| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public two-year technical college in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG); mostly campus-based, with 38 credentials fully online |
| Locations | Seven, all in Georgia: the Griffin Campus (main) and its Ellis Crossing film site, the Flint River Campus in Thomaston, and centers in Jackson, Peachtree City, McDonough and Monticello |
| Service area | Spalding, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Butts, Pike, Lamar and Upson counties |
| Credentials | Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS, for transfer), diplomas and Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs) |
| Typical length | One or two terms for most certificates; three to five terms for diplomas; five to seven terms for associate degrees |
| Accreditation | Commission on Colleges and Universities (formerly SACSCOC), to award associate degrees |
| Federal aid | Yes (OPEID 00562100) |
| 2026-27 tuition | $107 per credit for Georgia residents, $214 out of state, plus $474 in fees per term |
| Students | 6,867 credit students in fall 2025 and a record 7,291 in spring 2026 (college figures) |
| Founded | Formed by the merger of Griffin Technical College and Flint River Technical College, approved in December 2009 |
| Facts checked | October 2026 |
A Technical College System of Georgia college serving eight counties
Southern Crescent Technical College is a public two-year college and one of the colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia. It was formed when Griffin Technical College and Flint River Technical College merged, a step its accreditor approved in December 2009. Today it serves eight counties from a main campus in Griffin, the Flint River Campus in Thomaston and county centers in Jackson, Peachtree City, McDonough and Monticello. Enrollment is growing: the college reported 6,867 credit students in fall 2025, up 11.1% on the year before, and a record 7,291 in spring 2026. Its distinctive programs include nursing and accredited allied health programs, NCCER-accredited construction and welding trades, commercial driving, and film crew training through the Georgia Film Academy.
Programs at Southern Crescent’s seven Georgia locations
The college awards the ASN in nursing, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees for careers, Associate of Science (AS) degrees for transfer, diplomas and Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs). By our count, the 2026-27 catalog lists about 266 credentials, most of them short certificates. The table shows the main career programs; costs follow from the $107 credit rate in the cost section.
| Program | Credential | Length and start | Where | Prepares for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing (ASN), traditional | ASN, 69 credits | 6 terms; spring start only | Flint River, Henry County | NCLEX-RN |
| LPN/Paramedic Bridge to RN | ASN, 69 credits | 3 terms or more; fall or spring | Griffin, Butts, Fayette, Jasper | NCLEX-RN |
| Practical Nursing | TCC, 49 credits | 3 terms; fall or spring | Griffin, Flint River | NCLEX-PN |
| Nurse Aide | TCC, 12 credits | 1 term | Griffin, Flint River, Henry, Fayette | NNAAP; Georgia Nurse Aide Registry |
| Medical Assisting | Diploma, 48 credits | 3 terms; fall or spring | Griffin, Flint River | AMT RMA |
| Basic + Advanced Dental Assisting | TCCs, 14 + 15 credits | 1 term each | Griffin | Not stated |
| Phlebotomy Technician | TCC, 24 credits | 3 terms | Griffin, Flint River, Henry, Fayette | National registry exam |
| Cardiovascular Technology | AAS, 70 credits | 7 terms incl. prerequisites; fall | Henry County | CCI (RCIS) |
| Electrocardiography Technology | TCC, 26 credits | 3 terms; fall or spring | Henry County | Not stated |
| Radiologic Technology | AAS, 79 credits | 7 terms; fall | Griffin | ARRT |
| Respiratory Care | AAS, 78 credits | 7 terms; fall | Griffin | NBRC TMC and Clinical Simulation (RRT) |
| Surgical Technology | AAS, 70 credits | 6 terms; spring | Griffin | Surgical technologist certification exam |
| Paramedicine | AAS 67 credits; diploma 57 | 5 or 3 terms | Griffin | NREMT Paramedic |
| Emergency Medical Technician | TCC, 12 credits | 1 term; fall or spring | Griffin, Flint River, Fayette | NREMT EMT |
| Firefighter I | TCC, 15 credits | 1 term; fall or spring | Griffin | NPQ Firefighter I, HazMat Operations |
