Division of Business
The Columbus Technical College Division of Business offers degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields like accounting, business technology, criminal justice, paralegal, early childhood care and education, human resources and much more. Our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge from their prospective industries. The traditional classroom and theory learning environment combined with hands-on experience means our graduates are ready to suit up and show up for their chosen career. For more information on the Division of Business and what we can offer you, call 706-649-1814
- Accounting
- Business Management
- Business Technology
- Business
- Computer Networking
- Computer Programming
- Credentialing Assistance Overview
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics
- Early Childhood Education
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Owners
- Funeral Services Education
- Human Resources Management
- Information Technology
- Mechatronics
- Paralegal Studies
- Web Design and Development
Funeral Service Education
The Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service Education is designed to prepare students for a career in funeral service. All aspects of funeral service will be taught within the scope of this program. Academic and technical skills will be taught in the areas of general business, industry regulations and laws, embalming and restorative art skills, funeral service applications, funeral home management, grief counseling, etc. The goal is to prepare the student for successful completion of all necessary board examinations and to prepare the student for the rigors of daily work within the funeral service industry. The goals of the Funeral Service Education Program are to promote and improve the standards of funeral service education and professionalism, to expose funeral service students to all aspects of the profession, and foster a desire to serve the public interest in an ethical, dignified manner. This academic program is designed to meet specific state or professional needs.
The Funeral Service Education associate degree program at Columbus Technical College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org.
Program Admission Requirements:
- Minimum Required Age 18
- High School Diploma or GED Required
- After completion of all learning support, general core classes, and fundamental occupational courses, students are eligible to take Funeral Service Program courses. These students who have met this eligibility requirement must take the entry level Funeral Service science courses, FSRV 2000 Anatomy, FSRV 2010 Pathology, FSRV 2020 Chemistry, and FSRV 2080 Microbiology. In order to gain further admission into the program, students must: · Obtain a grade of “C” or better in each of these entry level science courses: FSRV 2000, FSRV 2010, FSRV 2020, FSRV 2080.
Program Effectiveness Data
Program Learning Outcomes
National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at https://www.abfse.org/html/dir-ga.html in the Directory of Accredited Programs
Division of General Studies
The Columbus Technical College Division of General Studies focuses on the fundamentals of learning (English/Language Arts, Natural Sciences/Math, Humanities/Fine Arts, and Social/Behavioral Sciences). Having these vital courses under their collective belts help our students build a solid foundation no matter what they want to do in the future. General studies students can earn certificates or even full degrees that will prepare them for the workforce and/or continuing their college education. For more information, call 706-649-1924
Division of Professional & Technical Services
Have you always considered yourself handy? Do you love fixing things or taking them apart and putting them back together again? Maybe you make gourmet meals from scratch. Then the Division of Professional & Technical Services has the program – or programs- for you
From Automotive Technology to Air Conditioning Technology, Barbering, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Welding, Cabinetmaking/Carpentry, Appliance Repair, Industrial Systems, Engineering, Machining, Automotive Collision Repair, and many more – this division has more than 40 programs ranging from certificates to diplomas and full degrees. So get under the chassis, sharpen your tools, don your helmet or chef’s hat and get ready for a great hands-on learning experience that will lead to a career you love. For more information, call 706-641-5645 or 706-649-1800
- Air Conditioning Technology
- Automotive Certificates
- Automotive Collision and Refinishing
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Automotive Light Duty Diesel Engine Tech
- Automotive Technology and Fundamentals
- Barbering for Cosmetologist
- Barbering
- Basic Electrical Tech
- Cabinetmaking
- Certified Construction Worker
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Drafting Technology
- Engineering Technology
- Esthetics
- Industrial Systems Technology
- Mechatronics
- Masonry
- Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- Residential CarpentryWelding and Joining Technology
Division of Health Sciences & Nursing
The Division of Health Sciences & Nursing is home to dozens of programs including: Dental Hygiene and/or Assisting, Paramedicine, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, Medical Assisting and/or Coding, Surgical Technology, and more. This is the largest division at Columbus Technical College and its students are the beneficiaries of the latest in healthcare technology and know-how from faculty members who have been there, done that. Many programs boast 100% pass rates on their students’ first attempt at licensure and certification tests. So if you have a heart for caring for others and want a satisfying and lucrative career to boot, call 706-225-0502 for more information.
Background Checks and Drug Testing
Students accepted into most Health Sciences & Nursing programs are required by clinical sites to have a Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen completed before participation in clinical experiences. Pertinent information regarding the Background Check/Drug Screen will be provided to students once accepted into a program during the program orientation. The student will be responsible for the cost of these items.
