If you like to build and create things, are detail-oriented, and like to work with your hands, the Machinist program may be the perfect fit. At Bates, you will learn to use conventional machines, CNC machining centers and turning centers. In this hands-on program, you will complete a series of projects designed to broaden your machining experience. With instructors who have years of experience and a workshop with the newest equipment available, you will have the opportunity to learn in a setting that mirrors the industry.

The Certified Medical Assistant track is a degree option within the Administrative Medical Assistant program. This degree option will prepare students for positions in physician’s offices, clinics and other outpatient health care settings through hands-on classroom and real-world clinical training. Medical assistants function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam that meets the requirements of the Washington State Department of Health to become a Certified Medical Assistant.

Bates offers the only program in the region in which students prepare for careers in electrical code application, interior and exterior lighting design, and all aspects of electrical design. Instruction includes all phases of electrical engineering, CAD drafting, and design for commercial buildings. Technician’s design and draft electrical power, signal, interior, and exterior lighting systems. They also assist in specification writing and share in on-site construction supervision. Students in this program are encouraged to take the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) examinations.

Become a Career & Technical Education Teacher for Grades 7-12! If you have three years (6,000 hours) of occupational experience in a specific area and are interested in teaching, consider pursuing a Career and Technical Educator (CTE) certificate. As a Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board-approved provider of the Plan 2 Business and Industry route CTE teacher preparation program, Bates offers the high-quality competency-based training that prepares you for a CTE teaching career at the secondary level, grades 7-12. Our flexible scheduling makes it easy for you to design your own plan for program pacing and completion. We offer courses online every quarter. Some classes have synchronous zoom meetings scheduled on weeknights and weekends, and an accelerated summer weekday offering enables you to complete a significant portion of coursework during the summer.

Health care, the largest industry in the country, employs more than 14 million people, and figures continue to mount. From small-town private practices to mammoth inner-city hospitals, health care workers are in high demand. The patients in those practices and hospitals depend not only on the expertise of doctors and nurses but on the proper functioning of sophisticated biomedical equipment. The people responsible for repairing and maintaining these highly specialized machines and instruments such as defibrillators, heart monitors, electric wheelchairs, and medical imaging equipment (x-rays, CAT scanners, and ultrasound equipment), are biomedical service technicians. They inspect and install equipment used by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers for researching, monitoring, diagnosing, and treating illnesses and disorders. They also repair, calibrate, and safety test the equipment to ensure proper function and safety for both the operator and the patient.

The welding program prepares students for employment, including apprenticeship, in many industries, including aerospace, maritime, energy, construction and transportation. Students build skills across multiple processes, receiving training from Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) faculty. One of only two Washington colleges accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS), students can complete their studies with an associate’s degree and multiple welding certifications, including WABO (Washington Association of Building Officials). With an emphasis on hands-on training, graduates leave the welding program with both classroom knowledge and work experience. The program also has a strong reputation for giving back to the community, and, in particular, has been recognized for its contributions to Pierce County Parks and Recreation’s Fantasy Lights event.

Bates Technical College offers hands-on and classroom training for those interested in pursuing an entry-level career in Fire Service. Upon the successful completion of the entire curriculum, students will have certificates in the following areas: emergency vehicle operations, Emergency Medical Technician certification (eligible to test for National Registry certification) and entry-level (red card) wild land firefighter certification. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the IFSAC (International Fire Service Accreditation Congress) tests for Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations level as well as Firefighter I. The training and certification allows the student a great foundation in the fire field and shows prospective employers your commitment to and preparation for the job of firefighter.

The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician program is designed to meet industry-specific needs. Our instructors seek to provide students with the foundation they need to apply for a career as a diesel technician. The robust, hands-on curriculum is complemented by enough theory to give students the conceptual background they need to tackle the challenges they will encounter in this rapidly evolving field. Our six-quarter program is designed around a series of four basic areas: Electrical Systems, Engines and Brakes, Powertrains, and Hydraulics and Steering and Suspension. After these four core quarters are completed, students move on to their fifth and sixth quarters, which are comprised of Advanced Application and Vehicle Service courses conducted in a live shop setting. In addition to the live shop, opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning experiences abound.

Students prepare for careers in the electronic equipment service profession as technicians in a wide range of high tech industries, including broadcast audio, broadcast video, car audio, electronic service, medical equipment repair, office automation and video tape. Employment opportunities may also include mobile electronics installer and electronic assembler. Students acquire and hone service technician skills through extensive practice with live equipment, and prepare for industry certification as Certified Electronics Technicians, Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals, and Certified Broadcast Technologists. This program also provides extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in these and related occupations.

