Category Archives: News

Welcome to Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology!

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The Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology was established in 1987 to serve the needs of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Students at the PIHT campus enjoy a small campus atmosphere where they are known by name and receive individualized training and attention. It has been the answer for many students, whether they are a young adult right out of high school or an older individual looking to acquire skills necessary for today’s careers.

PIHT offers a variety of healthcare programs including Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration and Practical Nursing.

Employers in southwestern Pennsylvania have worked with PIHT for over 25 years and this long-term experience is a benefit to the students. Frequent communication with these employers has allowed PIHT to stay current with the skills employers are seeking in idea candidates and their staffing needs. This allows us to effectively place students in careers upon graduation.

If you are interested in a new beginning in your life, contact us today! Visit www.piht.edu or call 724.437.4600!

For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

PIHT Practical Nursing Program Announces Graduate Licensing Success

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/4/2013
Media Contact: Julie Warden
JWarden@wvjc.edu | 304-444-1222

Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology Practical Nursing Program Announces Graduate Licensing Success

Practical Nursing Students Achieve 100% Passing Rate on Licensed Practical Nursing Exam

UNIONTOWN, PA – Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology (PIHT) Practical Nursing (PN) graduates of 2012 officially reached a 100% pass rate on the licensed practical nursing exam.

Upon completion and a satisfactory pass rate in the one-year PN program at PIHT, students are required to sit for the exam. This year, all 15 students in the program passed and are now available for LPN employment in Pennsylvania.

“We are so proud of our graduates for not only completing this challenging program, but working hard to study and pass the Practical Nursing Licensing Exam,” said Pam Hughes, Medical Program Coordinator.  “These students are now trained, have real-world experience from their hands-on externships, are licensed, and ready to begin their careers in the medical field.”

The PN program at PIHT enrolls students into a challenging one-year program which trains and prepares them for a full-time career in the field. Students are equipped with knowledge to take the licensing exam as a part of enrollment upon graduation. All students and alumni at PIHT receive full student services benefits and career management assistance.

The 2012 PN Graduates from PIHT who are now Licensed Practical Nurses: Donna Corle, Goldie Daniels, Mikal Davis, Michelle Dunlap, Kayla Frame, Antoni Jacobs, Marie King, Lori Lewis, Sherri Manchas, Brian Nicholson, Deborah Nicholson, Carol Shippen, Rita Walker, Gabrielle Wallace and Cheryl Williams.

PIHT offers healthcare training programs in addition to the PN program including Medical Assisting and Medical Office Administration.

For more information about the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at PIHT, please visit www.piht.edu.

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For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

PIHT Student Highlight – Goldie Daniels

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Goldie Daniels has four children to support and knew she needed a good job to do so. She chose to come to Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology because she could obtain a degree that would not take four years for completion and they offer a healthcare degree she was very interested in.

“The PN Program at PIHT offers the opportunity to start a good career in something that I will enjoy doing,” Goldie explained.

For entrance to the PN Program at PIHT, Goldie explained that she had to take an Entrance Exam called the TEAS V. Once she passed that exam, she interviewed with the Campus Director and Director of the PN Program and in a few short days, received a letter of acceptance and a follow-up call from the Director. Another appointment was then scheduled for the enrollment agreement and Goldie was ready to begin!

“I have enjoyed the entire program so far, but maternity has been my favorite part,” said Goldie.

Goldie’s goals for this program are to support her family and use this as a stepping stone to reach her ultimate goal of becoming a midwife.

“The small atmosphere and one-on-one interaction are two of the great benefits of attending PIHT,” explained Goldie.

Goldie’s advice for potential students interested in the PN Program at PIHT is, “Be prepared because the program is time consuming and exhausting, but it’s well worth it! The instructors and stuff at PIHT will help you succeed, but be prepared to put in a lot of work and time to excel. The program is not for everyone, so do your research and choose a program that is right for you at PIHT!”


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

Meet the PIHT Staff: Medical Coordinator Pam Hughes

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Medical Coordinator Pam Hughes believes that learning should be fun and challenging, so she incorporates those characteristics into her teaching and the classroom each day. Each day, Pam enters the classroom ready to embrace knowledge on students in the healthcare field.

She said, “I am very passionate about what I teach and I encourage the students to engage in conversation and give me personal examples to help others understand the topic more clearly. Group discussions have always worked well in my classes to help students gain a full understanding of healthcare topics.”

