What is Pinellas Technical College Known For?
Pinellas Technical College is renowned for its comprehensive career-focused education and training programs. Students at PTC can have access to a broad range of vocational training opportunities, honing their skills in areas such as automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, HVAC, and welding.
Healthcare
The college also offers many healthcare programs, including nursing assistant training, practical nursing, dental assisting training, and surgical technology, equipping students with the expertise needed for thriving careers in the medical field.
Tech
For those inclined towards the field of information technology, PTC provides courses in computer systems, network support services, cybersecurity, and software development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Business
Moreover, PTC extends its offerings to business administration, entrepreneurship, and hospitality management, furnishing students with the knowledge and proficiency required to excel in various business environments.
Who Owns Pinellas Technical College?
Pinellas Technical College (PTC) is a public technical college in Pinellas County, Florida. The School Board of Pinellas County owns and operates it as a public institution.
Is it Legit?
Pinellas Technical College has been accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) since the 1970s, a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education.
Additionally, PTC is approved by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education (CIE).
This approval ensures that the college meets state standards and regulations for operating as a postsecondary institution in Florida.
Many of Pinellas Technical College’s programs may also hold specific industry certifications or approvals, depending on the field of study. These additional certifications and approvals further validate the quality and legitimacy of the programs PTC offers.
Is Pinellas Technical College Worth It?
Pinellas Technical College offers various career-focused programs to equip students with practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to their chosen fields. Whether students are interested in vocational trades, healthcare, information technology, or business, PTC provides comprehensive training that prepares them for success in the workforce.
Learning Experience
The institution’s emphasis on hands-on learning ensures that students have ample opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Through labs, internships, and industry partnerships, students gain valuable experience and build confidence in their abilities, making them more attractive to employers upon graduation.
Low Cost
Pinellas Technical College additionally prides itself on its affordability compared to traditional four-year colleges and universities, making it an accessible option for many students. With lower tuition costs and shorter program durations, students can complete their education at PTC with less financial burden and enter the workforce sooner.
Convenience
Through their flexible scheduling options, which include part-time and evening classes that accommodate students with various commitments such as work or family responsibilities, and their track record of success, including high job placement rates and positive outcomes for graduates, PTC provides students with the assurance that their education is flexible and tailored to them, of high quality, and will be valued by employers.
Acceptance Rate
Pinellas Technical College has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
Generally, PTC offers affordable tuition rates compared to traditional four-year colleges and universities: technical and vocational certificates cost $2.92 per hour for residents and $11.71 per hour for nonresidents and international students, amounting to semesterly costs ranging between $525 and $2,107.
Pinellas Technical College provides various financial aid options to help students cover their educational expenses, including federal financial aid programs such as grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, as well as state-based aid programs and scholarships.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
Class Schedules
Pinellas Technical College offers flexible scheduling options, including daytime and evening classes. This flexibility allows students to choose the class times that best fit their schedules and accommodate other commitments such as work or family responsibilities.
School Hours
Pinellas Technical College’s campuses are typically open during regular business hours on weekdays, which are usually from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Programs & Courses
Automotive
- Automotive Technology
- Collision and Body Repair
Business
- Accounting
- Administrative Assistant
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Aided Design and Drafting
- Computer Systems Technician
- Networking
- Software Development
- Web Development
Construction and Architecture
- Architecture
- Construction
- Machinist
- Welding
Cosmetology and Barbering
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Nail Care
- Skin Care
Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Culinary Arts
Graphics, Design, and Arts
- Film
- Interior Design
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Medical Records Technician
Healthcare and Nursing
- Dental Assistant
- Nursing
- Pharmacy Technician
- Surgical Technologist
HVAC and Building Services
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
Trucking and Transportation
- CDL
- Diesel Technology
- Marine Services
Campus Locations
PTC Clearwater Campus 6100 154th Avenue N Clearwater, FL 33760
PTC St. Petersburg Campus 901 34th Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Pinellas Technical College – Clearwater Campus has a highly polarized reputation, with students and graduates offering deep praise for the affordability and quality of select programs, but intense criticism for the administrative dysfunction, lack of communication, and unprofessional conduct in certain departments.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordable and Practical Education: The school is highly valued for its low tuition cost, which provides an affordable path to career advancement, particularly in programs like Practical Nursing (LPN). Many consider it a great, low-debt alternative to traditional college.
Successful Trade and Tech Programs: Graduates from programs such as Welding and .NET Software Development report quick job placement and high starting salaries, confirming the value of the technical training. Specific instructors in these and other programs (like Network Support Services) are praised for being highly knowledgeable.
Strong Practical Nursing (LPN) Program: Reviews indicate that the LPN program holds students to high standards, is rigorous, and has specific instructors who are effective in preparing students for clinical work and becoming competent nurses.
Helpful Student Support in Certain Areas: Some administrative staff are noted for being highly professional, great problem-solvers, and helpful with financial or enrollment paperwork, particularly in Student Services.
Quality Student Services: Services provided by the student-run barbering and cosmetology programs are praised as “amazing” and “super affordable,” with professional students.
Common Criticisms
Pervasive Administrative and Communication Failure: This is the most widespread and severe complaint. Reviewers consistently report an inability to reach staff, with calls and emails going unanswered for months when trying to register, apply, or obtain information, often wasting their time and money.
Unprofessional and Inappropriate Instructor Conduct: Multiple reports describe specific instructors as unprofessional, making inappropriate personal remarks (such as calling a student a “snowflake”), talking about random topics instead of class material, or treating adult students like high schoolers.
Waste of Financial Benefits for Veterans: One serious review warns military veterans that the school’s verification structure may lead to a waste of benefits and prevent them from receiving their full monthly stipend.
Inconsistent Program Quality and Support: Several programs are criticized for being unorganized, having high instructor turnover, and failing to provide students with the necessary resources (e.g., proper tools in the Automotive program). The Cosmetology and IT programs are cited as lacking communication and consistency.
Concerns over Transparency and Admission: There are complaints that the school is “only in it for the money,” with a lack of transparency in the selective LPN program application process and a difficult time for prospective students even getting information on specific trades like Electrical and Marine Mechanics.
Momentum
The campus has a clear division between its well-regarded, low-cost practical training, and its severely criticized administrative body. Recent reviews continue to feature both extremes: new students praising the affordability and specific program quality (LPN), while others condemn the administration, calling the campus a “joke” and “useless” due to the difficulty in simply interacting with the college. This suggests that while the educational mission for some programs is strong, the administrative and support framework is creating significant and ongoing barriers to student success.