Transitional Studies

What is ESL?

English as a Second Language (ESL) (also known as English Language Acquisition or ELA) are classes for adults who do not speak English as their first language. The program focuses on the four language competencies: reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

Who Is Eligible?

Resident immigrants or refugees who are 19 or older are eligible. Those on student or tourist visas are not eligible. If you are on a student visa, please visit our International Education page for more information.

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held completely online, in-person at the Lakewood Campus, or in-person at our various off-site Locations. Online and on-campus classes are held Monday through Thursday mornings beginning at 9am, or evenings beginning at 5:30pm. Off-site classes are also available at various locations around the Tacoma and North Puyallup area; contact us for more information. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen. 

How Do I Get Started?

Please call 253-589-5702, email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu to get started.

What is GED & High School +?

For adult students who have not earned a high school diploma, there are two options to gain this educational credential.

• Option 1: Our GED classes will assist you to prepare for and take any of the required GED tests. 
• Option 2: You may also decide to earn your high school diploma. The High School + option evaluates your high school transcript, along with your professional and personal experiences (i.e. being a parent; speaking another language) to earn additional high school credits. From there, you may take some ABE classes and/or GED tests for credit, and also work one-on-one with an instructor to finish the diploma. 

How Do I Get Started?

GED/HS+ Completion Information Sessions happen every Monday (except during Holidays) at 10:30am and 5pm. Please contact Felicia Dennis to start discussing which option is best for you!

Felicia.Dennis@cptc.edu
253-589-5524
219-232-8297 (text only)

Who Is Eligible?

Adult students who have not earned a GED or High School diploma.

For international students/immigrants/refugees: if you earned a high school diploma in another country, please attend the GED/HS+ Completion Information Session to discuss options with us before registering for GED classes. 

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held completely online, in-person at the Lakewood Campus, or in-person at our various off-site Locations. Online and on-campus classes are held Monday through Thursday mornings beginning at 9am, or evenings beginning at 5pm. Off-site classes are also available at various locations around the Tacoma area. Contact us for more information. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen. 

What is ABE?
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes prepare students for college level classes, and can also be part of the coursework for students earning their GED or High School diploma. 

Who Is Eligible?

• Students who intend to enroll in a college level program and test into ABE classes.
• Adult students earning their GED or High School diploma
• ESL students who want to advance to a higher English skill level

How Much Does the Program Cost?

There is a $25 registration fee per quarter (each quarter is approximately eleven weeks long). Tuition waivers are available for students with financial need. 

When Are Classes Held?

Classes are held completely online, in-person at the Lakewood Campus, or in-person at our various off-site Locations. Online and on-campus classes are held Monday through Thursday mornings beginning at 9am, or evenings beginning at 6:30pm. Students may switch between day and evening classes when work or personal schedule changes happen. 

How Do I Get Started?

Please call 253-589-5702, email TransitionalStudies@cptc.edu to get started. 

What is I-BEST?

I-BEST is a certificate program that combines Adult Basic Education (ABE) and technical-skills training using a team approach. You don't need a High School Equivalency Exam (such as GED) or high school diploma to complete these certificate programs. Programs are one to two quarters and can lead to employment, or students can transfer the credits to a degree or certificate program.

CPTC I-BEST Certificate Programs

Automotive Technician

Our Automotive Technician program immerses students in hands-on learning that includes the newest technology so they are prepared for a career after graduation. The 85,000 square-foot automotive facility features state-of-the-industry paint rooms, computer labs, classrooms and glassed-in shop areas.

The CPTC Automotive programs have won numerous national awards. If you have a passion for cars, as well as using knowledge and hands-on skills to make them work better than ever before, this might be the program for you. 

C-TAPP Construction Trades Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program

This apprenticeship readiness program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the construction industry.

Students will earn a lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting certification (RRP), Forklift Operator Certification, OSHA 10 Construction Safety card, American Heart Association First Aid and CPR certification card, Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP), AED (defibrillator use).

Nursing Assistant — Certified (also known as CNA)

Students learn the basics of nursing, leading to employment as a Nursing Assistant – Certified (NA-C) or earn priority registration into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) when all other requisites are - pre-met.

Practical Nursing (LPN) 

The Practical Nursing Program prepares students entry into the nursing profession. A practical nurse registered will work under the direction of a licensed nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX PN exam. This is a pathway program to Registered Nurse programs.

Pharmacy Technician

Our Pharmacy Technician program offers hands-on training in the classroom and laboratory. Our Pharmacy Technician program can prepare you for a rewarding career assisting pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, long-term care and community pharmacies.

Employers look for graduates who have trained in the technician duties and responsibilities under the guidelines of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, which govern the curriculum and standards of our program.

How Do I Get Started?

Please contact Felicia Dennis to start discussing which option is best for you! 
Email: Felicia.Dennis@cptc.edu
Phone: 219-232-8297

Instructors

Jawahir Ali 
ESL Instructor 
Email J. Ali

Jason Anderson 
ESL Instructor 
Email J. Anderson

Christine Caro 
GED Prep & High School+ Instructor (Online Only)
Email C. Caro

Luis Choc 
ESL Instructor 
Email L. Choc 

Sondra Clark 
ESL Instructor 
Email S. Clark 

Karen Davis 
ESL Instructor 
Email K. Davis

Elizabeth Flanagan 
ABE Instructor (Online Only) 
Email E. Flanagan

Diane Follett 
ESL Instructor 
Email D. Follett

Felice Gallego 
ESL Instructor 
Email F. Gallego  

Jen Gonthier 
High School+ Instructor (Bilingual; Online Only) 
Email J. Gonthier 

DeWayne Grimes 
ABE Math Instructor 
Email D. Grimes

Jazmin Gutierrez 
ESL/High School + Instructor (Bilingual) 
Email J. Gutierrez

Marjut Karlsson 
ESL  Instructor 
Email M. Karlsson

Ronald Lethcoe 
ESL Instructor 
Email R. Lethcoe 

Sandy Mondragon 
ESL & High School+ Instructor (Bilingual; Online Only) 
Email S. Mondragon

Pam Munizza 
ABE & GED Prep (Math, English, Science) Instructor (Online Only) 
Email P. Munizza

Tara Nwoke 
ESL & I-Best Instructor  
Email T. Nwoke 

Alexander Ollivant 
ESL Instructor  
Email A. Ollivant

Chris Pearson 
ESL Instructor (Online Only) 
Email C. Pearson

Beth Salave'a 
High School+ Instructor 
Email E. Salave'a

Rocky Sandoval  
ABE & ESL Instructor 
Email R. Sandoval

Cassidy Wilkins 
ESL Instructor 
Email C. Wilkins

Sue Williams 
ABE English & GED Instructor 
Email S. Williams

Staff 

Karina Calzada 
Instructional Program Assistant 
Email K. Calzada

Felicia Dennis 
Navigator 
Email F. Dennis

Eun Ha Lee 
CASAS Assessment Proctor 
Email E. Lee

Koffi Monde 
ESL Assessment Support  
Email K. Monde

Larysa Nazarenko 
ESL Assessment Support  
Email L. Nazarenko

Jenna Pollock 
Dean for Pre-College Pathways 
Email J. Pollock

Samanda Roman 
Assessment & Data Specialist 
Email S. Roman

Riabelle Vivas 
Pre-College Pathways Faculty Advisor 
Email R. Vivas

1. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
This page can help you understand your rights as a student, including the right to privacy regarding your records/grades. If you want Transitional Studies or CPTC to speak to anyone outside the college about you, you will be asked to complete this Release Form.  

2. Disability Resources
Depending on your learning style and/or physical needs, you may decide to request additional accommodations to help you succeed best. These may include, but are not limited to additional time for tests, ergonomic furniture, or note-taking software.
To get started, please visit the Disability Resources web page.
You may be asked to complete this online 

3. Workforce Development
If you are considering enrolling in a college program, Workforce Development may be able to provide you with funding besides what is available from FAFSA. They also offer financial counseling; WorkSource services; and short-term training courses through Continuing Education. Please visit their Canvas page to learn more.