| NCCER Welding and Joining Technician | Diploma, 41 credits | 3 terms; fall, spring or summer | Griffin, Flint River | Industry qualification tests |
| Air Conditioning Technology | AAS 66 credits; diploma 51 | 4 or 3 terms | Griffin | EPA 608; HVAC Excellence |
| Electrical Systems Technology | Diploma, 43 credits | 4 terms | Griffin | – |
| Electrical Lineworker | TCC, 12 credits | 2 terms | Flint River | – |
| NCCER Plumbing and Pipefitting | Diploma, 42 credits | 4 terms | Griffin | Apprentice plumber or pipefitter work |
| NCCER Carpentry / Construction Management | Diplomas, 42 / 53 credits | 3 / 4 terms | Griffin | Carpentry; construction supervision |
| Precision Machining / CNC Technology | Diplomas, 45 / 51 credits | 4 / 3 terms | Griffin | – |
| Automotive Technology | Diploma, 55 credits | 5 terms | Griffin, Flint River, Henry | – |
| Auto Collision Repair | Diploma, 40 credits | 3 terms | Henry County | – |
| Diesel Equipment Technology | Diploma, 47 credits | 4 terms | Flint River, Butts | – |
| Commercial Driving – Class A | TCC, 9 credits | 1 term | Flint River, Butts | Georgia CDL skills exam |
| Film Technology | AAS, 61 credits | 5 terms | Griffin (Ellis Crossing film school) | Georgia Film Academy crew training |
| Master Cosmetology | TCC, 44 credits | 4 terms; day or evening | Griffin, Flint River | Georgia State Board exam |
| Culinary Arts | AAS, 68 credits | 5 terms | Griffin | – |
| Early Childhood Care and Education | AAS, 72 credits | 5 terms | Griffin, Flint River, Henry | Paraprofessional roles |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | AAS, 60 credits | 4 terms | Henry County; online | – |
| Computer Programming / Cybersecurity | AAS, 66 / 60 credits | 5 terms | Griffin, Henry | – |
Several programs hold their own accreditation: ACEN for the ASN and Practical Nursing (both with initial accreditation as the most recent decision), CAAHEP for cardiovascular technology (initial accreditation, November 2020), medical assisting, paramedicine and surgical technology, CoARC for respiratory care, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation for culinary arts, and NCCER for the carpentry, construction management, plumbing and welding programs. Some names need care: Aviation Welding Fundamentals is a welding certificate, and the only other aviation-related programs are drone pilot certificates; there is no aircraft maintenance or pilot training. Civil Engineering Technology trains technicians, and the college does not claim ABET accreditation. The Patient Care Technician/Assistant certificate is a single course for nurse aides.
What the main programs cover
Nursing: ASN, bridge and Practical Nursing
All three nursing programs are selective, use the HESI A2 entrance exam and rank applicants each cycle instead of keeping a waiting list. The traditional ASN needs a 2.5 prerequisite GPA, a B or better in anatomy and physiology and math, and a HESI score of 70; it runs as a full-time day program, Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to 4:30, and admits only in spring. The bridge needs a year of LPN or paramedic licensure. Practical Nursing requires a HESI composite of 60 (no online test versions), a 110-point ranking and Georgia residency, with fall and spring cohorts.
NCCER Welding and Joining Technician
The 41-credit diploma takes three terms and starts in fall, spring or summer at Griffin and Flint River. It follows the NCCER curriculum, and the welding program is accredited by NCCER as an Accredited Training and Education Facility. The catalog says graduates are prepared for the qualification tests required by industry. Students who want one process at a time can take separate shielded metal arc (SMAW), gas metal arc (GMAW), gas tungsten arc (GTAW) or Pipe Welder certificates, and the 17-credit Aviation Welding Fundamentals certificate is taught at the Fayette and Jasper centers as well.
Air Conditioning Technology
HVAC is taught only at the Griffin Campus, as a 66-credit AAS over four terms or a 51-credit diploma over three, with fall, spring and summer starts. Students must earn EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification, which carries a $25 fee, and take two HVAC Excellence exit exams. Eight shorter air conditioning certificates, including one in light commercial systems, let students start with part of the program. Like electrical, plumbing and the NCCER construction programs, it is taught at Griffin only, so students from Thomaston or the county centers travel to Griffin for it.
