Myrtle Beach, SC, February 5, 2026
News Summary
Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) has earned esteemed accreditations, notably the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) accreditation for its Titan Simulation Center. These accomplishments enhance the college’s reputation and commitment to providing superior educational programs. CCTC’s institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) further emphasizes its dedication to quality education. Serving Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter counties, CCTC significantly impacts the region’s economic development and community growth through comprehensive educational opportunities and dedicated workforce training.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) continues to set a high standard for excellence in South Carolina’s higher education landscape, recently achieving significant accreditations that underscore its commitment to academic rigor and student preparation. These accolades not only enhance the college’s reputation but also directly benefit students by ensuring access to top-tier education and training. CCTC’s strategic focus on innovation and disciplined academic programs positions its graduates to become impactful leaders within their communities.
Serving a vital role across Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter counties, CCTC fosters a learning environment dedicated to student growth and institutional excellence. The college’s recent achievements highlight its dedication to providing quality workforce development and a strong foundation for future academic pursuits. By investing in advanced educational tools and maintaining rigorous standards, CCTC contributes substantially to the region’s economic vitality and the development of a skilled workforce in South Carolina.
A Benchmark in Healthcare Education: SSH Accreditation for Titan Simulation Center
Central Carolina Technical College’s Healthcare Simulation Center, known as the Titan Simulation Center, has earned prestigious accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). This recognition, effective from November 10, 2025, through December 31, 2030, specifically accredits the center in the area of Teaching and Education. Notably, CCTC is the only technical college in South Carolina to hold SSH accreditation for a simulation center.
The SSH accreditation serves as a testament to the center’s dedication to providing high-quality, simulation-based education. It assures clinical partners, students, and the broader community that CCTC’s simulation education program adheres to national standards of excellence and best practices. This achievement significantly strengthens the college’s health sciences programs, reinforcing its role as a trusted educator for the region’s healthcare workforce.
The Titan Simulation Center offers students immersive, hands-on learning experiences through advanced simulation technology, evidence-based scenario design, and structured debriefing sessions. These facilities are crucial for supporting CCTC’s Associate Degree in Nursing, Practical Nursing, and Transition Nursing programs, enabling students to develop critical clinical judgment, teamwork, and patient-centered care skills within a safe and controlled environment. Over the past two years, the Healthcare Simulation Center has supported nearly 10,000 learner contact hours, providing extensive opportunities for practical clinical experience. The center is further supported by a team of nationally certified simulation professionals, ensuring that students learn in an environment guided by current industry best practices.
Cornerstone of Quality: SACSCOC and Programmatic Accreditations
Beyond its specialized healthcare simulation accreditation, Central Carolina Technical College holds comprehensive institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This foundational accreditation empowers CCTC to award associate degrees, as well as various certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. CCTC initially received this regional accreditation from SACSCOC in 1974.
Regional accreditation from SACSCOC is a critical indicator of institutional quality, vital for students who may wish to transfer credits to other institutions or pursue post-graduate programs. This ensures that CCTC’s academic offerings are recognized and valued across the broader higher education system. In addition to institutional accreditation, many of CCTC’s specific programs also hold specialized accreditations. For example, the Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Automotive Technology programs are accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), while the Basic Air Conditioning and Heating Certificate Program holds accreditation from HVAC Excellence. Furthermore, the Basic Machining and CNC Fundamentals Certificate Program is accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). These multiple layers of accreditation demonstrate CCTC’s commitment to maintaining high standards across its diverse curriculum.
Driving Regional Prosperity: Economic and Community Impact
Central Carolina Technical College serves as a significant economic engine and community partner for its four-county service region, encompassing Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter counties. A recent economic impact study revealed that CCTC has contributed nearly $1.2 billion to this four-county area over the past decade. This substantial economic contribution is calculated through various factors, including the college’s operations spending, the significant impact of its alumni, and student expenditures within the region.
