Northeastern Technical College (NETC) was recently selected by University HQ as the fifth best college in South Carolina to earn an associate degree. The ranking was based on several factors including tuition cost, acceptance rate, retention rate, graduation rate, total enrollment, graduate salaries, and student-to-faculty ratio. Other factors considered in rankings were the number of programs offered, online programs offered, diplomas awarded, percent of students receiving financial aid, reputation, and expert opinion.

“This recognition shows just how committed everyone at Northeastern Technical College is to student success. We believe every student, even those who might feel invisible, has the potential to succeed and go to college,” said NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner. “We are committed to helping students find the right program, stay in classes, and gain the education and training they need to enter the career they dream of. We also partner with local businesses to make sure students are trained for real job opportunities right here in our area and help connect them to those jobs.”

In the most recent rankings, NETC was listed as having an acceptance rate of 100%; a retention rate of 59%; a graduation rate of 35%; a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1; and graduates on average make $31,500 annually.

The top 15 South Carolina colleges ranked by University include:

1. Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

2. Tri-County Technical College

3. Trident Technical College

4. York Technical College

5. Northeastern Technical College

6. Central Carolina Technical College

7. Aiken Technical College

8. Horry Georgetown Technical College

9. Spartanburg Methodist College

10. Spartanburg Community College

11. Florence-Darlington Technical College

12. Piedmont Technical College

13. USC Lancaster

14. Midlands Technical College

15. Technical College of the Lowcountry

Northeastern Technical College is an excellent choice for those who are interested in earning the credentials and/or degrees they need to find the career they want. Local industry leaders such as Schaeffler Group USA, McLeod Hospital System, and others recognize and acknowledge NETC as a provider of highly trained and skilled graduates who are prepared to enter the workforce.

To apply or for more information about programs at NETC, visit the college’s website at www.netc.edu or call the NETC Enrollment Center at 800-921-7399.

Northeastern Technical College (NETC) is celebrating outstanding success in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), achieving a 93.94% pass rate for its 2024 Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) class and a perfect 100% pass rate for its 2023 Practical Nursing (PN) class on their first attempt.

The NCLEX is a nationwide exam required for nursing licensure in the United States, ensuring that graduates meet the competency standards for safe and effective nursing practice. Passing the NCLEX is a significant milestone that allows graduates to obtain their nursing licenses and begin their careers as registered or practical nurses.

“These exceptional pass rates are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students, the strategic efforts of our nursing faculty, and the invaluable support of our clinical partners,” said Hope Pigg, Department Chair of Nursing at NETC. “Our faculty have worked diligently to enhance student preparation, and we are incredibly proud of our graduates’ achievements.”

NETC’s nursing department underwent a comprehensive overhaul of its admissions process and curriculum in 2020, introducing innovative learning tools to strengthen critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.

The newly implemented concept-based curriculum bridges the gap between classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, providing students with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the nursing profession.

South Carolina’s nursing programs continue to rank among the best in the nation. According to the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, the state ranked sixth in the nation for registered nursing pass rates and seventh for practical nursing pass rates in 2024, surpassing the national averages in both categories. Of the 2,964 first-time test takers in the state, 94.7% successfully passed the NCLEX-RN exam, exceeding the national average of 91.2%. Similarly, South Carolina’s 651 first-time PN exam takers achieved a 97.1% pass rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 88.4%.

NETC remains committed to preparing future nurses for success through high-quality education, hands-on training, and a student-centered learning environment. The college looks forward to continuing its tradition of excellence in nursing education.

For more information about NETC’s nursing programs, visit netc.edu or call 800-921-7399.

A delegation from Northeastern Technical College (NETC) traveled to Washington, D.C. on February 9-12, for the annual Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) National Legislative Summit. The National Legislative Summit is the premier event for community college advocacy, bringing leaders from across the U.S. to D.C. to highlight the importance of community colleges, student success, and education priorities for Congress and the Administration.

NETC’s representatives included Area Commissioner Shaquite Pegues, President Dr. Kyle Wagner, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Erin Fann, Development Coordinator Andy Ingram, and Chief of Staff Lauren Odoms.

During their time in Washington, the group networked with fellow community college leaders and met with U.S. representatives to garner support for community colleges and their students. NETC also met with federal officials from the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Key topics during these meetings included NETC’s student successes across Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon counties, as well as discussions on future programming, campus expansions, funding opportunities, and the importance of funding and support of colleges in rural communities as economic drivers in the region.