Commercial Driving – Class A
The 9-credit certificate takes one term and starts in fall, spring or summer at the Flint River Campus and the Butts County Center. Students must be at least 18 and arrive with a Georgia driver’s licence and a Class A learner’s permit, a DOT physical, a passed drug and alcohol test and a seven-year motor vehicle record; a high school diploma is not required. The program ends with the Georgia CDL skills exam. It is priced above the standard rate, at $139 a credit plus a $225 fuel surcharge within its fixed fees.
Film Technology and the Georgia Film Academy
The 61-credit AAS takes five terms and trains entry-level film and video production technicians. Its core is Georgia Film Academy coursework: On-Set Production, Electric and Lighting, Grip and Rigging, Set Construction and a practicum. The catalog also lists 11 film certificates, among them the 18-credit GFA On-Set Production Assistant certificate for students who want a quicker route onto a set. Film classes are listed under the Griffin Campus, and the college calls its Ellis Crossing site on North Expressway its film school.
Respiratory Care and Paramedicine
Both are taught only at Griffin. Respiratory Care is a 78-credit AAS over seven terms with a fall start, accredited by CoARC (program 200482); students must pass the NBRC’s Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation exams before they graduate, which leads to the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. Paramedicine is offered as a 67-credit AAS or a 57-credit diploma with fall, spring and summer starts, accredited through CAAHEP, and prepares students for the NREMT Paramedic exam and Georgia licensure. Paramedics can later use the bridge to the RN degree.
2026-27 cost: $107 a credit, which HOPE can cover
The 2026-27 catalog’s fee schedule:
| Item | 2026-27 amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition, Georgia residents | $107 per credit |
| Tuition, out of state | $214 per credit |
| Tuition, international | $428 per credit |
| Commercial Driving – Class A | $139 per credit, plus $724 in fixed fees (including a $225 fuel surcharge) and a $121 drug screen |
| Mandatory fees | $474 per term (technology, registration, activity, facility, instructional, accident insurance, health and wellness, campus safety) |
| Example: 15 or more credits, Georgia resident | $1,605 tuition + $474 fees = $2,079 per term (tuition stops rising at 15 credits) |
| Program extras | Lab $25; malpractice insurance $10 ($40 for EMS); surgical technology test $247; respiratory $110; application $25; graduation $40 |
| HOPE Grant / Zell Miller Grant | $107 per credit for FY2027 (fall 2026 to summer 2027), the same as tuition |
For eligible Georgia residents, the HOPE Grant or Zell Miller Grant pays $107 a credit in FY2027, according to the Georgia Student Finance Commission’s award table, which matches the tuition rate, so those students pay no tuition. The $474 term fees, program fees, books and tools are charged on top of tuition, so ask the financial aid office what the grant leaves to pay. The HOPE Career Grant can cover remaining tuition in program areas such as allied health, automotive, CDL, computer programming, construction, diesel, early childhood education, lineworker, logistics, movie production set design, precision manufacturing and welding. As a worked example from the published rates, the 41-credit welding diploma comes to $4,387 in tuition plus $1,422 in fees over three terms, about $5,809 before books and gear. Federal data put 2024-25 tuition and fees at $3,516 a year in state and $6,084 out of state, and Niche shows a net price of $6,148 a year.
Southern Crescent takes part in federal student aid (OPEID 00562100), including Pell Grants, FSEOG, Federal Work-Study and Direct Loans. The college is approved to administer veterans’ education benefits and names the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance for active-duty service members.
Admissions and start dates
General admission is open, with a $25 application fee, and some programs, such as commercial driving, do not require a high school diploma or GED. The selective health programs use the HESI A2: a score of at least 70 for the ASN, the bridge and Surgical Technology, and 60 for Practical Nursing. Several programs admit once a year: the ASN and Surgical Technology in spring, and Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care and Cardiovascular Technology in fall. Practical Nursing applications for fall 2026 were taken 17 to 31 May, and for spring 2027 they are taken 17 to 31 October.
The ASN meets in the day only. Master Cosmetology runs as separate day and evening programs, Medical Assisting externships can fall in the day, evening or at weekends, and several early childhood courses run as 8-week mini-mesters.
