Columbus Technical College

Columbus Technical College is located in Columbus, Georgia, and is a public two-year technical and vocational college. The college began operations in 1961 with 39 students and eight programs of study. The school has expanded its offerings and size several times over the years, and in 1987 became part of the state-administered Department of Adult and Technical Education (DTAE) as the Columbus Technical Institute.

In 2000, Georgia established a statewide network of technical colleges, and Columbus Technical Institute became Georgia Technical College. The college today has approximately 4000 students and more than 80 programs of study for associate degrees, diplomas, or certificates.

Columbus Technical College is currently organized into five schools:

School of Business - offers degrees in accounting, business management, computer support specialist, paralegal studies, hospitality, human resources management, and more.

School of Nursing - offers degrees in nursing and practical Nursing.

School of General Studies - offers degrees in general studies and applied technical management.

School of Health Sciences - offers degrees in dental hygiene, sonography, radiology, surgical technology and pharmacy technology as well as certificates in medical coding, medical assisting, nurse aide and other programs.

School of Professional and Technical Services - offers diplomas and certificates in cosmetology, automobile repair, welding, cabinetmaking, HVAC and large appliance repair, carpentry, industrial construction and other programs.

School of Sciences - the newest school at Columbus Technical College, the School of Science currently offers an associates degree in biology.

Accreditation

Columbus Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which allows it to award associates degrees. Many individual programs are also certified by professional and licensing associations. For example, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredits the Automotive Technology program.

The college currently offers seven student groups: the Student Nurses Association, Student Advisory Team, SkillsUSA, American Welding Society, International Students Association, National Tech Honors Society, and Phi Beta Lambda (a professional association for business students).

Columbus is the second largest city in Georgia, located 100 miles south of Atlanta on the Georgia-Alabama border. The city is home to Fort Benning, one of the largest Army bases in the United States, and has a growing banking and technology sector. The Uptown and Riverside districts have seen a revival in recent years with new arts programs and, beginning in 2013, the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the United States. The city boasts a network of parks with recreational opportunities and is in easy driving distance of several state parks.

Columbus Technical College serves commuting students from both Georgia and Alabama, and offers remedial programs, credits for life experience, AP credits and returning adult education programs. The school is conveniently located close to I-185 and two of Columbus’ major thoroughfares. The school has also expanded its distance learning and online education opportunities in recent years.