Her passion doesn’t stop with the classroom. Pam says that the students keep her teaching. “I love the students PIHT and when you know you are a part of their education, it gives you great satisfaction. When they walk across that stage on graduation day, feelings of pride and happiness for the students overcome me.”

As a healthcare instructor at PIHT, Pam says that her favorite part of teaching at PIHT is watching them grow as individuals throughout their enrollment. Her advice for students is to set goals and never stop learning.

A few fun facts about Pam Hughes:
• The little free time she has is spent with her family, but most of all she continues her education so she can make sure the students are getting the most up-to-date medical information
• Her favorite vacation spot is Myrtle Beach, SC
• Her favorite book is anything to do with nursing because that seems to be all she ever reads


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology to Host ‘Truthland’ Movie Screening Wednesday, July 18th

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The Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology is hosting a screening of Truthland: Dispatches from the real Gasland on Wednesday, July 18th at 5:30pm. The event will start with a reception followed by a screening of the 35 minute film and an expert panel discussion.

Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology is located on 1015 Industrial Park Drive in Mt. Braddock, PA. For more information, please feel free to contact Julie Warden at jwarden@wvjc.edu or visit www.truthlandmovie.com.

Read below for the official Media Advisory!

“Truthland” Screening to be held on July 18, 2012 at the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology

For Immediate Release *** July 11, 2012
Contact: Julie Tawney Warden, JWarden@wvjc.edu

Uniontown, Pa. – The development of enormous reserves of American energy from tight formations such as shale has been hailed as a “game-changer” by the Energy Information Administration, as playing a “key role in our nation’s clean energy future,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and as a means of helping our country “create jobs and power trucks and factories that are cleaner and cheaper,” President Obama said earlier this year.

But for one mother in rural northeast Pennsylvania, the only real question that mattered was this: Is the process used to develop these resources safe? Or is it the way “Gasland” star Josh Fox tried to portray it in his HBO documentary: dangerous, dirty and disruptive – and completely unregulated, to boot? Shelly – a mother, grandmother, farmer, teacher and landowner from Susquehanna County – needed answers, for herself, her family and her community. So she went looking for those answers. Her journey, and her search for the truth, is captured and chronicled in the short film “Truthland.”

A first-of-its-kind project of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and Energy In Depth (EID), the costs associated with the production of the 34-minute film were underwritten by industry – but none of the experts who appear in the movie (Shelly included) were paid for their participation. The only thing they were asked was to tell the truth: as best they knew it, and however they saw it. Those interviews comprise “Truthland,” with extended, unedited interviews available at TruthlandMovie.com.

“When we were told we could have natural gas under our farm, we felt very blessed,” said Shelly, who interviewed more than a dozen energy and environmental experts in six states. “But that excitement was tempered somewhat by the negative stories we had heard about hydraulic fracturing. Then came ‘Gasland,’ and that made it even tougher to determine what the truth really was. Well, the science teacher in me had questions, and I owed it to my family to go out and find out what was real. To get our questions answered, I knew I needed to go where the experts were. And so, that’s exactly what I did.”

Natural gas development has been happening in earnest in Pennsylvania since companies began developing the Marcellus Shale. According to state data and other reviews in just a few short years this development has provided billion in revenues to landowners and governments, is indirectly supporting over 200,000 jobs, and is saving consumers thousands of dollars in utility costs.

The screening will be held on July 18 and is free and open to the public and media. The event will begin at 5:30p.m. and will feature a brief reception, followed by a screening of Truthland and an expert panel to answer questions regarding the development of natural gas from shale resources.

Event Details:
Where- Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology 1015 Industrial Park Drive Mt. Braddock, PA 15465
When- Wednesday, July 18th – 5:30p.m.

Read More:

• Truthland webpage//Complete film // Movie trailer // “Fear is Toxic” blog // Twitter page // Facebook page
• Podcast: Shelly talks about her experience in making the film
• Fact sheets: Who is Shelly? // Just the Facts // What They Are Saying


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

PIHT Prepares you for a Career – Just Ask Susan Tandy Wilson!

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Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology in Uniontown, PA is training students to begin careers that they love! Here’s a quick highlight of a recent graduate who has started a career she loves thanks to her training from PIHT:

Susan Tandy Wilson is a Medical Office Administration graduate from Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology and has landed her career as a Medical Office Administrator at Martinelli Eye and Laser Center in Uniontown, PA!

Susan said, “PIHT and their staff provided me with the proper training and classes to prepare me for a career in Medical Office Administration.” Susan mentioned that Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Billing & Coding, Human Resources and Career Preparation were a few courses that really helped her obtain the skills she needed for her ideal career.

“I would like to thank all the instructors at PIHT because if it was not for each and every one of them being there for me and teaching me, I would not be where I am today,” said Susan.

“Most importantly, they believed in me!”

Susan’s advice for a student beginning to search for their career is to keep up the hard work and do not get discouraged. She says, “Sometimes the places you apply might not be hiring at the time, but they will keep you in mind when they are!”

The best advice from Susan: “Believe in yourself, you can do it!”


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

It’s My Last Quarter! Bobbi Keller Student Highlight

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Bobbi Lynn Keller has just started the last module of her enrollment at Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology in the Medical Office Administration Program.

Bobbi felt welcomed when she toured the campus and knew the location of PIHT was perfect because it was close to home. She also, explained, “Although the school was small, it felt big and new. Everyone was working hands-on and they really took the time to make sure the campus was a good fit for me. It definitely was!”

Bobbi said that PIHT opened her eyes to a better future for not only herself, but her family, too. “I feel confident that I will succeed in my career because my instructors believed in me and helped me through my courses,” she said.

Bobbi had a great experience at PIHT. She said, “I enjoyed the people and the time frame of the enrollment…you only have to be in school for 18 months compared to four years and the daily schedule of classes is only Monday – Thursday. Classes only run from 8am to 2:30pm which frees your evenings for work or spending quality time with your family. They also have functions and give you many great opportunities to bond with your PIHT family.”

Bobbi’s advice for future students is to never give up! She advised, “Ask questions…there are no stupid questions. Be yourself and make new friends because your PIHT family will always be there for you. That’s why they are such a great place to get your education. Even after you graduate, you can come back five years later and PIHT will still be there to support you!”


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

PIHT Student Highlight – Amy Johnson

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Amy Johnson has big goals as she nears her graduation date from Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology this August from the Business Administration program.

Amy wants to start a towing business called Precious Cargo, if the name is available.
She explained, “I will be the only female in Southwest PA to own a towing business.”

Before starting at PIHT, she was a housewife and worked several different seasonal jobs.

“I enrolled in PIHT because I was tired of the hard work I was doing and I wanted to do something better with my life. I have always wanted to start my own business but I didn’t have the computer skills or knowledge to do so. I like the fact that the classes at PIHT are small and I could get one-on-one attention if needed,” she said.

At PIHT, Amy says her favorite part was that she always felt like she belonged. She explained, “Everyone always treated me like I was equal.”

Amy is a member of the Student Ambassador Club at PIHT which was designed to assist new students as they begin their enrollment. Current students make them feel welcome and answer questions as they get started in their programs. She also helps by volunteering at the parties and activities that PIHT is involved in including the Heart Walk, Car Show, Arbor Day Tree Planting and the Cancer Walk all held at the campus in Uniontown, PA.

Amy contributes her great enrollment and her success to the teachers at PIHT, particularly one individual.

She said, “Every teacher I had at PIHT played an important part in my school success. One teacher who had the most influence was Ryan Langley. He did everything he could to teach me what I needed to know and he could explain things many different ways to make sure each person understood what he was teaching. If I had questions about starting my business, he would get me the information I needed and he never minded all of my crazy questions. He always had an answer in a timely fashion, too. He gives each one of his business students the confidence to do what we have our hearts set on, even if no one else believed in us. He is an exceptional teacher!”

“PIHT has definitely equipped me with the tools to succeed. I feel very confident in what I have learned and I am not afraid at all to go out into the world with the skills I’ve been taught. Not only do I have my classroom skills, but also hands-on experience from completing an externship,” explained Amy.

Amy says PIHT has changed her life for the better because she gained confidence back that she had lost being a housewife. She said, “I had a fear of technology when I started and now I’m not afraid of it at all. When I got married and raised children, I lost touch with who I was and PIHT helped me regain my identity!”

Starting her own business will open many new opportunities for Amy and she hopes to serve as an inspiration to other women. She says, “Women can do anything if they work hard and set their mind to it!”

