PIHT Business Student Highlight – Courtney McKenzie

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Courtney McKenzie decided to look into Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology after a friend told her it was a great school.

Once she saw that the courses in the business program seemed to be more work than the program she was currently enrolled in at another school, she decided to transfer.

“Yes, I know that sounds like a turn off for some people but I would rather have more work to do,” Courtney said. “It keeps me busy. PIHT has definitely kept me busy.”

Courtney’s favorite part of attending PIHT is that there are two classes every six weeks, which makes it “easier to focus on what we are learning and get more done in a set amount of time.”

“It is difficult to have seven classes that are about an hour long each week and every day while trying to remember everything that is due,” she said. “You can easily comprehend what is going on in the class and are able to ask the instructor any question.”

Courtney chose to study business because during high school she enjoyed helping people with papers, organizing events and keeping things in line.

“I figured that taking this course will help me to better those skills and enable me to learn more as I continue on to graduation,” Courtney said.

Courtney has her mother to thank for encouraging her to continue her education

“I was going to wait a year after graduation to go to school, but she was persistent and made me apply,” she said. “I am glad that she did though because I enjoy going to school and learning new things. She knows that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to and will be right there for me no matter what that accomplishment may be.”

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 Assistant Graduate Highlight – Emily Crum

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After living in Pittsburgh for a few years as a bank teller and being laid off twice in six months, Emily Crum decided that she needed a more stable career.

“Nursing school seemed like my best option, however, I didn’t know if I had the stomach for it,” Emily said.

After seeing a commercial for Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology, she made an appointment to visit the campus and discuss the medical assisting program.

“The school was close to home and everyone seemed friendly, so I went for it,” Emily said.

She chose the medical program because she wanted to do something where she would “make a small difference in someone’s life,” she said.

Along with the fast pace, clinicals and health fairs were some of Emily’s favorite things about being enrolled in the medical program at PIHT.

Staff members also played an important part in her time as a student. Emily said Medical Assisting Director Pam Hughes changed her life, and for that, she’ll be forever grateful.

“I can still remember our tearful goodbye from my last day,” Emily said. “It was like the worst break up I’ve ever had in my life. Pam made me a better person and never let me give up on myself, even though I already had. I can still hear her say, ‘Hey Emily,’ if I’m about to do something in a hurry without gloves on or if I’m doubting myself. She’s someone who will always be in my heart.”

Before Emily graduated, she was offered a job at Tri-State Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center with Dr. Robert English Jr., where she’s now been working for more than a year.

“I can still remember screaming in the phone like a huge nerd when they offered me the job and then flying to school to tell my instructors,” Emily said. “Never in a million years would I have believed that I’d be working for a dermatologist.”

During her workday, the practice sees between 60-90 patients per day. She helps with exams, surgeries and light therapy treatments for patients with acne and pre-cancers. On a typical day, Emily gives multiple numbing injections, sees numerous biopsies, as well as seeing patients who are seeking treatment for eczema, acne, MRSA, scabies, melanoma, condyloma, skin tags and shingles, among other things.

“While I never thought I’d end up there, I’m glad I did,” Emily said. “Every day ends by laughing with the great group of girls I work with and knowing that I changed someone’s day.”

Not only has working in the medical field help Emily change the lives of others, but it’s changed her life too.

“I think it has made me a better person,” Emily said. “It also really puts things into perspective. You should be thankful for everyday and not complain so much.”


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 New Student Highlight – Charles Evans

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Charles Evans is a new student at the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology who has enrolled in the Business Administration Program.

"I chose Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology because of the four day school week and the flexible schedule. The schedule allows me to get an education while still spending quality time with my kids. I also enjoy the small class atmosphere because my questions are always answered,” Charles explained.

Academics are certainly a top priority for Charles while he is in school at PIHT. He said, “I have decided that my main goal is to keep my 4.0 GPA. I believe that if you show up everyday and give it your best, good things will happen. If I am able to maintain my GPA, I will graduate on-time and I can then start focusing on my business venture.”

After graduation, Charles hopes to own and operate his own small business. “My business is going to be a firearms dealership and fishing equipment retailer. I came back to school to learn how to get this idea off the ground. I need to know how to construct a business plan, what to do with taxes, how to market and what types of insurance I’ll need. Mr. Langley, an instructor at PIHT, has been amazing me in guiding me toward the answers to my many questions,” said Charles.

Charles decided that PIHT was the perfect decision for his returning to school and definitely recommends it to others. He said, “PIHT is a great choice if you want to further your education while keeping a flexible schedule. This allows you to spend quality time with your kids, hold a job, care for an elderly relative, etc. I personally love being able to work toward making a better life for my children while still having time to raise them. I highly recommend PIHT to anyone who is looking for a quality, flexible education!”


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.

PIHT – We are here for YOU!

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Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology students are the most important part of our campus and we offer a variety of resources to help them succeed. A great career and a great life starts with a great education… and we are there every step of the way.

PIHT Resource Center

It’s not just a library at PIHT, it’s a full Resource Center! Whether it’s books, magazines, newspapers or other types of periodicals you need or online tool assistance, Helen Snaith is always willing to help you find what you need. The Resource Center is available as a quiet place for students to work on projects, group work and homework and it’s open all day. Don’t stress about your next project or big assignment, stop in and see how the Resource Center can help you succeed in your classes.

 

Certification Club

Obtaining a certification in your program of study is a great asset as you complete your enrollment at PIHT and start the career-search process. The Certification Club at the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology provides fundraising opportunities with all proceeds going toward certification fees for students. The club covers all majors and types of certifications including:

  • QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Specialist
  • A+
  • Certified Medical Assistant

Looking for a way to get involved? The club is always accepting new members! If you’re interested, please contact Angela Hlatky for more information. Her info can be found here: http://www.piht.edu/campus-directory.php

 

Career Management

The end result of your enrollment….landing your first career! Career Management Director, Michelle Sinal is an excellent resource for students at PIHT. Students who might need assistance finding a part-time job to assist in finances during enrollment can always visit Michelle for quick assistance. Also, as students begin Externships in their programs of study, Michelle is an excellent resource to place you in a facility that is a great fit for you. Finally, at the end of your enrollment, she will prepare you for a successful job search and keep you connected through the Alumni Association where you and other PIHT graduates can continue to network and promote professional development. To reach Michelle stop in her office or find her contact information by clicking here : http://www.piht.edu/detail.php?page_id=20


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.