In the heart of Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon counties, Northeastern Technical College (NETC) is sparking transformation—empowering individuals with the skills and confidence to build brighter futures. Through its dynamic workforce training programs, NETC is not just preparing students for jobs; it’s opening doors to lifelong opportunities and strengthening the economic fabric of the region.

“At NETC, we believe in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed,” said NETC President Kyle Wagner.

Students at NETC face real challenges, such as limited transportation and childcare, but with unwavering support and financial assistance, they are achieving incredible milestones. The college provides a variety of federal and state grants, including the Pell Grant and state-funded programs, making education affordable and attainable for all.

NETC’s educational programs cater to every dream and ambition. Whether students are looking to transfer to a four-year college and save thousands on tuition or stack credentials to build from certificates to degrees, the possibilities are endless.

For those eager to jump into the workforce, NETC’s short-term training programs offer a fast track to success—with some programs that can completed in as little as six weeks. These programs provide students with the opportunity to step into high-demand, high-wage careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

In 2024, NETC proudly graduated 566 students and awarded 298 industry recognized credentials—each one a steppingstone to a brighter future.

“NETC is more than a college; it’s a launchpad for success,” Wagner shared. “We’re helping individuals gain the skills they need to succeed right here in their hometowns, creating a ripple effect that will benefit entire communities now and in the future.”

Northeastern Technical College has decided to participate in the Great Colleges to Work For® program, a national survey designed to recognize institutions that have built great workplaces. Regardless of whether or not we are recognized, the data we receive will be helpful as we continue the process of creating the best workplace possible.

On March 3, the survey will be distributed to a random selection of our employees. If you are included in this random sample, you will receive an invitation with details about the program and how to access the survey. This invitation will be sent to you via email from Great Colleges. If you receive the invitation, please take a moment to complete the survey. You will be representing not only yourself, but all your colleagues, so your feedback is invaluable! This is a chance to make your voice heard, and a high response rate helps ensure an

accurate representation of our community. At the close of the program, we will receive topline reports that summarize the organizational competencies and relationships that most directly impact and influence our culture. The survey is voluntary and completely confidential; our institution will not be able to trace results back to individuals.

Your invitation to take the survey will come by email with the subject line “Great Colleges to Work For 2025 Faculty/Staff Survey.” To log into the survey, we will all have the same usernames, but unique passwords. For this reason, you should not forward your survey to any colleagues. The survey is voluntary and completely confidential; our institution will not be able to trace results back to individuals. Your survey will be processed by ModernThink LLC, an independent management consulting firm focusing on workplace quality in higher education. They can be reached at 888.684.4658 or at surveys@modernthink.net. We encourage everyone’s participation and hope you will take this opportunity to share your honest feedback!

Thank you, in advance, for your participation.

Krysten Hyduke, SHRM-SCP

Director of Human Resources

Northeastern Technical College is forming a Safety Committee to help improve workplace safety throughout the college. Led by Safety and Security Manager Melvin Warren, the committee's goal will be to ensure a secure environment for all employees through departmental collaboration and by using a comprehensive approach to identify and address safety concerns across all campuses.

As a committee member, individuals will play a crucial role in workplace safety by conducting inspections, verifying emergency plans, identifying hazards, and leading emergency response efforts in their designated Areas of Responsibility (AOR). The

committee will also meet regularly to discuss safety strategies and potential improvements, to ensure a continuous commitment to a secure working environment.

To be considered for the Safety Committee, employees must answer three brief questions about their interest in safety, relevant experience, and willingness to fulfill the responsibilities outlined for team members.

For more information or to express interest in joining, please contact Melvin Warren at mwarren@netc.edu or by calling 843-921-6931.

CPR can save lives. For adults and teens, Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple chance of survival.

Hands-Only CPR has two simple steps, performed in this order:

Step 1: Call 911 immediately if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse.

Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a song with 100 beats per minute (i.e., “Staying Alive”).

Did you know? Infants and children need CPR including breaths. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. 

• 40% are related to sports.
• Nearly 20% are infants.

Join our Nation of Lifesavers and be ready to step up for a loved one, a neighbor, a friend or a co-worker.