Taking a technical program is as easy as one-two-three.
1. Explore career opportunities: information on training programs is available by catalog, online, or by stopping by the Advising Office, Room 150 in Building 17.
2. Complete the admissions application: available on-line, in the college catalog, or in Building 17.
3. For programs which have core academics as part of the curriculum, a COMPASS assessment will help guide student toward complete of their coursework.
To enroll in most full time programs a COMPASS Assessment is required (exceptions include: Refinishing and Structure Repair, some Auto Technician certificate programs, Customer Service/Call Center Specialist, Esthetics, Floral Design, Health Unit Coordinator, Landscape Technician, Materials Management/Medical Central Service, and Catering & Banquet Service).
After testing, you will see an Advisor and an Education Plan will be developed for you. If there are no pre-requisites to the program, you will be admitted to the college for the next available opening. There is a $50.00 admission fee. You may obtain an admission form from the Advising/Counseling office.
Each course is priced separately, depending on tools and supplies required for the program. See the Program Fee List or contact the Advising/Counseling office for most current price information at 253-589-5548.
Pre-requisites are classes which must be taken before the beginning of the technical program (such as academics classes that must be taken before starting the practical nurse program).
Most programs require that you take the COMPASS Assessment prior to starting the program. Some of our programs have specific pre-requisites, and cut scores. Others have you take the academic classes as part of the technical program. (Refer to program descriptions web page).
Orientations are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, unless it is a holiday or school break. Orientations are held in the program classrooms at 3:00 p.m. They last approximately one hour.
The advisors use the COMPASS as a tool when advising on programs. This shows where your strengths and weaknesses are in reading, writing and math. This is to help students succeed in their chosen programs and place you at the correct academic level. In some cases certain COMPASS scores are required to be admitted to a program. The cost of the testing is $19.00. The COMPASS is given on certain days of the week. Please call for the testing schedule: 253-589-5548.
For academic class transfer, you must submit an official transcript to Student Records for evaluation. If you are hoping to challenge any part of a technical program, you must discuss this directly with the instructor of the program.
For tuition purposes there are no residency requirements. To be considered a resident for the purpose for financial aid you must have established residency in the state for 12 consecutive months prior to the academic year.
Advising staff can help you identify training that may enhance your current skill, or help you determine a new career path. A special financial aid opportunity called Worker Retraining may be available to you. See the section on Worker Retraining for specific information.
Most programs require that you have a High School diploma or GED before you finish the program. Some programs require a High School diploma or GED prior to starting the program. (Refer to Degrees and Certificates page). If it is a degree program - a High School diploma or GED is required.
Yes. Listed below are some options: If you are a Junior or a Senior between the age of 16 and 21 who has chosen a career direction and can benefit from college instruction, the Running Start may be for you. If you are 19 or older we have an Adult High School program for those seeking their High School diploma. An official transcript from the last High School you attended is required.
Stop by or call the Advising Office and meet with an advisor. An advisor can review what training may help you re-enter the job market. Please request at least a 20 minutes to meet with an advisor. It may also be a good idea to make a personal appointment with a program instructor if you have questions specific the curriculum.
CPTC instructors are in constant contact with employees in their field and when they have job leads they pass them on to the students. We also have a Career Resource Center on campus to help with resumes and job search.
Childcare is available on campus in Building 20. A sliding fee scale is used to determine cost. For more information you may request a childcare packet or call the childcare center at 253-589-5531.
Most of our full time programs are held during the day, but there are a few with evening or swing offerings such as Cosmetology, Computer & Information Systems Security, Early Care & Education, Health Unit Coordinator, Pharmacy Technician, and Massage Therapy. For more details refer to program description page.
You can view your transcript online (free), or order an official hard copy ($5/ea) sent to your employer or school.
