Select one below to jump to that section

ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Admissions Policy

Piedmont Technical College is essentially an “open door” institution serving the educational needs of all who apply for admission. This does not mean, however, that there are no entrance requirements. Certain programs of study make various prerequisites a necessity.

Still, these requirements are enforced not to keep students out, but to help ensure success in their chosen fields. Even though applicants for admission may not meet the requirements for entering a particular program, Piedmont Technical College has the ability, through transitional studies, to help them attain their goals.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants for admission to associate degree, diploma and certificate programs must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years of age or
2. Possess a high school diploma, GED or acceptable scores on the college’s placement test or on the SAT or ACT.
3. Complete the college placement test to assess skills in reading, English and mathematics and demonstrate the ability to benefit from formal education.

View Residency Requirements as listed in the Financial Information section of the catalog.

Declaration of Citizenship

The South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act (section 59-101-430) prohibits those unlawfully present in the United States from attending a public institution of higher education in South Carolina and from receiving a public higher education benefit. Effective January 1, 2009, Piedmont Technical College students must provide proof of citizenship. A verification process has been developed and students may be asked to submit additional documentation to verify citizenship.

International Students

This school is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. In addition to the general admission requirements, international applicants must:

• Provide evidence of successful completion of a secondary level program. This evidence must be in the form of a transcript or other traditional document from the institution. If not in English, the document must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
• Provide TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination scores with a minimum of:

             - Computerized version, score “173” or higher
             - Written version, score "500" or higher
             -  Internet based, score "61" or higher
The TOEFL requirement may be waived for students whose first language is English, who have graduated from a U.S. secondary school, or have college level English coursework.

• Provide copies of acceptable SAT or ACT scores.
          - SAT = 960 (480 Verbal, 480 Math)
          - ACT = 21

The Piedmont Technical College placement test may be taken as a substitute for the SAT/ACT. This test may be waived if university transfer credit is awarded for English or Math coursework.

• Provide an approved credit evaluation for university coursework, if transfer credit is desired. We recommend WES (World Education Services, Inc.), but any evaluator that is certified by the NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) is acceptable.
• Complete the Affidavit of Support and present official documentation of financial support in the amount of $21,856, to cover tuition and expenses for one year. This amount is subject to change based on the current rate of tuition, books and cost of living in the local area.
• Submit escrow deposit of $6,566 US for first semester and final semester tuition. This amount is subject to change based on the current tuition rate for international students.
• I-20 will e issued upon receipt of escrow deposit.
• Pay SEVIS fee directly to USCIS (www.fmjfee.com), print receipt and bring it to the embassy or consulate to apply for the F-1 visa. Notes: Financial assistance is not available to incoming international students. Students on F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus, and on-campus employment is extremely limited. International students who wish to pursue a degree exclusively online from their home country do not needto secure an F-1 visa and should contact a SEVIS Designated School Official for more information about this process.
  

Return to Top

GENERAL ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES FOR NEW STUDENTS

All new prospective students must first complete the steps listed below. Additional specific requirements may exist for some specific student types. See below for details:

1. Apply for Admission
   Available application methods include:
   • Submitting a secure online application
   • Downloading a printable application to mail to Piedmont Technical College
   • Visiting the Admissions Office on the Lex Walters Campus
   • Visiting any county center
2. Apply for Financial Aid
   You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) immediately to receive South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance or federal financial aid. There are deadlines, please inquire online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ .
3. Complete the Placement Test
   Unless waived by college personnel, you will need to take Piedmont Technical College’s placement test. Schedule an appointment to take the test by calling the Admissions Office at the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood or by calling any county center. Details about placement testing and policies for exemption follow.
4. Submit Transcript(s)
   Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED and any college transcripts.
5. Meet with an Advisor
   Contact a location near you to meet with an enrollment advisor to discuss your career goals and academic plan.
6. Schedule Your Classes
   With an enrollment advisor, plan your schedule of classes for the coming term, register and receive a printed schedule.
7. View Orientation
   Attend an orientation session. Call the Student Success Center (864) 941-8614 for dates and times.
8. Access Campus Online Services
   The “PTC Pathway” student intranet allows you to go online to access your academic records, financial statements, schedule, and certain student services.  Your PIN will be assigned at your point of enrollment.
9. Purchase Textbooks
   Purchase your books and supplies in person or online at the PTC Campus Shop. Books are also available for purchase at the six county centers on selected dates.

