Western Technical College

Fantastic experience: It was very good bc I’m the top college kid in town

Fantastic experience: Most everyone working on campus is extremely helpful, should you experience someone who isn't just ask someone else because this is rare and nothing is perfect. Services have greatly improved just in the last few years. I've been a part time student but as recently as 2018 my review would have been quite different.

Positive experience: Cons: Do yourself a favor and do not enter the nursing program. Their new "petition system" is a glorified waitlist that punishes hard work and encourages the bare minimum, shoving high achieving pre-nursing students to the back of the queue in favor of students with low GPAs and TEAS scores simply because those students enrolled earlier. They will only take 24 students at a time max, maybe 40 if you're willing to travel an hour or more one way to go to one of their other locations, and some of those students are re-entry (they failed a class and had to re-apply), which will shove you even further back in the queue. You will end up waiting about 2 years AFTER prereqs to get in because their "petition system" is so unorganized and noncompetitive that all you need to do is complete the easy prereqs and wait. WSU and even Viterbo (you will have to take up to 18 credits of theology) are a better bet if you're seriously passionate about pursuing nursing (and not doing it only for the "easy" "2-year" degree with a $60k salary a lot of the candidates are there for) and want to attend a college where your efforts are actually recognized and your As will take you places. Pros: The classes themselves are just as rigorous as UWL, WSU, and Viterbo and the instructors are usually excellent, knowledgeable, and understanding. In general, I felt challenged and well-prepared for exams, and I feel like I retained a lot of information from classes. Some classes, like Advanced A&P, are definitely hard and university-level. The trimester system seems fast-paced if you are used to a semester system, but you get used to it. Many of the programs ARE great (CNA program, for example) and worth the money despite the nursing program being a hot mess.

Positive experience: I'm enrolled in the instructional assistant program and have had a very positive experience. The IA Instructors have been great at presenting us with information that is truly valuable in the work place. During my general courses, some teachers were better at explaining their subject than others, but I think that is true for any school. The staff are always willing to help with student needs, and there are many services available to help make the student experience a good one. I often recommend the school to people.