History

CHATTANOOGA COLLEGE: HISTORY

Chattanooga College Medical, Dental & Technical Careers was established in August of 1968 as ECPI to engage in vocational/technical instruction in the State of Tennessee. The primary mission is to train suitable students for careers in our metropolitan area. Initially, the college offered only one program: Data Processing & Computer Programming. The college has continuously grown and now offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as associate degrees and diploma programs.

The college was approved for distance education and now offers diplomas in Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and Pharmacy Technician in a hybrid format. In addition, the college also offers an online Associate of Health Science degree and a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration degree. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, the Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology are all offered in a hybrid format. The college has also designed paths for associate degree and practical nursing graduates to transition into the BSN program if desired. Other hybrid programs will be added in the near future. Chattanooga College strives to offer needed programs that are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level employment in their field of study.

The college moved out of its original location on Brainerd Road in the Fall of 2013 and relocated to 5600 Brainerd Road. Suite E-3, Chattanooga, TN. Following substantial growth, the college expanded with the addition of a new facility at 248 Northgate Mall Drive, Suite 130. The cosmetology programs were moved to this location. In the spring of 2017, the college changed the designation of the Brainerd location from a satellite campus to the main facility. In addition, the main facility was relocated to 5600 Brainerd Road, Suite B38.

In the spring of 2023, the college prepared for growth and acquired additional space to accommodate the expansion of our Practical Nursing Lab. The space was built out in a manner that provided for additional classrooms and a lab, which accommodated new beds, mannequins, and other items to offer a hospital-like environment and other features that represented the field.

In the spring of 2025, the college relocated its main campus to 6397 Lee Highway in Chattanooga, occupying all three floors of the building and consolidating all medical, dental, and technical programs, outside of cosmetology, at the new location. This location was designed with modern labs and facilities to provide the best possible training for students before clinical engagement and employment.

The classroom area is equipped with tables, chairs, projectors, and other teaching materials and items. The school also invested in simulators, which provide virtual experiences that simulate participating in a medical procedure or conversation. Additionally, the school purchased six large televisions, which are mounted around the area for a better view of simulations or other teaching methods. The school also provides tutoring in the exact location for any student who may need additional assistance in performing to the best possible outcome.

Chattanooga College Medical, Dental, & Technical Careers does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, physical challenge, or veteran status in providing educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to Chattanooga College Medical, Dental, & Technical, and is supervised by the Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Robinson.

The thousands of men and women who have attended Chattanooga College Medical, Dental & Technical Careers over the years serve in positions of leadership in industry, education, and government throughout our community and in many parts of our nation. Their achievements personify the tradition of quality and excellence maintained by the college.