Transitional Studies

What is ESL?

English as a Second Language (ESL) (also known as English Language Acquisition or ELA) are classes for adults who do not speak English as their first language. The program focuses on the four language competencies: reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

Who Is Eligible?

Resident immigrants or refugees who are 19 or older are eligible. Those on student or tourist visas are not eligible. If you are on a student visa, please visit our International Education page for more information 

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held either completly online or on-campus hybrid classes (ESL 1-5: Monday-Wednesday: In-Person; ESL 2-5: Thursday: Online via Zoom). Day and evening classes are available Monday through Thursday. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen. Off-site classes are also available at various locations around Tacoma. 

How Do I Get Started?

Please call 253-589-5702, email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu to get started.

What is ABE?
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes prepare students for college level classes, and can also be part of the coursework for students earning their GED or High School diploma. 

Who Is Eligible?

• Students who intend to enroll in a college level program and test into ABE classes.
• Adult students earning their GED or High School diploma
• ESL students who want to advance to a higher English skill level

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held either completly online or on-campus hybrid classes (Monday/Tuesday: In-Person; Wednesday/Thursday: Online via Zoom). Day and evening classes are available Monday through Thursday. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen.

How Do I Get Started?

Please call 253-589-5702, email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu to get started. 

What is GED & High School +?

For adult students who have not earned a high school diploma, there are two options to gain this educational credential.

• Option 1: Our GED classes will assist you to prepare for and take any of the required GED tests. 
• Option 2: You may also decide to earn your high school diploma. The High School + option evaluates your high school transcript, along with your professional and personal experiences (i.e. being a parent; speaking another language) to earn additional high school credits. From there, you may take some ABE classes and/or GED tests for credit, and also work one-on-one with an instructor to finish the diploma. 

Who Is Eligible?

Adult students who have not earned a GED or High School diploma.

For international students/immigrants/refugees: if you earned a high school diploma in another country, please discuss options with us before registering for GED classes. 

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held either completly online or on-campus hybrid classes (Monday/Tuesday: In-Person; Wednesday/Thursday: Online via Zoom). Day and evening classes are available Monday through Thursday. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen.

How Do I Get Started?

Please contact Felicia Dennis to start discussing which option is best for you!

Felicia.Dennis@cptc.edu
253-589-5524
219-232-8297 (text only)

What is I-BEST?

I-BEST is a certificate program that combines Adult Basic Education (ABE) and technical-skills training using a team approach. You don't need a High School Equivalency Exam (such as GED) or high school diploma to complete these certificate programs. Programs are one to two quarters and can lead to employment, or students can transfer the credits to a degree or certificate program.

CPTC I-BEST Certificate Programs

Automotive Technician

Our Automotive Technician program immerses students in hands-on learning that includes the newest technology so they are prepared for a career after graduation. The 85,000 square-foot automotive facility features state-of-the-industry paint rooms, computer labs, classrooms and glassed-in shop areas.

The CPTC Automotive programs have won numerous national awards. If you have a passion for cars, as well as using knowledge and hands-on skills to make them work better than ever before, this might be the program for you. 

C-TAPP Construction Trades Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program

This apprenticeship readiness program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the construction industry.

Students will earn a lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting certification (RRP), Forklift Operator Certification, OSHA 10 Construction Safety card, American Heart Association First Aid and CPR certification card, Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP), AED (defibrillator use).

Nursing Assistant — Certified (also known as CNA)

Students learn the basics of nursing, leading to employment as a Nursing Assistant – Certified (NA-C) or earn priority registration into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) when all other requisites are - pre-met.

Practical Nursing (LPN) 

The Practical Nursing Program prepares students entry into the nursing profession. A practical nurse registered will work under the direction of a licensed nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX PN exam. This is a pathway program to Registered Nurse programs.

Pharmacy Technician

Our Pharmacy Technician program offers hands-on training in the classroom and laboratory. Our Pharmacy Technician program can prepare you for a rewarding career assisting pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, long-term care and community pharmacies.

Employers look for graduates who have trained in the technician duties and responsibilities under the guidelines of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, which govern the curriculum and standards of our program.

How Do I Get Started?

Please contact Felicia Dennis to start discussing which option is best for you! 
Email: Felicia.Dennis@cptc.edu
Phone: 219-232-8297

Instructors

Jawahir Ali
ESL Instructor
Email: jawahir.ali@cptc.edu 

Jason Anderson
ESL Instructor
Email: jason.anderson@cptc.edu 

Christine Caro
GED Prep & High School + Instructor
Email: christine.caro@cptc.edu 

Sondra Clark
ESL Instructor
Email: sondra.clark@cptc.edu 

Karen Davis
ESL Instructor
Email: karen.davis@cptc.edu

Diane Follett
ESL Instructor
Email: diane.follett@cptc.edu 

Peter Frisell
ESL Instructor
Email: peter.frisell@cptc.edu 

Jen Gonthier
High School + Instructor (Online Only)
Email: jen.gonthier@cptc.edu 

DeWayne Grimes
ABE Math Instructor
Email: dewayne.grimes@cptc.edu 

Marjut Karlsson
ESL  Instructor
Email: marjut.karlsson@cptc.edu 

Ronald Lethcoe
ESL Instructor
Email: ronald.lethcoe@cptc.edu 

Jovan McCoy
ABE, I-Best, & College Success Instructor 
Email: jovan.mccoy@cptc.edu 

Sandy Mondragon
ESL & High School + Instructor 
Email: sandy.mondragon@cptc.edu 

Pam Munizza
ABE & GED Prep (Math, English, Science) Instructor (Online Only)
Email: pam.munizza@cptc.edu 

Tara Nwoke
ESL & I-Best Instructor 
Email: tara.nwoke@cptc.edu 

Chris Pearson
ESL Instructor
Email: christopher.pearson@cptc.edu 

Beth Salave'a
High School + Portfolio Instructor
Email: elizabeth.salavea@cptc.edu 

Rocky Sandoval 
ABE & ESL Instructor
Email: rocky.sandoval@cptc.edu 

Sue Williams
ABE English & GED Instructor
Email: sue.williams@cptc.edu 

Staff 

Karina Calzada
(Hablo Español)
Instructional Program Assistant
Email: karina.calzada@cptc.edu

Felicia Dennis
Navigator
Email: felicia.dennis@cptc.edu

Eun Ha Lee
(한국말을 할 수 있습니다)
CASAS Assessment Proctor
Email: eunha.lee@cptc.edu

Jenna Pollock
Dean for Pre-College Pathways
Email: jenna.pollock@cptc.edu

Samanda Roman
Assessment & Data Specialist
Email: samanda.roman@cptc.edu

Riabelle Vivas
Pre-College Pathways Faculty Advisor
Email: riabelle.vivas@cptc.edu

1. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
This page can help you understand your rights as a student, including the right to privacy regarding your records/grades. If you want Transitional Studies or CPTC to speak to anyone outside the college about you, you will be asked to complete this Release Form.  

2. Disability Resources
Depending on your learning style and/or physical needs, you may decide to request additional accommodations to help you succeed best. These may include, but are not limited to additional time for tests, ergonomic furniture, or note-taking software.
To get started, please visit the Disability Resources web page.
You may be asked to complete this online 

3. Workforce Development
If you are considering enrolling in a college program, Workforce Development may be able to provide you with funding besides what is available from FAFSA. They also offer financial counseling; WorkSource services; and short-term training courses through Continuing Education. Please visit their Canvas page to learn more.