Bates Technical College is the only college in Washington State to offer a denturist training program. Denturists are licensed specialists who make, fit, and repair complete and partial dentures. In order to meet the requirements of the denturist profession, candidates must obtain training at an accredited college to qualify to sit for the Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Arizona denturist’s license examination. Instruction includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, ethics, medical emergencies, office management, and clinical/laboratory techniques as they apply to denture practices. Students receive clinical experience in the on-campus denturist clinic which provides services to the public. New students may enter the program at the beginning of fall and spring quarters.

Our nationally accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program provides a comprehensive education for students who want to help people with disabilities remain engaged in occupations that are meaningful to them, such as, dressing, cooking, driving, riding a bus, handwriting and participating in leisure and play activities. OTAs work with clients in a multitude of settings, age ranges and with a variety of diagnoses, both physical and mental. By graduation, our OTA students are confident and well-prepared to provide client-centered, occupation-based best practice to the people we serve.

Students prepare for careers as integral members of a health care team in an outpatient setting. Activities in the program provide extensive hands-on practice for students in the use of computer application skills to create and handle medical information. Medical transcription, Electronic health records, medical terminology, patient administrative services, and professional ethics are presented with emphasis on the billing procedures of the insurance industry. The program also provides extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in related professions. In addition, work-based learning experiences are available in many medical settings that support the theory presented in the classroom.

Digital media is a key component in film, television, video and website production, and encompasses a variety of projects, from filming and editing to digital animation and computer games. The constant implementation of new technology makes this a fast-moving field, a good fit for the student who seeks a career in a visual medium with leading-edge technology. Instruction includes production and editing software and the opportunity to achieve practical experience working on a variety of studio projects. Employment opportunities for digital media professionals include work as creative services editors, video editors and graphics editors for production studios, film companies, web design companies, advertising and multimedia companies. The program also provides extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in the industry.

Bates Technical College’s Facilities Maintenance Engineer Program provides students with a hands-on learning experience to prepare them for employment in the building maintenance field. Buildings today are composed of many complex systems and components that work in combination to create the modern comforts we take for granted today. There is high demand for trained personnel and this program will equip students with the combination of academic and hands-on knowledge to find employment. Learn about and train on Building Electrical Systems, Low Voltage Electrical and Programmable Logic Controllers, Building HVAC and ventilation systems, boiler operation, building water and plumbing systems as well as building controls and automation. Our robust Employer Partnerships mean that successful graduates can leave the program with careers waiting for them in the field.

Bates Technical College fully online accounting program means you can earn your degree at your pace and your schedule. The program design includes video instruction, hands-on training and provides you with instant feedback. Students receive training in many types of accounting such as financial, managerial, payroll, individual taxation and governmental accounting. Graduates are prepared for careers as accounting clerks, full charge bookkeepers, tax preparers, and small business accountants.

The Applied Business Management (ABM) program prepares graduates to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Its courses train graduates to enter in-demand positions in human resources and digital marketing. The program also offers an entrepreneurship track to serve small-business development interests in the college’s trades programs and in the community. All program courses emphasize applied, hands-on, project-based learning beginning with foundational courses. They progress to in-depth training in their chosen specialization. Courses are primarily hybrid (part onsite, part online) with in-person sessions taught by industry experts to apply theory across relevant contexts. The program offers a six-quarter ABM Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T). It has three structural components: (a) technical core (50 credits), (b) specialization tracks (10 credits), and (c) general education requirements (30 credits), for a total of 90 required credits. It is designed for direct employment and to pathway into baccalaureate in applied science (BAS) in business options in the state’s community and technical college system. The AAS-T also has three embedded certificates that align with specialization tracks. Students may also choose to pursue a certificate of competency (CoC) as a stand-alone credential for 55 credits.

In an active, campus auto service facility, students practice all aspects of the profession, from balancing tires to diagnosing engine problems. Using advanced computerized analyzers, students learn to perform repairs, overhaul engines and transmissions, service fuel injection systems, and much more. Bates’ automotive program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) for both secondary and post-secondary levels. Bates’ Automotive Mechanic program instructors are Evaluation Team Leaders for NATEF and evaluate other programs in the Puget Sound area for NATEF membership eligibility. Instruction is configured according to Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification requirements, and students are encouraged to take one or more ASE certification tests while completing the program.