Competitive Admission Process
- Competitive admission applicants are encouraged to speak to a Program Director in the Division of Health Sciences & Nursing (706.225.0502) or Tamara Hardnett in the Academic Advisement Center (706.649.1174) before applying.
- Degree Program Rankings are performed using a program-specific Excel spreadsheet, with 60% of the ranking coming from competitive GPA and 40% from HESI A2 scores and additional Bonus Points beginning August 2025.
- Program Ranking for the Practical Nursing TCC (PN21) is calculated using a program-specific Excel spreadsheet, with 100% of the ranking coming from HESI A2 scores and additional Bonus Points beginning August 2025.
- Program applications will be available on the Columbus Technical College (CTC) website two (2) weeks before published deadlines. Applicants must submit an electronic application for each program they wish to apply for at that time. CTC’s Academic Advisement Center staff will review and rank all submitted application information. For application questions, please contact Tamara Hardnett in the Advisement Center at 706.649.1174 or thardnett@columbustech.edu.
- Applicants for all degree programs must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or greater.
- It is highly recommended that applicants for the Practical Nursing TCC (PN21) have a cumulative high school or college GPA of 2.0 or greater to complete the program successfully.
- Applicants with college degrees must compete in the same areas as those without previous degrees, including the HESI A2 exam.
- Current CTC students in competitive health sciences or nursing programs cannot apply for another competitive health sciences or nursing program until completion of their current program.
- All prerequisite courses must be completed before the application deadline date.
- Transfer credits – CTC’s Admissions Office must receive students’ official transcripts/grades from all institutions by the deadline date posted below.
- All accredited health sciences and nursing programs have state or national guidelines and standards that students must successfully meet to complete the program. However, the curriculum varies widely among programs. For example, some programs operate in the quarter system while others utilize semesters. Furthermore, each program’s courses are structured differently and may be taught in a different order. Therefore, Columbus Technical College will not accept transfer credit from other accredited colleges and universities for previously completed nursing or health sciences program-occupational courses. Additionally, no military credits and/or nursing experience while working in the military will be accepted.
- The Competitive Ranking will be based on the following:
- Designated prerequisite course grades
- Courses used for competitive ranking are indicated for each program in the Catalog and Student Handbook on the CTC web page. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher at the time of program application submission.
- Applicants receiving a passing grade for any prerequisite course will be given one opportunity to improve their grade in that specific prerequisite course. The higher passing grade will be used for ranking. * Financial Aid will only pay for two attempts with a passing grade.
- Designated prerequisite course grades
- Science courses (BIOL 2113 & 2113L, 2114 & 2114L, 2117 & 2117L, CHEM 1211 & 1211L, PHYS 1110 & 1110L, ALHS 1011) used for competitive admission cannot be more than seven (7) years old, or the course must be re-taken. Science courses over seven (7) years old will not be used for competitive ranking. The 7-year period begins on the course’s completion date, as reflected on the student’s transcript.
- HESI A2 exam scores
- CTC’s specific HESI A2 exam is required for all competitive programs and must be taken in the CTC testing center. Only scores from this exam will be used for ranking.
- For the following programs, applicants must achieve a 70 or higher to be eligible to apply:
- Associate Degree Nursing-RN
- Dental Hygiene
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Radiologic Technology
- Applicants must score 60 or higher to qualify for the programs below:
- Practical Nursing TCC (PN21)
- Respiratory Care Technology
- Surgical Technology
- The exam may be taken twice per calendar year, and the results are only good for two years.
- The exam is administered in the CTC testing center (Located in Patrick Hall, room 603). Call 706-649-1822 for exam dates, times, and questions. The cost of the exam is $55.00, and an exam sitting fee of $25.00, for a total of $80.00.
- CTC’s specific exam will cover the following topics:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary and General Knowledge
- Grammar
- Basic Math skills
- Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Exam preparation options
- There is free study material through CTC’s virtual library via Galileo under the test prep software Mometrix. Once in Mometrix, click on nursing and scroll to HESI A2 Secrets and HESI A2 Practice Questions to begin.
- There is also a study guide that may be purchased: HESI Admission Assessment Exam and Review, 5th Edition, Elsevier, ISBN 978-0-323-58226-1
- Bonus Points (Beginning August 2025)
- One (1) bonus point will be added to the final score for an applicant who graduated from one of the following Columbus Technical College’s Health Sciences and Nursing programs (Only one (1) point will be added for a listed program even if more than one program was completed.):
- Associate Degree Nursing (NU23 or NLB3)
- Dental Assisting (DA12 or AD21)
- Dental Hygiene (DH13)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS3)
- EMS Professions (EP12)
- Health Science, Associate of Science (AD23)
- Medical Assisting (MA22)
- Nurse Aide (CN21, NAA1, or NAF5)
- Paramedicine (PAF2, PT12, or PT13)
- Pharmacy Technology (PT22, PT23, or PA71)
- Practical Nursing (PN12 or PN21)
- Radiologic Technology (RT23)
- Respiratory Care (RCT3)
- Sports & Fitness Management (SAF3)
- Surgical Technology (ST13)
- One (1) bonus point will be added to the final scores for applicants who earn C” or better in ALHS 1040 – Introduction to Healthcare and/or ALHS 1090 – Medical Terminology. The following exceptions prohibit the addition of such bonus points:
- ALHS 1040 – Introduction to Healthcare
- Not applicable for Practical Nursing applicants
- Not applicable to Diagnostic Medical Sonography applicants unless using MATH 1127 (Statistics) as a prerequisite
- ALHS 1090 – Medical Terminology
- Not applicable for Practical Nursing applicants
- Not applicable for Radiologic Technology or Surgical Technology applicants since it is a prerequisite for the programs
- ALHS 1040 – Introduction to Healthcare
- One (1) bonus point will be added to the final score for an applicant who graduated from one of the following Columbus Technical College’s Health Sciences and Nursing programs (Only one (1) point will be added for a listed program even if more than one program was completed.):
*APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE
*The online application will be available on the CTC website two (2) weeks before the deadline dates posted below.
Program
Deadline to submit an electronic application
Associate Degree in Nursing (Spring Semester Start)
Associate Degree in Nursing (Fall Semester Start)
Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Practical Nursing
Radiologic Technology
Respiratory Care
Surgical Technology
October 1st
June 1st
June 1st
October 1st
March 1st
October 1st
October 1st
March 1st
Health Sciences & Nursing Competitive Admission Program Requirements
Comparison Chart
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- EMS Paramedicine Professions
- Health Sciences and Nursing
- Health Science
- Medical Assisting
- Nurse Aide
- Nursing
- Pharmacy Technology
- Phlebotomy
- Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Care
- Sports and Fitness Management
- Surgical Technology
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000 Fax: 404-975-5020 Email: info@acenursing.org Web: www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at www.acenursing.org/search-programs
The Georgia Board of Nursing Approved Registered Nursing (RN) Nursing Education Programs
Program Effectiveness Data
ADN Program Information
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775 727-210-2350 www.caahep.org
DMS Program Effectiveness Data
Program Information
DMS Program Effectiveness Data
ARF Outcomes
The five-year weighted average for employer satisfaction of the diploma Medical Assisting program at Columbus Technical College, Columbus, GA is 100%, based on the most recent Annual Report Form submitted to the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The employers of the most recent graduates from Columbus Technical College’s Medical Assisting program are satisfied with the education that they receive, as there is a 100% graduate satisfaction rate over the past five years.
The Medical Assisting program has a 5 year retention rate of 91.23% for the years 2019-2023.
To prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.
Classes will be held in classrooms, computer labs, online, and the medical assisting laboratory which consists of a large lab and class area, three exam rooms, and a reception area.
Program Director: Leslie H. Noles and my email lnoles@columbustech.edu phone: 706-225-0528
The Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 25400 US Highway 19 N., Suite 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 727-210-2350 www.caahep.org
The medical assisting program at Columbus Technical College has a five-year retention rate of 88.52% for the years 2018-2022
Before the first Pharmacy courses are taken, the student must register with the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy, which includes a State and Federal Background check for clearance, to participate in any Pharmaceutical Setting.
Columbus Technical College (CTC) Pharmacy Technology Program is recognized as an eligible sterile compounding training program for CSPT candidates; CTC graduates will be eligible for CSPT Certification through Pathway 1 after one year of full-time sterile compounding experience (provided all other eligibility requirements are met). To verify CTC, CSPT recognition status, go to PTCB’s recognized program directory.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists “ASHP” 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814. Web: http://www.ashp.org
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education “ACPE”. 190 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2850 Chicago, Illinois 60603-3499 | Phone: (312) 664-3575 | Fax: (866)-228-2631 | info@acpe-accredit.org
Program Outcomes
Columbus Technical College’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCB) pass rate:
Dates Administered
10/28/2020 – 11/27/2023
Number of Exams Administered
16
Number of Exams Passed
11
Percentage Passed
69%
Georgia requires nurse aide programs to provide one comprehensive course (NAST 1100 – Nurse Aide Fundamentals or NAST 2100 – Nurse Aide Accelerated) to train nurse aide students to work in all health care facilities. The Technical College System of Georgia’s NAST 1100 course has been approved for 135 contact hours (60 Lecture, 51 Lab, 24 Clinical) and its NAST 2100 course for 150 contact hours (75 Lecture, 51 Lab, 24 Clinical). All students must complete these required hours according to the training schedule submitted by the institution’s approved program to the State Contractor before the start of each class. Therefore, Georgia’s Policies and Procedures Manual for Nurse Aide Training Programs states, “No student will be added to the roster after the start of each class” (NAST 1100 or NAST 2100). Additionally, no new nurse aide class can be added to the semester schedule during the drop/add period.
