Online Options at BCTC

BCTC offers standard online, remote online, hybrid, and standard in-person classes.

• Standard Online - No scheduled meetings (asynchronous). Students must have reliable access to a computer, Internet, and a webcam. May or may not require proctored exams (typically using online proctoring software). Schedule will show building and meeting time as “Online”.
• Remote Online - Online class with scheduled online meeting times (synchronous). Schedule will show building as “Online” with days and meeting times.  Online meetings will usually occur through Microsoft Teams. May or may not require proctored exams (typically using online proctoring software).
• Hybrid - Class with both online components and scheduled on-campus meetings. Typically will have fewer in-person meetings than standard in-person classes.  Schedule will show the specific campus, room, day and time for all on-campus meetings.
• Standard In-Person - Web-enhanced class with scheduled on-campus meetings. Schedule will show the specific campus, room, day and time for all meetings.

Yes. Courses that apply toward your degree are covered by financial aid in most cases. Please contact Financial Aid to discuss details about your specific financial aid situation.

Online courses are designed to be user-friendly for students with basic computer skills. Students do need to be able to access and navigate the course, send and receive email, use word processing programs, and upload/download files. If a student is lacking these skills, it is highly recommended they take a digital literacy course in the first semester.  Students can also reach out to the Online Learning Student Support area at BL-OnlineLearning@kctcs.edu for additional help with computer skills.  We also have an online course to help with Foundational Computer Skills for Online Learning and the Training and Learning Center.

Any modern laptop or desktop computer from the last few years should have no problems working with online classes. Due to some limitations with software, Chromebooks and tablets are NOT recommended.  You will also need a reliable high-speed Internet connection of 1.5 Mbps download and 750 Kbps upload. You will also need some way to listen to audio/video with many classes also requiring a webcam and microphone. See more details on minimum computer requirements for taking courses online.

No. Phones and tablets may be used to check email, class announcements or used instead of a webcam, but most course content is not easily accessed or is unable to be accessed on a smartphone or tablet. Online students should have access to an actual computer.  Chromebooks are also NOT recommended.

To schedule an appointment with a Student Accessibility Support (SAS) staff member on any BCTC campus, call (859) 246-6534, (859) 246-6753 TTY (Toll Free) or email SAS. You can also visit the Student Accessibility Services website for more information.

Yes. Wireless internet access is available in all BCTC buildings.

Yes. Computers are available in our Open Computer Labs located on each campus, as well as in all Library locations.

This information will be provided in the course syllabus. It is important that you thoroughly read the course syllabus and other informational documents on the first day of class.  Many online classes include online textbooks built into the course and do not require the purchase of a separate physical textbook.

You can contact the Bookstore to find out which books are required for your courses. You can find more information about the Bookstore on their webpage.

The library is open and ready to assist with many needs. Use a computer or printer, get help with online research, check out or return items, or study independently in a quiet atmosphere. The library is “open” online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any computer or device. Please visit the library’s webpage for information on locations and hours, contact information, and online resources.

Blackboard is the online home of all your BCTC classes.  Access Blackboard by logging in through MyPath. Some classes will also use e-textbooks and publisher websites, which will be accessible from inside your courses in Blackboard.  Check your course syllabus for more information.

The course syllabus will contain your course’s attendance policy. See more details about Online Learning attendance requirements.

Your instructor is the first person you should contact when having issues with an assignment or accessing course materials. Even if they cannot fix the problem, or help you fix the problem, they will at least be aware a problem exists.

If the problem is a computer or software issue, please visit the Troubleshooting Blackboard page or contact IT Support. You can access additional training at the Training and Learning Center.

You can access additional help from the Tutoring and Writing Center.

All BCTC students have access to free in-person and virtual tutoring. Find more information about the Tutoring and Writing Center on their webpage.

Not all online classes have proctored exams. If they do, online students may take virtually monitored exams online, where a proctor watches via webcam or where computer software detects cheating by checking test-takers' screens and monitoring their behavior. Proctoring requirements will be outlined in the course syllabus.

If there are days and meeting times listed on your class schedule, then you will need to attend scheduled online meetings for your class. Be sure to discuss your scheduling needs with your advisor when registering for classes.

Just like in traditional classes, the workload varies, but do not expect your course to be easier just because it is online. The rule of thumb is 2-3 hours of study time per credit hour.  So for a 3-credit asynchronous online class, you can expect to spend approximately 3 hours per week on lectures/reading, and an additional 6-9 hours per week on homework/study time, for a total of 9-12 hours per week.

Online courses will usually have assignment due dates throughout the semester just like an on-campus class. To be successful in an online class, you need to log-in and check your classes regularly.

Your instructor’s contact information will be provided in the course syllabus. They will often provide their phone number, email address, office locations, and available office hours. They may also indicate a preferred contact method. You might also find it in a “Start Here” section of your Blackboard course. As an online student, it is important that you maintain good communication with your instructors to be successful in your courses. Check your email at least once per day to stay up to date on important class information.

• Cosmetology
• Dental Assisting
• Dental Hygiene
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Nursing (RN)
• Paramedic (EMS)
• Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Radiography
• Real Estate
• Respiratory Care
• Surgical Technology