At Western Technical College in Independence, the education you need is never far away. If you are a high school student looking to get started on your college education, an adult looking to update your workplace skills, or a community member interested in personal enrichment opportunities, we have what you need. Our friendly staff members will make you feel welcome and are dedicated to helping you succeed.
The facility has a resource room/computer lab, distance conferencing room, traditional classrooms, as well as Interactive Distance Learning classrooms, allowing students in Independence to participate in a class with an instructor at another Western location.
Courses
Courses and Classes Offered
For complete information about all courses that Western offers, please search the online course catalog.
General Studies
Did you know that Western in Independence offers the same general education courses you can get at four-year universities at a much lower cost? In addition to a great tuition rate and the opportunity to receive a first-rate education, you can save time and money on travel and gas.
General studies courses you take at Western can transition easily into a variety of post-secondary institutions, such as the Wisconsin Technical College System, the University of Wisconsin System, and Viterbo University, depending on where you want to take your education and what your goals are! To learn more about the transfer agreements Western has with other colleges and universities, visit the University Transfer website.
Adult Basic Education, GED, and ELL
Western's Learner Support and Transition Program provides a broad range of basic skill and literacy services to adults. These services can help open the door to employment opportunities and further education. Services include:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- Brush-up in mathematics, writing, and reading
- Admissions Test Preparation
- High School Credential (GED Certificate, High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) or regular high school diploma)
- Workforce Education
- English Language Learners (ELL)
Independence Learner Support and Transition contact number: 715-985-3392.
Certifications, Public Safety, and Personal Enrichment
Western is your community partner, providing adult education for personal enrichment, job related certifications and public safety training. Offerings may include:
- Food Manager Certification Classes
- Technology courses offered in partnership with Tri-County Communications Cooperative, Inc.
- Medical First Responder Advanced Skills – Initial
- Medical First Responder Refresher
- Emergency Medical Technician - Refresher
- Emergency Medical Technician – Initial
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Initial
Classes are offered in four different formats:
- In person - instructor and students meet in a traditional classroom or lab setting.
- Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) - through cameras and microphones, students participate in classes that are also at other locations in the Western District.
- Online - classes taken at any time of day, anywhere you live.
- Blackboard Collaborate – web conferencing that allows for online interaction amongst participants by utilizing video, sounds and content sharing.
Services
Services
Admissions Coach
As a prospective or returning student, you will be connected to an Admissions Coach who will work with you throughout the admissions process. They are your primary contact for all things Western.
The Admissions Coach staff provides assistance with:
- Exploring career pathways and program options
- Guiding you through the application process and program requirements
- Identifying barriers and connecting you with resources that will help you be successful
College Advisor
If you are a current student with questions about your schedule, program choice, or academic goals, College Advisors can help. They are dedicated to making sure you earn your credential in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of barriers.
The College Advisors provide assistance with:
- Trouble shooting academic barriers e.g. Blackboard, tutoring, work/life/school balance
- Reviewing current course schedule
- Identifying professional and personal goals
- Connecting students to additional campus resources
Admissions Testing
Testing at the Independence location is administered twice a month. Visit our Assessment website for testing times, study guides, and other testing resources. Pre-registration is required for testing and can be completed online from the Assessment website.
Bookstore
Purchase new and used textbooks online from Western’s Official Online Bookstore, eCampus.
Career Services
Career Services offers assistance to students from the very beginning of their educational experience, throughout their time at Western, and after graduation as alumni. If you're unsure about what field you want to go into, or even what career options are out there, Career Services is a great place to start. We offer various career assessments and helpful advice on navigating the sometimes overwhelming amount of career-related information that is available in print and on the web.
Computer Access
Registered students have access to computers and wireless internet.
Life Resources
Being a college student is challenging, and right now things are more challenging than ever. To continue focusing on your school, career, and graduation goals, you may need resources for yourself or your family. There are a number of them available here at Western as well as within the La Crosse and surrounding communities. View the Life Resources near you.
Credit for Prior Learning
We recognize you may have acquired valuable knowledge and skills outside of Western. This learning could have been attained through many sources. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a process of evaluating your learning and awarding college credit based on the demonstration of college-level learning gained through experiences. You can earn credit saving you time and money! If you are interested in earning credit for prior learning or want more information, contact: Credit for Prior Learning 608-785-9441 or E-Mail cpl@westerntc.edu
Financial Aid
Attending Western Technical College is one of the most affordable ways to earn a college education. But even with our low cost-per-credit tuition rates, you may still need some financial assistance to reach your goals. We’ll help you get connected with the resources you need to make college even more affordable.
Learner Support and Transition
Western's Learner Support and Transition Program provides a broad range of basic skills and literacy services to adults. These services can help open the door to employment opportunities and further education.
Library Access
Students can search La Crosse Campus library holdings online and request materials to be delivered to Independence.
Proctoring Services
Independence can proctor tests for Western students per the discretion of the instructor, and proctor tests for individuals enrolled in distance or online classes through other institutions. View more information about our proctoring services.
Business and Community
Business Certifications
Take advantage of the essential training Western can provide. Seminars are offered throughout the district on a variety of topics to meet your staff development needs. For more information about each seminar, as well as dates available, visit the Business and Industry Services website.
Customized Training for Business and Industry
Western's customized training options are a great opportunity to provide training for your employees. Western will develop training based on your individual needs and deliver it either at your worksite or our Independence location. From computer skills training, project management, conflict resolution, networking, or supervisory skills - we can provide the course. Visit the Business and Industry Services website.
Community Engagement
The Community Engagement Department works with students, instructors, and community organizations to identify opportunities for partnership. By working together, Western can support the community needs, provide personal enrichment education (community education), and give students a deeper academic experience.
Workforce Connections
Workforce Connections provides opportunities for individuals who have experienced barriers to obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. They assist job seekers, laid-off workers, and youth with career planning, job search assistance, and skills training. Western has a unique partnership with Workforce Connections, with their offices located in Western's Independence building. Contact them by calling 608-790-2380.