West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Following a merger in 2008, West Central Technical College is now known as West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), the second largest technical college in Georgia. WGTC is a division of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), offering higher education to the seven-county service area including Coweta, Carroll, Douglas, Heard, Haralson, Meriwether, and Troup. Apart from the main campus in Waco, West Central Technical College also operates a LaGrange campus, Murphy campus, Franklin site, and Greenville site.

Information Summary

Ranks 82nd in Georgia and 2496th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	57.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$4,085
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	13 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	60% / 50%
Enrollment Total (all students)	7,184

Academics

West Georgia Technical College is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It also holds discipline-based accreditations from other agencies such as National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP), Georgia Board of Nursing, Georgia Board of Cosmetology, and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

With more than 110 approved programs of study, WGTC is committed to meet the needs of industry, business and an ever-changing community. The institute awards associate degrees, technical certificates of credit, and diplomas in diverse areas of study such as accounting, air conditioning technology, business administrative technology, clinical laboratory technology, dental assisting, rafting technology, fire science technology, health information technology, radiologic technology, and registered nursing.

Continuing education programs at WGTC provide individuals with non-credit training programs designed for personal and professional development and enhancement. The institute also offers adult education programs such as Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE) towards completion of the GED, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

WGTC Online:

TOPS stands for Totally Online Programs offered through the distance education division of West Georgia Technical College. It offers degree, diploma, and certificate programs that may be completed totally online. All the courses are presented in an online format, which means that students can complete them from anywhere in the world, without having to attend the traditional classroom.

Schools and Colleges:

West Georgia Technical College offers a variety of degrees, diplomas and certificates through the following academic units: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Distance Education, School of Health Sciences, and School of Trade and Technology.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Admissions

Students seeking admission to West Georgia Technical College must hold a General Educational Development diploma (GED) or high school diploma. Applicant must submit a completed application form along with all of their official transcripts and SAT/ ACT scores to WGTC. Transfer students seeking admission to the college must have a good record at their former institution.

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older to be considered eligible for college admission. However, the age requirement for specific programs may vary due to the professional accreditation standards or applicable state or federal laws. International students are also encouraged to apply but they must meet the Federal Title IV definition to be considered eligible for admission.

Financial Aid

West Georgia Technical College provides financial assistance to students through different types of grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work-study programs. All applicants must complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Federal and state grants offered at WGTC include LEAP Grant, Georgia Public Safety Memorial (GSPSM) Grant, PELL Grant, Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents (LEPD) Grant, and Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

The college also offers financial aid through various scholarship programs such as HOPE Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, HERO Scholarship, and other private scholarships. Veteran Education Benefits are provided to the veterans and their family members through the Montgomery G. I. Bill, Survivors and Dependents Benefits and Veterans’ Rehabilitation Benefits.

Federal work-study programs enable the students take up a part-time job to be able to meet the college expenses. The institute also helps students find suitable jobs in their field of interest.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6609th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Georgia.

Students

WGTC boasts a vibrant and active student life. The Student Government Association (SGA) is the voice of the student body. All students are encouraged to get involved in the school’s town hall meetings, activities and events. The Office of Student Activities works directly with the Student Leadership Council, student organizations, and other members of the college to develop and execute educational, social, and community-oriented programs for the college.

The campus houses various student clubs and organizations based on specific academic disciplines, topics, or interests. Some of the active and registered student organizations are Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), SkillsUSA, Student Nursing Association, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Student Nursing Association in LaGrange (S.N.A.I.L.s), and Collegiate DECA.

Media and Publications:

VOICES is the annual publication of the West Georgia Technical College. It is released at the end of spring quarter each year. The magazine seeks to exhibit the best examples of the creativity at WGTC.

Campus Facilities:

West Georgia Technical College boasts well-stocked libraries at the Carroll, Douglas, LaGrange, and Murphy campuses. The libraries function as a research center for students, staff, faculty, and community users. The wide-ranging collection of books, reference materials, and online resources emphasize technical training and support the curriculum. The library staff provides reference services as well as training in the use of GALILEO and several other library resources.

WGTC Jobweb is an online extension of West Georgia Technical College’s Career Services Center. The Career Service Center helps students find suitable part-time employment while enrolled at WGTC, and full-time employment after graduation. The center also assists employers in finding potential employees. The services available include referrals for existing students and alumni.

The College also provides equal educational opportunities to qualified students with documented disabilities. Assistance is offered to students with a temporary or permanent physical or psychological disability or learning disorder. The services include classroom accommodation, permission to use audio tapes for classroom lectures, sign language interpreters, tutoring, and other assistive technology.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

West Georgia Technical College’s athletic department sponsors men’s and women’s teams in diverse sports such as baseball, basketball, softball, and more. The college is the newest member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The WGTC athletes are nicknamed the Golden Knights and Lady Knights. They also have a cheerleading team.

Intramural Sports:

The College organizes a variety of competitive and recreational sports activities. The students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in team sports such as basketball, softball, volleyball, and flag football. The WGTC athletics and recreation department also offers tournaments in golf and tennis.

Additional School Information

The West Georgia Technical College’s Mentor Connection Program serves to establish a connection between the mentor and students to support self advocacy, and guide committed students to graduation. The program provides a helpful connection to foster the foundation of a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Bibliography

West Georgia Technical College. 2011.

Peterson. Two-Year Colleges 2010. Peterson’s, 2009. Print.

West Georgia Technical College