Applying to a TCAT
Admissions
Find A Program
Review the programs of study and any program-specific admission requirements.
Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to apply for the Pell grant, TN Promise scholarship, the TN Reconnect and the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.
Here is how a "How to Apply" YouTube Video.
Student Services Office – Main Campus
740 Highway 46 South
Dickson, TN 37055
Phone: 615-441-6220 Fax: 615-441-6223
Admissions@tcatdickson.edu
Student Services Office – Clarksville Campus
135 International Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: 931-572-1694 Fax: 931-572-1696
Lisa.sullivan@tcatdickson.edu
General Admission Requirements
- Program enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis by date of completed application. (A completed application includes all items required for enrollment.)
- Persons seeking admission to a college must be at least 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or equivalent. For full-time programs, the applicant must declare an occupational objective and demonstrate reasonable potential for achieving that objective.
- All persons who are required to register for the Federal Draft under 50 U.S.C. App. Section 453 are not eligible to enroll in any post-secondary school until they have registered with selective service.
View the Full Admissions Policy
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
Educational and admission requirements vary from program to program.
Welding Technology
The Welding Technology program has an articulation agreement with the Tennessee Prison Education Initiative. Details of the articulation are located here,
For more information contact the the Student Services Office.
The Welding Technology program has an articulation agreement with the Tennessee community colleges. Details of the articulation can be downloaded and viewed here, Welding Articulation Agreement. For more information contact the program instructor or the Student Services Office.
Practical Nursing
Practical nursing classes are offered at the Dickson, Clarksville, and Franklin campuses. The first step to apply for the nursing program is to attend an information session. The application process begins approximately four months prior to the class start dates.
The application process has ended for the January class. Applications for the May class will begin in January. Please check the website or call in November for the information session information.
- Program start dates vary by location:
- The Dickson campus begins nursing classes every January, May, and September
- The Clarksville campus begins a nursing class each September
- The Franklin campus begins a nursing class each September
May 2021 Practical Nursing Applicants:
TCAT Dickson is currently accepting applications for the May 2021 Practical Nursing class. Due to COVID, we are not hosting live information sessions. Students that would like to receive a nursing application information packet should contact Christy Heflin at christy.heflin@tcatdickson.edu or 615-441-6220. The application deadline is January 25, 2021.
HESI Admissions Assessment Exam Information
Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is highly competitive, and only a select number of students are enrolled to each class. To qualify, an applicant must meet the minimum requirements of the HESI Admissions Assessment Exam.
The HESI test is given at regular intervals. Applicants will be scheduled for the test following the information session.
Achieving the minimum scores on the exam does not guarantee admission. Admission to the nursing program is based on scores on the entrance exam. Applicants must have a completed application to be considered for admission.
For more information regarding the practical nursing program, please contact Stephanie Murphy, Health Careers Coordinator, at 615-441-6220 or stephanie.murphy@tcatdickson.edu.
Pharmacy Technology
For entrance into the Pharmacy Technology program, a student must have a high school or GED/HiSET diploma and a satisfactory physical exam with all required immunizations. Students in the program are subject to drug testing and background screening.
Mechatronics
Supplemental training certificates may be given for specialized industry training. The individual training programs will determine supplemental certificate requirements.
Machine Tool Technology
Kim received the 2017 OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD presented at this year’s National conference of the American Technical Education Association (ATEA) in Nashville.
The Machine Tool Technology program at TCAT-Dickson is accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.
Industrial Electrical Maintenance/Mechatronics
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Digital Graphic Design
A graphic design career requires creativity and a desire to constantly improve. You will need to be able to listen carefully to the ideas of others and use your training to make those ideas tangible. You will need to push past the first brilliant idea (which is something you have probably seen before) and keep working until you have something truly original. Multiple revisions and tight deadlines are a way of life in this career. Digital Graphic Design will provide you with a sense of history, the basic building blocks of art and design, and the professional tools that employers expect designers to master.
Diesel Powered Equipment Technology
The Diesel Powered Equipment Technology training program at TCAT Dickson has received accreditation by NATEF and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
TCAT Dickson Diesel Powered Equipment Technology program has been accredited in the following areas: (Diesel Engines, Brakes, Electrical/Electronics, Drive Train, Suspension and Steering, HVAC, Preventive Maintenance).
Dental Assisting
The Dental Assisting program begins each year in September. To apply for the Fall 2021 class, prospective students will need to attend an information session. The information sessions will be held in May. Please check the website or call in late March for information regarding the required information sessions.
Admission to the Dental Assisting Program is highly competitive, and only a select number of students are enrolled each year. To qualify, an applicant must meet the minimum score requirements on the HESI Admissions Assessment Test. The Dental Assisting class will be selected from the scores on the HESI test. Applicants will be registered for the HESI exam after attending an information session.
For additional information, please contact Stephanie Murphy, Health Careers Coordinator, at 615-441-6220 or stephanie.murphy@tcatdickson.edu.
Cosmetology
For entrance into the Cosmetology program, an applicant must have 10 High School credits or a GED score of 450 or a passing HiSet score. Provide official high school or GED or HiSet transcript prior to enrollment. The Cosmetology program has an articulation agreement with the Tennessee Prison system. Details of the articulation is located here,
. For more information contact the Student Services Office.
Computer Information Technology
The Computer Information Technology program has an articulation agreement with the Tennessee community colleges. Details of the articulation are located here, CIT Articulation Agreement. For more information contact the program instructor or the Student Services Office.
Please see the below attached document for the Nashville State Community College's agreement with CIT.
Automotive Technology
Administrative Office Technology
The Administrative Office Technology program has an articulation agreement with the Tennessee community colleges. Details of the articulation are located here, AOT Articulation Agreement. For more information contact the program instructor or the Student Services Office.