Accreditation and results
Southern Crescent is accredited to award associate degrees by the Commission on Colleges and Universities, which was called SACSCOC (the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) until it renamed itself on 1 September 2026; the commission said the change does not affect any member’s accreditation. The college also says it may offer certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Programmatic accreditors are listed in the programs section, and the Georgia Department of Driver Services (commercial driving), the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Alliant GMCF (nurse aide) approve the relevant programs.
| Measure | Result | Cohort and source |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing) | 61 of 62 passed (98.39%) | 2025, Georgia Board of Nursing; 95.08% in 2024 |
| NCLEX-RN (ASN) | 70 of 76 passed (92.11%) | 2025, Georgia Board of Nursing; 87.5% in 2024 |
| Graduation within 150% of normal time | 58%, plus 7% who transferred out | First-time, full-time students who started in fall 2021 (College Navigator) |
| Retention | 63% of full-time and 48% of part-time students | Fall 2023 to fall 2024 (College Navigator) |
| In-field placement | 92.7% | 2025 graduates, college figure; the college gives no definition (95.7% in 2024) |
The nursing pass rates come from the Georgia Board of Nursing’s 2022–2025 report, revised in January 2026, which gives one row per program and does not say whether only first-time candidates are counted. The college’s placement rate is labelled “in-field”, but the college does not say how it counts graduates who join the military or continue their studies. We found no published pass rates for radiography, respiratory care, surgical technology, paramedicine or cardiovascular technology.
What changed since 2023
- About late 2024: a Small Business Entrepreneurship Center opened at the Henry County Center in McDonough, part of a state-funded $6.7 million Center for Education and Entrepreneurship project.
- Fall 2025: the LPN/Paramedic Bridge to RN was added at the Butts and Jasper County Centers, and fall enrollment reached 6,867, followed by a record 7,291 in spring 2026.
- October 2025: the state technical college board approved a Medical Laboratory Technology AAS for the Flint River Campus, planned for fall 2026 pending accreditor approval. It is not in the 2026-27 catalog.
- 2026-27 catalog: the Dental Assisting diploma is archived, replaced by Basic and Advanced Dental Assisting certificates, and, as of October 2026, the college’s website shows the CT and MRI specialist certificates as temporarily not enrolling new students.
- 1 September 2026: SACSCOC became the Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Before you enroll
- Many health programs run at one site and admit once a year. Radiography, respiratory care, surgical technology and paramedicine are only at Griffin, and the traditional ASN is only at Flint River and the Henry County Center, with one spring start; missing the August application window means waiting a year.
- The college does not list JRCERT accreditation for Radiologic Technology, and we could not confirm its status. Ask the program about its accreditation before applying.
- Dental assisting is no longer a CODA-accredited diploma. The two certificates that replaced it do not say which certification exam they prepare students for.
- The HOPE and Zell Miller award matches the $107 tuition rate; budget for $474 in fees every term, plus program charges such as the $247 surgical technology test fee or the CDL’s $724 in fixed fees.
- The college lists 38 fully online credentials but does not say whether students living outside Georgia can enroll in them. Ask before applying from another state.
Seven locations: what each teaches
| Location | Address | Main programs there |
|---|---|---|
| Griffin Campus (main) | 501 Varsity Road, Griffin | Most programs; only site for radiography, respiratory care, surgical technology, paramedicine, HVAC, electrical, NCCER construction trades, machining, culinary and dental assisting |
| Ellis Crossing | 657 North Expressway, Griffin | The college’s film school, part of the Griffin Campus |
| Flint River Campus | 1533 Highway 19 South, Thomaston | Traditional ASN, practical nursing, medical assisting, welding, diesel, CDL, lineworker, cosmetology |
| Butts County Center | 1578 Highway 16 West, Jackson | CDL, diesel, LPN/Paramedic Bridge to RN |
| Fayette County Center | 250 Peachtree Parkway South, Peachtree City | Civil Engineering Technology, LPN/Paramedic Bridge, EMT, nurse aide, phlebotomy, drone certificate |
| Henry County Center | 300 Lakemont Drive, McDonough | Traditional ASN, cardiovascular and EKG technology, collision repair, logistics, computer and web degrees |
| Jasper County Center | 112 Industrial Park Drive, Monticello | LPN/Paramedic Bridge to RN, patient care technician |
The catalog also lists high school career academies used for dual enrollment; they are not college campuses.
