About Western Technical College
Rooted in El Paso Since 1970
Western Technical College is a fourth-generation, locally owned career college that has served El Paso and the surrounding region since 1970. For more than five decades, Western Tech has helped students pursue their educational and career goals through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and career-focused support.
With two campuses in El Paso, Western Tech serves students from across the Borderplex, including West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and neighboring communities. Our programs span skilled trades, transportation, healthcare, business, and technology, offering educational pathways for students with a variety of interests and goals.
Our connection to El Paso extends beyond the classroom. Western Tech works with employers, school districts, industry partners, and community organizations to help connect education with the evolving needs of our students and region.
“Welcome” is so much more than a greeting at Western Tech. It’s how you’ll feel every moment you’re here, from the first time you walk through our doors to the day you graduate and start your amazing new career. Everyone is welcome. We attract students from Ciudad Juárez, just across the border in Chihuahua, Mexico, as well as Las Cruces, New Mexico, just an hour north. Being so close to Fort Bliss, we also provide career training for our military veterans.
Career-Focused, Hands-On Learning
Western Tech combines classroom instruction with practical learning experiences related to each program of study. Students train in spacious classrooms, labs, and shop environments using equipment and technology that support the skills taught in their programs.
Our instructors bring professional knowledge and industry experience into the classroom, helping students understand how their education connects to the real world. Along the way, students have access to support from Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Services, Career Services, faculty, and staff across the college.
Proud to Serve Military Students and Veterans
Located near Fort Bliss, Western Tech is proud to serve active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and military families. Dedicated advisors are available to help eligible students understand military and VA education benefits and navigate the enrollment process.
Western Tech was included in the 2021 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings and was identified at that time as the only El Paso college included in the ranking. Western Tech also earned the 2024–2025 Military Friendly® School designation, marking its ninth consecutive year receiving that designation. Western Tech’s Best for Vets announcement, Military Friendly school profile
Our Mission
The Mission of Western Technical College is to: Provide quality training and education in a caring, professional environment that prepares new students and working adults with the skills they need to succeed and advance in their chosen careers.
Accreditation
Western Technical College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation is a specialized or professional accreditation for a specific department or program. Accreditation agencies look for specific aspects of a program that set it apart from others before the program can be programmatically approved.
Aside from being nationally accredited, Western Tech has several programs with programmatic accreditations. Among those are the following
- Automotive Technology | ASE Education Foundation Master Accredited
- Diesel Mechanics | ASE Education Foundation Master Accredited
- Physical Therapist Assistant | Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Medical/Clinical Assistant | Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Nursing: Nursing Accreditation Candidacy Status: Effective June 18, 2025, the baccalaureate nursing program at Western Technical College at 9451 Diana Drive located in El Paso, Texas, 79924, is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on June 18, 2027. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is located at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326. Telephone Number: (404) 975-5000. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program on the ACEN’s website
Approvals
Western Technical College is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Career Schools and Colleges Section, Austin, Texas. Western Technical College’s degree-granting programs are approved and regulated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The college’s programs are approved to train veterans by the Texas Workforce Commission and foreign students by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization (INS).
More Than Books
We believe that education is more than just words in a book. What’s special about Western Tech is how we help you achieve your educational goals — we give you a combination of hands-on experience, traditional classroom work, and industry-specific career development. Since 1970, this real-world approach to education has made a huge difference in the lives of more than 22,000 graduates.
Be Prepared
Learn from the best! At Western Tech, we truly believe that our people make the difference. Our experienced instructors have years of real-world knowledge and are committed to professional development, continuing education and updated certifications to ensure they’re up to speed on the latest industry changes. Combine this with modern facilities and technology, and you have the perfect recipe for success.
