Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (IBEST)

What is IBEST?

An I-BEST pathway is one that takes people who are working on their basic educational skills (English and Math) and puts them in a technical program at the same time. As a student,you will have two teachers in the classroom, and extra support class to help you really understand the classroom information.

WCC's I-BEST pathways take some of the classes in a particular certificate (for example, Medical Billing and Coding) and integrate the ones that are most difficult for Basic Skills students to understand. The certificates have work experience and/or clinicals built in, so you will get to actually work in your field before graduating. Many of the credits in the certificate are pathways into other certificates, training endorsements, and/or degrees.

For example, after completing the Nursing Assistant (NAC) IBEST program you can move on to the Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) program.

IBEST Coordinator
Katie Jensen, Director for Transitional Programs
(360) 383-3061

IBEST Program Advisor
Jackie Landsem
(360)383-3080

Information Sessions (Medical Assisting, Accounting, and Nursing Assistant Certified)

For information on upcoming sessions, or to schedule an individual appointment, please call (360)383-3061.

What IBEST programs are at WCC?

These are the current IBEST programs at WCC:
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Front Office
• Business
• NAC (Nursing Assistant Certified)

What are the prerequisites?

Students must have CASAS test scores in a certain range to qualify for the I-BEST program. The CASAS test can be taken on the Whatcom campus, call the ABE/ESL office at (360) 383-3060 for more information. Students do NOT need to have taken the college assessment to be eligible for IBEST.

What kind of support will IBEST provide?

The IBEST program provides additional support to you as you take your coursework to complete the degree, including:

• An IBEST instructor in most of your credit classes. This instructor will co-teach with your content instructor to make sure that you understand all of the information and assignments in the class.
  
• The IBEST instructor will teach a separate support class where you will work on the difficult concepts that came up in your class, study skills, and homework assignments.
  
• You will be participating in IBEST as a cohort, a group of students that take all of the classes together. You will form study groups from your cohort where you can work together on assignments and studying for class.
  
• The Pathways Program is an option for IBEST students in medical programs. Pathways assists and supports students as they work toward a career in the healthcare industry. The program offers free tutoring, study groups, workshops, mentoring, and advising. As well as assistance obtaining industry mentors and job shadowing opportunities.

What kind of financial aid is available?

You are strongly encouraged to fill out a FAFSA (Federal Application For Student Aid)if you are considering this program. Completing a FAFSA can make you eliglble for several grants and scholarships, including the Opportunity Grant. (link)

You must have completed your GED to be eligible for financial aid. However, you may be working toward your GED as you complete your IBEST program.

Students must also work with the IBEST advisor to come up with an educational plan and explore financial aid opportunities.

What are the application requirements?

Students must have CASAS test scores in a certain range to qualify for the I-BEST program. The CASAS test can be taken on the Whatcom campus, call the ABE/ESL office at (360) 383-3060 for more information. Students do NOT need to have taken the college assessment to be eligible for IBEST.

Students must apply to the College by completing the WCC application.

NAC students must complete the Selective Entry program application (link) as well as the general application to WCC.

You must also fill out an IBEST application and meet with Katie Jensen, Director for Transitional Programs. You may schedule an appointment by calling (360) 383-3061.