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IBEST

Questions? Contact Us.

Andrea Gutierrez Trammell
I-BEST Pathway Coordinator
agutierreztrammell@yvcc.edu
509-834-4527

Integrated Basic Education
Skills Training (I-BEST)

I-BEST combines professional or technical training with Adult Basic Education (ABE) and High School Credit (HSC) courses, including reading, writing, math, and other foundational skills. This integrated approach offers students greater access and support to advance more quickly and effectively along their career pathways. In each classroom, students receive dual instruction from both a College & Career Readiness instructor and a professional-technical program instructor, providing enhanced personalized support. Before beginning an I-BEST program, students are required to enroll in a College & Career Readiness program, such as a GED, High School Plus (HS+), or English Language Learner (ELL) program.

  • I-BEST is a nationally recognized program proven to improve student outcomes, particularly for adult learners.
  • Students report increased confidence, motivation, and a stronger sense of purpose as they succeed in both academic and career-related goals.
  • Students can enroll in college-level programs even without a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • I-BEST students receive personalized coaching and support services, including help with registration, academic advising, and career planning to overcome barriers and succeed academically and professionally.
  • Financial assistance, such as the Opportunity Grant, is available for those who qualify.
  • Classes are available both online and in person, with day and evening options offered for select programs to fit various schedules and learning preferences.
  • I-BEST classes are team-taught by a professional-technical instructor and a CCR instructor for personalized learning support.
  • Students strengthen their academic skills while earning college-level credits.
  • The program also focuses on employability skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
  • Students earn a college certificate that leads to high-demand career opportunities.
  • Hands-on experience and practical, job-ready skills are built into each program.
  • I-BEST provides clear pathways to continued education, including Certificates, Associate (AAS), and Bachelor’s (BAS) degrees.

 

I-BEST Career Programs

 

Business Technology (BT) I-BEST

YVC’s Business Technology I-BEST certificates are designed to assist students in obtaining general office and skills while reinforcing basic reading, writing and math through I-BEST supported classes. Courses are available for consecutive quarters at the Yakima Campus. The I-BEST Business Technology program provides an interactive business and professional partnership to enhance student-centered education for career office opportunities that match business needs to student outcomes. After completing the I-BEST certificates, students can pursue an associate degree in Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Business Technology Program and will be placed according to their interest in fields such as: medical, legal, or administrative office. Students can also use obtained skills for employment purposes or other degree programs.

Business Technology Program Info

Business Technology Certificates

The Business Technology program offers two Office Worker certificates that begin every Fall and Spring quarter.

Printable Program Info

These courses are taken concurrently with ABE/HSC courses.
The specific quarter schedule may vary based on the student’s individual timeline and progress within the program.

Fall - Quarter 1 - Cohort Begins Credits
BT 100 – Introduction to Business Technology 2 Credits
BT 101 – Beginning Keyboarding 5 Credits
Winter - Quarter 2 Credits
IT 102 – Windows  2 Credits
IT 111 – Introduction to Spreadsheets  2 Credits
Spring - Quarter 3 Credits
BT 102 – Intermediate Keyboarding 5 Credits
BT 130 – Workplace Professionalism 5 Credits
Summer Quarter - Quarter 4 Credits
BT 160 – Word Processing 2 credits
BT 190 – Job Shadow 1 credit
Total Credits 24 Credits

Upon program completions, students will have earned:

  • Office Skills I Certificate
  • Office Skills II Certificate

Pharmacy Assistant (AH) I-BEST

A Pharmacy Assistant is an in-demand healthcare career that provides ample employment opportunities and flexible work environments. Pharmacy assistants assist pharmacists by performing all clerical duties necessary to ensure that a pharmacy is running efficiently. They answer telephone calls, manage the cash register, and restock shelves with medication and other pharmaceutical supplies. YVC’s Pharmacy Assistant Certificate takes one quarter to complete with an opportunity to continue your education at YVC as a Pharmacy Technician. The pharmaceutical field offers a multitude of advancement opportunities, making it an ideal field for anyone who wants long-term professional possibilities and exciting new challenges. Pharmacy assistants can expect to earn over $35k a year, with a job outlook growing faster than the average employment field over the next ten years.

Pharmacy Assistant Program info

About the Program
Pharmacy Assistant Certificate (5 Credits) | Online instruction
Pharmacy Assistant hourly wage: $18.11 an hour
Pharmacy Technician hourly wage: $24.83 (Additional Education Required)

Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) programs offer an opportunity for Adult Basic Education (ABE) students to start a certificate or degree sooner, with extra support. Start on a career pathway leading to higher wages and opportunities while improving your academic skills. The Pharmacy Assistant I-BEST program is fully online, completed in one quarter (Winter), and is 5 credits.

Printable Program Info

  • Funding is available for those who qualify.

  • GED or High School Diploma is not required.

  • I-BEST students receive registration, advising and career
    planning support.

