My career in education is inspired by the students.
What to Expect
Once you and your student have decided on Western Technical College, you're ready to learn about how to prepare for life on campus.
Academic Advising
Tutoring is available without an additional fee for students who need additional help in some areas of the curriculum. Tutoring may be scheduled with faculty for one-on-one or group style review of material and development of study skills. Review classes are held prior to certification and licensure exams. Additional laboratory time is available to students wishing to practice hands-on technical applications.
–Sandra Lopez, Medical/Clinical Instructor
Banking
We strongly recommend that all students open a checking account with a local bank for convenience in cashing checks. Banks are located close to both campuses and we will be glad to help students who want to establish an account. We also recommend that all new students arrive with a minimum of $750.00 for initial living expenses. (This is in addition to your travel expenses.)
Communication
Open communication is very important to maintaining a healthy relationship with your student while away at school. Before your student leaves for school, discuss how you will communicate. Will you call once a week? Will you send e-mails? What will you talk about? Remember this is the time for you as a parent to let go a little bit and allow your student some independence. Find a comfortable balance for both you and your student.
Community Service
Community service is a big part of students' experience in the allied health care programs. Students have the opportunity to put their skills to work while volunteering their time at health fairs, school functions, career expos and various community events. Students practice the skills they have learned in class and are able to put this experience on their résumés. Community service helps the student transition from the school environment to a real professional environment since they are dealing with the public. All community service activities are organized and supervised by a school employee.
Homesickness
Take into consideration this will be the first time away from home and he/she will be living with new roommates. It may take a month or two for your student to adjust to his/her new life. Be supportive of this new life as it is one of the many transitions your student will go through. Don't be surprised if your student calls and is homesick. This is the toughest part of being a parent: "tough love." You probably miss your student too, but you will need to talk to your student about the importance of staying in school and getting an education, and to not give in to missing friends and family. It is all worth it in the end!
Housing Information
WTC works with several local apartment locator services available in El Paso to assist out-of-town students in locating and securing affordable, well managed, clean apartments within easy commuting distance. Students are not obligated to use these services, and if there are family or friends in the area that your student would like to live with, feel free to do so.
WTC will allow students on a case-by-case basis to borrow funds needed to secure affordable housing and living expenses while attending school. You must inform your admissions representative, who will coordinate your request with the student financial services department. You must qualify for the loan as with any other financial assistance. Most students will sign a minimum one-year lease with most rental agencies. Utilities and furniture are normally provided in these apartments, however, additional amenities such as telephones, televisions, stereos, and microwaves are not included. You may want to bring these items. Consider pre-paid phone cards to prevent enormous bills from long-distance calls.
Insurance
We encourage you to check into insurance for your student. Usually, coverage will be extended while dependents are still full-time students. If the student has any medical conditions, bring a letter from their doctor. Also, ask your local physician for a referral to a doctor in the city you are moving to.
Part-Time Jobs
Many students are able to defray a part of their expenses by working while pursuing their studies. Western Tech assists out-of-town students in locating part-time jobs on a space-available basis, but our main objective is to assist students with full-time employment after graduation.
Registration
You will receive a phone call from your Admission Representative scheduling your student for registration. If you are driving, we recommend having your car in for a tune-up. Check your tires, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, etc. Bring extra water and some tools, just in case. If your student does not have a car, look into bringing a bicycle with a lock. It can be used for quick trips to the store and bank.