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Integrated Basic Education & Skills Training

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)

New students can start in Fall, Winter, or Spring.

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

Students enroll in one of the following college-level IT programs:

Students will receive extra support for these four IT classes while taking an additional in-person I-BEST support class:

  • IT 100: Information Technology Fundamentals
  • IT 161: Web Authoring
  • IT 120: Database Development
  • IT 111: Programming Fundamentals

After completing these I-BEST classes, students can continue as general college students and take classes as needed to complete their certificate or associates degree. These programs can 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.

How to Get Started

  1. [Download IT I-BEST information sheet]
  2. Schedule a meeting with Hansell Torres at Hansell.TorresRios@seattlecolleges.edu to confirm your eligibility and make a personalized plan
  3. Complete the New Student Enrollment Steps (Hansell and BTS staff can help with this)
  4. Staff will register you for I-BEST classes when you have completed all steps

Sterile Processing

This program prepares you to work in surgical services in a healthcare facility. See the program website for more information.

This program is full-time. I-BEST eligible students will have an additional support class during the Spring quarter. In the Summer quarter, all students complete 400-hours of practicum/work experience at a hospital or healthcare facility.

How to Get Started

  1. [Download Sterile Processing I-BEST information sheet]
  2. Schedule a meeting with Transitions staff at Transitions.Central@seattlecolleges.edu to confirm your eligibility and make a personalized plan
  3. Complete the New Student Enrollment Steps (staff can help with this)
  4. Staff will register you for I-BEST classes when you have completed all steps

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.

Classes are full time, and you will earn 14 credits. I-BEST eligible students will receive an additional support class.

Finishing the nursing assistant program can help you apply to other degrees in Allied Health.

How to Get Started

  1. [Download NAC I-BEST information sheet]
  2. Schedule a meeting with Transitions staff at Transitions.Central@seattlecolleges.edu to confirm your eligibility and make a personalized plan
  3. Complete the New Student Enrollment Steps (staff can help with this)
  4. Staff will register you for I-BEST classes when you have completed all steps