  • Adult Basic Education programs provide essential skills in areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, technology, and English language proficiency. These foundational skills enable adults to progress in higher education and secure well-paying jobs in growing industries.

Program Eligibility: 

  • Students must first be enrolled in the College & Career Readiness program before beginning an I-BEST program. They must also be actively working towards their GED, high school diploma, or enrolled in Adult Basic Education courses.
  • ABE Writing Level: 4

Course Sequence

Healthcare Foundation Courses" Offered every Fall and Spring Quarters

Course

HSC 69 – Healthcare Workplace Skills

HSC 71 – Healthcare Terminology

Winter - Quarter 1 of 1

Courses Credits

AH 155 First Aid/CPR/Blood-Borne Pathogen Training

2 credits 

AH 105 Introduction to Pharmacology

3 credits 

Total Credits

5

 

Upon successful completion of the program and required courses, students will earn:

  • YVC Pharmacy Assistant Certificate
  • Washington State Department of Health Credential
  • First Aid and Healthcare Provider Certifications
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certifications
  •  Seven hours of Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training

Phlebotomy (AH) I-BEST

Phlebotomy is an exciting entry-level healthcare career that provides ample employment opportunities and excellent exposure to the many areas of the healthcare industry. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research or blood donations. YVC’s Phlebotomy certificate program takes two quarters to complete, with lab instruction on both the Yakima and Grandview campuses. Working phlebotomists can expect to earn over $40k a year, with a job outlook growing faster than the average employment field over the next ten years.

Phlebotomy Program Info

About the Program
Phlebotomy Certificate (11 Credits) | Online instruction |100-hour externship
Opportunity Grant money available
Average wage: $22.34 an hour
22% Job Growth (2020-2030)

The program is two quarters in length. The first quarter is three classes. AHPH 170 is a fully online course, AH 155 is a hybrid (online and face-to-face) and AHPH 171 is a face-to-face lab course offered on the Yakima and Grandview campuses. The second quarter is one class. AHPH 172 is the externship course. Most of the course is completed by participating in an externship experience in a local lab and hospital setting.

Printable Program Info

I-BEST supporting courses

  • ABE Math 4/5
  • ABE Writing 4/5
Prerequisites - Healthcare Foundation Courses (Offered every Fall or Spring) Credits
HSC 69 – Healthcare Workplace Skills N/A
HSC 71 – Healthcare Terminology N/A
Winter – Quarter 1
AH 155 – First Aid/CPR/Blood-Borne Pathogen Training 3 Credits
AHPH 170 – Phlebotomy Theory 4 Credits
AHPH 171 –Phlebotomy Lab 1 credit
Spring – Quarter 2
AHPH 172 – Phlebotomy Externship 4 Credits

Upon program completions, students will have earned:

  • YVC Phlebotomy Certificate
  • Washington State Department of Health Credential
  • Certifications in First Aid, Healthcare Provider, Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),
  • Seven hours of Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) training.

*SCHEDULE/SEQUENCE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON ENROLLMENT*

Upon successful completion of the program and required courses, students will earn:

  •  YVC Phlebotomy Certificate
  • Washington State Department of Health Credential
  • First Aid and Healthcare Provider Certifications
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certifications
  • Seven hours of Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training

Program entry requirements

Tuberculosis (TB) PPD Testing:

Submit proof of ONE of the following:

  • 2 step TB (PPD) skin test
  • Visit 1: Place the first PPD 
  • Visit 2: 48-72 hours later, the PPD is read. 
  • Visit 3: 1-3 weeks after Visit 1, the second PPD is placed. 
  • Visit 4: 48-72 hours later, the PPD is read. 
  • The 2-step PPD test, or tuberculin skin test (PPD), is used to detect individuals with past tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is done in a four appointment schedule.
  • In summary, 2-step PPD testing requires 2 PPD’s to be placed, 1-3 weeks apart, with each of those tests read 48-72 hours after placement.

OR

  • IGRA – TB Blood Test (QuantiFERON TB Gold)

If you have had a positive TB test result, consult your advisor in determining what is your next best step in order to proceed to your clinical rotations.

  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): Must have booster within the last 8 years.
  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR): There must be documentation of one of the following:
  • 2 vaccinations (6 weeks apart)
  • Positive antibody titers (blood draw) for ALL 3 components
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox): There must be documentation of one of the following:
  • 2 vaccinations (6 weeks apart)
  • Positive antibody titers (blood draw)
  • Hepatitis B (Hep B): There must be documentation of one of the following:
  • 3 vaccinations (2nd shot 2 months after 1st, and 3rd shot 4-6 months after 1st shot)
  • Positive antibody titers (blood draw)
  • Influenza: Submit documentation of a flu shot administered during the current flu season
  • Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 

Questions? Contact Us.

Andrea Gutierrez Trammell
I-BEST Pathway Coordinator
agutierreztrammell@yvcc.edu
509-834-4527