Bates Technical College | Field Guide 2026

Dr. Lin Zhou

  • Heather Moss, chair 
  • Florence Chang, vice chair
  • Tom George
  • Thaddeus Jackson
  • Christina Blocker

1940

Pierce County

2, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Bates logo

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.

Key Facts

  • 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

  • Headcount (all sources): 7,440
  • FTES (all sources): 4,458
  • Headcount (state-funded): 5,769
  • FTES (state-funded): 3,271

  • Apprentices: 1,883
  • I-BEST: 349
  • International: 15
  • Technical High School: 940
  • Worker Retraining: 413

Student Profile

  • Academic/transfer: 2%
  • Basic skills: 6%
  • Workforce education: 74%
  • Other: 18%

Students of color: 44%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 4%
  • Asian: 13%
  • Black/African American: 14%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 15%
  • Pacific Islander: 2%
  • White: 59%

  • Full-time: 53%
  • Part-time: 47%

  • Students receiving need-based financial aid: 22%
  • Students with dependents: 38%

  • Female: 2,788
  • Male: 3,972
  • X: 20
  • Not reported: 660

28

Points of Interest

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.

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.

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).

Data is from the 2024-25 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

*Students of color percent based on unduplicated headcount. Students may be counted in more than one race, so race/ethnicity percentages may not total 100%. Percentages calculated on reported value.

**Excluding Running Start.