About Our College

About BTC

BTC History

Bellingham Technical College began in 1957, serving Whatcom County adults as Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute, and was operated by Bellingham School District. In 1991, through state legislative action, the institution was designated a member of the Washington State Community and Technical College system as Bellingham Technical College (BTC). The college is located in a district of 2,210 square miles with a population of over 212,284. The majority of students are local, with a growing number moving to the area to enroll at BTC.

About Our Students

In the 2024-25 academic year, the College served 4,435 students (1,935 full-time equivalent students). Of those students, 51% identified as female, 41% as male, and 8% did not report; 27% identified as students of color (26% did not report); and the average age was 27 years old. Of the 2,545 degree-/certificate-seeking students, 60% identified as first-generation college students, 55% attended full-time, and 66% received some kind of financial aid. Of students who left BTC during the 2023-24 academic year with at least 45 credits and at least a 2.0 GPA, 82% were either employed in Washington or Oregon or went on to continue at another post-secondary institution within nine months of their last BTC course enrollment. 

(Data sources: BTC Operational Data Store, SBCTC After College Outcomes Dashboard) 

Accreditation Status

Bellingham Technical College (BTC) is a Member institution with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). BTC’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. NWCCU’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 2022, was to reaffirm accreditation. NWCCU is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

Accreditation by NWCCU indicates that BTC meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. 

Accreditation by NWCCU applies to the institution as a whole. It provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. 

Inquiries regarding BTC’s accredited status should be directed to BTC’s administrative staff or by contacting:

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of BTC’s programs (e.g., Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Surgery Technology, Veterinary Technician, Paramedic) have national certification or accreditation. These are highlighted in the program descriptions.

Advisory Committees

The degree and certificate programs at Bellingham Technical College rely on the involvement and support of approximately 200 businesses, industry employers and employees from the community. Advice and direction offered by experts in the working world ensure that students acquire the knowledge and skills that are in demand in the workforce.

An advisory committee representing each specific professional technical field meets regularly with program faculty on matters of curriculum review and development, facilities and equipment, guidance and career advisement, employment opportunities, and promotional activities.

Drug-Free Workplace

Bellingham Technical College is committed to providing a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure workplace and environment, and has implemented a drug and alcohol abuse, prevention, and assistance program. The College annually notifies employees and students that the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on College property, or as any part of College activity, is prohibited (WAC 495B-121-265 (5)(6)).

Bellingham Technical College intends to promote a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure work environment. The unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol or any controlled substance is prohibited in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College. The use of alcohol or any unlawful controlled substance while in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College is prohibited. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities. Prescription drug usage must be accomplished in a lawful and safe manner pursuant to a valid medical prescription. No employee will report to work while under the influence of alcohol or any unlawful controlled substance. A controlled substance is defined by RCW 69.50.201 through RCW 69.50.214 or pursuant to Title 21 USC Section 821 (Schedules I-IV), as now enacted or subsequently amended.

BTC recognizes drug dependency to be an illness and major health problem. The institution also classifies drug usage and abuse as a potential safety and security problem. Employees needing assistance in dealing with such problems are strongly encouraged to utilize the Employee Assistance Program, provided by health insurance plans, when appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bellingham Technical College provides equal opportunity and access in education and employment and does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, national origin, age, marital status, religion, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its programs, activities, and services. The College complies with all Washington State anti-discrimination laws (RCW 49.60) and the following federal laws relating to equal opportunity: Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination, equal opportunity, or the ADA policies: Director of Human Resources, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360.752.8349. For Title IX/504 compliance, contact: Title IX Coordinator, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360.752.8305.

BTC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Accessibility Resources Office at 360.752.8576.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bellingham Technical College is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and accessible campus environment by strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusivity in its campus community. The College recognizes these are essential elements of a healthy campus community.

The College believes every student deserves an opportunity for success in their education, so the College welcomes all students, inclusive of any race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, national origin, age, marital status, religion, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its programs, activities, and services.

The College states that Equity means that BTC seeks to create an educational experience that prepares all students to live as critical thinkers and engaged members of a global world. Our graduates will be prepared to enter their careers as leaders who honor the importance of diverse communities. BTC is dedicated to the ongoing training and education of our students and employees around topics of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Bellingham Technical College Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of these as essential elements of a healthy campus community, supports efforts to achieve their ends, and acknowledges that this commitment to diversity applies to employees, students, and guests of Bellingham Technical College.

In order to manifest these values across campus, BTC has established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee). The DEI Committee is a cross-constituency group that provides policy direction and recommendations to the College Assembly, and is a deliberative body that sets the DEI agenda for the College and monitors its progress toward achieving its goals. DEI Committee also serves as an operation committee, serving in a communication and advocacy capacity to maintain consistency of major college diversity, equity, and inclusion processes and procedures.

2023-30 Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan was developed by the employees and students of Bellingham Technical College to guide our institutional work. We prioritize our activities, allocate our resources, and collaborate with others based on our strategic themes and goals, and are committed to creating, evaluating, and improving college practices and policies to support the Strategic Plan.

