Bates Technical College - Downtown Campus

Bates Technical College’s Applied Business Management program is offered at the college’s Central Campus in Tacoma, Washington. It prepares students to plan, organize, direct, and manage business or organizational functions, with coursework supporting fields such as human resources and an entrepreneurship track for small-business development. The program leads to an Applied Business Management Associate in Applied Science Transfer degree. Courses emphasize applied, hands-on, project-based learning and progress from foundational study into specialization. Delivery is primarily hybrid, combining onsite and online coursework with in-person sessions, and the AAS-T pathway runs for six quarters. The curriculum includes a technical core, specialization tracks, and general education requirements, with embedded Certificates of Competency in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources.

At a glance

• Format: Hybrid
• Financial aid: available (per the school's page)
• Scholarships: available (per the school's page)

Bates Technical College’s Administrative Medical Assistant program is offered at the Downtown Campus in Tacoma, Washington. It prepares students for clinical, administrative, and technology duties in physician offices, clinics, and other outpatient healthcare settings, with pathways leading to a Certificate of Competency or an Associate of Applied Science degree and coursework that includes CMAA Certification Prep. The primary AAS pathway runs for six quarters, while a shorter certificate pathway runs for four quarters. Admission requires basic keyboarding and word-processing skills before enrollment and passage of a national criminal background check covering Washington state.

Nursing Assistant Certified at Bates Technical College’s Downtown Campus in Tacoma, Washington, prepares students to provide patient care as nursing assistants under the supervision of licensed nurses. The program leads to eligibility for the Washington State written and manual skills examination to become a Nursing Assistant Certified. It is delivered in person through classroom instruction, skills labs, and supervised clinical experience over approximately five weeks, with weekday classes and clinical training. Admission requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, complete required immunizations, and successfully pass a criminal state background check. Clinical participation also requires current immunization documentation, including vaccinations or proof of immunity specified by the program.

At a glance

• Format: In person
• Next start: September 28, 2026
• Leads to: Washington State written and manual skills examination to become a Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC)

Bates Technical College’s Phlebotomy program in Tacoma, Washington, trains students in blood collection, specimen processing, patient care, and laboratory procedures. It prepares graduates to meet Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist certification requirements and take the National Healthcare Association certification exam. The program uses on-site lectures and laboratory instruction, with assignments and quizzes completed online, and offers afternoon and evening course sections across roughly one academic quarter. Admission requires the ability to read and write in English, an email account, and computer access for online assignments. The Advanced Phlebotomy class additionally requires completion of PNURS 292 and instructor permission.

At a glance

• Format: HYBRID
• Next start: Fall 2026
• Leads to: Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist certification requirements and the National Healthcare Association certification exam

Bates Technical College’s Cybersecurity program in Tacoma, Washington, trains students for entry-level information technology and security roles through systems, networking, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity fundamentals. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science Transfer degree, certificates of competency and training, and preparation for certifications such as CompTIA A+, Security+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and EC-Council AI Essentials. The primary degree pathway is delivered mostly through hybrid and online courses over six quarters, with hands-on coursework and campus cyber-lab activities; shorter certificate pathways are also available. The Network System Support certificate includes four quarters, while the Computer Support certificate includes two. The bachelor’s pathway requires a 90-credit associate degree in a related technical field.

At a glance

• Format: Hybrid
• Leads to: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and EC-Council AI Essentials
• Financial aid: available (per the school's page)
• Scholarships: available (per the school's page)

Bates Technical College's Welding program in Tacoma, Washington, trains students in welding processes used in aerospace, maritime, construction, manufacturing, and energy. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate of Competency, with preparation for certification tests from the American Welding Society and the Washington Association of Building Officials. Coursework is delivered through online, hybrid, web-enhanced, and face-to-face options, with day and evening classes, and the primary degree pathway runs for six quarters. Admission requirements are not stated in the program information. The curriculum covers safety and thermal cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, blueprint reading, fabrication, and work-based learning, with students selecting a specialization in the later quarters.

At a glance

• Format: HYBRID
• Next start: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
• Leads to: American Welding Society certification tests and Washington Association of Building Officials certification tests
• Financial aid: available (per the school's page)
• Scholarships: available (per the school's page)

Bates Technical College’s HVAC and Refrigeration Technician program is offered in Tacoma, Washington. It trains students to install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Certificate of Competency. The program runs for six quarters and is primarily face-to-face, with some online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses. Credentials include OSHA 30, Universal refrigerant certification, and a state electrical trainee license with hours toward O6A certification through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Admission requirements are not specified in the published program information.

At a glance

• Format: HYBRID
• Next start: Enrollment point: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
• Leads to: OSHA 30, Universal refrigerant certification, and a state electrical trainee license with up to 1,127 hours toward O6A certification through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
• Financial aid: available (per the school's page)
• Scholarships: available (per the school's page)

Automotive Technology at Bates Technical College - Downtown Campus in Tacoma, Washington, prepares students to diagnose mechanical malfunctions, service automotive systems, and perform repairs in an automotive repair facility. The program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree and prepares students for Automotive Service Excellence certification tests. Instruction takes place through web-enhanced face-to-face courses in an active campus auto service facility and runs for eight quarters, with enrollment points in fall, winter, spring, and summer. Training covers engines, transmissions, fuel injection, electrical systems, brakes, steering and suspension, diagnostic equipment, repair procedures, customer service, and safety practices. The curriculum aligns with the ASE Education Foundation and follows Automotive Service Excellence certification requirements.

At a glance

• Format: Hybrid
• Leads to: ASE certification tests

The Welding certification program at Bates Technical College - Downtown Campus is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful welders in a wide variety of industries. The program covers a range of welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored welding, as well as cutting and brazing. Students receive hands-on training in a state-of-the-art welding shop that includes welding booths, welding tables, and a variety of welding equipment.