What Is It Known For?
Western Technical College is known for its strong commitment to supporting economic growth and community development throughout western Wisconsin. As part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, it serves as a regional hub for practical, career-oriented education, offering a wide range of technical diplomas, associate degrees, and certification programs.
Founded in 1912, Western Technical College has grown from a single campus into a multi-campus institution, serving around 5,000 to 6,000 students yearly. The college aims to provide high-quality, accessible education that prepares students for successful careers. Supporting this mission is the Western Foundation, established in 1972, which plays a vital role in funding scholarships, faculty initiatives, and community programs.
Degrees & Certifications
Western Technical College provides a wide range of educational opportunities, including associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates across various fields such as:
- Health Sciences: Nursing, Medical Assistant, and Surgical Technology
- Business: Accounting, Marketing, and Business Management
- Manufacturing: Welding, Industrial Maintenance, and Machine Tool
- Information Technology: Network Administration, Cybersecurity, and Software Development
Class Schedules
To accommodate diverse student needs, Western Technical College provides flexible class schedules. Courses are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, with options for both in-person and online learning. Many programs offer a hybrid model, combining online coursework with hands-on, in-person experiences. Certain healthcare and technical programs include clinical or externship requirements, providing students with real-world experience before they graduate.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Western Technical College is an accredited institution. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission(HLC), ensuring the college meets high educational standards. Program-specific accreditations, such as those from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for its nursing program, further validate the quality of its offerings.
Acceptance Rate
Western Technical College has an open-admissions policy, allowing most applicants who meet basic eligibility criteria to enroll.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
The college provides competitive tuition rates, with local in-state tuition of around $4,636 and domestic out-of-state tuition of approximately $6,788 per year. Additional costs may vary depending on specific program requirements, including materials and fees. To assist prospective students in estimating their educational costs, Western Technical College offers a net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Digital Marketing
- Human Resources
- Management
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- EMT
- Health Information Technology
- Lab Tech
- LPN
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Coding Specialist
- Nursing Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Paramedic
- Phlebotomy
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
Legal
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Professional Services
- Architecture
- Graphic Design
- Funeral Services
- Interior Design
Skilled Trades
- Auto Tech
- Electrical
- Fire
- Cabinetmaking
- HVAC
- Maintenance Technician
- Solar
Technology
- Computer Support
- Cyber
- Data Analytics
- Software Developer
- Web Design
Campus Locations
La Crosse 400 7th Street North La Crosse, WI 54601
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Western Technical College (WTC) in La Crosse, WI, is highly regarded for its job-focused training, excellent facilities, and dedicated faculty, but faces persistent criticism regarding administrative communication and the competitive nature of its high-demand programs.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Career Programs and Instructors: The technical programs (like Welding and IT) are described as “fantastic,” “up to date with the industry standard,” and giving students the boost and direction their careers needed.
Real-World Experience: Students appreciate that they are taught by instructors who have “actually done the job before,” providing valuable real-world experience.
High Employment Outcomes: Official data confirms WTC’s success: 96% of graduates are employed shortly after graduation, with 85% working in a related field.
Modern Facilities and Technology: The campus is described as a “Very modern facility with state of the art technology” and excellent resources like a robotics lab and good food selections.
Supportive Environment: Many staff and instructors are seen as “amazing,” “friendly, knowledgeable,” and always available to help, contributing to a very positive learning atmosphere.
Common Criticisms
Nursing Program Petition System: The “petition system” for the highly competitive nursing program is a major source of frustration. Reviewers call it a “glorified waitlist” that punishes students who work hard to complete all prerequisites quickly. WTC’s public information confirms this is a competitive process based on academic strength (including the HESI-A2 exam) due to limited seats, not a standard first-come, first-served waitlist.
Poor Communication and Administrative Issues: This is a recurring complaint, with students reporting messages not being returned by staff, and a “terrible communication with the students” overall.
Inconsistent Instruction and Facilities Access: One recent negative review claimed an instructor came and left whenever he wanted, leading to a feeling of wasted money and time. The student also noted that the computer lab was not open on time.
Rising Fees and System Changes: A recent review noted that the college “Changed systems for paying tuition and now charges fees it previously didn’t” under the old system, which has been a negative experience for students.
Momentum
The momentum for Western Technical College remains strong and tied to its core mission. Its excellent graduate employment statistics and positive reports on technical programs secure its value. However, the consistent, detailed, and recent complaints regarding the competitive entrance processes (like Nursing petitioning) and fundamental communication failures suggest administrative friction that is a significant hurdle for prospective students trying to enroll and navigate the college system.