Bates Technical College: Extended Learning

Bates Technical College enriches our diverse communities by inspiring student learning, challenging greater achievement, and educating for employment. With Bates as your educational partner, you can transform yourself.

Help Us Celebrate 85 Years by Sharing Your Story! Are you a Bates Tech graduate or know an alum? In honor of our 85th anniversary in 2025, we're collecting 85 alumni stories.

Bates offers multiple programs to support students who need to complete high school or prepare for college or a career. Whether you need to complete your high school diploma, or improve your reading, writing or math skills, our programs are designed to help you succeed in the workplace or attain your educational goals.

The Advanced Manufacturing career pathway prepares you for a career in manufacturing and aerospace industries. You’ll learn in clean, bright indoor labs that mirror the workplace using hands-on techniques to develop technical skills in traditional precision tooling and machining, as well as computer numeric control (CNC) machines.

In the Business and Communication career pathway, you’ll prepare for a career in a professional business setting or a dynamic and fast-paced multimedia field. Whether you want to open your own business, pursue work in a traditional personal services or business setting, or you’re a creative technology-savvy person who seeks a career in video production, graphic design, photography or web media, this pathway is perfect for you.

The Hospitality career pathway connects you with South Sound’s only American Culinary Federation Accredited Culinary Arts degree and certificate program. If you have an epicurean passion for baking and cooking, and have dreamed of working in the culinary industry, this program is for you. Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate while receiving a hands-on education from award-winning instructors.

The Education and Public Safety career pathway focuses on early childhood education and offers comprehensive training for current and future firefighters, as well as leadership development in Public Safety Administration.

The Early Childhood Education program combines theory with hands-on lab experience, teaching you how to create engaging learning environments and apply developmentally appropriate curriculum. This program prepares you for a rewarding career in educating young children. Through the college’s continuing education department, you can earn a Career and Technical Education certificate to teach at the secondary level, grades 7-12.

The Fire Service program and other first responder-related courses provide you with real-world training opportunities. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers as firefighters or in related professions that require specialized certifications.

New! The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Public Safety Administration is the only one of its kind in Washington state, and builds on the solid foundations of our Fire Science and Cybersecurity programs. This degree equips you with advanced skills for managing disaster recovery, emergency response, and community health, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the dynamic field of public safety.

The Health Sciences career pathway prepares you for a rewarding career in various professions, in both direct and indirect patient care. Whether you seek a career as a licensed practical nurse, dental assistant, occupational therapy assistant, or dental lab tech, or are interested in fixing high-tech equipment in a medical facility, Bates Technical College has a program for you. The programs combine technical and theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience and are taught by experienced faculty dedicated to your success.

The Transportation and Trades career pathway prepares those who enjoy working with their hands, repairing various vehicles parts, and take pride in their craft. Many programs in this pathway teach you how to turn raw materials into finished products and how to safely operate and maintain equipment. If you’re interested in transportation programs that focus on earning your Class A CDL, repairing engines, or building and fixing motorcycle and marine equipment, these programs are the first step to gaining employment in these fields. Depending on the program you choose, you can earn industry certificates, licensures and apprenticeship hours

Our continuing education opportunities will help you retool for what’s next in life. Whether your goal is to continue your professional development or learn a new skill, our continuing education courses are current and relevant.

Our robust Child Studies department educates parents, child care employees and caregivers on early childhood topics that enhances your skills. We offer parenting seminars and classes for parents, a child care advisory program, a resource center, State Training and Registry System (STARS) courses, and more.

Bates Technical College is located in Tacoma, Washington, approximately 35 miles south of Seattle and 30 miles north of the state’s capital city, Olympia. The college operates on three campuses, with over 600,000 square feet of classrooms, shops, meeting rooms, and offices.Learn More

Horario de apertura

• Domingo: (closed)
• Lunes: 8h-20h
• Martes: 8h-20h
• Miércoles: 8h-20h
• Jueves: 8h-20h
• Viernes: 8h-17h
• Sábado: (closed)