CWI News – July 28, 2023
Spotlight
The Snake River Stampede teamed up with CWI to give kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Canyon County and around the Treasure Valley an opportunity to learn what it takes to be a champion cowboy and cowgirl with the Youth Rodeo 101.
Campers got to learn and try bull riding, roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and more! They also learned how superstar animal athletes are chosen and cared for.
News Highlights
Become a Medical Assistant and Make a Difference
Are you looking for a fulfilling, rewarding career in the healthcare industry? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those around you while working in a fast-paced and constantly evolving field? College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Medical Assistant – Credit program may be the perfect fit.
Medical Assistants are key members of a healthcare team working alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide essential patient care. They play a dual role in both administrative and clinical tasks.
These roles are also in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Medical Assistants from 2021 to 2031 will grow 16 percent, with about 123,000 openings per year over the next decade. Opportunities may be found in a wide variety of settings, including physician offices, clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more.
"With the healthcare and social assistance industry world continuing to grow, our Medical Assistant – Credit program can help prepare those interested in these careers and fill the demanding needs," said Department Chair of Health Professions and Associate Professor, Dr. Sabina Omair. "We have incredible faculty and staff with resources and connections around the Treasure Valley who can help students become employed soon after they graduate."
Medical assistant roles offer an excellent starting point for those seeking a career in healthcare with many opportunities for advancement and growth for students, just ask Alexia Lopez.
“Ever since I was young, I knew when I grew up I wanted to help people,” said Lopez. “I always wanted to be a doctor and I still want to be. I knew going to college would help me further my education to pursue those dreams.”
Lopez enrolled in the College’s Medical Assistant – Credit program because it was a way to get her foot in the door to start helping patients and expand her medical knowledge.
Once she began the program, Lopez knew she made the right choice by choosing CWI because of its hands-on instruction that prepared her and her classmates for the real-world challenges of a Medical Assistant's role. She was able to learn critical skills in administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records, as well as clinical tasks like taking vital signs, collecting patient histories, and assisting with exams.
The program also included a clinical-practice component, where students complete 180 hours of supervised experience in a healthcare setting to gain practical experience and build their skills. Lopez was able to work her externship at a Saint Alphonsus obstetrics and gynecology office in Boise which helped her solidify that this is the career path for her.
“I have felt a new sense of motivation and love for having access to education,” Lopez said. “I am so thankful I am able to attend college and follow my dreams.”
With her Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) earned from CWI's program, Lopez will pursue her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences at Boise State University, while working as a licensed Medical Assistant. Her ultimate goal is to attend a Physician Assistant school and further her career in the medical field.
She is grateful for the knowledge and experience she earned at CWI which has inspired her to continue to follow her dreams.
“CWI has helped me reach my goals!”
Don't miss out on the opportunity to earn your ITC quickly with CWI's revamped two-semester Medical Assistant – Credit program, starting Fall 2023. No application is required, and registration is open throughout the registration period. Pre- and co-requisite classes are no longer necessary.
CWI’s Medical Assistant – Credit program offers classes in both fall and spring semesters. For Fall 2023, CWI will offer two different sections students may enroll in.
9 a.m. – noon
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
To learn more about CWI’s Medical Assistant – Credit program, please contact Sabina Omair at sabinaomair@cwi.edu.
Kifer Named Security Administrator of the Year
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Security Administrator, Josh Kifer, who was named Western Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (WACLEA) Administrator of the Year!
Kifer was announced as this year’s Administrator of the Year at WACELA’s Annual Conference at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Each year the Association members nominate outstanding individuals to recognize their hard work, accomplishments, and dedication.
The Administrator of the Year award is dedicated to promoting professional ideals and standards in campus security and law enforcement administration. The ideal candidate demonstrates standard-setting practices in public safety administration in their institutional community and shall be a leader in demonstrating the profession's ideals.
Kifer has been an exemplary administrator with his leadership skills and dedication to providing a safe environment for students and staff. At CWI, he works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe on campus.
“It means a lot to be recognized by such a great group of schools and directors,” said Kifer. “CWI Facilities is one of the best groups I've ever worked with, and I'm proud to be a part of them. We do a ton behind the scenes to help students and staff be safe and have a comfortable environment to work in. The award is more a testament to what the staff and the department do, than anything I do day to day. It's all a part of being a team.”
WACLEA is a non-profit campus police and security association that operates in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada. They provide professional-level training to enhance the skills and knowledge of administrators and officer-level staff. In addition, they provide networking opportunities for members to draw on the expertise of others and share resources, ideas, and best practices.
DeLeon Named July 2023 Staff of the Month
Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Student Success Coach, Malinda DeLeon, who was named Staff of the Month for July 2023.
DeLeon works with the College’s Work-Based Learning Center (WBLC), where she works closely to support current and incoming Workforce Development HVAC and Plumbing Apprenticeship students. Being branched under the WBLC, she also assists with resume editing, practice interviews, and maintaining relationships with local employers for possible job opportunities for CWI students.