Mission

Bellingham Technical College provides student-centered, high-quality professional technical education for today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Vision

Bellingham Technical College will be a recognized leader in providing innovative and effective technical education, maximizing student potential and supporting the regional economy through development of a competitive workforce.

Values

As a learning community, Bellingham Technical College is committed to educational excellence and equity realized through a positive, values-based campus environment. To fulfill BTC’s mission and vision, the College will adhere to the following values:

Student-Centered  Creating a supportive and inclusive community that results in a high level of student competence, professionalism, and success.

Responsive  Embracing positive, effective change that creates opportunity and meets current and emerging needs.

Collaborative  Creating and leveraging partnerships and resources to achieve shared values and goals for students, the College, and the community.

Principled  Promoting a culture of respect and accountability, reflecting integrity in decision-making, and ensuring responsible stewardship of all resources.

Themes

Teaching & Learning: Foster student learning and development through quality instructional methods and modalities, effective student learning environments, job skills training, and employee professional development.

Career Preparation & Achievement: Facilitate student career preparation and achievement through advising, workplace readiness training, job placement support, and strong employer relationships.

Innovation & Responsiveness: Promote innovation and responsiveness by keeping up with current workplace practices, trends, and latest technology; supporting adaptation to change; and developing external partnerships.

Campus Community & Culture: Strengthen campus culture through a collaborative community, respectful communication, and transparent governance.

Bellingham Technical College Foundation

The mission of the Bellingham Technical College Foundation is to change lives by expanding access to quality education.

The Foundation advances this mission through partnerships with individuals, businesses, alumni, grant-making institutions, and other community organizations. Together, the Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff work to support students and strengthen Bellingham Technical College.

To support this work, the Foundation Board established an ambitious three-year fundraising goal (2023-2026), with the commitment to raise:

• $1,500,000 to support scholarships for BTC students.
• $600,000 in direct support of BTC programs.
• $300,000 for the Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund, which supports critical campus priorities, including:
  • Emergency grants and student assistance
  • Faculty and staff professional development
  • Support for BTC veterans
  • The campus food pantry

There are many ways to support Bellingham Technical College through the Foundation, including: making an annual or named scholarship gift, establishing an endowed scholarship, donating stock or other assets, making a pledged gift over time, or donating equipment to support BTC programs.

If you or someone you know would like to support the BTC Foundation’s mission, you may donate online at www.btc.edu/donate or contact us at 360.752.8684. We are happy to assist you in any way possible.

The BTC Foundation is located on the ground floor of the Campus Center Building.

Bellingham Technical College Foundation
3028 Lindbergh Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
360.752.8684
www.btc.edu/foundation

Tax ID #91-1658027

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS

Over the past five years, the BTC Foundation has awarded an average of $1,000,000 in scholarships annually, benefiting approximately 360 students each year. The scholarship application opens online at the beginning of Spring Quarter, with a typical application deadline on or around June 30.

Learn more at www.btc.edu/scholarships.

College Calendar 2026-2027

NOTES:

* If enrolling after Tuition & Fee Due Date, payment is due within 48 hours. After quarter start, payment is due within 24 hours.
** Published Refund dates are for full-quarter length classes. Shorter classes are pro-rated. Please see the Refund Policy.
*** Published Drop & Withdrawal dates are for full-quarter length classes. Dates vary for classes with alternative schedules.

The College Calendar is tentative, pending final approval, and is subject to change.
Visit us on the web at www.btc.edu/calendar.

LIMITS OF CATALOG

Bellingham Technical College reserves the option to amend, modify, or revise any provision of this catalog and its programs for any reason, including but not limited to:

• A lack of funds to operate a program or course;
• Unavailability of faculty;
• A change in administrative or Board of Trustees policy; or
• A change in laws, rules, or regulations of local, state, or federal laws which govern the operation of technical colleges.

BTC Buildings & Directions to Campus

How to Find our Campus

From I-5: Take Exit 258 (airport exit). Follow the signs - left off the exit, left onto Bennett Drive, left onto Marine Drive, left onto Lindbergh Ave. For College Services Bldg., turn left onto Nome St.

From Downtown Bellingham: Follow Holly St. to Eldridge Ave. After the stone bridge (watch for sign), turn right onto Nequalicum Ave. For College Services Bldg., go straight onto Nome St.

From Guide Meridian: At the south end of Guide Meridian, turn right on Broadway. Right onto Eldridge Ave. After the stone bridge, turn right onto Nequalicum Ave. For College Services Bldg., go straight onto Nome St.

BTC Campus Map  

Off Campus locations: Technology Development Center (TDC), 1000 F St., Bellingham: Composites Engineering; Perry Center for Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences, 1600 C St., Bellingham: Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences.

^{Instructional sites are easily accessible to students using wheelchairs or crutches. Building M is not barrier-free. Students with disabilities who wish to take a class at a site which does not accommodate their disability should contact Accessibility Resources at 360.752.8576 or AR@btc.edu.}