Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in one of the Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) programs?
  2. How do I begin the admissions process?
  3. Do I have to take an admissions test to enroll in one of the TTC programs?
  4. How long does it take to complete a program in the TTC?
  5. Can I enroll in a TTC program at anytime during the semester?
  6. How often and when are students admitted to the Practical Nursing, Surgical Tech and the Medical Assistant Program?
  7. What is the Compass test and what score do I need to make in order to enroll in one of the Medical Programs at the TTC?
  8. How many days a week do the TTC classes meet and how long do they meet?
  9. Are part time programs available?
  10. What happens if the program that I want is full?
  11. Are TTC students eligible to receive financial aid?
  12. What is the Wilder Naifeh Scholarship, what are the eligibility requirements and how can I apply?
  13. How much is the tuition and fees each semester, and how much are books, tools, supplies, etc?
  1. Do I need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in one of the Tennessee Technology Center (TTC) programs? The majority of the programs do not require a high school or a GED diploma; however, the programs in the medical field (Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, Medical Assistant and Massage Therapy), Cosmetology and Automotive Mechatronics do require applicants to have a regular high school diploma or GED to enroll. Additional information is available at: www.chattanoogastate.edu/ttc/intreg.html 
  2. How do I begin the admissions process? Prospective students must first submit an admissions application ($15) to the Admissions Department in the Student Center or in the Students Services Department in room 20 of the TTC. Additional information is available at: www.chattanoogastate.edu/ttc/intreg.html
  3. Do I have to take an admissions test to enroll in one of the TTC programs?Yes, all programs - except the Commercial Truck Driving program -  require a passing score on an admissions test. The COMPASS Diagnostic test is used for all programs except the Automotive Mechatronics, Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy, Practical Nursing and Surgical Technology, which require the College Compass Test. In addition to the test, many programs require an interview before enrollment. Additional information is available at: www.chattanoogastate.edu/ttc/intreg.html
  4. How long does it take to complete a program in the TTC? Typically, students attending full-time will require one calendar year (3 semesters and 1,290 hours) to complete a program. The exceptions are the two semester Aesthetics (780 hours) and Manicurists (780 hours) certificate programs, the seven week Commercial Truck Driving Program (216 hours), the four semester Cosmetology program (1,500 hours) and the nine semester Automotive Mechatronics Program. Part-time enrollment in a program will increase the amount of time required for completion.
  5. Can I enroll in a TTC program at anytime during the semester? No, program enrollment is limited to the first two week of each semester (fall, spring and summer). The Medical programs, Automotive Mechatronics and Massage Therapy, however, are on a different admissions cycle and you should check the admit dates.
  6. How often and when are students admitted to the Practical Nursing, Surgical Tech and the Medical Assistant Program? The Practical Nursing program admits approximately 40 students in August and January; Surgical Tech admits 30 students in August; and the Medical Assistant program admits 22 students in August. The part-time, evening Practical Nursing class enrolls 20 students every 18 months (January 2011, next enrollment). In addition to the college admissions application, each program has a special admissions application packet that must be submitted. Additional information is available at: www.chattanoogastate.edu/ttc/intreg.html#How_to_Register_for_Practical_Nursing_Program
  7. What is the Compass test and what score do I need to make in order to enroll in one of the Medical Programs at the TTC? The college Compass test (not the COMPASS Diagnostic Test)is required of all prospective students who wish to enroll in Automotive Mechatronics, Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy, Practical Nursing and Surgical Technology.  The passing score for reading and mathematics is 80 (college level) and 50 (college level), respectively for Automotive Mechatronics, Practical Nursing and Surgical Technology.  The passing score for Massage Therapy and Medical Assisting is 80 (college level) in reading and at the 0800 level in mathematics.  However, students who have a taken the ACT or SAT test with the last three years, or students who previously attended college should submit their test scores and/or transcript for evaluation.  Advanced registration for the test is required and complete information is available on the individual websites for the programs.
  8. How many days a week do the TTC classes meet and how long do they meet? Full-time TTC classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:45 am until 2:30 pm (31.25 hours a week). The full-time evening programs meet Monday through Friday from 4:00pm until 10:30pm. Most part-time, evening classes meet three or four evenings a week for five hours each evening.
  9. Are part time programs available? All day programs are full-time; however, a few of the programs are available part-time in the evening (Building Construction Technology, Masonry, Plumbing and Motorsports Vehicle Technology).
  10. What happens if the program that I want is full? Each program has a waiting list and students will be notified when an opening is available.
  11. Are TTC students eligible to receive financial aid?Yes, TTC students are eligible to apply for a Federal Pell Grant, Stafford Student Loan and the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant (WNTSG), which is part of the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship Program.  Students must have a regular high school diploma or GED to receive a Pell Grant or Student Loan.  Additional information is available at: /financialaid/index.html
  12. What is the Wilder Naifeh Scholarship, what are the eligibility requirements and how can I apply?The WNTSG is part of the Tennessee Lottery Scholarship Program designated for Tennessee residents who enroll in one of the Tennessee Technology Centers across the state. The qualifications are minimal. Students do not have to have a high school or GED diploma, there is no grade point average, no test scores and no age limit. Application information is available through the Office of Financial Aid. Additional information is available by clicking the Wilder-Naifeh link at: www.chattanoogastate.edu/ttc/index.html
  13. How much is the tuition and fees each semester, and how much are books, tools, supplies, etc? For the 2010-11 year, tuition and fees for a full-time student is $947 and $692 for part-time students (fees are subject to change each fall semester). Expenses for books, tools, equipment and other items vary according to the program. Please contact the program instructor for specific cost information. Additional information is available at: www.chattanoogastate.edu/ttc/intfees.html