The college’s operations spending alone amounts to over $350 million. Moreover, CCTC alumni have generated more than a $26 million impact on the state’s economy. The institution plays a critical role in retaining students within the region, who might otherwise relocate for higher education. Beyond direct economic figures, CCTC actively engages in community partnerships, fostering collaboration for local improvements and enhanced educational access. These partnerships, exemplified by initiatives with Kershaw County, the City of Camden, and the Historic Camden Foundation, focus on shared goals such as new construction projects and community enhancements. Such collaborations reflect CCTC’s dedication to not only educating its students but also to the holistic development and prosperity of the communities it serves.
A Foundation for Future Leaders: Comprehensive Student Success
CCTC is a public, two-year institution in South Carolina dedicated to fostering a positive teaching and learning environment for its students. The college offers a diverse array of more than 45 programs of study, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. These programs are designed to equip students for direct entry into the job market, provide pathways for seamless transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and support the achievement of individual professional and personal goals.
Central Carolina Technical College prioritizes student success through a comprehensive range of support services available year-round. These services address various student needs, including wellness, academic guidance, career development, and opportunities for engagement. The college’s strategic goals include increasing retention and graduation rates, demonstrating a continuous commitment to student achievement. By facilitating college exploration, fostering the development of leadership and personal responsibility, and preparing students for lifelong learning, CCTC ensures its graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields and communities. This student-centered approach reinforces the value of education in building discipline and personal responsibility among the future workforce.
Guided by Experience: New Leadership and Vision
Central Carolina Technical College welcomed Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks as its new president in August 2025. Dr. Wilbanks brings over 22 years of extensive experience in higher education to her role. Prior to her appointment at CCTC, she served as the executive vice president for academics and workforce at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway. Her leadership is expected to further advance CCTC’s mission of providing high-quality technical education and workforce development. With a focus on strategic planning and continuous improvement, the college leadership aims to ensure programs maintain vitality, meet accreditation standards, and align with workforce requirements. This seasoned leadership is integral to CCTC’s ongoing pursuit of academic excellence and its impact on the educational and economic ecosystem of South Carolina.
Summary of Central Carolina Technical College Achievements
Central Carolina Technical College’s recent accreditations and significant economic contributions underscore its role as a cornerstone of South Carolina’s higher education system. The SSH accreditation of its Healthcare Simulation Center provides unparalleled healthcare training, while its comprehensive SACSCOC accreditation affirms institutional quality and transferability. With a nearly $1.2 billion economic impact on its service region and a commitment to student-centered success, CCTC continues to prepare individuals for leadership and impactful community contributions. Readers are encouraged to explore Central Carolina Technical College’s diverse programs and contribute to the vibrant Myrtle Beach SC college news and South Carolina higher education community by staying informed about its ongoing advancements.
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Simulation Center Accreditation | Accredited by Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) for Teaching and Education. Only technical college in South Carolina with this accreditation. | State-level |
| Institutional Accreditation | Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Initial accreditation in 1974. | Nationwide |
| Economic Impact | Nearly $1.2 billion impact on Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter counties over the past decade. | State-level |
| Service Area | Primarily serves Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter counties. | State-level |
| Programs Offered | Over 45 programs of study, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. | State-level |
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Carolina Technical College
What is the significance of Central Carolina Technical College’s Healthcare Simulation Center accreditation?
Central Carolina Technical College’s Healthcare Simulation Center earned accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in the area of Teaching and Education, effective from November 10, 2025, through December 31, 2030. This accreditation assures clinical partners, students, and the community that the simulation education program meets national standards of excellence and best practices, strengthening CCTC’s health sciences programs.
Which counties does Central Carolina Technical College primarily serve?
Central Carolina Technical College primarily serves four regions in South Carolina, which include Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter counties.
What is Central Carolina Technical College’s economic impact on its service region?
Central Carolina Technical College has had a nearly $1.2 billion impact on the four-county area of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter in the past ten years. This includes operations spending, alumni impact, and student spending.
What types of programs does Central Carolina Technical College offer?
Central Carolina Technical College offers more than 45 programs of study, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. These programs prepare students for the job market, university transfer, and to achieve professional and personal goals.
Who is the current president of Central Carolina Technical College?
Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks is the new president of Central Carolina Technical College, commencing her role in August 2025.
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