Integrated Basic Education
Skills Training (I-BEST)

I-BEST pairs a professional or technical program with Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses, ​including reading, writing, and math skills. I-BEST provides educational access and support for students to progress further and faster along career pathways. Students are paired with an ABE, ESL, or GED instructor, as well as a professional-technical program instructor for twice the support in each classroom.

Key Facts:

  • I-BEST allows students without a high school diploma or equivalency to enroll in college-level programs
  • Students must be enrolled in College & Career Readiness before starting an I-BEST program
  • Earn a college certificate that prepares you to work in a high-demand career
  • I-BEST students receive registration, advising, and career planning support
  • Funding (Opportunity Grant) is available for those who qualify
  • Increase academic skills while earning college-level credits
  • Pathways for continued education (Certificates, AAS, BAS)
  • Online and in-person classes available

Contact I-Best Coordinator   View YVC Catalog

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 Yakima Valley College’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 Certificates

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

Office Worker Certificate I

Program Courses

Fall/Spring

  • BT 100 – Intro to BT (2 credits)
  • BT 101 – Beginning Keyboard (5 credits)
  • ABE Writing 4/5 (I-BEST)
  • ABE Math 4/5

Winter/Summer

  • IT 102 – Windows (2 credits)
  • IT 111 – Intro to Excel (2 credits)
  • ABE Writing 4/5 (I-BEST)
  • ABE Math 4/5

Office Worker Certificate II

Program Courses

Spring/Fall

  • BT 102 – Intermediate Keyboard (5 credits)
  • BT 130 – Basic Business Essentials (5 credits; Spring only)
  • ABE Writing 4/5 (I-BEST)
  • ABE Math 4/5

Summer/Winter

  • BT 160 – Word (2 credits; in-seat only)
  • BT 190 – Job Shadow (1 credit)
  • ABE Writing 4/5 (I-BEST)
  • ABE Math 4/5

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or older
  • GED is not required
  • Funding is available for those who qualify
  • Required ABE levels: Reading/Writing-4, Math-4

WorkFirst Students

Case manager approval is required

 

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.

About the Program
Pharmacy Assistant Certificate (5 Credits) | Online instruction
Opportunity Grant money available
Average wage: $18.11 an hour
Pharmacy Technician hourly wage: $24.83

The program takes one quarter to complete.

Foundation Courses

  • Healthcare Terminology
  • Healthcare Workplace Skills

Program Courses with supporting I-BEST courses

Quarter 1 Winter

  • AH 155 First Aid/CPR/Blood-Borne Pathogen Training, 2 credits
  • AH 105 Introduction to Pharmacology, 3 credits
  • ABE Math 4/5
  • ABE Writing 4/5

 

Phlebotomy (AH) I-BEST

The I-BEST/Phlebotomy partnership is not available for the 2023-2024 Academic year.

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.

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)

Phlebotomy Program

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.

I-BEST supporting courses

  • ABE Math 4/5
  • ABE Writing 4/5

Foundation Courses

  • Healthcare Terminology
  • Healthcare Workplace Skills

Program Courses with supporting I-BEST courses

  • Quarter 1 Winter
    • AH 155 First Aid/CPR/Blood-Borne Pathogen Training, 2 credits
    • AHPH 170 Phlebotomy Theory, 4 credits
    • AHPH 171 Phlebotomy Lab, 1 credit
  • Quarter 2 Spring
    • AHPH 172 Phlebotomy Externship, 4 credits

Program entry requirements

  • 2 doses MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or proof of immunity by titer
  • 2 doses of Varicella (chicken pox) or documentation from a physician of disease or proof of immunity by titer
  • 1 dose Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
  • 3 doses Hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB) PPD skin test (if no documented negative skin test within the last 12 months a 2-step PPD is required)
  • Current-year seasonal flu shot
  • Current healthcare provider CPR/First Aid card and a 7-hour HIV/Blood Bourne Pathogens certificate is also required.