eligible to take the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation. Passing this evaluation allows you to be included on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, opening doors to employment opportunities in various healthcare settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, CBRFs, and more. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide crucial care and support to individuals in need within the healthcare industry.

If you are already certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), this course provides additional training that allows you to provide even more lifesaving care. Advanced patient assessment, communication, and beginning advanced life support interventions are among the topics covered.

As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), you're on the front lines providing lifesaving care to people in need. You'll learn how to assess a patient's illness or injury, render aid, and use proper procedures and precautions when treating a patient. This 252-hour program prepares you for all aspects of emergency medical care, including medical and trauma situations sanctioned by the Wisconsin Division of Health. Although most EMTs have historically worked for ambulance services, many also find employment in fire departments, clinics, and hospitals.

  This program contains the EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) EMT Part 1 course (3 credits) and the EMT Part 2 course (4 credits), meeting requirements for licensure in Wisconsin and certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Take the full program in one term and earn a technical diploma upon successful completion. You will be required to take a practical and written exam to become nationally registered and then apply for a license to work as EMTs in Wisconsin. Continue your education to earn the EMT-Paramedic Technical Diploma and/or the Paramedic Technician associate degree for further job opportunities and earning potential.

Make a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs. This technical diploma is designed for current or aspiring paraprofessionals who want to build specialized skills to support students with disabilities in PreK-12 school settings. Courses focus on behavior management, inclusive practices, and assisting students with special learning and healthcare needs. All courses apply directly to the Foundations of Teacher Education associate degree, making this a great option to start or advance your career in education. Whether you're working in the classroom or looking to enter the field, this flexible pathway helps you take the next step.