Tennessee College of Applied Technology

What Is It Known For?

TCAT, or the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, is renowned for its superior workforce development and technical education programs. It is a part of one of the biggest networks of public applied technology institutions and community colleges in the country, the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system.

Every year, the TBR provides services to more than 100,000 students in 90 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, providing credentials to 22,000 of them to improve their career progression and preparedness for the workforce.

When the TBR was first established in 1972, it oversaw 10 community institutions and six state universities. In 1983, technical institutes and area vocational schools, now known as TCATs, were incorporated into the TBR system.

Degrees or Certifications

TCAT offers a range of degrees and certifications, including diplomas, associate degrees, and certificates. Information technology, welding, nursing, automobile technology, and other topics are included in these programs.

The emphasis is on imparting real-world, employable skills that meet industry norms and specifications.

Class Schedules

TCAT provides flexible class schedules to accommodate various student needs. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening, allowing students to combine their education with other responsibilities.

The programs frequently combine online and in-person instruction, and many include externships or clinical internships to give real-world training. This hybrid method enables students to get practical experience while meeting academic requirements.

Is It a Good School?

Yes, TCAT is a legitimate institution. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. These affiliations ensure that the college meets high educational standards and provides quality training programs recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

Acceptance rate

According to the U.S. Department of Education, TCAT has an open admissions policy, meaning that it accepts all applicants who meet the basic requirements.

How much does it cost?

The cost of attending TCAT varies depending on the program and specific campus. On average, tuition ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per year. Some programs may have additional fees for materials, tools, or certifications. Financial aid options are available to help students manage the cost of their education, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Programs & Courses

Business

  • Office Admin Technology

Design

  • Computer Aided Design Technology
  • Graphic Design

Healthcare

  • Dental Assisting
  • Dental Laboratory Technology
  • Diesel Tech
  • Phlebotomy Tech
  • Pharmacy Technology
  • Practical Nurse
  • Sterile Processing
  • Surgical Tech (Murfreesboro)

Professional Services

  • Aesthetics
  • Barbering
  • Cosmetology
  • Manicuring (Murfreesboro)

Skilled Trades

  • Automotive Technology
  • Aviation
  • Building
  • Collision Repair
  • Diesel Tech
  • Electric Vehicle Tech
  • Electronics Technology
  • Residential & Commercial Electricity
  • Heavy Equipment
  • HVAC
  • Machining
  • Manufacturing
  • Mechatronics
  • Sterile Processing
  • Truck Driving
  • Welding

Technology

  • Information Technology

Vet

  • Animal Laboratory Tech

Campus Locations

Athens 1635 Technology Way PO BOX 848 Athens, TN 37303

Chattanooga State 4501 Amnicola Highway Chattanooga, TN 37406 423-697-4400

Crossville 910 Miller Avenue Crossville, TN 38555

Dickson 740 Highway 46 South Dickson, TN 37055

Elizabethton 426 Highway 91 North Elizabethton, TN 37643

Hohenwald 813 West Main St. Hohenwald, TN 38462

Knoxville 1100 Liberty Street Knoxville, TN 37919

Livingston 740 Hi Tech Dr Livingston, TN 38570

McMinnville 241 Vo-Tech Drive McMinnville, TN 37110

Memphis 550 Alabama Ave. Memphis, TN 38105

Morristown 821 West Louise Ave Morristown, TN 37813-2094

Murfreesboro 303 Old Fort Parkway Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Nashville 100 White Bridge Pike Nashville, TN 37209

Newbern 340 Washington St Newbern, TN 38059

Paris 312 South Wilson Street Paris, TN 38242

Shelbyville 1405 Madison St. Shelbyville, TN 37160

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews, Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Athens (TCAT Athens) is recognized for having a supportive learning environment with experienced instructors. However, it faces consistent and serious criticism regarding its administrative communication and office organization.

Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars

Common Praises

Experienced and Helpful Instructors: Students consistently praise the teaching staff for being “experienced,” professional, and dedicated to helping students “get ready to be in the workplace.” The overall atmosphere is described as a “great school” and a “great place to learn.”

Supportive Atmosphere: Many reviewers describe the staff and general environment as “very nice” and “wonderful,” making it a great place to go back to school or start a career.

Clean and Well-Kept Facility: The campus is noted as being “clean” and “very well kept,” which contributes to a positive learning environment.

Common Criticisms

Poor Administrative Communication and Disorganization: This is the most frequent and severe criticism. Reviewers state that “all front offices are difficult to get a hold of” and describe the office staff as “very disorganized.” Students have been told enrollment requirements were complete, only to call back and find the staff had “no idea what I’m talking about,” resulting in delays and frustration.

Negative Staff Interactions: Multiple reviews detail specific instances of unprofessional or “hateful” behavior from certain staff members when students had questions about enrollment or needed assistance, being cut off or rushed.

Lack of Transparency on Costs and Requirements: One student was “ambushed” with a high book cost ($840) on the first day and felt pressured to purchase it immediately. Another student noted time spent on mandatory training (e.g., proper pronoun usage) instead of their paid class time.

Poor Consideration for Guests and Students: A serious complaint was raised about a graduation ceremony not having enough seats or accommodations for disabled guests, showing a lack of planning for essential accessibility needs.

Inclement Weather Policy: The school’s policy on not closing for inclement weather and making late-minute cancellation calls was noted as a safety and logistical concern for students.

Momentum

Recent reviews (from the last year) continue to show the same polarized feedback. The positive comments still focus on the supportive staff and atmosphere, but the negative feedback on poor communication, administrative disorganization, and negative staff interactions persists, demonstrating a consistent, unresolved operational issue at the front office and administrative level.