Amy would recommend PIHT to others. She explained, “It’s a small school where you can feel comfortable and everyone knows you by name. You are treated with respect from the faculty, the teachers and the other students and you always have answers to your questions. You have a feeling of belonging and learn things that are very important in for field. Plus, you get hands-on experience!”


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

Medical Office Administration-Tips & Tricks For Your Career!

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Once you complete your degree in Medical Office Administration, you will be working with administrative professionals within an office environment. This article will introduce you to some tips and tricks that will help distinguish you from other professionals. 

Dress and act the part:

You will be the first person the patient sees when entering the office and you should provide a good first impression. That means always dressing professionally, and using that wonderful smile to greet patients. Dressing the part also provides confidence, as the old saying goes” when you look good, you feel good!”

Top of the line dress clothes can get a little heavy on the wallet, however certain stores offer up some great deals. Some of the higher end bargain retailers are Gabriel Brothers, Burlington, and JC Penney. If these options are still too pricey for your budget, do not rule out Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Dress for Success.  Also, always keep a positive attitude. Medical offices can get very busy, and your team will appreciate you not losing your cool.

Learn the Software:

This could vary with each office; however once you find the job you want, check out what software they use. The more proficient you become, the more doors are going to open for you. The goal of any job is to make yourself indispensable, and you achieve that by acquiring knowledge. In the professional world, knowledge is power. For example, say your office uses Microsoft Excel to schedule appointments. If you were the Excel expert, wouldn’t you feel good knowing that they relied on you?  As stated, software programs can vary but some common ones include Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Peachtree, and any other third party medical/scheduling software. Don’t just rely on your company training, do some independent research. Google is a great source to find info on any of these.

Model Yourself after the Best

Although this article is about Medical Office Administration, this tip is universal. The first week that you enter a new job, find the best worker in the office and observe them. You should observe everything; professionalism; work ethic, knowledge in certain areas, communication, etc. You want to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and then model yourself after them. Obviously, if they are in a higher position, they understand what it takes to obtain and keep that position “Learn from others mistakes, and not your own”; is another old adage that proves to be true in this situation.  It also gives you a good idea of what your company is looking for in terms of leadership, and how well they treat their best employees.

Practice Organization

I know what you’re thinking; organization is not something you can practice! You either have it or you don’t! That is simply not true, and your organizational skills are a crucial part of what you bring to an organization. As a medical office administrator, they expect you to be organized. That is, at least one reason, why they pay you. You should not fight it, just practice, practice, practice. The good news is you have complete control over this process because it all starts with you. How can you organize a busy office when you don’t have your own affairs in order? Doesn’t make sense does it?  So, you can start by taking an honest look in the mirror and realizing where you can be more organized in your personal life. This will help you recognize it quicker on the job. Organization is more mental training than physical training. If you can train your mind to make these types of conscience decisions, you will become an essential part of your office.


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

Medical Assisting Student Highlight – Jessica Wilson

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Jessica Wilson is a Medical Assisting student at the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology. Before deciding to come to PIHT, she attended Connellsville Area Senior High School.

Many factors contributed to Jessica’s decision to come to the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology.

She explained, “I didn’t want to go to a big campus and just be a number, I wanted to go to school at a place where my instructors would know my name. Also, this school is close to home for me and I love the four day 8am-2:30pm school week.”

Jessica’s biggest challenge during her enrollment so far is maintaining her grade point average as her classes become tougher.

“I am overcoming this challenge by attending and paying attention in class and studying as hard as I can,” said Jessica.

Jessica has a goal to graduate from PIHT and work in a hospital utilizing the skills she learned from the Medical Assisting program.

Jessica says her parents are a very strong support system for her while she continues her education. Also, she said, “I am also a big self-motivator, so I love coming to PIHT everyday and learning something new in the healthcare field.”

The instructors at PIHT truly have made a difference in Jessica’s enrollment. She said, “All of my instructors have been absolutely wonderful with their methods of teaching. They go the extra mile to offer me extra help and support.”

One instructor, in particular, has made a huge difference.

Jessica said, “I must highlight one specific person, Pam Hughes. There are no words to describe how much she means, not only to me, but to fellow students at our school, too. She has been a wonderful friend and mentor throughout my journey and is an all-around smart, kind, caring and loving individual. Pam is simply awesome!”

Thanks to great students like Jessica, PIHT graduates students who are ready to begin their careers every six weeks! Are you interested in any of our programs or our externship or career services? Visit www.piht.edu for more information!


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.