
Bellingham Technical College | Field Guide 2022
Bellingham Technical College (BTC) has trained students for in-demand, high-paying
careers for more than 60 years. We provide hands-on, industry-led instruction in programs
such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, nursing and accounting. For example,
BTC’s nursing and allied health programs are in high demand by students and by local,
regional and state offices and facilities. BTC offers several pathways for students
to enter the nursing profession: Associate degree in Nursing full- and part-time options;
Nursing LPN to RN, Nursing Assistant and Practical Nursing.
Each year, about 3,790 students of all ages and backgrounds turn to BTC for education
and training. Whether students are 16 or 60, just out of high school or working adults,
our college prepares them for the next step up in life. As a technical college that
serves a large number of lower-income students and students who are the first in their
families to attend college, BTC is key to creating social and economic mobility for
people throughout our region.
Key Facts
Highest Enrolled Programs
- Nursing
- Welding and Fabricating Technology
- Computer Networking
- Radiologic Technology
- Business Management
Enrollment
- Headcount (all sources): 4,109
- FTES (all sources): 1,805
- Headcount (state-funded): 2,951
- FTES (state-funded): 1,581
Students in Selected Programs
- Bachelor's: 48
- Apprentices: 49
- I-BEST: 39
- International: 1
- Running Start: 112
- Worker Retraining: 175
Student Profile
Type of Student
- Academic/transfer: 14%
- Basic skills: 10%
- Other: 10%
- Workforce education: 67%
Race/Ethnicity*
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 5%
- Asian: 7%
- Black/African American: 3%
- Hispanic/Latino: 16%
- Pacific Islander: 1%
- White: 80%
Attendance
- Full-time: 44%
- Part-time: 56%
Family and Finances
- Students receiving need-based financial aid: 47%
- Students with dependents: 57%
Gender
- Female: 58%
- Male: 42%
Median age
25
Points of Interest
Workforce connections
To prepare students for today’s employment needs and tomorrow’s workforce opportunities, Bellingham Technical College (BTC) relies on active advisory committees to form invaluable employer and community partnerships. Over the past year, BTC launched an advisory committee member recruitment campaign which focused on replacing vacant positions and increasing membership. BTC welcomed over 40 new committee members as a result of the campaign, revitalizing the program with new energy. BTC employees connect with our industry partners to explore employment opportunities.
Pathways to achievement
With support from a multi-million-dollar, 5-year federal Title III Strengthening Institutional Programs grant, BTC employees are clustering the college’s high-wage, high-demand workforce training programs into areas of study — or meta-majors — to increase student access and success. Exploratory courses and common introductory sequences within industry groups will help students choose the right path for them and intensive student support services paired to each area of study, including personalized student advising, progress tracking, and relationship building will keep students on track.
Innovation and excellence
One of BTC’s premiere programs, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, has national prominence and attracts students from all over the country. Students have moved to Bellingham from Hawaii, California, Arizona, New York, Alaska and Oregon to join the program; 48% of current students are from outside Whatcom County. Second year students are working with instructors on a National Science Foundation (NSF) pilot project with the Ocean Observatories Initiative for oceanographic research. Over 83% of students from last year’s graduating cohort are already working in fisheries or aquaculture related fields, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science reached out to the program to recruit BTC graduates for shellfish jobs on the East Coast.
Data is from the 2020-21 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted.
*May not add up to 100% because students may be counted in more than one race. Percentages calculated on reported value.
Interim President
Kim Perry
Trustees
- Bradley Smith, chair
- Debbie Ahl
- Richard Kaiser
Year Founded
1957
Service Area
Whatcom County
Legislative Districts
40, 42
Page Manager:
shagreen@sbctc.edu
Last Modified: 12/21/22, 1:21 PM