Statewide agreement provides easy pathway between technical and community colleges to help meet the need for more skilled workers in Tennessee
NASHVILLE (May 3, 2023) – A recent statewide partnership between Tennessee’s community and technical colleges is providing a seamless pathway where students can earn a credential at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) and apply those credits to an aligned program at a partnering community college. With the increasing demand for more specialized training in technical careers, the new articulation agreement between the state’s technical and community colleges helps align workforce training with industry need.
View the TCAT to Community College Articulation Programs
“This is a systemwide effort to help fill our state’s business and industry need for more skilled workers in technical careers in Tennessee,” said TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Our students can now benefit from taking the credentials they earn at a TCAT and apply them toward completion of an associate of applied science degree at one of our community colleges.”
There are over 30 current programs offered throughout Tennessee’s technical colleges that allow students to apply credits earned toward an associate of applied science degree at a participating community college. Credentials earned in TCAT programs such as administrative office technology, industrial maintenance, aviation, construction, machining, computer technology, welding and most health programs can now be applied toward an associate degree offered at a nearby community college. A full list of TCAT to community college program pathways can be found on the TBR website.
“This is a landmark signature signing around articulation agreements where students can transfer six to 27 credit hours from 30-plus TCAT programs to a related program at a Tennessee community college,” said Dr. Jothany Blackwood, TBR vice chancellor for academic affairs.
The articulation agreement is one of several initiatives led by TBR – The College System of Tennessee to supply business and industry with a pipeline of employees equipped with industry-recognized certifications. Through the new pathways, TCAT graduates can earn credentials for in-demand jobs needed now, and use credits earned toward an associate degree that will add value to their skillset and a deeper knowledge of their chosen career field.
“You can theoretically earn your Industrial Maintenance diploma here and your Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology all within three years,” said Chris Cantrell, industrial maintenance instructor at TCAT Shelbyville. “Having both credentials would give you a greater opportunity to find a more sustainable job, kind of the best of both worlds.”
Additional pathways are planned between the TCATs and community colleges in the future.
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.