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Employment Possibilities

Knowledge of office skills and office management principles are marketable across all industries and can be applied to a number of different careers. Medical office assistants, medical billing specialists, and those with well-rounded medical administrative skills are always highly sought after by healthcare companies.

How to Enroll

Enrollment is open throughout the year. Start in the fall, winter, spring or summer quarters.

New students, as well as former students who have missed one or more academic quarters, will need to apply for admission and can follow our simple five-step process to get started.

The BTECH department will help you to create your education plan. Please be sure to bring any transcripts from previous colleges to that appointment.

If you need assistance with getting started, please feel free to contact us.

Special Support Through IBEST

Worried about the transition into college level classes? Integrated Basic Education Skills Training (I-BEST) is a unique program for students who need basic skills and professional-technical career training. I-BEST students are paired with an Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, or GED instructor, as well as a professional-technical program instructor for twice the support in each classroom.

Contact Ann Hayes Garcia for more information about IBEST at 253-912-3657 or AHayes-garcia@pierce.ctc.edu.

Prerequisites

The majority of students complete a skills assessment through the Pierce College testing center.

If you have previous college credits, you may also submit a transcript to be evaluated for possible college credit. Learn more about placement into classes on the Testing Placement web page.

Paying for College

Financial aid and scholarships are frequently available to students who qualify. Visit our Workforce web page for more information about special funding opportunities for unemployed workers or low-wage working parents.

Cost

Cost is based on the amount of credits enrolled per quarter for the Puyallup and Fort Steilacoom campuses. Use the tuition calculator to view an estimate.

Medical Billing and Coding students may have additional costs if they wish to take the national Certified Professional Coder CPC certification exam. Most students purchase the required books needed for the exam for their courses. Books are available for purchase through the Pierce College bookstore, and financial aid funding can help with book purchases if you qualify.

Approximate 2019–2020 costs to complete the CPC exam:

  • Total for books needed for CPC: $249.99
  • AAPC Individual Membership: $175
  • CPC exam cost: $425

Learn more about the AAPC CPC national exam at the AAPC website.

Vocational Counselors

Are you a vocational counselor trying to help a new student get started? We are happy to assist!

If you are assisting a student who is below college level or enrolling in ESL classes, please contact Ann Hayes Garcia through the IBEST program.