 Return to Top

STUDENT TYPES AND ADDITIONAL ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the general enrollment procedures outlined above, students may be required to complete additional steps to enroll. Additional information about such enrollment requirements may be obtained from the Admissions Office at the Lex Walters Campus- Greenwood, any county center or the college Web site. at http://ptc.edu/admissions.

First-Time College Students do not have any special requirements, but should complete all of the nine steps listed in the General Enrollment Procedures for New Students. Admissions Information 12

Returning Students who have not been enrolled at Piedmont Technical College for more than one year must complete a new application either online, at the Admissions Office at the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood or at any county center. All Piedmont Technical College graduates who wish to re-enroll must follow the procedures outlined to complete new applications. If you have attended another college and completed college-level course work since attending Piedmont Technical College, please submit an official transcript. To register for classes, you must contact a location near you or refer to the Meet Your Advisor Guide on the college Web site to determine the name of your new academic advisor. Transient Students are those currently pursuing a degree at their home institution but choose to take some approved classes at Piedmont Technical College.

Transient students are not seeking degrees at Piedmont Technical College and cannot receive financial aid. In addition to some of the general enrollment steps, all transient students are required to obtain a Transient Approval Form from advisors at their home institutions. This approval is valid only for one semester. The form must be submitted to the Admissions Office at the Lex Walters Campus- Greenwood or any county center before registering for classes.

Transfer Students If you have attended a college or university since high school, you are considered a transfer student. To ensure that the enrollment process progresses in a timely manner the college strongly recommends that transfer students follow the appropriate steps to submit any transcripts as soon as possible to avoid delays in transcript evaluation.

Non-Degree Seeking Students Applicants who do not wish to seek degrees, diplomas or certificates may enroll as Career Development students. The placement test will not be required except when the student enrolls in college-level English and/or mathematics courses. If a non-degree seeking student later decides to enter a specific program, the placement test may be required.

Early Admission Program – High School Students This program allows students to get a jump start on college courses while still in high school. All admission requirements apply, including completion of the college placement test, which is described in detail in the following section. In addition, the student must have completed the tenth grade and be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school and must have the signed permission of his or her high school counselor or school administrator.

Provisional college credit is awarded for all course work completed satisfactorily. Credit toward a degree program will be granted following high school graduation. Tuition for Early Admission students is the same as for regular students. Students who enroll for at least six credits per semester are eligible for lottery tuition assistance.

Dual Enrollment Program – High School Students This program allows students to earn college credit and high school credit simultaneously. In addition to meeting Early Admission requirements, dual enrolled students must have the approval of their high school counselors or school administrators for the specific courses that will be awarded both high school and college credit.

Participating high schools offer dual enrollment programs on site, either through a traditional class format or through distance education, both for general education courses and technical career courses. Students can also earn dual credit for courses taught at the college with the proper approval forms. Students should speak to their high school guidance counselors regarding dual credit. General education courses that are listed in the statewide articulation agreement, found on the Piedmont Technical College Web site, are transferable to all public four-year senior colleges and universities in the state. Dual enrollment students should check with the colleges of their choice to ensure transfer of their college courses.

Provisional credit will be awarded for all course work completed satisfactorily. Credit toward a degree program will be granted after graduation. Tuition for dual credit courses taken at the college is the same as regular tuition and if enrollend in six credits, Lottery Tuition Assistance will be applied. Tuition for dual enrollment courses taken at the high school will be free if the student is enrolled in at least six credits (two courses) and eligible for Lottery Tuition Assistance.

Senior Citizens who are residents of South Carolina and have reached the age of 60 may attend credit classes on a space-available basis without the required payment of tuition; however, such persons must meet regular admissions requirements. The availability of space cannot be confirmed until the start of the term. Also, they must not receive compensation as full-time employees.

Funeral Service Students must complete all FSE and BIO courses with a grade of “C” or better. Students can repeat FSE and BIO courses only one time to achieve a grade of “C” or better.

