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Inside Front CoverThis catalog is current as of the time of publication. From time to time, it may be necessary ordesirable for Pittsburgh Career Institute (“PCI”) to make revisions to this catalog. PittsburghCareer Institute reserves the right to make changes at any time; such changes will be publishedin an addendum to this publication.Please refer to the catalog addendum for current information related to the school calendar,tuition and fees, listing of faculty, and other updates.School PoliciesStudents are expected to be familiar with the information presented in this catalog, in anysupplements and addenda to the catalog, and with all school policies. By enrolling in PittsburghCareer Institute, students agree to accept and abide by the terms stated in this catalog and allschool policies. If there are conflicts between any statement in this catalog and the enrollmentagreement signed by the student, the provision in the enrollment agreement controls and isbinding.Publication Date: July 2019c. 2019 Pittsburgh Career InstitutePittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152192 of 104
Table of ContentsABOUT PITTSBURGH CAREER INSTITUTEMission Statement . 5History . 6Educational Philosophy . 6Faculty . 6State Authorizations . .7Accreditation and Affiliations . 7Atriculation Agreements . 8Statement of Ownership . 9ADMISSIONS INFORMATIONNon-Discrimination .10General Admissions Requirements . 10Background Checks and Drug Screenings . 11Entrance Exam Requirements. 12Selective Admissions Criteria . 13Waitlists . 13Returning Students . 13Foreign Transcripts . 14English Proficiency . 15FINANCIAL AID INFORMATIONFinancial Assistance . 16How to Apply. 16Disbursement of Title IV Credit Balance . 16Financial Aid Programs . 17Cancellation Policy . 18Refund Policy. 19Return of Title IV Funds . 20Withdrawal Date . 24Exit Interview . 21Loan Default . .22ACADEMIC INFORMATIONUnit of Credit . 23Credit Ascription Policy . 23Semester Credit Hours. . 23Grading System . .24Incomplete Grades Policy .24Application of Grades and Credits . 25Student Withdrawal . 25Course Withdrawal . .26Course Attendance Withdrawal . 26Repeating Classes .26Grade Disputes .27Leave of Absence .27Residency Requirements .28Transfer of Credit to Other Schools 28Transfer of Credit to Pittsburgh Career Institute .29Proficiency Credit .29Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) .30Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) Requirements .30Pittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152193 of 104
Rate of Progress toward Completion Requirements . 30Maximum Time in Which to Complete . .31How Transfer Credits, Course Withdrawal, and Change of Program Affect SAP . 31How Returning to PCI in a Different Program Affects SAP .31SAP for Financial Aid Recipients . 32Warning and Probationary Periods for SAP . 32Academic Appeal . 36Reinstatement. 36Attendance Policy . 36Clinical Site Attendance Requirements . .38Externship Attendance Requirements . .38Appeals of Attendance Withdrawals . .39Clinical and Externship Policies . 40Clinical and Externship Assignment . 40Clinical and Externship Site Conduct . .41Academic Honesty Policy . . 41Student Code of Conduct . .42Conduct Dismissals and Appeals. . . . 46Criminal Conviction Policy . 46Graduation Requirements . 46STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATIONStudent Orientation . 47Academic Assistance . 47Certification, Licensure and Registry Examination . 47Transcript Process and Fees . 48Career Services . 48Auditing Classes . 49Student’s Rights and Responsibilities . 49GENERAL INFORMATIONFacility . 51School Closings . 51Class Hours . 51Student Rights and Responsibilities of Assembly . 51Termination Policy . 52Reasonable Accommodations Policy – Individuals with Disabilities . 52Campus Security . 52Drug-Free Environment . 53Unlawful Harassment Policy . 53Internal Grievance Procedure. 53Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act . 55Changes . 58PROGRAM OFFERINGSProgram Descriptions and Curriculum Requirements . 59Course Numbering System . 73Course Descriptions . 73ADDENDUMCalendarTuition and FeesFaculty and Staff ListingPittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152194 of 104
ABOUT PITTSBURGH CAREER INSTITUTEMission StatementThe Pittsburgh Career Institute (PCI), prepares motivated students with knowledge and skills, theconfidence to apply them dynamically, and the judgment to do so wisely. We provide them withthe academic and experiential training needed for entry-level positions in the health care industry.We strive to do so in an environment that is diverse, supportive, tolerant, goal-oriented andpositive.ObjectivesEnvironmentWe strive to create an environment that simulates the workplace by maintaining industry-currentlaboratory facilities, equipment, and externship opportunities.QualityWe seek out high caliber faculty to provide education and training that focuses on the coreknowledge and skills required to succeed and achieve professional recognition.ServiceWe recognize each of our students as individuals deserving of the highest level of customerservice and satisfaction.Continuous ImprovementWe utilize student outcomes and feedback from students, employers, faculty, staff, and advisorygroups as a measure to continually improve our educational programs.AchievementWe provide the means to support high levels of achievement from our students, staff, and faculty.To facilitate achievement of its Mission, the Pittsburgh Career Institute fosters an environment forits faculty and staff to epitomize certain Core Values.Core Values of Faculty and StaffPride:in the value of important work done well, in the confidence of knowing how to do theimportant work well, and the financial rewards and independence that comes as a result.Fulfillment:in acquiring skills and a start in the workplace to support yourself and your loved ones.Maturity:in understanding the process of working for the things we want and need, and wantingthe things for which we need and work.Satisfaction:for having done something positive and empowering for oneself.Service:Pittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152195 of 104
