WMCTC Course Descriptions

Automotive Technology
The Automotive Technology program has been specifically designed to prepare students to continue their training at post-secondary schools.  The program follows the ASE (Automobile Service Excellence) task list.  The program content consists of classroom instruction in:  automotive fundamentals, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance and PA Safety and Emission Inspection procedures.  The program utilizes a combination of classroom instruction, computer-based learning and hands-on lab work for an innovative learning process.  Student enthusiasm is enhanced by the excitement of participating in various automotive skills contests offering prizes and scholarship money. 
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Penn College of Technology; Montgomery County Community College; Northampton Community College; Camden Community College.


Carpentry
The Carpentry Program is designed to prepare students for entry level employment and/or career education at the college level. The program of instruction and training takes place at the on-site building project as well as in the shop and classroom on the WMCTC Campus. Students begin by learning the basic skills of Carpentry and Cabinet-making through hands-on experiences in residential construction. Cooperative Education and Apprentice employment opportunities are made available when the student is ready . In the final semester, students are prepared for further education with an introduction to construction management. 
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Penn College of Technology


Collision Repair
This program is designed for students interested in pursuing employment in the field of collision and auto body repair.  Students have the opportunity to gain entry-level skills required for this profession.  These skills are acquired through classroom presentations, textbook readings, and hands-on experiences.  Students use hand tools and power tools to perform the various training activities.  The Collision Repair program covers instructional areas such as:  safety instruction, estimating and customer relations, and frame and uni-body repair.  Students are also instructed in metal straightening, welding and cutting, panel replacement and alignment, surface preparation, and masking and painting.  During the course students are expected to develop job acquisition skills.  The importance of safety, quality, productivity and teamwork is also emphasized in this program.  Students in this program should have patience and attention to detail.  Additionally, the Collision Repair program follows the ICAR (Industry Curriculum of Automotive Repair) curriculum.  The program is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) certified. 
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Penn College of Technology


Commercial Art
The Commercial Art Program spans a number of areas related to visual communications. Students prepare layout and design artwork for magazines, newspapers, books, television, posters, and packaging. While learning about these areas of study, students compile a portfolio to show potential employers or prepare for college entrance interviews. Academic skills utilized during this course are reading, writing, and basic math. Emphasis is placed on social, historical, and overall communications in general.
Heavy emphasis is placed on thinking/problem solving design with the ability to “make it happen” using well rounded board and computer skills. Students completing this program will have that portfolio under their arm and skills in head and hands with confidence to succeed in the workplace or further education.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES:  The Art Institute of Philadelphia, Antonelli Institute, The Art Institute at York (Formerly Bradley Academy of Fine Arts), Lehigh College(Formerly Allentown Business School), and Kutztown University.


Computer Information Systems 
Computer Information Systems (CIS) is a program of study designed for students interested in pursuing careers in Information Technology. The first year of study focuses on basic hardware and software; the second year addresses advanced hardware and software topics with an emphasis on networking. Since the CIS program is based on industry-accepted standards, graduates of the CIS program are encouraged to pursue A+ and Network+ certifications from CompTia. Certification details are available at: http://www.comptia.org/certification/index.htm 
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Allentown Business School; Delaware County Community College; Immaculata College; Penn State University; Drexel University; Temple University; Montgomery County Community College; and many more.


Cosmetology
The Cosmetology program is designed to prepare students for the states' professional licensing examination for Cosmetologists and entry-level employment in the beauty profession. In this three year program, students receive 1250 hours of state required instruction and develop skills in all aspects of Cosmetology including: sculpting, styling, perming, hair color, skin care, chemical hair straightening, nails, and most importantly, people skills. It is necessary for students to keep their work area and equipment neat, clean and sanitary. Students should also possess a sense of form, artistry, and creativity. Hands on experience is obtained 2 days a week in the Western Center for Technical Studies salon. A student is eligible to take the state board exam as well as attend WMCTC or another private school to further educate them to acquire a Teacher license upon completion of this program. This would require additional hours of training.
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES:  Cosmetology schools offer post-secondary training for students who wish to pursue a Cosmetology teacher’s license.


Culinary Arts
This instructional program prepares students for employment in institutional or commercial food establishments or other food industry occupations. Instruction includes theory and applications related to planning, selecting, purchasing, preparing (cooking and baking) and serving of quantity food and food products; nutrition; use and care of commercial equipment; safety and sanitation precautions. Practical experience is a major part of the course through the operation and management of a complete food service facility. This program is based on proven culinary operations and techniques used in country clubs, restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, hospitals, and (in-plant) industrial feeding.  Thegraduate has a wide range of job offers to choose from because the food service field is presently the second largest industry in the country. From our teaching exposure, experience, co-op training, and job placement program, a student can start their career in any of the S.O.C. Titles shown.  Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in the food service industry or advanced study at a culinary college or university.
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Culinary Institute of America; Johnson & Wales University; Penn College of Technology; Montgomery County Community College; Baltimore International College, Philadelphia Restaurant School, Lincoln Culinary Institute.
 

Dental Occupations
The Dental Occupations program prepares students for entry level employment as a dental assistant and a strong foundation for continuing to post-secondary education.    This program incorporates lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experience in a variety of dental related subjects.   The students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe practices by following OSHA standards. Course work will include: introduction to healthcare, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, ethical/legal responsibilities, patient care and procedures, office procedures, radiology, operative dentistry, dental materials, and dental laboratory procedures. Upon completion of this program, the students will be well prepared for a career in the dental field. Dental assistants assist the dentist during examination and treatment of the patients.  Students will be able to apply what they have learned to real world settings such as: Preparing a treatment room, sterilizing instruments, preparing and making dental impressions for study models, exposing and processing dental radiographs, and providing chair side assistance for the dentist. 
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Montgomery County Community College, Penn College of Technology.


Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program is designed to prepare students to repair and service diesel engines used to power buses, trucks and construction machinery. The employment outlook for diesel mechanics and technicians in PA is projected to increase over the next several years. Instruction in this program will include the diagnosis of engine malfunctions, disassembly of engines, examination of parts, reconditioning and replacement of parts, controls and transmissions, the PA state inspection code, and many other skills necessary to enter the diesel automotive field in an entry level position. Classroom instruction, computer based learning and hands-on lab work are all utilized for effective learning. 
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES:   Penn College of Technology.


Early Childhood Education 
The Early Childhood Education program offers training for employment in the Early Childhood profession or a strong foundation for continuing into post secondary education. This "teacher training" course emphasis of the curriculum is the development of the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, healthy, positive, developmentally appropriate, high quality care for young children. Classroom instruction is reinforced with hands-on experience teaching toddler and preschool-age children who are enrolled in the WMCTC Panda Preschool. Course work includes: instruction in PA Dept. of Welfare regulations, CPR certification, first aid, nutrition, child development, structuring routines, time management, curriculum planning, positive guidance techniques, observing children's behavior and supervisory skills relating to children. Emphasis is placed on self-help skills, self-concept, art, language arts, music, math, science, social sciences, infection control, room arrangement and developmentally appropriate practices.
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES:  Montgomery County Community College; Reading Area Community College; most 4-year colleges.


Electrical Occupations     
This program has been designed to provide students with entry level skills and knowledge to directly enter the workforce or pursue further education. The program incorporates a combination of theory lessons and practical experiences that provides instruction in: electrical theory, National Electrical Code, residential, commercial, and industrial wiring techniques, telecommunications, security, fire alarm, electrical maintenance, industrial motor control, and basic electronics. The importance of safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork is also emphasized in this program. WMCTC provides the opportunity for students to participate in the student built house project. Graduates may enter an apprenticeship program to be trained as a highly paid journeyman electrician, or lineman. Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Students can also further their education at a technical school or university to become an electrical systems technician, or an electrical engineer. The electrical occupations student should have good mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, able to distinguish between colors, mathematics fundamentals, and reading ability.
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS: Penn College of Technology, Reading Area Community College


Environmental Design
The Environmental Design curriculum consists of landscaping, hardscaping, greenhouse management and floral design. All of the areas are taught via hands-on practical applications and theory in the classroom. If you enjoy spending your school day outside, Environmental Design is the place for you! Students learn landscape maintenance and installation through care of the school grounds and installation of the landscape at the student built homes. Some of the equipment used includes zero turning radius mowers, rototiller, plate tamper, wet saw, other hardscaping tools, line trimmers, and a Kawasaki Mule®. Floral design is taught by completing many pieces for customers including wedding designs, holiday arrangements, prom flowers and school functions. Floral designers learn techniques to use with fresh, silk and dried floral designs and then sell designs through Perfect Petals, the student-run store. Students operate the large greenhouse and produce a wide variety of plant materials for customer sales. Students also learn how to grow vegetable crops hydroponically. This program will offer students the opportunity to obtain a two or four year college education or employment. POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES:  Delaware Valley College, Penn College of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, Temple University.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Penn College of Technology


Graphic Design
The Graphic Design program offers instruction in the design, printing and copy related occupations. Using Adobe Creative Suite and a twenty station Mac computer lab, we explore and learn the basics of document layout and design and how to prepare the files for printing. The program includes all aspects of offset printing, from single color to four color process. We go high tech with the latest in computer to plate technology. Adding to our printing program is the ever expanding technology and growth of digital printing, including wide format printing. We will cover many areas of bindery and finishing operations. Other areas of study include customer service, acquiring and preparing customer supplied files for printing, job processing, estimating and document management. Students will also gain experience in quality control, inventory control and workflow management. The Graphic Design program is designed to prepare the students for entry level positions in offset and digital printing, bindery and finishing operations, copy centers, in-house design and printing facilities as well as continuing education in technical schools and college.
POST SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES/ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  :  Penn College of Technology.


