Iowa Western Community College Campuses

The Clarinda Center at Iowa Western Community College provides accessible education tailored to southwest Iowa's rural communities, focusing on career-oriented programs that address local workforce demands while offering pathways for further study. This regional campus emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in key vocational and transfer areas.

• Nursing and Allied Health: The flagship program is the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), with courses in nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, mental health nursing, community health, and clinical rotations in local hospitals. Additional offerings include practical nursing certificates, certified nursing assistant (CNA) training, and phlebotomy, all utilizing modern simulation equipment for safe skill acquisition.
• Industrial Maintenance and Welding: Comprehensive welding technology program covers MIG, TIG, stick welding, pipe fitting, and blueprint reading, leading to AWS certifications. Maintenance tracks include electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical troubleshooting for manufacturing and energy sectors.
• Business and Office Administration: Certificates and associate degrees in administrative professional skills, medical coding, bookkeeping, and small business management, teaching Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks, customer service, and office procedures for administrative roles in healthcare, agriculture, and local enterprises.
• Liberal Arts Transfer: Core courses for AA/AS degrees, including general education in communications, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, designed for seamless transfer to universities like Iowa State or University of Iowa.
• Agricultural Sciences: Focused on agronomy, livestock management, farm business, and precision agriculture technology, with labs on soil fertility, feed nutrition, equipment operation, and sustainable farming practices suited to the region's agribusiness needs.
• Early Childhood Education: Programs preparing students for childcare roles through child development, curriculum planning, health/safety standards, and observation techniques, culminating in CDA credentials or associate degrees.
• General Education and ESL: Supportive classes in math, English, and reading for developmental needs, plus English as a Second Language for immigrant populations in the area.

The center promotes community engagement through partnerships with local employers for apprenticeships and job placement. Flexible formats include hybrid classes and short-term certificates to minimize barriers for working adults and non-traditional students. Faculty bring industry experience, ensuring relevant, up-to-date instruction. Student support services like advising, tutoring, and financial aid are available on-site, creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages completion and career advancement in Page County's dynamic economy.

The Council Bluffs Campus of Iowa Western Community College serves as the primary hub for a wide array of academic and vocational programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce. This campus offers comprehensive associate degrees and certificates across various disciplines.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences: Students can pursue Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees, covering foundational courses in English composition, mathematics, history, psychology, biology, chemistry, and foreign languages to build critical thinking and communication skills essential for bachelor's programs.
• Business Administration: Programs include accounting, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with hands-on training in financial software, business law, economics, and leadership development to equip graduates for roles in corporate, retail, or small business environments.
• Health Sciences: Extensive offerings in nursing (ADN), medical assisting, dental hygiene, and emergency medical services, featuring state-of-the-art simulation labs for clinical practice, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care techniques.
• Information Technology: Courses in computer programming (Java, Python), cybersecurity, networking (Cisco certified), web development, and database management, preparing students for IT support, software development, and systems analysis careers.
• Industrial Technologies: Welding, automotive technology, manufacturing, and HVAC programs provide practical skills in fabrication, diagnostics, blueprint reading, safety protocols, and advanced machinery operation.
• Agriculture: Specialized tracks in agribusiness, animal science, crop production, and precision farming, including soil science, pest management, and sustainable practices relevant to Iowa's agricultural economy.
• Public Services: Criminal justice, fire science, and human services degrees focus on law enforcement procedures, emergency response, social work principles, ethics, and community outreach.

Additionally, the campus supports continuing education, workforce development workshops, and dual enrollment for high school students. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the curriculum emphasizes real-world application, internships, and industry certifications to ensure high employability rates. Extracurricular activities like student clubs in STEM, arts, and athletics further enhance the learning experience, fostering leadership and teamwork. Overall, the Council Bluffs Campus delivers flexible scheduling, including evening and online options, to accommodate diverse student needs in a supportive environment that promotes academic success and personal growth.