What Is It Known For?
Putnam Career & Technical Center (PCTC), located in Eleanor, West Virginia, has a long history of providing career-focused education. Originally established as the Putnam County Vocational Technical Center in 1968, the school began with its first welding class. By 1976, it expanded to include three wings to accommodate growing programs.
Today, PCTC offers 23 different programs that serve over 400 students annually. It is recognized for equipping students with the practical skills needed for successful careers in industries like automotive, welding, health sciences, and more.
Degrees & Certifications
Putnam Career & Technical Center (PCTC) offers a variety of programs for both high school and adult learners. These include certification and diploma tracks in fields like:
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nursing
- Baking & Pastry
- Direct Care
- Computer Systems Repair Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Firefighting & EMT
- HVAC Technician
Some programs are available through the ACE Extension Campus for adults, while others are exclusively for high school students. Program lengths vary depending on the field.
Class Schedules
Putnam Career & Technical Center (PCTC) offers flexible class schedules to accommodate both high school and adult learners. These include morning and afternoon classes for most programs. PCTC also integrates a Simulated Workplace, which mirrors real-world work environments, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, some programs may include externships or clinical experiences, particularly in fields like Medical Assisting and Nursing.
Is It Legit?
Putnam Career & Technical Center is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nursing. It is also affiliated with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and is governed by the Putnam County Board of Education.
Acceptance Rate
PCTC has an open admission policy, making programs accessible to high school students, adult learners, and career changers who meet eligibility requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs at Putnam Career & Technical Center vary by program. For example, Practical Nursing costs $4,050.00 in tuition with $3,084.38 for books and supplies. Medical Assisting costs $2,025.00 in tuition and $500.00 for books and supplies. The Heavy Equipment Operator program costs $1,800.00 in tuition with $1,000.00 for books and supplies.
Most other programs are free of charge and subject to change. For a more personalized estimate of costs, you can use the Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- ProStart Restaurant Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Law & Public Safety
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
- EMT
- Medical Assisting
- Practical Nursing
Professional Services
- Baking & Pastry
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Carpentry
- Collision Repair Technology
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Electrical Technician
- Firefighting
- HVAC Technician
- Masonry
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Manufacturing & Production
Campus Locations
Eleanor 300 Roosevelt Blvd. Eleanor, WV 25070
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Putnam Career & Technical Center holds a strong historical rating, largely thanks to years of praise for the quality of its trade programs and the respect shown to students. However, the most recent detailed feedback presents a severe contradiction, alleging a collapse in staff professionalism.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
High Quality of Education: Historically, the school is praised for delivering a “higher quality education” than community college, with one student calling it their “most enjoyable year in high school.” Students found the information learned, particularly in trade and Law Enforcement classes, to be very “useful.”
Supportive Environment (Historical): Past reviews consistently noted the staff and principal were “great” and treated students “with more respect and dignity” than high school.
Effective Program Structure: The facility is considered a “Great teaching facility,” with the “simulated workplace” concept highlighted as a beneficial idea and practice.
Common Criticisms
Recent Allegations of Unprofessional and Threatening Staff: The only detailed recent review (6 months ago) is severely negative, alleging that the staff is “Unprofessional [and] disrespectful” towards candidates. The reviewer claims the tone was “threatening,” with staff using tactics like threatening to remove candidates from the class or withholding refunds. This directly contrasts with the school’s historical reputation for respectful conduct.
Momentum
The momentum for the school’s reputation is trending sharply negative. The school’s high 4.4-star rating is built entirely on a foundation of older, overwhelmingly positive reviews spanning from six to nine years ago, which praised the staff and educational quality. The only recent, substantive piece of feedback (six months ago) is critically negative and addresses a severe failure in staff professionalism, directly contradicting the school’s historical strength. This suggests a potential and significant decline in staff conduct from its highly respected past.