Welcome to the Health Sciences Open House. This page introduces the Health Sciences programs at Technical College of the Lowcountry and explains program options, entrance assessments, accreditation, and next steps.
Health Sciences Programs
- Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Surgical Technology
- Medical Assisting
- Massage Therapy
- Patient Care Technician
Health Sciences Advisor
Cindy Mooney
Email: cmooney@tcl.edu
Phone: 843-525-8326
Nursing Program
Program Director: Latoya Hagood
Accredited by: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Fall and Spring entry
- Accepts up to 40 students in Fall and up to 40 students in Spring
Nursing Program Options
PN Option
- Fall only start
- Diploma
- 3 semesters
- 42 credits
- Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam (LPN)
RN Option
- Fall and Spring start
- Associate Degree
- 4 semesters
- 68 credits
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam (RN)
LPN-ADN Option
- Fall and Spring start
- Enter second year, first semester
- Complete in 2 semesters
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam (RN)
Note: Nursing is a multi-entry, multi-exit program with three different options.
Radiologic Technology
Interim Program Director: Corey Johnson
Accredited by: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Fall entry only
- Associate Degree
- 6 semesters
- Accepts 16 students
- Eligible for national registry exam to obtain RT(R)
Physical Therapist Assistant
Accredited by: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- Fall entry only
- Associate Degree
- 5 semesters
- Accepts 16 students
- Eligible to sit for National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and state licensure
Surgical Technology
Program Director: Dawn Walz
Accredited by: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Fall entry only
- Associate Degree
- 5 semesters
- Accepts 12 students
- Eligible for national certification exam
- CST: Certified Surgical Technologist
- CSPDT: Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician
Medical Assisting
Program Director: Jaclyn Valenti, RMA, AS, BA, MEd.
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Fall entry
- Certificate
- 3 semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Accepts 15 students
- Eligible for the Registered Medical Assistant Exam (RMA) for certification
Massage Therapy
Accredited by: Commission for Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
- Fall entry only
- Certificate program
- 3 semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Accepts 14 students for the day program
- Graduates complete the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEX), leading to Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Patient Care Technician
Program Director: Paige Thompson, MSN, RN
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Fall, Spring, and Summer entry
- Certificate program
- 2 semesters
- Accepts 32 students: 8 per campus
- Eligible for SC Nurse Aide (CNA) certification, national EKG, phlebotomy, and PCT/A certification
TEAS Frequently Asked Questions
Which programs need the TEAS test?
- Nursing
- Radiologic Technology: optional
- Physical Therapist Assistant: optional
- Surgical Technology: optional
What is the TEAS test?
The TEAS test measures English, math, reading, and science skills.
How long are TEAS scores good for?
TEAS scores are good for 3 years at TCL.
How many times can you take the TEAS test?
You may take the TEAS test 3 times in a 12-month period.
How long does the TEAS test take?
The TEAS test takes about 3.5 hours to complete.
Where do I take the TEAS test?
The TEAS test is offered at the Beaufort Campus Testing Center in Building 2.
Is there a study guide?
A TEAS study guide is available at the TCL bookstore. Prices are subject to change at any time.
How much does the TEAS test cost?
The TEAS test costs $70 in person. Prices are subject to change at any time.
Achieve 3000 Frequently Asked Questions
Which programs need the Achieve 3000 assessment?
Nursing requires the Achieve 3000 assessment.
What is the Achieve 3000 assessment?
The Achieve 3000 assessment measures reading and writing comprehension.
How many times can you take the Achieve 3000 assessment?
The Achieve 3000 assessment is not a pass/fail assessment. Students work through the program to increase their score. Scores update on the first of every month.
How long are Achieve 3000 scores good for?
Achieve 3000 scores are good for 3 years at TCL.
What score is needed for program entry?
A score of 1300 is needed for program entry.
Where do I take the Achieve 3000 assessment?
The Achieve 3000 assessment is taken at the Beaufort Campus.
How much does the Achieve 3000 assessment cost?
The Achieve 3000 assessment is free.
TCL Accreditation
Technical College of the Lowcountry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Are there expirations on courses?
Math and science courses have a 5-year expiration.
How to Get Started
- Apply to TCL at www.tcl.edu.
- Request all official transcripts be sent to the TCL Admissions Office.
- Send high school or GED transcripts.
- Request all college transcripts be sent to Student Records.
- Meet with the Health Science Navigator, then the Health Science Advisor.
- Take entrance exams, including Achieve 3000 and the TEAS test, if needed, according to program requirements.
- Apply by published deadlines.