Distance Learning Students PTC provides many courses in non-traditional formats to serve students who cannot visit campus for traditional courses. In addition to the general enrollment steps, all prospective distance learning students must review the Distance Learning Home section of the college Web site to obtain specific information regarding special software requirements and access to course materials.

Special Program Requirements:
Nursing and Health Science Students must attend a mandatory Nursing and Health Science Information Session.

Meet in the Admissions Office 15 minutes prior to the meeting time. These sessions are also available at the county centers and provide all the information necessary to apply for admission to a nursing or health science program. Contact a location near you for session dates and times.

All applicants for Nursing and Health Science programs are automatically enrolled in the General Health Science Certificate program. Students are required to complete the following courses with a grade of "C" or higher: ENG 101, MAT 102 or MAT 120, PSY 201 and BIO 210: however, one must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher to be considered program eligible. (See Option 1 below for additional information.) A student must meet program admission requirements prior to submission of a Program-Ready application. These applications are accepted during specified times. Students are encouraged to complete all courses in the General Health Science Certificate while waiting for entry into a clinical program. Courses in this certificate program must be completed with a grade of C or better.

To become eligible for entry into a nursing or health science program, applicants must meet ONE of the following:

OPTION 1:
Completion of Program-Ready course work with a grade of at least “C”. The following are the program-ready course requirements by major:

• Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Radiology (RAD), Respiratory (RES), Practical Nursing (LPN):
  ENG 101, MAT 102 or 120, PSY 201 and BIO 210 (Nursing students must have CNA certification prior to final acceptance.)
  
• Medical Assisting (MED), Surgical Technology (SUR):
  ENG 101, MAT 152 or exemption (algebra), PSY 201 and BIO 210
  
• Pharmacy Technician (PHM):
  ENG 101, MAT 102, AHS 102 and PHM 202
  
• Veterinary Technology (VET):
  ENG 101, MAT 102, PSY 201 and BIO 102
  
• Patient Care Technology (PCT), Medical Coding & Billing (MCB), Massage Therapy (MAS) and Phlebotomy Technology (PHB):
  RDG 100, ENG 100 and MAT 152 (algebra) or exemption of these courses

Completion of Program-Ready course work with a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.5 for the following major:

• Cardiovascular Technology
  ENG 101, MAT 102, PSY 201, AHS, 102 and BIO 210
  

OPTION 2:
SAT or ACT scores within four years of the date of submission of the Program-Ready application of:

• SAT – Composite 960, Verbal 480 (Reading score), Math 480
• ACT – Composite 20, Verbal 20 (Either Reading or English score), Math 23

and completion or exemption of BIO 106. Completion of BIO 210 would also meet this requirement.

OPTION 3:
Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Official college transcripts must be on file and completion or exemption of BIO 106. Completion of BIO 210 would also meet this requirement. Veterinary Technology applicants must have BIO 102.

Additional Nursing & Health Science Information

In addition, each applicant must maintain a 2.0 GPA to enroll in any Health Science program and a 2.5 GPA to enroll in any Nursing program, Veterinary Technology and Cardiovascular Technology.

Students may repeat Program-Ready courses and BIO 106 & 211 only one time to achieve a grade of “C” or better. THIS REQUIREMENT APPLIES TO TRANSFER STUDENTS ALSO. College transcripts of all transfer students will be carefully reviewed for prior attempts. Appeals to the appropriate dean will be considered for extenuating circumstances. PLEASE NOTE: Financial aid assistance may only pay for two course attempts.

Admission to any Nursing or Health Science program will be limited to two attempts per program and three attempts at any Nursing or Health Science program combined. Admission to Nursing will be limited to two attempts.

Courses are time-sensitive. Anatomy and physiology and computer course credit that is older than five years will not be applied toward program-ready status. After any other courses become ten years old, they must be reviewed by department heads in order to receive exemption credit that will apply toward program-ready status.

A Merit Program is available for Nursing and Health Science students with exceptionally strong academic preparation. Nursing and Health Science Information Sessions provide additional information.

Criminal Record Checks and Drug Screening for Nursing, Health Science, Early Care and Education, Human Services, EMT, Criminal Justice and Veterinary Technology Students

Criminal Record Checks
As required by the clinical and field placement agencies, students in specific programs are required to have a criminal background check. These are conducted by an outside agency at the student’s expense. Current fees for these tests are: Criminal Background check - $43.

Pending criminal charges or conviction of any of the following crimes will make the student ineligible for enrollment or participation in clinical/field placement courses:

• Crimes of violence (murder, manslaughter, criminal sexual assault, crimes involving the use of deadly force, simple assault, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, assault and battery with intent to kill, criminal domestic violence).
• Crimes occurring within seven years of the application date involving the distribution or use of illegal drugs.
• Crimes occurring within seven years of the application date that involve moral turpitude, breach of trust and identity theft.

Drug Screening
The drug screen will be done on an unannounced basis after classes begin but before clinical/field placement assignments. Prescription medications may be validated by submission of a pharmacy printout of prescribed medications. Current fee for drug screen is $35.

The 10 panel urine drug screen will test for:

1. Cocaine
2. Marijuana
3. Opiates/Morphine
4. Amphetamines
5. Methamphetamines
6. Phencyclidine (PCP)
7. Benzodiazepines (inhalants)
8. Barbituates
9. Methadone
10. MDMA (Ecstasy)

A test that is positive for any of the identified drug categories or failure to provide the required urine sample will result in immediate dismissal from any curriculum that requires a clinical/field placement component. For Nursing and Health Science students, dismissal because of a positive non-validated drug screen will count as an attempt. The student may seek readmission to the program after one year to repeat the course or progress to another clinical course after they have received a satisfactory negative test result from the authorized college contractor for urinalysis testing. Anyone who is found to have a second positive drug screen will not be admitted to any other Health Science or Nursing program, and will forgo the right to appeal for a third attempt.

If a student tests positive and believes the results to be in error, they may request laboratory analysis or a re-test. Laboratory analysis or re-test will be at the expense of the student.

The results of the criminal background check and the drug screen will be available for review by designated personnel in each clinical/field placement agency. The agency has the right to refuse admission for clinical/ field placement based on student background checks and drug screens.

 Return to Top

PLACEMENT TESTS

Piedmont Technical College’s assessment program helps new students entering the college succeed in their educational goals. The results will help with your placement into appropriate courses so that you will be successful in the course work you choose to take at PTC. You will learn about your skills and how they compare with the skills you will need as you pursue your chosen major courses.

Placement instruments are not used for admission to the college, although they may be used to determine certain  pre-requisites required for certain programs.

PLACEMENT TEST EXEMPTIONS
Students in the following categories may not need to take the placement test:

• Some non-degree and non-diploma seeking applicants.
• Applicants who have completed college level English composition and math with a grade of "C" or higher. Portions of the test may be waived according to courses taken.
• Applicants who hold an associate or bachelor's degree or higher.
• Applicants who have completed the college placement test within the past five years.
• Applicants who have earned a composite SAT score of at least 960 with a minimum of 480 on Verbal (or Critical Reading after Mar. 2005) and 480 on Math, or a composite ACT score of at least 20.
• Some applicants for Career Development status (non-degree seekers who take individual courses for personal or career enrichment.)
• Applicants for transient status (students at other colleges who have approval from the home institution to take a course at Piedmont Technical College for credit toward degrees at the home institution.)

PLACEMENT TESTING TIPS

• Have a positive attitude!
• Placement tests are not Pass/Fail.
• Review before testing will improve your scores.
• Try to do your best so that you will be properly placed.
• You can take courses to brush up on areas where you need help.

PLACEMENT TEST CHOICES
Piedmont Tech offers two choices for placement testing, either ASSET or COMPASS, depending on both your schedule and the assessment schedule.

• ASSET is a traditional timed paper and pencil placement test measuring skills in reading, English and mathematics. For ASSET, each of the four parts is 25 minutes. 
• COMPASS is a computer-adaptive placement test measuring skills in reading, English and mathematics. This test is not timed. The computer selects questions for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. COMPASS is “user friendly,” requiring no experience with computers.
• TRA is a computer-delivered placement test measuring skills in computer technology readiness. This test requires that you demonstrate your knowledge of the identified computer skills. The test is "user friendly", requiring no experience with computers.

TO SCHEDULE A TEST
Testing or exemption from testing is required prior to advisement and registration for classes. Plan to complete testing requirements in advance of registration to avoid any delay in your enrollment.

ASSET and COMPASS are scheduled regularly at all campuses.

Greenwood
To schedule an appointment for a placement test on the Greenwood Campus contact the Enrollment Center at Admissions Office at (864) 941-8369.

County Centers
To schedule a placement test at a County Center, call your County Center to learn about appointment times.

Students Needing Special Assistance
If you need special assistance because of a physical limitation or a disability, please contact the Student Disability Services Coordinator in the Student Success Center at (864) 941-8614. Click here for information about PTC's Student Disability Services.

ARE CALCULATORS PERMITTED?
You may use a calculator on upper-level math tests (elementary algebra and intermediate algebra) of the ASSET but NOT on the basic numerical skills test. You may use a calculator on all of the COMPASS mathematics tests. Calculator use is not required; all problems on the upper-level math tests can be solved without using a calculator. Calculators are not provided; you must bring your own and may not share.

The following types of calculators are allowed, but only if they are used as noted:

• Models with paper tapes
  The paper must be removed.
• Models that make noise
  The sound function must be turned off.
• Models that transfer data wirelessly with other calculators
  Opaque material, such as masking tape, must be placed over the infrared data port.
• Models with a power cord
  The power cord must be removed and the calculators must use battery power.

The following types of calculators are not allowed:

• Pocket organizers
• Handheld or laptop computers
• Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices  (note: The Sharp EL 9600 is allowed.)
• Models with QWERTY (typewriter=-style) keyboards
• CFX-9970G, Casio Algebra fx 2.0, TI-89 and TI-92

CAN YOU STUDY FOR THE TEST?
You should not try to learn new skills before taking the test, but if you have been out of school for a year or more, a review of the subjects may prove to be helpful. You may find materials to help you in public libraries and local bookstores.

The writing portion consists of choosing whether a passage is written correctly or should be rewritten according to an alternative paragraph or sentence. The reading portion consists of passages to read and questions to answer about the content. The math portion includes addition, subtraction, division, multiplication of fractions, decimals, whole numbers and integers, word problems and basic algebra.

You may choose to review on your own by working the sample exercises at the links below:

See What's New... 
Sample Questions for ASSET & COMPASS!

WHEN DO YOU RECEIVE THE RESULTS?
After taking COMPASS, your results will be discussed with you immediately. ASSET results will also be given immediately at the Greenwood Campus; however, if you take ASSET at a county center, the results will be available in three or four days. You will receive an advising report that summarizes the information of the Educational Planning Form and recommends courses for you.

NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION
•Testing or exemption from testing is required prior to advisement and registration for classes. Plan to complete testing requirements in advance of registration to avoid any delay in your enrollment. For details, please call the Admissions Office at the Greenwood Campus at (864) 941-8369 or one of the County Centers.

•ASSET and COMPASS are scheduled regularly at all campuses.

Greenwood
To schedule an appointment for a placement test on the Greenwood Campus contact the Enrollment Center at Admissions Office at (864) 941-8369.

County Centers
To schedule a placement test at a County Center, call your County Center to learn about appointment times.

• If you need special assistance because of a physical limitation or a disability, please contact the Student Disability Services Coordinator in the Student Success Center at (864) 941-8614.
• Testing usually takes approximately three hours. On the day of your assessment, you should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the testing hour.
• Bring a picture identification (a driver’s license, a work ID or a passport) with you. Also, you should know your social security number.

 Return to Top

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT

Piedmont Technical College recognizes academic advisement as a process that helps students clarify life and career goals and develop educational plans to realize these goals. Its basic purpose is to aid students in becoming effective partners in their lifelong learning and personal development. It is a process based on a close advisor/student relationship. Students enrolling at the Lex Walters Campus-Greenwood begin the advisement process when they meet with enrollment advisors to register for classes for their first term at the college. After that, they meet with assigned academic advisors who guide them to graduation or until they reach stated educational goals. Students enrolling at the county centers have access to advisors at the center where they are enrolled.

Return to Top