Online Programs & Courses Information

Pinellas Technical College offers distance education (online) courses and programs that fall into two major categories:

• Programs and courses that are completely online and can be completed 50% or more off-campus, and
• Programs and courses identified as partially online, blended, or hybrid.  

A hybrid program can have up to 49% percent of the curriculum available online which is designed to be completed off-campus.

Online learning offers a flexible, convenient format while maintaining the same standards of instructional quality as our traditional programs. In addition, all online Career Technical Education (certificate) programs have the same accreditation, transfer, and articulation as traditional programs.  Financial aid is available to eligible students enrolled in distance education programs with the exception of students eligible for veterans (VA) educational benefits. Only programs taught in the traditional, on-site/classroom setting are approved for veterans’ benefits.  Courses taught in whole or in part in a distance learning, online, blended, hybrid and/or independent student format are not approved for veterans (VA) benefits. Please refer to the Financial Information section of the catalog for further clarification on this topic.

So how does online education work? Online education means that you complete your work within a specific timeframe. While there will be deadlines and due dates, you’re largely on your own when it comes to setting up a study schedule, a format that works well for some but creates trouble for those prone to procrastination. Each week there are a number of required assignments and weekly self-reporting of your active participation. Engagement with classmates and your instructor will take place on-line.

At Pinellas Technical College, online learning is about more than using Internet tools. Distance education students have access to the same full range of services as traditional students including academic and career advising, financial aid, and job placement. The distance education faculty and staff recognize the unique needs and circumstances of online students from at-home parents to full-time workers to out-of-area learners. Pinellas Technical College's Distance Education department strives to help students be successful in their online learning experience and to meet their educational, personal, and career goals.

Each program’s distance education status can be found on the program page on the school’s website and in their program description in the school’s catalog.

Below are some frequently asked questions:

1. Is online learning right for me?
2. Do I need a special computer or software?
3. How do online classes work?
4. What is the cost of distance learning classes?