West Tennessee Business College: Changing Lives…Making Masters

West Tennessee Business College (WTBC) is a learning institution that has been working since 1888. So for more than 100 years, WTBC has been working for West Tennessee to make people more knowledgeable. Back in 1888, the Jackson School of Business was opened and it offered just business subjects. Then in 1923, WTBC was also opened in Jackson. Six years later, WTBC and the Jackson School of Business merged and became West Tennessee Business College. Decades later, in 1958, the school was moved again and in 1977 the College was bought by the New World Corporation from Alabama. Finally by 1981, WTBC moved to its present location. For this new decade (1980’s), the curriculum has been updated and developed for the new businesses and needs of the market in West Tennessee.

So let’s talk present…Nowadays, the school’s location is quite accessible for students and visitors as well, which serves the West Tennessee area quite well. The College sits on 17,000 square feet of space with spacious parking. Classrooms are designed with A/C and heating also to provide a pleasant learning atmosphere.

West Tennesse Business College has a bookstore, vending area, student center and resource center; all this for the students’ best interests. WTBC is concerned about the transitions in the learning process for students and that is why as a progressive institution, the school makes every effort to serve its students satisfactorily.

Among the requirements for admission, applicants need to: interview with admissions representative, take and pass CPAt (Career Programs Assessment Test), have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), and fill out application in the campus. For out of state/country applicants, special arrangements can be made as well. All necessary transcripts from high schools, GED test sites, or other colleges must be handed in to the admissions representative. There is a registration fee of $50 before term starts. For outgoing transcripts there is $10 fee and a $5 for in-school students. All transcripts may be obtained through the College Registrar.

Since one of West Tennessee Business College’s concerns is helping students who are in need of scholarships, the institution bestows up to $40,000 each year for students who qualify. These applicants are considered based on their CPAt scores, recommendations from instructors and/or other individuals in the community and their financial need. The financial decision is made by a committee consisting of the Academic Dean, the College Director and the Fiscal Officer. These scholarships are presented to high school graduates and to adults who wish to continue with an education.

Funding an education is a challenge for most students; at West Tennessee Business College there are options to be considered. The process for applying begins with the student receiving a financial aid packet (basically forms with personal questions, income, and educational history). The forms also include a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a Verification Worksheet, and an Institutional Financial Aid Application. Then, the applicant meets with the financial aid counselor to go over the forms and the process what is called a “Needs Analysis”, which determines what type of aid the student is eligible for.

There are four types of assistance: Grants (money that should not be paid back- Federal and State grants); Loans (money that should be paid back. Depending on the type of loan, it must be paid back beginning at a specific moment. Most of the time, payments start 6 months after the programs has been completed); Work Study jobs (for students who qualify, they can earn money while in school to pay for their educational costs); Scholarships (WTBC offers 2 scholarships).

Programs of academic studies include: Administrative Assistant Diploma,Administrative Assistant AAS, Esthetician, General Office Clerk, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Specialist, Medical Admin Assistant AAS, Cosmetology , and Manicure.

In the words of C. Vicki Burch, Executive Director, “Our programs are designed to provide you with the skills necessary to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, competitive job market". This is West Tennessee Business College’s mission and to accomplish it, the school has been adapting all programs according to demands in the business and to individual needs. Because at WTBC that is what matters the most: helping the student’s needs fit in the business. Changing the student’s lives into professional ones!