The Electrical Construction Associate of Applied Science program provides a robust foundation in electrical theory, safety and the practical skills you need for a successful career in the electrical industry. Our faculty emphasizes the importance of safety, adherence to industry standards, and hands-on experiences with electrical installations and maintenance. Throughout your nine quarters, you’ll learn a broad spectrum of subjects including residential, commercial, and industrial wiring, advanced motor controls, blueprint reading, and new electrical technologies like photovoltaic designs, energy management systems, green wiring practices, and solar, wind, and low voltage electrical systems. Graduates are eligible to earn up to 4,000 hours from the Department of Labor & Industries towards their EL01 electrical license.

Bates Technical College offers South Sound’s only American Culinary Federation Accredited Culinary Arts degree and certificate program! If you have a passion for food and have always dreamed of being in the culinary industry, Bates Technical College’s culinary arts program is for you. You can earn either an associate of applied science degree or certificate and will receive training from award-winning instructors and obtain the skills and experience to get leading jobs in the fast-paced culinary field.

The Bates barber school offers the most comprehensive, hands-on education in the field. Students prepare to become a licensed barber while learning, working and managing the business end of the college’s on-campus barber shop that serves the public. Students learn clipper techniques, barber theory, basic and advanced techniques, styling, razor shaving, and more. In just four quarters, successful graduates will earn a certificate of competency and be prepared to test for the state license.

Bates Technical College offers Boiler Operator Certification Testing for:

• Class I Chief Operating Engineer
• Class II and III Operating Engineer
• Class IV and V Boiler Fireman

Certification is required to operate boilers in the City of Tacoma. Bates administers testing monthly at South Campus, 2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma. Call 253.680.7402 for more information about scheduling a test.

All boiler operator certificates must be renewed annually. Renewal notices will be mailed out by June 1. The cost is $60 to renew between June 1 and the expiration date (Aug. 1). If certificates are not renewed by the expiration date, certificates will enter a 45-day grace period (ending on Sept. 15). During this grace period, a late fee of $25 will be added. Therefore, the total cost to renew a certificate throughout the grace period is $85.

The Information Technology Specialist program prepares students for careers that focus on computer and network support with an emphasis on both practical experience and certification preparation. Students learn to diagnose and resolve computer problems with software and hardware, use virtualization and cloud computing technologies, and learn about computer security and network systems. Possible certifications students can obtain include certifications from CompTIA, Microsoft, Amazon, or Cisco.

Students prepare for certified entry-level employment in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. The technical skills acquired in this program may be applied in areas such as air conditioning, systems controls, energy management systems, heating and ventilation technicians, and sales. For those individuals already in the HVAC/R trade, customized training to upgrade skills is also provided, as well as applicable sustainable construction practices. The program also provides extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in related professions.

This program is set up to meet the State of Washington Department of Health Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist Certification requirements. It also meets the needs of students to take the National Healthcare Association national certification exam. The course includes HIV/AIDS training, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, medical terminology, how to avoid pre-analytical errors, and how to be successful in collecting blood samples. You will learn how to collect blood samples using all of the tools currently being used in the laboratory industry. Students will collect blood samples from fellow students to help everyone in class meet the objectives of the class. Students will learn how to process samples to get them ready for analysis. You will learn how to deal with the age-specific needs of patients, customer service, special collections, and non-blood samples. Students must have access to a computer to complete assignments on Canvas. The textbook is approximately $160.

The Certified Medical Assistant track is a degree option within the Administrative Medical Assistant program. This degree option will prepare students for positions in physician’s offices, clinics and other outpatient health care settings through hands-on classroom and real-world clinical training. Medical assistants function as members of the health care delivery team and perform administrative and clinical procedures. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam that meets the requirements of the Washington State Department of Health to become a Certified Medical Assistant.

The Dental Assisting program at Bates Technical College prepares students for a rewarding career in a high demand profession in the field of dentistry. If you enjoy working with people, dental assisting could be an excellent career choice for you.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and combines study in the classroom, lab and clinical internships.  During the 11-month program, students gain valuable skills and knowledge employers are looking for in the dental assistant. Students take the Dental Assisting National Board exam throughout the program to obtain national certification as a dental assistant.

Coding. Programming. Big Data. Business Analytics. Bates teaches the job skills you need for the future. The Software Development program prepares students for entry-level software or database development positions with concentrations in business/data analytics or application programming.  Instruction includes designing, coding, and implementing software applications in a variety of programming languages that are relative now. Additionally, students build skills in problem-solving, attention to detail, communication and teamwork. If you are the type of person who revels in solving problems and is excited by the technological changes occurring daily, this is the career field for you.

