Bates Technical College enriches our diverse communities by inspiring student learning, challenging greater achievement, and educating for employment.
Each year, Bates Tech serves approximately 4,500 career-training students and an additional 10,000 community members across three campuses through a wide range of programs, including Continuing Education, Child Studies, High School programs, General Education, Basic Studies, and more.
Bates Tech’s classroom environments mirror real-world workplaces, providing students with hands-on opportunities to practice and develop skills aligned with employer expectations. The college offers bachelor of applied science and associate of applied science degrees, certificates of competency, certificates of training, industry certifications, and, within select programs, preparation for state licensure. The college also maintains articulation agreements with several four-year universities, allowing some two-year degrees to transfer seamlessly toward advanced education.
Part of the state’s public two-year college system, Bates Technical College provides practical and concentrated hands-on education with an affordable, accessible path toward successful employment. Degree and certificate programs are offered in a variety of industries and pathways that include:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Business and Communication
- Education and Public Safety
- Hospitality
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
- Transportation and Trades
Year Founded: 1940
Student Success Scorecard
In-State Peer Comparison Data
Out-of-State Comparison Data (Georgia)
Highest Enrolled Programs*
- Early Childhood Education
- Welding
- HVAC/R
- Phlebotomy
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
- Fire Service
- Electrical Construction
- Administrative/Certified Medical Assistant
- Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP
Our Students 2026*
Total Headcount (all sources): 7,440
FTEs (all sources): 4,458
Gender:
- Female: 2,788
- Male: 3,972
- X: 20
- Not reported: 660
Median Age: 28
Ethnicity:
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 4% |
| Asian | 13% |
| Black/African American | 14% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 15% |
| Pacific Islander | 2% |
| White/Caucasian | 59% |
| Students of Color | 44% |
Family, finances and more:
- Students receiving need-based financial aid: 22%
- Students in Workforce Education: 74%
- Students in Basic Skills: 6%
- Students enrolled in academic/transfer: 2%
- Students enrolled in other areas: 18%
- Students with Dependents: 38%
Students in selected programs:
- Apprenticeship: 1,883
- I-BEST: 349
- International: 15
- Running Start and Technical High School: 940
- Worker Retraining: 413
*Data from State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Field Guide (2026).
Points of Interest
New programs build skilled workforce in high demand industries
New associate degree programs, MRI Technology, Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, and Community Services and Public Safety, prepare students for careers in critical healthcare and public service fields. The healthcare programs provide hands-on training and clinical experience in hospital settings, equipping students with the skills required for medical imaging and cardiac care professions. The public service program develops the knowledge and abilities necessary to support individuals and families in crisis, promote community well-being, and contribute to public safety initiatives. This program serves as a pathway to the college’s BAS in Public Safety Administration, offering professionals education to prepare for career advancement.
Bachelor’s degree focuses on IT project management and computer information systems
To meet the demand for cybersecurity and IT professionals, the college has added its second bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree: Computer Information Systems and IT Project Management. The college’s first BAS degree, launched last year in Public Safety Administration, prepares professionals for leadership roles in their field. The CIS and IT Project Management program welcomed its first cohort in fall quarter 2025 and builds on students’ prior education and experience to expand technical expertise while developing leadership, business, and project management skills. Through hands-on learning and preparation for industry-recognized certifications such as PMP, CISA, CompTIA Security+, and Microsoft Azure, the degree prepares graduates for high-demand roles at the intersection of technology and management.
New health/medical apprenticeships start
Three health care apprenticeship opportunities through the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium (HCAC) are now available. In partnership with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training and Education Fund, these behavioral health programs aim to meet the state’s critical need for accessible pathways to these careers. The Medical Assistant and Substance Use Disorder Professional programs launched fall quarter 2025, and the Behavioral Health Technician program will launch winter quarter 2026. The apprenticeships range from 21 to 56 credits and are offered online and offsite, using external instructors. Apprentices “earn while they learn,” working full time while completing a two- to three-year program that combines college coursework, on-the-job training and mentorship. Students develop skills in patient care, case management and behavioral health, and earn certifications in Mental Health First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS).
Health care partnership fuels industry with much-needed employees
To address the shortage of medical workers, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has partnered with Bates’ Nursing Assistant Certified program. Through the partnership, VMFH will pay student tuition and fees, an hourly salary as a nursing assistant trainee at St. Joseph Medical Center, a sign-on bonus and a 12-month, full-time position once students complete their certification. A similar partnership with MultiCare Health System is in place with the college’s Phlebotomy program. These partnerships increase access and reduce financial barriers to those considering a health care career.
Demand rises for qualified workers in fire service, broadcasting and digital media fields
In Washington state, demand for firefighters is rising, with a projected growth of 7% from 2020-30*. Likewise in media and communications fields, the state has seen the industry grow faster than average at 29% for broadcasting/video production technicians*, and 47%** for digital media careers like special effects artists and animators. In response, Bates has seen enrollment boosts in related career education programs. With a dedication to hands-on and experiential learning, Digital Media program student Chris says Bates gets students career-ready so they can step into their chosen career prepared to work. Fire Service program graduate Chase notes that area fire departments recognize that hardworking students graduate from Bates. The data and testimonials show the college is fulfilling its workforce-focused mission to inspire, challenge and educate.
*Data from O*Net Online.
**Data from Career OneStop.