How much is tuition?

Tuition at community and technical colleges in Washington State is charged by credits, rather than by part-time or full-time status. A full-time (15 credit) load is $887.25 per quarter, or $2,661.75 annually (three quarters). Visit our web site for additional information on tuition and fees for North Seattle, Seattle Central and South Seattle Community Colleges.

At the Seattle Vocational Institute, tuition varies among the health care programs. For specifics, contact the Admission Coordinator at (206) 516-2948.

Yes. Financial aid offices can help you apply for grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. Financial aid advisors will work with you to find financial resources that fit your needs and requirements. Visit our campus web sites for additional information on financial aid:

• North Seattle Community College
• South Seattle Community College
• Seattle Central Community College
• Seattle Vocational Institute

North Seattle Community College is located in the north end of Seattle, west of Interstate 5.

South Seattle Community College is located in West Seattle.

Seattle Central Community College is located in the Capitol Hill district of Seattle.

Seattle Vocational Institute is located in the heart of the Central district of Seattle.

Yes. Distance Learning is an excellent way to advance your health care career. Online courses give you an opportunity to work at your own pace and on your own time, without having to go to a classroom. Other distance learning options include telecourses, video cassette courses, and Tele-web courses that combine online instruction with weekly programs broadcast on cable television. Once you have selected a program, search for specific distance learning courses that you are interested in taking.

Health care personnel are in high demand nationally, throughout Washington State, and especially in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. According to the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, Seattle’s preeminence as a major health care provider will create an estimated 10,100 jobs between 2004 and 2014. Overall, almost one in every five jobs in Seattle is tied to the health care industry.

Health care workers, especially nurses and nursing aides, are in demand throughout the Puget Sound region and statewide. In 2006 local health care practitioners reported thousands of vacancies. Besides registered nurses, high demand health care vacancies include respiratory therapists, dental hygienists and medical/dental assistants. As our population ages and an increasing number of current health care personnel near retirement themselves, there will be continuing demand for qualified health care workers.

How much can I earn in a health care career?

Depending on education and experience, health care wages can be highly competitive. Here are several occupations currently in demand that the Seattle Community Colleges offer training in and their average annual wages (in Washington State):

• Dental hygienists: $85,460
• Registered nurses: $67.003
• Respiratory therapists: $56,476
• Surgical technologist: $43,013

Click here for additional information on occupational wages, related educational requirements, and where the programs are offered at the Seattle Community Colleges.

No. Our programs accept students who are studying English as a Second Language (ESL), high school graduates, workers continuing their careers who are new to the health care field, and transfer students from other colleges and university programs. Contact a program advisor to learn how we can meet your needs.

Although not required, previous education and experience in health care may allow you to waive some course requirements or provide other benefits, depending on the certificate or degree program. If you can answer yes to and can document proof of any of the following questions, you are strongly encouraged to contact a program advisor:

• Have your ever worked in the Health Care Industry?
• Have you taken any college classes in the following:
  • Computers
  • English
  • Science
  • Psychology
  • Social sciences
  • Nutrition
  • Office administration
  • Accounting and/or bookkeeping
  • Customer service
  • Paralegal education or experience
  • Any health care courses such as medical assisting, dental assisting, and medical terminology
  • Other, including massage therapy; relaxation techniques; recreation, occupation therapy; sports and fitness training.


• Do you have Tech Prep, College in the High School or any other college credit earned in high school?
• Have you volunteered for health care services through a recognized agency or organization such as Hospice or Candy Stripers?
• Have you published or conducted research in any health care related field?

The time required to complete a health care program depends on the certificate or degree program. For example, medical receptionists can earn their certificate in two quarters, while nursing candidates earning an associate of arts degree may need two years or longer.

Click here to see the length of time required to complete the health care degrees and certificate programs offered by the Seattle Community Colleges.

How do I get started?

Each of our four campuses wants to help you achieve your health care education and career goals. As you get started, you will need some basic information to make your experience enjoyable, efficient, affordable and productive.

• Prerequisites — you will need to find out if you meet all of the prerequisite skills and knowledge to begin your studies.
• Financial Aid — you should apply as soon as possible if you need financial aid. Financial Aid forms are available at the college you plan to attend or at your high school.
• Placement Tests — most students enrolling at the Seattle Community Colleges are required to take assessment or placement tests.
• Counseling Services & Academic and Program Advising — many services are available, including academic tutoring, occupational and career information, affordable child care, and transportation assistance.

Click here for more information on health care education options at the Seattle Community Colleges.

Click here to contact a health care program office at one of our campuses.