Having been part of the CWI community since 2019, DeLeon began work at the College as security, moved to the One Stop Student Services team as a One Stop Representative, and finally transitioned to her current role with the WBLC.
“CWI is truly like a family,” said DeLeon. “It’s not just a paycheck to come to work. It’s much more than that. The relationships you build with co-workers and the students you help make working at CWI even more special.”
Being part of a student’s academic journey is one of DeLeon’s favorite aspects of the job. She makes it her mission to check on students and find out how they are feeling throughout their classes. If they are struggling, she then assists and provides support to help them succeed in their courses.
“Malinda made me truly feel as though I am supported and motivated to continue to work through and complete the program,” said a CWI student. “Too often, educators that have genuine care of their student’s success go unrecognized. It is truly the little gestures and reassurance that motivate students to thrive in an academic environment.”
Colleagues around campus have also recognized DeLeon’s ability to go above and beyond for others. Many, like Workforce Development Administrative Assistant, Shirley Antolin, say DeLeon is committed to excellence in her work and strives to uplift everyone around her.
“Malinda is innovative and shows genuine care in assisting not only Apprenticeship students but all students who seek her advice and support,” said Antolin. “She demonstrate respect towards her peers and students.
Notably, DeLeon was a huge advocate for including an Apprenticeship Certificate Ceremony at 2023 Grad Fest. The idea brought more people to celebrate Grad Fest and it honored the College’s hardworking Apprenticeship graduates as many of their family and friends watched them accept their certificates of completion at an intimate ceremony.
It was a special moment for DeLeon as she watched the smiles and laughter from the graduates who felt accomplished after working hard for four long years to earn their certificates. It was a moment that made DeLeon proud to be at CWI, one she will never forget.
“All our students want to be heard, valued, seen, and appreciated during their time with us here at CWI,” DeLeon said. “This is why it’s so important to be kind, to listen, to have empathy, and to show compassion because they will leave CWI remembering the support and advocacy that they were shown/given. They will go on to share their positive experiences with others and encourage others to also achieve their goals here at CWI.”
Outside of the College, DeLeon enjoys spending time with her husband and two Beagle mixes. She also likes to stay busy by gardening, and creating things — whether it is drawing, painting, crafting, photography, or videography. She also enjoys playing video games, hiking, camping, and fishing.
“My hobbies seem endless because I love to continue to learn new things,” said DeLeon.
NMEC Closures Continue For Upgrades
As construction projects at Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) continue, including the replacement of the HVAC equipment on the roof, College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Facilities Management will partially close the building on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Occupancy of NMEC is limited to specific areas of the building during partial closures. Scheduled classes, events, and services affected have been relocated or rescheduled.
Administrative Offices, CWI Bookstore, One Stop Student Service, Testing Center, Tutoring Services, and select classrooms and labs will remain open and operational during the partial closure (please see floor plan).
Please note that the planned partial closure on Wednesday, Aug. 16, has been canceled, and NMEC will operate as normal.
Those with questions or in need of more information are asked to contact Brian Dunaway at briandunaway@cwi.edu.
Learn About In-Demand Careers at Apprenticeship Open House
Explore in-demand careers and training available through College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Workforce Development (WD) Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship programs! WD is inviting the community to visit and learn more about the programs through information sessions at its Apprenticeship Open House Monday, Aug. 14.
Canyon County Center (CYNC), Room 152
Apprenticeship Programs through CWI WD allow students to earn a living while completing training in their desired careers. Classes are taught online and in-person, providing flexibility as students learn the skills that will make them in demand in today’s workforce. Once students complete their apprenticeship program, there are multiple areas of focus that they may choose in each industry.
The four-year Apprenticeship programs prepare students for the journeyman test to become a licensed Electrician, HVAC Technician, or Plumber. Students will learn and work with industry experts inside and outside the classroom for on-the-job training.
Instructors, students, and employers will be at the open house to talk with attendees and answer any questions they may have about getting into one of these in-demand careers.
CWI Apprenticeship Programs, both online and in person:
For those with questions or in need of more information about the Open House or Apprenticeship programs, please contact 208.562.2700 or wd@cwi.edu.
NWCCU Plans Visit to CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU or the Commission). NWCCU recently provided feedback on CWI’s Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review Report in February 2023. The Commission will be conducting an onsite visit at CWI related to the Year-Seven Comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness during Oct. 18 – 20, 2023.
Constituents are invited to submit comments directly to the Commission office related to College of Western Idaho. Comments must be received no later than ten (10) days prior to the onsite visit and can be submitted to NWCCU in the following ways:
- United State Postal Service Mail or Courier Service:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Ave. NE, Suite 200
Redmond, WA 98052
- Electronic Submission: https://nwccu.org/member-institutions/upcoming-evaluations/
If you have additional questions or would like to reach out to CWI directly, please email communications@cwi.edu or call 208.562.2222.
