What Is It Known For?
Tom P. Haney Technical College is a public college in Lynn Haven, Florida, serving Bay County and surrounding areas since 1966. Originally called Bay County Vocational-Technical School, it opened in the old Wainwright Shipyard Administration Building before moving to a larger campus in Panama City in 1968.
Later that year, it was renamed to honor Tom P. Haney, a local businessman and strong supporter of education. In 2022, the school officially became a “Technical College.” Today, it enrolls about 432 undergraduate students each year, providing career-focused training that continues to support the region’s workforce.
Degrees & Certifications
The college offers programs in trades, health care, and technology. Some of the programs offered here are:
- Cosmetology
- Information Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Welding
- Patient Care & Nursing
- Marine Technology
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
To meet the needs of different students, Haney offers both day and evening classes. Some courses are available in hybrid formats, combining online study with in-person labs. While formal externship programs are not listed across all areas, healthcare programs often involve hands-on training in clinical settings, so applicants are encouraged to confirm details with the school directly. Career services, including job placement assistance, are also offered to help graduates transition into employment.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Haney Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which affirms the quality of its programs and operations.
Acceptance Rate
Tom P. Haney Technical College has an open admission policy, making the acceptance rate 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Tom P. Haney Technical College is charged by the clock hour, with residents paying $2.44 and non-residents $9.78 per hour. Adult General Education courses cost $45 per semester.
Because every program differs in length and requirements, the best way to understand your total cost is to connect with the school for a customized breakdown or use their net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Central Sterile Processing Technology
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Administrative Specialist
- Patient Care Technician
- Practical Nursing
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Collision Technology Technician
- Master Automotive Service Technology
- Aviation Airframe Mechanics
- Electrician
- Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
- Marine Service Technologies
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Systems & Information Technology
Campus Locations
Panama City 3016 Highway 77 Panama City, FL 32405
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Tom P. Haney Technical College has a highly polarized reputation with significant, recurring concerns about administrative issues and the quality of instruction, especially in recent years. While older and some scattered positive reviews praise the training, recent feedback suggests a decline in the quality of the learning environment.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Historical/Program Success: Older reviews (from 5-15 years ago) and a few recent outliers praise the programs, particularly LPN, Cosmetology, and technical training, for providing thorough, well-grounded, and superior skills.
Positive Instructor Experiences (Past/Specific): Past instructors, specifically in the LPN program and Cosmetology, are credited with being highly knowledgeable, encouraging, and patient.
Helpful Staff (Isolated Cases): Some students mention positive interactions with administrative staff, describing them as polite and helpful.
Effective Hands-on Training (Older Reviews): Some historical reviews highlight a good mix of textbook understanding and hands-on training by exceptional instructors.
Common Criticisms
Poor Quality of Instruction/Lack of Teaching: This is the most frequent and severe modern complaint. Students in technical programs (e.g., Electrician course) and general students report that instructors “never teach,” do not prepare lesson plans, and expect students to “sit there and do nothing” for long periods. There are also reports of some instructors showing favoritism toward specific classes over others.
Administrative Favoritism and Retaliation: There are multiple reports that instructors and administration, including the Director of Nursing and the Principal, have “favorites,” allowing some students to pass regardless of grades or respect. The administration is also accused of having a toxic, unprofessional culture, including retaliating against students who raise concerns about teachers.
Program/Organizational Instability: The LPN program is repeatedly cited as having serious issues, including the Director of Nursing quitting and the best instructors resigning or being fired, directly impacting the quality of education.
Non-Academic/Petty Environment: Students describe the school as feeling like a “kindergarten” where “petty tyrants harass students over dress codes, seating assignments,” and other obedience factors while neglecting actual education.
Poor Facilities and Accessibility: Concerns include non-functioning basic facilities like the elevator in a three-floor building, creating issues for handicapped students. The overall atmosphere is described as feeling like a “business not a school.”
Financial and Accreditation Concerns: One review states the school is “NOT a college,” “not fully accredited,” and that “most financial aid is unavailable.” Students also feel they are paying “thousands of dollars” for a non-functional education.
Harassment and Lack of Support: Students report being harassed for needing accommodations (e.g., while pregnant) and being told to leave over minor administrative issues like not having money for an ID.
Momentum
The momentum is strongly negative. A review of the newest feedback shows an overwhelming cascade of 1-star reviews over the last two years, citing instructor apathy, lack of curriculum, administrative toxicity, and favoritism. The recent wave of specific, detailed negative complaints about the learning environment, administration, and instructor quality suggests a significant and ongoing decline in the student experience compared to the historical success stories.