Health Careers Academy (grade 12 only)
The Health Careers Academy program is designed for college-preparatory students who are interested in pursuing a medical or health science career after high school. Instruction is provided in the basic skills in a variety of areas associated with health occupations such as health and medical services, extensive medical terminology, pharmaceutical and medical procedures and supplies. The clinical segment of the program provides students with a wide variety of experiences in the various departments of a health care facility. Mentors in specialty areas provide an overview of scope and nature of practice, career opportunities, post-secondary education requirements, practical experience, integration of health care systems, and ongoing professional development requirements.
Students applying to this program will need to submit an application with an essay, interview with instructor, have a recommended 3.0 GPA, and the ability to provide their own transportation to the clinical sites.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:  Montgomery County Community College, Reading Area Community College, Reading Hospital School of Nursing, Alvernia School of Nursing, Ursinus College, Gwynedd Mercy College, DeSales University, LaSalle University.


Health Science Technology
The Health Science Technology program consists of three components: Introduction to Health Care and Careers, Nursing Assistant (NA) and Medical Assistant (MA).
The NA component provides students with skills that enable them to work in a long-term care facility, hospital, or home care setting. A Nurse Assistant is a member of a team that provides direct patient care as directed by the RN, while utilizing technical skills. This individual is also responsible for completing and documenting patient care activities. A Nurse Assistant promotes communication between the health care team and the patient, and demonstrates initiative, flexibility and good work ethic. Students are instructed in skills, clinical rotation and theory as required by the American Red Cross Nurse Aide competency program. If all competencies are completed they are eligible to take the state certification Nurse Aide Registry exam and CPR certification.
The MA component will teach anatomy and physiology in depth as well as nutrition, communication, pharmacology and medical ethics. Skills that will be taught include EKG technique, phlebotomy, blood and body fluid precautions, vital signs, positioning a patient for procedure, and medication administration. First Aid certification and school-to-work based opportunities are available to eligible students.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Montgomery County Community College; Gwynedd Mercy College; Northampton Community College; Reading School of Nursing and Radiology; Alvernia College, and others.


Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
This program provides knowledge and skills training in: air conditioning, steam and hydraulic heating, temperature and humidity control, air circulation, duct and pipe system design and layout, thermostats, ventilating equipment, automatic controls, zoning controls, air and water circulators. Plumbing, electrical wiring, refrigeration technology, refrigerant recovery and management, and blueprint reading will be introduced as well. Students will also learn pipefitting, and power tool use, with trade safety being an integral part of all facets of instruction. Students learn to install and repair equipment in the shop and in actual field settings. The combination of shop practice and theory prepares students for employment and advancement in today's Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry. Students entering this program should have a basic mechanical aptitude, be able to move heavy objects, be self-motivated and a self-starter.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES:  : Penn College of Technology; Montgomery County Community College; Thaddeus Stevens State College of Technology; Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Apprentice Program
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS:  Pennsylvania College of Technology, Reading Area Community College.


Metal Technology
The Metal Technology Program is designed to prepare individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in a variety of metalworking occupations. Instruction includes setting up and operating machine tools; metal fabricating, forming and cutting machines;
Assembling of metal products and structures; practices related to ferrous and nonferrous foundries; and welding and cutting processes. Instruction is also provided in the use of hand and portable power tools in making computations related to work dimensions, the physical properties of materials and other related instruction and skills associated with metalworking occupations. Metals are formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, fused, stamped or otherwise worked upon.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:  Penn College of Technology; Montgomery County Community College and Reading Area Community College.


Protective Services
Students that successfully complete this program may continue to study Criminal Justice/Fire Science at college level. The Montgomery County Community College will give (3) credits in Criminal Justice and Fire Science for successfully completing this class. Students also obtain skills necessary to become criminal investigators, and vehicle accident investigators. Students may also enroll in the Montgomery County Police Academy and become Police Officers, as well as Military Police Officers. Students can enter into the private sector as Emergency Medical Technicians, Firefighters, Private Investigators, Security Consultants and Dignitary Security. Students can become police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers. Opportunities for the graduates of this program are outstanding. Emergency service agencies are competing for qualified entry-level employees with the skills taught in this program.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Montgomery County Community College; Mongtomery County Police Academy, Northampton County Community College, Reading Area Community College.
 

For further information regarding enrollment into the Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center, contact your guidance counselor or the WMCTC counselor at 610-489-7272 Ext. 214.