Southwest Georgia Technical College

Southwest Georgia Technical College Academics

Southwest Georgia Technical College, located in Thomasville, Georgia, acquired its current name in 2000, when it became part of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), but its history extends as far back as 1947. In those days, it was called Thomas County Vocational School and served as a place for ex-World War II soldiers to learn new skills to adapt to civilian life. That practical tradition has remained, as today Southwest Georgia Technical College remains a place for developing technical field skills. SWGTC today has campuses in Camilla and Grady County, along with Thomasville.

Southwest Georgia Technical College receives its accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and diplomas, as well as technical certificates of credit.

The areas of study offered by Southwest Georgia Technical College are Allied Health Education, Business & Computer Programs, Professional Service Programs and Technical & Industrial Programs.

In Allied Health Education, the Associate Degree in Nursing (Generic or Bridge Option) is one of the highlights of the Southwest Georgia Technical College curriculum. Admission is competitive in this department. Diplomas are also offered in a number of technical healthcare fields such as Paramedic Technology and Respiratory Care Technology. New Allied Health facilities opened in 1997. Students who take classes in Allied Health must perform above a C level to continue on in the program of studies.

The Business & Computer Program Department offers associate degrees in Accounting, Applied Business Technology, Business Administrative Technology, CIS Computer Support Specialist, CIS Networking Specialist and Management and Supervisory Development.

Professional Service Programs offers associate’s degrees in Crime Scene Investigation Technology, Criminal Justice Technology, Early Childhood Care & Education and Social Work.

In Technical & Industrial Programs, students can earn an associate’s degree in Agricultural Technology, Drafting Technology or Technical Studies.

Southwest Georgia Technical College Unique Programs

Throughout the long history of Southwest Georgia Technical College, some programs that are unique for technical colleges have been established. In 2003 SWGTC was awarded the opportunity to begin offering associate degrees in nursing, one of only a handful of technical colleges in Georgia with that distinction. In southern Georgia, SWGTC stands alone with its Nursing Program, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular programs.

In 2009, Southwest Georgia Technical College began a degree program in Social Work, becoming the only Georgia technical college where such a degree is possible.

Southwest Georgia Technical College Admissions

Southwest Georgia Technical College allows students to apply online. To mail in an application, include the full application with application fee, along with high school transcripts or GED equivalent. An admission placement exam or SAT/ACT scores will satisfy the requirements for standardized testing for most programs. Applications for most programs are accepted on a year-round basis.

For Allied Health programs at Southwest Georgia Technical College, a Competitive application is required, with separate admissions procedures from the rest of the college. For students who wish to begin in the fall, applications are due towards the end of August. Winter applications must be received before the end of September, while applicants who wish to enter the Allied Health Program in the spring must have the application in by the beginning of January.

Southwest Georgia Technical College Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to any Southwest Georgia Technical College student who qualifies. The beginning of the process is the completion by each applicant of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college operates on four academic quarters, and financial aid applications should be completed about two months before a student hopes to begin classes. Following the deadlines is essential to begin with the necessary funds in place.

Students may apply to receive financial aid as part of the HOPE programs (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally). Assistance for students pursuing associate degrees, diplomas or technical certification may qualify. Georgia residency must be established, along with GPA requirements for college-level work already completed.

Federal Pell Grants are available to students in certain income brackets. These are fully funded grants which don’t require student repayment. All certificate programs are not covered.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant has been established for students with exceptional need.

Work Study programs are also in place at Southwest Georgia Technical College, giving students the opportunity to work on campus to help cover education costs. Applications can be filled out in the Financial Aid Office.

The WIA (Workforce Investment Act) is yet another possibility for Southwest Georgia Technical College students. To qualify, a significant disadvantage in education, economics or employment must be demonstrated. If students receive these awards, aid can cover everything from tuition and school supplies to transportation and even child care costs.

In addition to these options, a number of merit-base scholarships are available, in almost every field of study at Southwest Georgia Technical College.

Southwest Georgia Technical College Students

While students at Southwest Georgia Technical College do not live on campus, there are numerous ways to get the full college experience. Students arrive with so many different backgrounds and from so many different age groups that there will be opportunities for learning about different cultures all the time. Events are scheduled throughout the school year with the intention of bringing the students and faculty together without the classroom to add stress to the equation.

The Student Council of Southwest Georgia Technical College is committed to promoting awareness of local community issues, as well as celebrating the school for its finest points and getting the student body involved. To get the broadest view of the student experience, the council is made up of members of each of the different programs in the school, as well as the recognized student organizations.

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) has a chapter at Southwest Georgia Technical College as well. Students must be at the top of the class, fulfilling the intense GPA requirements to become a member. Raising the bar for one’s self and joining together with others in this way has many benefits.

Southwest Georgia Technical College students can also join the Phi Beta Lambda society, the only Greek organization on campus. Business students will only benefit from joining with other aspiring leaders of the business community. This organization has national membership and offers students a significant number of colleagues wherever they travel in life.

SkillsUSA is an organization at Southwest Georgia Technical College which was founded to promote the common interests of majors in trade, health education and the industrial & technical fields. Students try to focus their energy on positive exploits and get all they can out of a respect for work and achievement. With overtones of national pride and democracy at large, students have the opportunity to express profound respect for the nation and its institutions.

Southwest Georgia Technical College Local Community

Southwest Georgia Technical College is based in Thomasville and has two other campuses in Camilla and Cairo. Thomasville is located just 40 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida and is called the Rose City owing to the many rose gardens kept locally. Mitchell County (where the Camilla campus is located) is a historic part of Georgia, where many Civil War-era building and artifacts have been preserved, including old railroad depots. Cairo is just thirty miles from Tallahassee and had its branch of Southwest Georgia Technical College open in 2006. Notable residents of Cairo include baseball Hall of Fame legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the MLB color line.

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Associate's — Public Rural-serving Medium

General Characteristics

Highest offering	At least 2, but less than 4 academic yrs
Calendar System	Quarter
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification