Areas of Study

• Basic Welding: Entry-level skills and safety
• Advanced Welding: Builds on techniques with more complex materials and processes
• Associate Degree: Provides the most comprehensive training, including broader technical knowledge and potential leadership skills

Many students start with Basic and continue building toward the associate degree.

Yes. Employers value hands-on experience, and these programs emphasize practical training.

Yes. Welding programs are designed to prepare you for industry-recognized certifications, which are often required or preferred by employers.

Welding can take place in a variety of environments, including manufacturing plants, construction sites, and fabrication shops. It can be physically demanding but offers strong earning potential.

Aiken Technical College is located near major nuclear employers like the Savannah River Site and Plant Vogtle, creating strong connections between the program and job opportunities.

Students in the associate program complete 40-hour HAZWOPER training and are prepared for additional employer-supported certifications such as DOE Core or INPO-related credentials.

Yes. The role of a radiation protection technician is focused on safety—monitoring and preventing exposure.

Aiken Technical College has partnered with several contractors at the Savannah River Site for this program, which is currently offered in an apprenticeship format. The partners are: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Savannah River Mission Completion, and the Savannah River National Laboratory.

To participate, candidates must first apply to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Savannah River Mission Completion, and/or Savannah River National Laboratory via the companies’ respective websites. Applications are reviewed biannually in the fall and spring for the upcoming cohort. Selected candidates will be interviewed by the companies, and those chosen will be enrolled by their respective company into the program.

No, not at this time.

Production operators run and monitor equipment in manufacturing environments, ensuring products are made efficiently and safely. They may also perform quality checks and basic troubleshooting.

Yes. This certificate is designed as a fast-track pathway into the workforce, especially for students looking to enter manufacturing quickly and start building experience.

Yes. There are opportunities to advance into maintenance, quality control, or supervisory roles with additional training and experience.

Very hands-on. You’ll work directly with equipment to learn installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This real-world experience is critical because employers expect you to be job-ready from day one.

Most HVAC technicians need EPA certification to handle refrigerants. This program prepares you for that requirement and gives you the foundational skills needed for additional certifications as you advance in your career.

Yes, HVAC is a strong long-term career. As you gain experience, you can specialize, move into supervisory roles, or even start your own business. Demand remains steady because these systems are essential in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Career options listed are not comprehensive and just examples of careers related to the programs. Average salary range source: JobsEQ®, Spring 2026 Disclaimer: Graduates in this field can pursue careers with competitive earning potential. Salary figures presented are estimates for informational purposes only. Actual earnings and employment outcomes may vary based on factors such as industry, experience, education, location, and individual performance. Aiken Technical College does not guarantee salary or employment.

It depends on your interests:

• Programming/Internet Programming: Focus on building software and websites
• Networking: Focus on managing systems and infrastructure
• Cybersecurity: Focus on protecting systems and data

If you enjoy problem-solving and technology, any of these paths can be a strong fit.

No. These programs are designed to build your skills from the ground up, starting with foundational concepts and progressing to more advanced applications.

Coursework prepares you for industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Cisco CCNA. These credentials are highly valued by employers and can improve your job prospects.

Depending on the pathway chosen, graduates pursue roles such as help desk technician, network administrator, systems analyst, and cybersecurity analyst. These roles are in demand across industries including government, healthcare, and private sector organizations.

This program prepares you for roles such as accounting clerk, bookkeeper, payroll specialist, tax preparer, and auditing clerk. These positions are consistently in demand because every organization needs financial recordkeeping and reporting. This gives you flexibility in both job type and industry, ranging from small businesses and nonprofits to major corporations and government entities.

Yes. In addition to accounting principles, you’ll gain experience with commonly used workplace tools. The program also helps prepare you for certifications such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Specialist, which can strengthen your resume and make you more competitive when applying for jobs.

It supports both paths. You can enter the workforce quickly with job-ready skills or use the degree as a foundation to transfer into a bachelor’s program in accounting, business, or finance.

You’ll be prepared to start, manage, or grow a business, with skills in planning, marketing, budgeting, and operations. Even if you don’t start your own business immediately, these skills are highly valued in leadership and management roles.

No. The program helps you explore ideas, identify opportunities, and develop a business concept over time. Many students enter with just an interest in business and the desire to explore what it means to be a business owner.

Entrepreneurship focuses more on innovation, risk-taking, and building something new, while general business programs often focus on managing existing organizations.

Yes. The skills you gain can be applied in many industries and roles.

The program is designed around general education and foundational business courses that align with four-year degree requirements. When you follow the recommended pathway and work with an advisor, your credits are structured to transfer smoothly.

You should consider your intended major, transfer institution, and long-term career goals. Planning early with an advisor helps ensure you stay on track.

Yes. Aiken Technical College provides advising, transfer guidance, and opportunities such as transfer fairs to connect you with four-year institutions.

Many students choose this path to save money, benefit from smaller class sizes, and build a strong academic foundation before transferring.

The program focuses on practical management skills such as supervising employees, communication, decision-making, and operations management. These are the core competencies employers look for when promoting individuals into leadership roles.

Management skills are transferable across industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and business services.

Students who are motivated, interested in leadership, and willing to develop communication and problem-solving skills tend to do well.

Career options listed are not comprehensive and just examples of careers related to the programs. Average salary range source: JobsEQ®, Spring 2026 Disclaimer: Graduates in this field can pursue careers with competitive earning potential. Salary figures presented are estimates for informational purposes only. Actual earnings and employment outcomes may vary based on factors such as industry, experience, education, location, and individual performance. Aiken Technical College does not guarantee salary or employment.

“Expanded duty” means you are trained to perform more advanced clinical tasks beyond basic chairside assisting. This can include procedures such as taking impressions or assisting with restorative work, depending on regulations. These additional skills make you more valuable to employers and can lead to higher earning potential.

Yes. This program includes clinical training where you’ll work directly with patients in real or simulated dental settings. This experience is essential for building confidence and preparing for day-to-day responsibilities in a dental office.

It can be both. Some graduates build long-term careers in dental assisting, while others use it as a pathway into dental hygiene or other healthcare roles.

Medical assistants typically perform a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. This can include taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, scheduling appointments, and managing medical records. It’s a versatile role that keeps you actively engaged throughout the day.

Yes. This is a patient-facing role where you’ll interact with individuals regularly, helping them feel comfortable and prepared for care.

Graduates work in physician offices, clinics, outpatient centers, and other healthcare facilities.

Yes. Many of our graduates earn their CMA (AAMA) designation, meaning they are certified medical assistants.

Students will also be able to obtain their state certifications for both South Carolina and Georgia, and several other states accept NREMT for state certification requirements. Students will also earn several industry-level certifications through the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), American Heart Association (AHA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The program emphasizes understanding the “why” behind emergency care—not just performing skills. This helps you think critically and make better decisions in high-pressure situations.

Students who graduate from the EMS program, either the EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic, are able to work in EMS for 911, General Transport, Specialty Transport, and/or Fire Service. Several hospitals and urgent care facilities have also started hiring EMS-certified providers to work in different departments.

Radiologic technologists perform imaging procedures such as X-rays, ensuring images are clear and accurate for diagnosis while maintaining patient safety.

Yes. Like many health sciences programs, admission is selective and requires meeting specific prerequisites.

Yes. Clinical training is a major component of the program, allowing you to work in real healthcare settings.

Graduates typically work in hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient facilities.

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by preparing prescriptions, managing inventory, and helping customers. The role combines technical knowledge with customer service.

Graduates work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Many employers require or prefer certification. This program helps prepare you for certification exams.

Yes. Students participate in clinical experiences in a variety of pharmacy settings. The program also includes a mock retail pharmacy lab for in-class learning.

Surgical technologists assist in the operating room by preparing instruments, maintaining sterile environments, and supporting surgeons during procedures.

Yes, the Surgical Technology Program is competitive. Admission requirements, including prerequisite coursework and minimum GPA criteria, are outlined in detail within the Surgical Technology application packet. We encourage prospective students to carefully review the application for specific eligibility requirements and deadlines to ensure they meet all criteria prior to applying.

For the Sterile Processing program, students are required to complete 400 hours of hands-on clinical training during the spring and summer semesters. Clinical rotations are scheduled two days per week, allowing students to gain practical, real-world experience in a healthcare setting. For the Surgical Technology program, students must complete a minimum of 120 surgical cases throughout the spring and summer semesters. Clinical rotations are also held two days per week, providing students with consistent operating room experience and the opportunity to develop the technical and professional skills required for success in the surgical environment.

It is a non-clinical role focused on translating medical procedures and diagnoses into standardized codes used for billing and records.

Many medical coding roles offer remote or hybrid work options, depending on the employer.

Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to understand medical terminology are essential.

Yes. Students are prepared to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist exam.

If you are currently an ATC student, you should meet with your assigned enrollment advisor for help determining your eligibility and the online application. If you are not currently an ATC student, you should apply to the college using the free online application found at https://apply.atc.edu/. Once you apply, you will be assigned an enrollment advisor who will help you with your transfer credits, determining if you are ready to apply to the nursing program and complete your application. You can also reach the advisors at admissions@atc.edu once you have applied and been accepted to the college.

No, we will take an unofficial transcript as long as it originates from your college. It must include your name, date of birth, college ID, and official college information to help determine its origin.

If you do not include a copy of each of your college transcripts, you will not be considered for the nursing program due to an incomplete application.

You will need to meet with an ATC enrollment advisor to help you determine if your classes are transferrable. Please follow the steps found in question one to make an appointment.

ATC’s Nursing Department does not accept nursing classes from another college. If you have completed/graduated from another Practical Nursing or Licensed Practical Nursing program you are eligible to apply to the LPN to RN Transition program, but you will not receive credit for any nursing courses taken at any other college of nursing.

No, if you are applying to the ADN or LPN to RN Transition programs, you will also need a Speech and Humanities course prior to entering into the third semester nursing courses (NUR 265 and NUR 211), but they are not required for admission. You can take these classes during the first summer after entry into the nursing program. If you are applying to the PN program, you will not need these courses.

If you are applying to any of our programs, you will need to take the TEAS exam. TEAS is a standardized test in which we will look at your Reading and Math scores (for now, this is subject to change in the future). Please review the application for the distribution of points. Please note, you can take this exam up to two times a year. We will look at both attempts and take the best scores from each exam when considering your application. For example, you scored an 84 in Math and a 69 in Reading on your first attempt. On the second attempt, you scored 74 in Math and 78 in Reading. We will take the 84 in Math from the first attempt and the 78 from the second attempt in Reading. Please note, you must score a 70% or higher in both Reading and Math to receive any points in this area.

Yes, you are welcomed to apply to multiple programs (for example, the ADN and the PN, or the ADN and LPN to RN Transition nursing programs) to increase your chances of getting into one of the programs. If you apply to more than one program, please identify that you have applied to two nursing programs and specify your program of choice on your application.

Each semester, the minimum/maximum point value changes (depending on the applicants and number of applications). The nursing department will never make the point values public because they differ from application period to application period. After reviewing each application, the applicants are ranked according to the number of points achieved on the scoring matrix. Then the top 40 (for the ADN program), 16 (for the PN program), and 8 (for the LPN to RN Transitions program) students are chosen. We go strictly by a Points System. Our program is a very competitive one. Therefore, you want to achieve the highest number of points possible to increase your chances of acceptance into the program.

All applications can be submitted electronically by clicking on the blue link that is found at the bottom of page 2 of the application.

It will take up to 5 to 6 weeks after the application due date to process all applications. Typically, the acceptance letters/emails are mailed out by the second Friday in November and July. Please refrain from calling to check on the status of your application. For the quickest response, please ensure that both your mailing address and email address are correct. Also, please respond as soon as possible by returning your Acceptance/Denial letters to the appropriate place by the determined due dates.

Career options listed are not comprehensive and just examples of careers related to the programs. Average salary range source: JobsEQ®, Spring 2026 Disclaimer: Graduates in this field can pursue careers with competitive earning potential. Salary figures presented are estimates for informational purposes only. Actual earnings and employment outcomes may vary based on factors such as industry, experience, education, location, and individual performance. Aiken Technical College does not guarantee salary or employment.

All prerequisite courses have to be within the last ten years to be considered for the scoring matrix. Therefore, your BIO 210, BIO 211, BIO 225 ENG 101, MAT 120, PSY 201, and PSY 203 should be within ten years. Expired prerequisite course(s) could deem you ineligible to apply to the nursing program and automatic denial to the program.

If a bachelor’s or higher degree is reflected on your transcript, we will give you credit for English and Math classes that are older than ten years because they were a part of an achieved higher degree. Please note, you will only receive credit for these courses, but you will not receive any points. ATC’s nursing program is competitive and relies on the point system. If you do not receive points for the courses, this may result in a lower overall score and place you at a disadvantage to those who will receive points for these courses. Your choice to submit the older courses for credit and not points is at your discretion.

English 101 is the required course and the one that is used to evaluate all potential nursing students. If you took both classes, and they both are within ten years, we will use the grade from the English 101 course. The only circumstances in which English 102 will be accepted is when you have received credit (meaning, you will be awarded credit but you will not receive any points on the scoring matrix) for English 101 due to:

• exempting out of English 101, receiving CLEP credit, or DANTES credit
• transferring high school credits for English 101 or Advanced Placement (AP) coursework
• have an English 101 course that is part of a higher degree and is older than ten years
• only display a valid English 102 on your transcript due to the previously described reasons

No, suppose your transcripts reflect the failure of two or more nursing classes from another institution or a withdrawal and failure (to equal two attempts). In that case, you will not be eligible to enter into the nursing program(s) here at ATC. You will be eligible to apply after a waiting period of 5 years.

