Georgia Piedmont Technical College

33 Gilmer St., Atlanta, GA

About
Georgia Piedmont Technical College, located in Clarkston, Georgia was established in 1961 as the DeKalb Area Vocational School, a cooperative institution between DeKalb County and the State Department of Education.

From 1971 to 1986 the school operated as a secondary campus for Georgia Perimeter College.  This was followed by 12 years as the post secondary unit of the DeKalb County School System. In 1996 the school entered the Technical College System of Georgia and in 2000 changed its name to DeKalb Technical College. The school recently changed its name to Georgia Piedmont Technical College due to its expanded service area and increased offerings and growth.

Academics
Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers students a variety of program options to prepare them for a technical career or transfer. The selection of programs reflects the needs of the community, and are in high demand fields that make it easy to pursue work opportunities.

Students enrolled in such programs will learn the skills and abilities necessary to operate as professionals through comprehensive classroom courses and practical experience. Programs typically take between one and two years to complete, resulting in an associate degree, diploma or certificate which demonstrates competency in the field of study earned as well as the ability to enter the workforce at the entry level.

Academic transfer is also possible through agreements in place with several public institutions throughout the state of Georgia. These agreements allow for the transfer of credits earned, applying them toward a bachelor's degree. Based on the credits earned prior to transfer, the length of time prior to earning a bachelor's degree may vary.

Programs offered at GPTC include:

• Accounting
• Banking and Finance
• Nursing
• Phlebotomy
• Paralegal Studies

Admissions and Financial Aid
As a public two year open enrollment institution, any student who meets the minimum requirements for entry will be admitted to the school after submitting an application form. Students may be required to take the COMPASS placement exam to determine their general education course placement prior to the start of the program. Registration for courses begins prior to the start of each semester, and it is recommended that students consult with an academic advisor to plan out their curriculum and outline their career goals.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance should complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will be used to determine need, eligibility, and awards. Financial aid must be applied for every year, with a timely submission of forms and information resulting in a quicker response and disbursement of funds.

Additional Services
Georgia Piedmont Technical College also offers adult education and continuing education courses. Adult education courses allow individuals to return to school and complete their high school education, the completion of which confers an equivalent of a high school diploma. Continuing education courses are for working professionals who wish to update or broaden their knowledge base, and in some instances, fulfill requirements for recertification or licensure.