The Columbus Technical College Paramedic program has a site visit scheduled for pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (www.caahep.org). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Program outcome goal: “To prepare Paramedics who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession.”
Outcomes:
CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic educational programs and CoAEMSP Letter of Review (LoR) Paramedic educational programs track and report outcome measures annually to the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).
The most current CoAEMSP Annual Report was for the calendar year 2023.
The Columbus Technical College (CTC) Paramedic program holds a Letter of Review, which is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, but is a status granted by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation standards through the Letter of Review Self-Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.
Outcome
Retention
NREMT or State cognitive exam
Placement
2023
71.4%
100%
100%
2022
No Cohort
N/A
N/A
2021
No Cohort
N/A
N
Paramedicine Program options can be viewed here clicking the links below:
Paramedicine-Associate of Applied Science PT13
Columbus Technical College – Paramedicine-Associate of Applied Science PT13
Paramedicine, Diploma-PT12
Columbus Technical College – Paramedicine, Diploma-PT12
Paramedicine Accelerated-Certificate PAF1
Columbus Technical College – Paramedicine Accelerated-Certificate PAF1
The Practical Nursing diploma program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse.
The Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses (http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/31) approves the Practical Nursing Program
Program Outcomes
Practical Nursing Program Licensure pass rate Outcome(Cohort data only):
Year
2022-2023
2023-2024
Percent
96%
80%
Number of Student
25/26
28/35
Program Completion Rate
- 70% of the students admitted will graduate on time with cohorts.
- 70% of the returning students will complete the program within 6 semesters.
Year May to April
2022-2023
2023-2024
70% on time with Cohort
26/27 = 96%
32/36 = 89%
70% returning Student
0/1 = 0%
TBD (2 returning students for Cohort 0525)
Job Placement
At least 80% of the graduates seeking employment will be employed one year after graduation.
Year May to April
2022-2023
2023-2024
Percent Employed in Nursing Field
95%
94%
Number of Students Continued Education
3
2
The Columbus Technical College Radiologic Technology Program (Applied Science Degree) in Columbus, GA is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182. Contact no:(312)-704-5300 E-mail-Address: mail@jrcert.org
The program accreditation award length period- 8 years
JRCERT Accredited Program Details
Next JRCERT site visit Fall, 2026
The Columbus Technical College Respiratory Care Program (Applied Science Degree) in Columbus, GA is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
Program number 200526
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com) 264 Precision Blvd. Telford, TN 37690 Phone:(817)-283-2835
The program was awarded Continuing Accreditation status, which will expire on March 31, 2029.
CoARC Programmatic Outcomes Data
Respiratory Care – RCT3
Respiratory Care Program Outcomes and Goals
The Surgical Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Programs on the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. The Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 113th Street North # 7709 Seminole , Florida. 33775 ,www.caahep.org<http://www.caahep.org>. The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, 19751 Mainstreet #339, Parker, Co. 80138, (303) 694-9262, www.arcstsa.org<http://www.arcstsa.org/>
Application Deadline
1 March
Forms Required for
Application Process
Letter of Intent
Estimated Cost of Program
In State $8000.00
Out of State
$14,574.00
Program Director
Carl Sandy csandy@columbustech.edu
706-225-0518
Outcomes Assessment Exam (OAE) pass-rate from the program’s most recently submitted Annual Report.
Program Effectiveness Data
On the 2025 Annual Report, 7 of 7 students took the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam Administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting for 100% participation rate, 6 of 7 passed on the first attempt for a first time pass rate of 85.71%
Program Admission Information
Pre-Requisites used for Competitive Admission ENGL 1101 MATH 1111 PSYC 1101 BIOL 2113 BIOL 2113 BIOL 2113L BIOL 2114 BIOL 2114 BIOL 2114L Back Ground Check, Drug Screen
Surgical Technology Manual