You must have an active, unencumbered SC Practical Nursing license and have graduated from an accredited Diploma in Practical Nursing program. You can apply to the program if you have a compact nursing license that includes the state of South Carolina. If not, you will need to visit the SC Board of Nursing (https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/lpn.aspx ) and complete the License by Endorsement Online Application to obtain an SC nursing license.

We will not consider your application. You must achieve the 69.3% on the PN Comprehensive Predictor exam. Also, please note that you will have to take both the TEAS and PN Comprehensive Predictor exams. Please try to take the test well in advance to give yourself time to retest if needed.

If your final grades do not show up on your transcript, you will not receive credit or points for the class. Your final grades must be on your transcript for consideration.

Career options listed are not comprehensive and just examples of careers related to the programs. Average salary range source: JobsEQ®, Spring 2026 Disclaimer: Graduates in this field can pursue careers with competitive earning potential. Salary figures presented are estimates for informational purposes only. Actual earnings and employment outcomes may vary based on factors such as industry, experience, education, location, and individual performance. Aiken Technical College does not guarantee salary or employment.

This program allows you to explore different subject areas while completing general education courses that can often apply to other programs once you decide on a direction.

In many cases, yes. General Studies is designed to give you flexibility, and many of the courses can transfer into other degree programs.

Working with an advisor is key. They can help you choose courses that keep multiple pathways open while you explore your options.

Students who are exploring career options, returning to college after time away, or looking to build a strong academic foundation before committing to a specific path.

This program is highly hands-on and includes a structured progression of field-based learning. You’ll start with observation and classroom-based activities and advance to a capstone student teaching experience where you spend a full semester working in real early childhood settings such as public schools, childcare centers, and Head Start programs. This ensures you graduate with actual teaching experience and not just theory.

Yes. Through the SC Endeavors program, eligible students may receive stipends for completing coursework and ongoing financial support while working in the field. In some cases, graduates may also benefit from wage supplements that can significantly increase their earning potential.

Graduates earn both an Associate in Applied Science degree and a certificate in Early Childhood Development. These stackable credentials strengthen your employability and can support advancement or transfer into bachelor’s degree programs.

Yes. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and credits can transfer to other institutions, including established pathways to four-year programs.

Graduates work in childcare centers, schools, and community-based programs, with some advancing into leadership or training roles or continuing their education.

Yes. When you follow the recommended pathway, your courses are structured to align with transfer requirements, helping you transition smoothly into a bachelor’s program.

Work closely with an advisor to select the right courses and identify your intended transfer institution. Planning early helps avoid taking courses that may not apply to your bachelor’s degree.

Yes. Many students gain experience in childcare settings while completing their coursework, which can strengthen their transfer applications and future teaching careers.

This program prepares you to pursue a bachelor’s degree in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, legal studies, or criminal justice administration.

Yes. You’ll learn key concepts related to the justice system, law, and public safety, which will prepare you for advanced study.

Think about your long-term goals. If you plan to pursue law enforcement or legal careers that require a bachelor’s degree, this is a strong starting point.

The main difference is focus:

• AA: More flexible, suited for humanities, social sciences, and general studies
• AS: More structured, with stronger math and science requirements, ideal for STEM and healthcare pathways

Choosing the right one depends on your intended bachelor’s degree and career goals.

Aiken Technical College offers 80+ courses that are guaranteed to transfer to four-year institutions in South Carolina. Additionally, there are established “2+2” agreements and transfer partnerships with four-year colleges and universities in South Carolina and beyond. Students should work closely with their advisors.

Several factors:

• A required College Skills course to help you transition successfully into college-level work
• Strong partnerships with universities
• Flexible options, including a fully online AA degree

These features help students build a solid academic foundation before transferring.

Aiken Technical College hosts an annual transfer fair to bring representatives from four-year colleges and universities to campus to share information and discuss the transfer process. Additionally, representatives from the institutions visit throughout the year.

This track is designed for students planning to pursue healthcare-related bachelor’s degrees. It aligns coursework with MUSC transfer requirements, helping streamline the path into competitive healthcare programs.

Career options listed are not comprehensive and just examples of careers related to the programs. Average salary range source: JobsEQ®, Spring 2026 Disclaimer: Graduates in this field can pursue careers with competitive earning potential. Salary figures presented are estimates for informational purposes only. Actual earnings and employment outcomes may vary based on factors such as industry, experience, education, location, and individual performance. Aiken Technical College does not guarantee salary or employment.