Medical Assisting, Criminal Justice Programs Added to Wide Range Of Career-Focused Education Offerings at Westwood College
Classes for the Diploma in Medical Assisting and the Bachelor's in Criminal Justice begin in January 2004. The term, for which enrollment recently opened, begins on Jan. 8, 2004. To register, visit www.Westwood.edu , or call 303-426-9797 for the Denver North campus or 303-934-2790 for the Denver South campus.
Medical Assisting
In its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that medical assisting is expected to be one of the fastest- growing occupations, with 57 percent growth anticipated in the field between 2000 and 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, "employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations as the health services industry expands because of technological advances in medicine, and a growing and aging population."
Locally, job prospects for credentialed medical assistants are excellent. "The growth along the Front Range continues and with it, so does the need for qualified medical professionals," said Westwood Denver North Executive Director Tony Caggiano. "For example, several hospitals are under construction or expanding in the Denver area. Staffing will certainly increase in hospitals and physicians' offices as a result, and Westwood graduates will be uniquely qualified to fill those positions."
Westwood College of Technology designed its Diploma in Medical Assisting to focus on the technical, patient care knowledge and critical skills employers require. Industry professionals participated in curriculum design to ensure that graduates can "hit the ground running" when they are hired. After completing their career-focused, hands-on education, students earn their diplomas and are ready to work. Westwood's Career Services Office provides ongoing support for graduates.
"For young adults entering the workforce, or working adults seeking a more promising career path in health care, medical assisting is an excellent way to begin," said Caggiano. "Students can quickly complete training that will qualify them for a good job in a professional medical office." Coursework includes extensive hands-on training, as well as the conceptual knowledge required for career success.
Criminal Justice
Public safety has become one of the highest profile issues over the last few years. The increased emphasis has resulted in a growing industry, with many options available to graduates. Westwood's criminal justice program will be offered at both the Denver North and Denver South campuses.
"The Bachelors in Criminal Justice will equip students both academically and professionally for positions in the high-growth field of criminal justice," said Westwood Vice President of Academic Affairs John Keim. "Students will be prepared with knowledge, social awareness and the technological skills needed to succeed in this field."
In its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job prospects in criminal justice to increase at a faster than average pace through 2010. Typical starting positions in the field include: corrections officer, jailer, criminal investigator, patrol officer, security officer and border patrol agent, to name a few.
The Bureau of Labor predicts a 32 percent increase in the number of jobs for correctional officers and jailers, a 23 percent increase in jobs for police and sheriff's patrol officers and a 35 percent increase in jobs for security guards.
As with all programs at Westwood, the criminal justice curriculum is centered in fast-track, career-focused education that prepares students with hands-on learning to give them the best possible preparation to succeed in the job market.
Winter Semester Begins in January
The criminal justice program is available at both the Denver North and Denver South campuses. The medical assisting program is offered at the Denver North campus. Not all programs are available at all campuses.
Winter semester classes in these, as well as Westwood's other programs at both campuses, are expected to fill quickly. Prospective students can find more information or register online at www.Westwood.edu , or by calling 303-426-9797 for the Denver North campus or 303-934-2790 for the Denver South campus. Classes begin Jan. 8.
"The fast-pace of technology, longer life expectancy, the wider availability of education and the questionable economy all add up to a very competitive job market," said Keim. "We consider it Westwood's job to help students of all economic groups, experience levels and learning styles cut to the chase and pursue the career of their dreams."
Westwood College of Technology-Denver North, the largest facility in the Westwood College system, is conveniently located at 7350 N. Broadway near the intersection of I-25 and Highway 36 (the Boulder Turnpike). Westwood College of Technology-Denver South campus is located at 3150 S. Sheridan Blvd. near Hampden Avenue.
ABOUT WESTWOOD COLLEGE
Founded in 1953, Westwood College is a cross-state system of privately operated colleges that focus on high-quality career education. The system includes 13 Westwood College of Technology campuses, three aviation campuses, as well as online instruction. Faculty members are recruited for their industry experience, education in their subject fields and past teaching experience. Typical class size is 20-40 students. The relatively small class size ensures that Westwood students receive the support they need to succeed. Westwood also offers housing assistance for out-of-town students, and job placement assistance, as well as financial aid for those who qualify.
Westwood Campuses and Accreditation
Westwood's Denver North and South campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) for Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor degrees.
Not all programs are available at all campuses.