Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) programs offer an opportunity for Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English as Second Language (ESL) students to start a certificate program and earn credits before meeting English and math requirements. They can also be a good option for students who have been out of school for some time and would like extra academic and/or navigational support.

Watch a video about the I-BEST program

I-BEST classes offer more support than a traditional college classroom. There are two instructors in one classroom – one is a professional-technical faculty and one is ABE or ESL faculty. Most courses include an extra class to review content, and enhance reading, writing and math skills needed for a certificate. With this extra support, students can earn a certificate or degree and pursue a career faster.

I-BEST Offerings:

Information Technology (IT)

This option gets you started on a pathway to prepare for an exciting career in Information Technology.

You will take three of the core classes in the I-BEST model, IT 100 Information Technology Fundamentals, IT 120 Database Development and IT 161 Web Authoring I, and then continue on toward a certificate or AAS-T in one of the following IT Pathways: Software Development, Web Development, Web Design, or Data Analytics and Database.

Classes are hybrid or fully online and start in Fall, Winter, or Spring. While enrolled, you will also attend a strengthening class to reinforce the material and provide extra support for success in the classes. You can take 15 credits through the I-BEST model. The full certificates are 62 credits and typically take students 5-8 quarters to complete. These programs lead directly to a career as well as further study in a Bachelor of Applied Science in Application Development at North Seattle College or other Applied Bachelors options in the area.

Contact Information 
Hansell Torres, Student Development Specialist 
BTS Transitions Center 
1701 Broadway – BE3135 
Seattle, WA 98122 
Hansell.TorresRios@seattlecolleges.edu  

Sterile Processing

This program prepares you to work in surgical services in a healthcare facility. Courses includes infection control, cleaning and disinfecting, handling, assembly, and distribution of surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment; patient and workplace safety, inventories, interpersonal skills and communication; and dynamics of an interdisciplinary team, professionalism and ethics; and an internship. See the program website for more information.

This two-quarter program starts in Spring Quarter only. Classes are full time and you will earn 19 credits. Courses can apply toward the Certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology.

To be eligible, you will need an ESL level 5 or above and CASAS Reading and Listening score of 227 or ABE level 4 and CASAS Reading score of 227.

Contact Information 
Hansell Torres, Student Development Specialist 
BTS Transitions Center 
1701 Broadway – BE3135 
Seattle, WA 98122 
Hansell.TorresRios@seattlecolleges.edu  

Nursing Assistant – Certified 

Nursing assistants provide hands-on care and perform daily tasks for patients in long-term care facilities (assisted living, adult family homes and nursing/rehabilitation centers) under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. Certification as a Nursing Assistant will provide knowledge and skills in medical terminology, body systems, basic nursing skills, measuring vital signs, personal care skills (including assisting with bathing and grooming), and safety and emergency procedures. See the program website for more information.

This program is offered in Summer Quarter only. Classes are full time and you will earn 14 credits. Finishing the nursing assistant program can help you apply to other degrees in Allied Health.

To be eligible, you will need an ESL level 5 or above and CASAS Reading and Listening score of 227 or ABE level 4 and CASAS Reading score of 227.

Contact Information 
Hansell Torres, Student Development Specialist 
BTS Transitions Center 
1701 Broadway – BE3135 
Seattle, WA 98122 
Hansell.TorresRios@seattlecolleges.edu