Earn your Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree and an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity at Bates Technical College. Learn information technology practices, and processes to protect and defend computers, programs, networks and databases from unauthorized access and attacks. The goal of the program is to deliver a deep technical foundation in cybersecurity and general education coursework for employment in high demand. The program prepares graduates for employment or to transfer to Bachelor of Applied Science programs.

For some students, the decision to pursue a career in nursing is easy. Maybe you come from a family of nurses or perhaps ever since you were a child, you dreamed of being a nurse. Maybe you experienced a life-changing event that spurred you to look into a career in healthcare. What nursing students all have in common is the dedication, passion and compassion to help others. Our nursing students learn what it takes to provide safe, quality, compassionate care for cross-cultural populations as well as provide care to patients both young and old. Newly licensed graduates could earn $30.42 per hour on average. An education in practical nursing opens doors to opportunities. Make your dream a reality. At Bates, students have access to childcare, public or free transportation to and from the college, and the ability to locally transfer to an ADN or BSN bridge program.

Students prepare for certified entry-level employment in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. The technical skills acquired in this program may be applied in areas such as air conditioning, systems controls, energy management systems, heating and ventilation technicians, and sales. For those individuals already in the HVAC/R trade, customized training to upgrade skills is also provided, as well as applicable sustainable construction practices. The program also provides extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in related professions.  

Note: Students are required to pass the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute industry competency exam to complete the program: Two examinations to obtain a degree; one exam to obtain a certificate. Sufficient training is provided to qualify students to take the Environmental Protection Agency CFC certification examination required to work in the industry. A total of 1,100 hours of credit is applied toward the Washington State O6A electrical certificate.

The roads are wide open for those wishing to become commercial truck drivers! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a commercial truck driver is $48,500 per year. At Bates, you can earn your certificate of training Class B CDL with endorsements in just one quarter (Only the Class B option is offered in Spring Quarter 2023). Students train in three axle tractors Class A CDL ( 10-speed and 13-speed Manual transmissions also 10 speed Auto Shifts, (28-53 foot trailers) Class B CDL Box Trucks 6 Speed Manual or Auto-Shift Transmissions. Students begin on a commercial truck simulator (Class A) and then progress to behind-the-wheel driving. Students learn logbooks, receive atlas training, and complete weight distribution, truck terms, workbook exercises and backing exercises. Earn your Class B CDL and get a job driving local (intrastate) or cross-country (interstate). Hazmat classes are also offered. NOTE: Effective Spring Quarter 2023, only Class B CDL will be offered. Please check the online class schedule for dates and time

The roads are wide open for those wishing to become commercial truck drivers! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a commercial truck driver is $48,500 per year. At Bates, you can earn your certificate of training Class B CDL with endorsements in just one quarter (Only the Class B option is offered in Spring Quarter 2023). Students train in three axle tractors Class A CDL ( 10-speed and 13-speed Manual transmissions also 10 speed Auto Shifts, (28-53 foot trailers) Class B CDL Box Trucks 6 Speed Manual or Auto-Shift Transmissions. Students begin on a commercial truck simulator (Class A) and then progress to behind-the-wheel driving. Students learn logbooks, receive atlas training, and complete weight distribution, truck terms, workbook exercises and backing exercises. Earn your Class B CDL and get a job driving local (intrastate) or cross-country (interstate). Hazmat classes are also offered. NOTE: Effective Spring Quarter 2023, only Class B CDL will be offered. Please check the online class schedule for dates and time

Situated conveniently in the city, Bates Technical College - Central Campus offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification Program. This esteemed platform equips students with vital skills and knowledge for success in the healthcare industry. With modern facilities and expert faculty, the program balances theory and hands-on learning. It covers patient care, emergency procedures, anatomy, physiology, and ethics. Graduates enjoy numerous employment prospects and consistently achieve high state certification pass rates. Bates accommodates diverse schedules and provides financial aid, ensuring accessible quality education. Former students praise the transformative experience, highlighting practical training and faculty support. Bates Technical College - Central Campus molds skilled, compassionate CNAs who are ready to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Medical assisting jobs are in demand. Are you technologically savvy and interested in serving others? The field of medical assisting allows you to work in a variety of healthcare settings. Employers are looking for a well-trained employee who enjoys helping others, is comfortable with tools and technology, and is looking for a career – not just a job.

At Bates, students can choose two pathways in either certified medical assistant or administrative medical assistant. Medical assistants are an integral part of the health care team and our programs provide hands-on practice depending on the pathway you choose. You will learn the technology, terminology, and competencies you need for success.