Program Development
Program Development
Program Development
The Workforce Department supports Professional-Technical program development through labor market research, a program approval process with the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), and the management of 17 advisory committees convening industry professionals.
Professional Technical Advisory Committees (PTACs)
Professional Technical Advisory Committees (PTACs)
Olympic College’s Professional Technical Advisory Committees (PTACs) play a vital role in shaping workforce education. These committees bring together industry professionals, educators, and community members to ensure our career and technical programs stay relevant, innovative, and aligned with workforce needs.
Contacts
Contacts
Building a New Program: Here’s How It Happens
1Initiate the conversation
New programs can come from faculty, staff, or members of industry.
Propose your program idea to leadership within the Workforce & Economic Development Department (WFED). Whether your program idea is based on an industry need, a workforce demand, or a student interest, WFED can help you do the research and provide the labor market data to help see if there is a market demand.
WFED can also help answer questions like:
- Does proposal meet the college Mission/Vision/Values?
- Is this similar to a pre-existing program?
- Are the appropriate resources available – facilities, equipment, staffing, faculty, library, student services, etc.?
2Engage Stakeholders
Participate in conversations with industry partners, labor reps, and businesses to validate demand.
Provide letters of support, or join conversations with WFED and faculty to discuss the relevance and necessity of the program.
Participate in committee discussions, give feedback, and vote to support the proposal. Advisory Committee minutes with recorded votes are essential for program advancement.
Want to learn more about about Advisory Committees?
Know someone who might be a good fit?
3Program Approval Process
According to state and regional accreditation standards, all new professional-technical degree and certificate programs must be approved by the State Bord for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This requires submission of a Program Approval Request (PAR).
Workforce & Economic Development (WFED) leaders will support you in this process!
WFED Dean and Director of Program Development prepare the paperwork for the PAR combining research, letters of industry support, advisory committee approvals, course descriptions, curriculum guides, and any other documentation needed.
Olympic College will then conduct an internal approval process with key groups experts and stakeholders on campus. Once the internal review is complete, we then submit the proposal to the SBCTC and NWCCU for an external approval process. Once this is complete, the program is listed in our course inventory.
Have questions about the approval process?
4Inform Key Partners
Internal Stakeholders
Military & Veteran Programs (MVP)
Collaborate with MVP staff to complete the necessary Veterans Affairs form. This step is essential to ensure veteran students can use their GI Bill benefits to enroll in the new program, making it accessible to those who have served.
Student Affairs Offices
Student Affairs is a hub of information and support for students. They have comprehensive information about all programs and services on campus. They will be key allies in getting the word out.
Instructional Support Services (ISS)
ISS is responsible for publishing the annual course catalog. Be sure to provide ISS with an outline of the program by quarter and clear course information. This helps students understand their pathway and make informed decisions about enrollment.
Communications
Collaborate with the Communications Department to develop an announcement and promotional materials to get the word out to students, staff, and to the community.
External Stakeholders
Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)
Adding a new program to the ETPL is a critical step in the launch process. The ETPL serves as a quality assurance tool for workforce training programs funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other public funding sources. Programs must be listed on the ETPL to qualify for federal and state workforce training dollars.
Get involved in a prof-tech advisory committee!

Get involved in a prof-tech advisory committee!
- Influence program curriculum to meet industry demands.
- Build connections with local professionals and educators.
- Support student success by guiding skill development and training.
- Strengthen the regional workforce through collaboration.
List of Active Committees
List of Active Committees
- Behavioral Health and Human Services
- Computer Information Systems
- Construction Trades
- Cosmetology and Esthetics
- Culinary Arts
- Dental Hygiene and Assisting
- Early Childhood Education
- EMT and Paramedic
- Filmmaking
- Leadership and Business Management
- Manufacturing and Engineering
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Imaging
- Nursing
- Phlebotomy
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- PSNS Apprenticeship
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technologist
- Welding
- Workforce Development
Advisory committees meet three times per year to provide insight, feedback, and recommendations for program improvement. Your expertise helps Olympic College prepare students for real-world careers while fostering a stronger local economy.
Are you a faculty or staff member who knows someone that would be a good fit for an advisory committee?