The College of Western Idaho offers an exceptional Patient Care Technician certification program in Boise. It equips students with vital healthcare skills, from patient monitoring to direct support. State-of-the-art facilities provide hands-on expertise, transforming students into proficient professionals. Experienced faculty imparts wisdom gained from healthcare practice, ensuring rich learning experiences. The program's blend of theory and practical training prepares students for patient-centered care. Workshops and seminars provide real-world insight, reflecting the dynamic healthcare landscape. With flexibility and a robust placement program, graduates find rewarding healthcare careers, making a lasting impact on their communities.

The College of Western Idaho - Boise Campus offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant certification program that prepares students for a successful career in the healthcare industry. Students in the program gain vital skills through a combination of theory, laboratory practice, and clinical externships, allowing them to become proficient in both administrative and clinical tasks required in medical offices. Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants and enjoy exciting employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are a key member of patient care team. Working in the field under the supervision of a Medical Director, EMTs provide emergent life support including but not limited to CPR, airway control and maintenance, splinting and hemorrhage control. EMTs use a variety of equipment types including extrication, immobilization, and various transport items. If you enjoy fast-paced medical and trauma environments and thinking on your feet, then EMT training is for you. 

Training consists of classroom, laboratory, and field experience. At the end of the class, the student is able to apply for and take the National Registry EMT examination. A current and valid EMT certification is an absolute requirement in order to take the Advanced EMT class.

An EMT career is a fast-paced profession that provides extreme satisfaction through helping others.

CWI offers two programs to help prepare you to be an EMT:

EMT – Get started in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field by learning the basics of emergency medicine. You will have the opportunity for clinical hands-on training in addition to classroom training.

Prepare yourself for a successful career as a dental assistant in College of Western Idaho's (CWI) online Dental Assistant program, offered through Workforce Development. This self-paced program provides 300 hours of online training paired with 160 clinical hours and can be completed in as little as 12 months. 

Training includes how to: 

• assist the dentist during dental procedures
• sterilize instruments
• take dental impressions
• manage office records, including billing and paperwork
• greet and care for patients
• schedule and confirm patient appointments
• manage dental records
• instruct patients on proper oral care

A variety of topics including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules and regulations, endodontic procedures, embryology, dental imaging, and more will also be covered. 

As clinical opportunities vary across the vast network of available dental organizations, we will work with you to find a good fit. Please note, clinical placement or employment is not guaranteed in your desired area.

Completion of the Dental Assistant program will prepare you for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) component exams and the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) exam. Students with clinical experience will receive a free exam voucher — a $550 value!

Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing is taught through online learning modules, in class lecture, and in class skills laboratories. The student is trained to perform a variety of blood collection and laboratory specimen collection methods using proper techniques and precautions including: vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles, specimen transfer, and other techniques. There is a strong emphasis placed on infection control and prevention, proper patient identification, handling of specimens, and quality assurance.

The CWI Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing program is your key to becoming a phlebotomist and specimen processor.  In this intensive 10 week class (120 hours), you will learn the responsibilities and skills required to gain work as basic phlebotomist and meet the requirements to take the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Regi