What Is It Known For?
Northshore Technical Community College, originally founded in 1930 as the Sullivan Memorial Trade School, is part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. It began as a school offering woodworking courses but has since expanded to provide more than 20 programs in high-demand fields.
The college now has five campus locations, and in the 2024-25 academic year, it expects an enrollment of around 5,675 students. With its wide range of degrees, diplomas, and certificates, Northshore is committed to providing quality workforce training and transfer opportunities.
Degrees & Certifications
Northshore Technical Community College offers a wide variety of programs that cater to different career paths. Some of the most popular courses based on student enrollment include:
- AC & Refrigeration
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Building Technology
- Business Office
- Criminal justice
- Diesel Technology
- Care & Development
- Drafting
In addition to these programs, the college also provides Workforce Training Programs & Courses and Adult Education Programs & Courses, which are designed to support career advancement and help adult learners gain essential skills for the workforce.
Class Schedules
Northshore Technical Community College offers flexible class schedules to accommodate various needs. Students can choose from fully online courses, hybrid formats combining online and in-person learning, or traditional in-person classroom settings.
For certain programs, like healthcare courses such as Pharmacy Technician, externships are included to provide hands-on clinical experience. These externships allow students to apply their skills in real-world environments, gaining practical experience that complements their academic studies.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, Northshore Technical Community College is a quality institution. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), ensuring that it meets high educational standards.
Acceptance Rate
Northshore Technical Community College has an open admission policy, meaning it accepts all applicants who meet the basic requirements. This results in a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition is capped at $133.92 per credit hour for both residents and non-residents. The total cost will depend on the number of credit hours in your program. To get a more accurate estimate, the college provides a net price calculator, which includes additional fees and expenses.
Programs & Courses
Criminal Justice & Law
- Paralegal Studies
Healthcare
- EMT
- Medical Assistant Program
- Patient Care Technician Program
- Pharmacy Technician Program
- Practical Nursing Program
- Registered Nursing (RN)
- Veterinary Technology
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts & Occupations Program
Skilled Trades
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Program
- Automotive Technology Program
- Diesel Power Equipment Technology Program
- Electrician Program
- Welding
Technology
- Drafting Design Technician Program
- Information Systems Technology
Campus Locations
Lacombe 65556 Centerpoint Blvd. Lacombe, LA 70445
Greensburg 7067 Hwy 10 (P.O. Box 1300), Greensburg, LA 70441
Hammond 111 Pride Drive, Hammond, LA 70401
Walker 11640 Burgess Avenue, Walker, LA 70785
Angie 27268 Highway 21, Angie, LA 70426
Bogalusa 1710 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, LA 70427
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google and other online platforms, Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC), including its Florida Parishes Campus in Greensburg, LA, is highly valued for its strong focus on career-ready technical programs, supportive community atmosphere, and affordable tuition. However, a significant number of complaints focus on administrative and departmental support issues.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Career-Focused and Effective Programs: Students highly recommend the technical and healthcare programs (such as Welding, Practical Nursing (LPN), and Registered Nursing (RN)). Students in trades programs report successfully entering the workforce quickly after graduation, with one reviewer stating they were working as a structural welder within one semester. The LPN program is praised for being challenging and effective at preparing students for their careers.
Supportive Faculty and Small Class Sizes: Instructors are often described as “personable,” “supportive,” and genuinely invested in student success. The small class sizes contribute to a “family atmosphere” and allow for personalized attention, which is especially helpful for students with learning disabilities.
Flexibility and Online Options: The college offers various class schedules, including fully online, hybrid, and in-person formats, which students find helpful for balancing school with work or family commitments. The use of the Canvas system for online classes is also well-received.
Affordability and Financial Aid: The school is considered an affordable option for technical training. The institution has an open admissions policy and most undergraduate students receive financial aid through grants.
Common Criticisms
Financial Aid and Advising Issues: This is the most consistent and severe criticism. Multiple students describe the financial aid and advising departments as the “WORST department[s]” they have dealt with, citing a major lack of communication, difficulty getting an assigned advisor, and poor responsiveness when issues arise. Students feel they have to navigate the system “all on your own.”
Staffing and Administrative Overload: Due to the college being a smaller community college, some students feel there are not enough staff members, resulting in staff playing “multiple roles” where tasks and requests get “lost in the shuffle.”
Inconsistent Instructor Quality: While most instructors are praised, some students, such as those in the Pharmacy Technician program, reported having instructors who were not great and difficult to reach or unresponsive to inquiries.
Lack of Campus Amenities: Several reviewers noted a minor inconvenience: the lack of on-campus food services or food trucks, meaning students must bring their own lunch or leave campus to eat.
Momentum
The positive trend remains strong in academics, particularly the Nursing and technical programs, with recent reviews from May 2024 praising the quality of education and positive experience. However, recent (within the last year) negative feedback continues to focus heavily on administrative organization and communication issues, suggesting these challenges remain a current source of frustration for students. The overall momentum is split between excellent program quality and frustrating student support services.