Housing and career help
There is no college housing, so students live off campus. Clinical placements in the health programs and the Medical Assisting externship are arranged by the programs. The college publishes an in-field placement rate (92.7% for 2025) and links career resources for graduates looking for work. The Henry County Center’s Small Business Entrepreneurship Center has a podcast room and a makerspace.
What students say on Niche
On Niche, Southern Crescent has 3.76 out of 5 from 250 reviews and an overall grade of C+ (checked 7 October 2026). Reviewers praise instructors they describe as knowledgeable and caring about student success, small classes and hands-on labs, low cost compared with other technical colleges, and the flexibility of online classes. Complaints include slow replies from offices and instructors, online instructors who seem disengaged, delays in clinical placements, some disorganized programs, and financial aid and registration processes that students want simplified. The reviews we could see were posted mostly between January and September 2025, with a mild cluster in April and May 2025 but no obvious burst; like all Niche reviews, they come from students who chose to post.
Sources
Checked October 2026: Our campuses · 2026-27 catalog: tuition and fees · Accreditation · Student achievement data · Georgia Board of Nursing PN NCLEX results 2022–2025 · RN NCLEX results 2022–2025 · College Navigator · GSFC FY2027 award amounts
Programs & Courses
Nursing
- Nursing (ASN), traditional option (Flint River and Henry County)
- LPN/Paramedic Bridge to RN (ASN)
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Nurse Aide (also Accelerated and Fast Track)
- Patient Care Technician/Assistant (one course, for nurse aides)
Allied Health
- Cardiovascular Technology
- Electrocardiography Technology
- Radiologic Technology
- Radiologic Technician Assistant
- Respiratory Care
- Surgical Technology
- Medical Assisting
- Basic Dental Assisting
- Advanced Dental Assisting
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Health Care Management
- Hemodialysis Patient Care Specialist
- Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician (Advanced)
- Medical Receptionist (online)
- Medical Office Support Specialist
Public Safety
- Paramedicine (AAS and diploma)
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Firefighter I and II
- Fire Science Technology (campus or online)
- Fire Officer I and II (online)
- Criminal Justice Technology (campus or online)
- Forensic Science Technology
- Crime Scene Investigation
Construction and Building Trades
- Air Conditioning Technology (AAS and diploma)
- Electrical Systems Technology
- Electrical Lineworker (Flint River)
- NCCER Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology
- NCCER Carpentry Technology
- NCCER Construction Management
- Civil Engineering Technology (Fayette County)
Welding and Manufacturing
- NCCER Welding and Joining Technician
- SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and Pipe Welder certificates
- Aviation Welding Fundamentals
- Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- CNC Technology
- Mechatronics Technology
- Automation Technology
- Industrial Mechanical Systems
- Precision Manufacturing and Maintenance
Transportation
- Automotive Technology
- Auto Collision Repair (Henry County)
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Commercial Driving – Class A (CDL)
- Small Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) certificates
Business
- Accounting
- Payroll, Tax Preparation and Enrolled Agent certificates
- Business Management (online)
- Business Technology (online)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Henry County or online)
- Freight Brokerage
Computers and Web
- Computer Programming
- Cybersecurity
- Web Application Development
- Web Site Design/Development
- Mobile App Developer
- Networking Specialist
- Database Specialist
Film
- Film Technology
- Georgia Film Academy certificates, including On-Set Production Assistant
Professional Services
- Master Cosmetology (day or evening)
- Master Barber
- Esthetician
- Nail Technician
- Culinary Arts (AAS and diploma)
- Early Childhood Care and Education
- Paralegal Studies (AAS; diploma online)
Horticulture and Utilities
- Horticulture
- Landscape Specialist and Turfgrass certificates
- Water Quality Technician
- Natural Gas Technician
Campus Locations
Griffin, GA 501 Varsity Road, Griffin, GA 30223
Griffin, GA 657 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
Thomaston, GA 1533 Highway 19 South, Thomaston, GA 30286
Jackson, GA 1578 Highway 16 West, Jackson, GA 30233
Peachtree City, GA 250 Peachtree Parkway South, Peachtree City, GA 30269
McDonough, GA 300 Lakemont Drive, McDonough, GA 30253
Monticello, GA 112 Industrial Park Drive, Monticello, GA 31064