Category Archives: Campus

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.

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 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.

The Devil Wears Prada… You Don’t Have To

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Expanding a professional wardrobe isn’t easy. When you’ve been in school for a long time, it is easy to get away with throwing on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt in the morning and running out the door. When you enter the real world, it takes time to choose a professional outfit and it will take some time to build the wardrobe that you’ll be wearing to work. Here are a few tips as you begin this journey:

1. Start Early

You already made the decision to go back to school. Your reasoning behind this decision probably had something to do with wanting to start a professional career when you graduate. This means you already know that you’ll be interviewing when you complete your program, so even if you are in the medical field and might wear scrubs every day, you will still need professional clothes for interviews. 

Start thinking about this early! The earlier you start getting professional pieces together, the easier it will be when you graduate. Even if you can only afford one part of a suit at a time, start setting the pieces aside so you are ready when the first interviewer calls you for an appointment.

Another option is to start setting aside a certain amount of money from each paycheck you might receive. Even if you set aside $20 a check, these numbers will add up when you’ve done it for 18 months or the length of time you were in school. Then, as a nice graduation gift to yourself, you can go out and buy a new suit or professional outfit.

2. Budget!

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to look professional. Select stores that fit your budget, your body style and your age. Whether you can afford to head to Macy’s or Ann Taylor, Gap, JCPenney or Gabe’s, it doesn’t matter…the only thing that matters is that you are wearing professional wear that fits you and your generation.  The key is that you want to promote a professional first image of yourself that employers will remember.

3. Age and Body Type Count

Shop at stores that carry clothing appropriate for your age and body type. Take the time to find stores that are right for you at this point in your life and use it to your advantage! Shop around to find stores that carry the kind of clothing you want without breaking your bank. This also means that you need to make sure clothing is not too tight, the “Two C’s” are covered (cleavage and crack – hahaha) and that lengths are appropriate for your sleeves, skirt or pants.

Take a moment to consider where you should start shopping and the types of professional clothing you want to buy. Follow these easy tips to begin gathering your budget-friendly wardrobe today! If you need some help starting in the right direction, you can always visit the Career Management Director at your campus for ideas, advice and extra tips.


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.

A Great Module Starts with You!

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The relief of a module ending and having a few days to rest will quickly diminish with the start of a brand new six weeks on Monday. Don’t stress! Here are a few tips to help you get on top of your game as this module starts.

1. Remember why you are here. At some point before enrolling, you made a decision that furthering your education was the right choice for you. Take some time to reflect on your decision. Think about all of the positive outcomes you can look forward to once you complete your program: a degree, a new career, self-satisfaction, etc. You have already won half the battle by choosing to continue your education, selecting the school that was right for you and making the decision to enroll… Now it is time to make the best of it!

2. Be prepared! Make sure you attend the first day of class. Pay attention when the teacher discusses your syllabus for each class so that you know exactly what to expect for the courses you are taking this term. Make sure you ask any questions you might have including what supplies you will need for the course. Knowing what to expect will help you feel confident and prepared and the more confidence you have before the work in the course begins, the better chance you stand at staying in school and receiving exemplary grades.

3. Realize that Change Will Occur. Whether it is the change in your life because you are starting school or the change in your classes, you can expect to see noticeable differences. Face the fact that some courses are going to be harder than others and make plans to accommodate this. In addition to attending your courses each day, you need to make sure you have time set in the evenings to study and complete your homework. Leave time for rest, too. Recharging at night gives you energy for the next day.

4. Use Your Resources. You have chosen to attend Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology where our students matter. We have several resources available for you in case you have any questions or concerns while you are in school. A mentorship program ensures that you have someone you can easily speak with if you have any questions. Tutoring courses are offered if you feel that you are falling behind and our instructors make themselves available to assist you outside of class time. The Learning Resource Center with our awesome librarian can help you find a car pool, learn study skills, assist with research, and it offers many other great programs. The Career Management Department can help you find employment or externships in your field. These resources are available for our students because we want you to stay in school and succeed and ultimately find the perfect job for you in your field. We are here to help…so use us!

5. Be Here! Attend your classes and be ready to learn. You have made the step to enroll in school to further your education so now it is up to you to make the best of it! Prepare yourself, be confident and proactive, set goals and work toward success. Get involved in the clubs and activities at PIHT and give yourself a positive and professional reputation. Don’t fall behind by missing classes. You have committed your time and money to get your education and you chose a great school to help you every step of the way. Now it’s up to 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.

Welcome, New Students!

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We would like to extend a special welcome to the new students to the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology! Your exciting journey towards a new career starts now, and there are a few things that you need to know.

PAY ATTENTION at orientation!

Each new student will be required to attend an orientation before they start classes. This information will be important on your first day. The orientation will cover the rules and guidelines of the school, a tour of your classes, introductions to your fellow classmates, and a Q and A forum with current students. Our orientation is specialized to make sure our students are comfortable and excited before their first day of school, so we look forward to having you!

Do not be afraid to ask questions!

We are here to help you! It is natural to be nervous or afraid to ask questions when you start something new, but we want to make sure you are as prepared as you can be when you start your first day of school. Don’t be shy!

Be open to meet new people!

Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to your fellow classmates. College is a lot more than just hitting the books (although that’s important too!). There is another very important aspect of college and that is networking. The more people you know, the more opportunities will be available to you. Have you ever heard the expression it’s not what you know it’s who you know? This refers directly to networking, and good people skills will set you apart from other job candidates.  

Be on time your first day!

This may seem like common sense but it is surprising how many people in general are not punctual.  Being late on your first day can lead to you feeling frustrated and irritable and we want to make sure you are in the classroom ready to learn, day one. Eighteen months passes quickly…start your enrollment off on a positive note!

Be prepared!

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”- Alexander Graham Bell

Preparation is the key to a successful career long after you have left the campus at the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology. The beauty about preparation is that it can be applied to any aspect of life. When you think about it, it is a fairly simple concept. The more prepared you are, the more confident you are and, the better you perform.

If you follow these tips they will help you not only in your first module, but throughout your entire enrollment at PIHT. Have a great module, and good luck!

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 Graduate Highlight – Dave Molinaro

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Dave Molinaro graduated from Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology with a Specialized Associate Degree in Medical Assisting. He landed a job with Fresenius Medical upon graduation and has now grown in his career, still working for the same company today.

Dave said that he chose PIHT because it was a smaller school with more hands-on training and more one-on-one attention.

“This type of training made it easier for me to learn about my career,” Dave explained.

Entering the medical career field is not an easy task. The decision certainly comes from a drive to help others and that is exactly why Dave said he chose to enroll in the PIHT Medical Assisting program.

He said, “I have always enjoyed helping people…what better way can I do this than to save lives and make a difference in someone’s life who is in need?”

While attending PIHT, Dave had a great support network. His family, friends, the school, teachers and his kids all motivated him to complete his education.

Dave exclaimed, “I am very happy with my education from the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology. It is something that can never be taken away and I would not be where I am today without it!”

Dave’s advice to new students is, “Your education is something you have to want to do. It isn’t always easy, but if you want it bad enough and try your hardest, you will be successful. You will be grateful for the time spent learning and gaining experience to prepare you for your career.”

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.