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| West Georgia Technical College serves the growing needs of Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether and Troup Counties. The college seeks to provide excellent educational opportunities within our service communities and to become a leader in the development of partnerships between these educational resources and business and industry. |
| West GA Tech Franklin Site Mailing Address: 13016 GA Highway 34 East Franklin, Georgia 30217 Contact Number: 706.756.4696 |
The spring and summer 2010 LPN graduates from the Murphy and Coweta campuses all had a 100 percent
pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The national exam measures the
knowledge, skills and abilities of an LPN candidate and must be passed to receive a license to practice.
Former Practical Nursing Program Director, Tricia Thompson, said that this is the first time since the merger
that West Georgia Technical College has had a 100 percent pass rate.
“We congratulate these graduates on their achievement,” said WGTC President Dr. Skip Sullivan. “This
accomplishment is a reflection of the dedication we as a College give to our students and I commend them on
their hard work.”
According to the rules and regulations of the Georgia Board of Nursing, a school must maintain a passing
percentage of at least 80 percent of first time exam takers over a four year period. A 100 percent pass rate
not only means good news for students, but also good news for the College as well.
“Having a 100 percent pass rate attracts a wider variety of students, higher staff rates and it ensures jobs,”
said Thompson. “Students have told me that they have researched the pass rates at West Georgia Technical
College and that was their reason they chose to attend.”
Connie Styons, the LPN Education Consultant of the Georgia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical
Nurses, said that West Georgia Technical College’s pass rates have steadily improved over the past five
years.
“The average pass rates for 2010 in the state of Georgia are 92.25 percent, while West Georgia Technical
College is 98.04 percent,” said Styons. “They are way above average and should be very proud of what they
accomplished.”
Amie Albert, a 2010 LPN graduate from the Murphy campus, credits the success of her class to the faculty
and her driven classmates.
“The instructors were our support system. They were always there whenever we needed help,” said Albert.
“Our class had the drive to do well and could be perfectionists at times. I think the combo of the two worked
well together.”
On the heels of their achievement, the Practical Nursing program is striving to maintain a 100 percent pass
rate. Thompson said that they will continue to do what they’ve been doing.
“We will continue to research, revise and remain current on our curriculum,” said Thompson. “We also stress
critical thinking. Nurses have to think critically and make quick decisions.” Albert also has tips for LPN
students anticipating the NCLEX exam.
“Be mindful of the fundamentals of nursing,” said Albert. “But it wasn’t as hard as I thought.”
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties
and additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 110 associate degree, diploma and
technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia
Tech is the second largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year
colleges in the nation.
After months of renovations, West Georgia Technical College cut the ribbon to the new and improved Franklin site,
on April 14th. Located on Highway 34 East, the building was donated to the West Georgia Technical College
Foundation by the Heard County Development Authority, allowing the College to make significant investment in the
facility.
“We are absolutely and incredibly excited about this facility,” said West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Skip
Sullivan. “It will serve our students and community well and for a very long time.”
The Franklin site, which has history in textile manufacturing and once served as a sewing facility, has undergone
extensive interior and exterior renovations. During construction, students took classes in portable classrooms. State
Farm Agent, Terry Harper, remembers the tremendous work that was needed on the building and the efforts of the
people who helped make it the working educational center it is today.
“This facility is a product of ‘visdom’, vision and wisdom,” said Harper. “I’m appreciative of the Foundation and Dr.
Sullivan’s vision and wisdom.”
The renovated building is now home to classrooms, computer labs, a state-of-the-art welding lab and a cosmetology
lab that not only trains students but also offers full salon services to the community. The salon, which will also offer
spa services, will open to the public on April 19th from 4:30-8:30 p.m. with very competitive pricing.
“This site is the foundation for future growth,” said Heard County Development Authority Chair, Emmett Harrod. “And
I appreciate the commitment made here.”
In January, the site began offering regular day and evening classes in cosmetology, general education and welding.
Adults pursuing a GED can also take Adult Education classes at the site as well.
“We are full of excitement as we work to better the citizens of the Franklin community,” Vice President of Institutional
Advancement, Dawn Cook said. Most can agree that the renovated site proves to be beneficial to the Franklin
workforce and community.
“West Georgia Technical College’s commitment to the community is contagious,” said Kathy Knowles, President of
the Heard County Chamber of Commerce. “Their successes are our work force.”
“How great is it to drive by the Franklin site and see the parking lot full of cars?” said Sullivan. “That’s why we’re here
- to develop the workforce.”
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and
additional class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers over 110 associate degree, diploma and technical
certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is the second
largest of the state’s 26 technical colleges and one of the fastest-growing two-year colleges in the nation.
| renovated Franklin site at West Georgia Technical College. |