for turning to the person climbing the ladder behind us and helping them up to the nextlevel, instead of pushing them down from where they’ve already reached.Success:in setting realistic goals and attaining them.HistoryThe Western School of Health and Business Careers (“Western”) first opened in Octoberof 1980 and was granted institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of HealthEducation Schools in April of 1982. The National Association of Trade and TechnicalSchools, now the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, became theinstitutional accreditor of the school in April of 1985. The Western School of Health andBusiness Careers opened its Monroeville Branch in February of 1989. Approval to offerspecialized Associate in degrees was granted by the Pennsylvania Department ofEducation in July of 1987 and May of 1990. In August 2003, the Western School ofHealth and Business Careers was acquired by Career Education Corporation, a publiclytraded company. In September 2008, Western changed its name to Sanford-BrownInstitute. In 2014, New Opportunity Calling LLC purchased Sanford-Brown Institute andchanged its name to Pittsburgh Career Institute, ushering in a new era of local control tomeet the needs of Pittsburgh area employers, contribute to its economy, and add valueto the local communities.Educational PhilosophyOur educational philosophy is based on delivering a personalized, quality education toeach and every student. The programs we offer are designed to be sound in conceptand geared toward individuals who are seeking a foundation in the knowledge and skillsrequired for their chosen field. We provide students with a supportive environment tobetter help them gain competency in their area of study. Our classes, labs andequipment are industry-current, and our instructors are dedicated professionals. Theprograms we offer are relevant to employers’ needs and focus on areas that offer longterm employment opportunities.FacultyThe faculty members are the keystone of Pittsburgh Career Institute’s quality. Membersof the faculty have industry or professional experience, together with appropriateacademic credentials. The faculty brings a high level of professionalism to theclassroom. Through the guidance of the faculty, theoretical and practical applications areaddressed in the curricula and reinforced by interaction with professionals in the industryfor which training is offered.Faculty members are dedicated to academic achievement, professional education and tothe preparation of students for their chosen careers. It is through personal attention thatstudents can reach their potential, and it is the dedicated faculty who provide theguidance necessary to assure students that their time in class is well spent.Pittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152196 of 104
A listing of our faculty may be found in the addendum to this catalog.State AuthorizationPittsburgh Career Institute is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania StateBoard of Private Licensed Schools to operate at 421 Seventh Avenue, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania 15219, 412-281-2600.Pittsburgh Career Institute is authorized by the Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaDepartment of Education to confer Associate in Specialized Business and Associate inSpecialized Technology degrees.AccreditationAccreditation is a voluntary process which may be undertaken by schools todemonstrate compliance with specific standards designed to indicate a level ofeducation quality. PCI is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Collegesand Schools (ACICS), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United StatesDepartment of Education (USED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation(CHEA).This indicates that PCI substantially meets or exceeds the stated criteria of educationquality established by ACICS and approved by the USED. This recognition ofinstitutional accreditation by ACICS entitles PCI to offer Title IV Financial Assistance tostudents who qualify.The Pittsburgh Career Institute is accredited by:Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)1350 Eye Street, NWSuite 560Washington, DC 20005(202) 336-6780Programmatic AccreditationAn additional form of accreditation that a school may undertake to obtain is a specific,individual accreditation of certain programs (programmatic accreditation). Institutionalaccreditation is not the same as, or a substitution for, programmatic accreditation.Although programmatic accreditation is not required for employment in many cases, theexistence of programmatic accreditation is a further indication that a program meets thestandards of the profession, and may therefore indirectly enhance employmentopportunities. In some cases, programmatic accreditation will allow the graduates of theaccredited program to sit for some credentialing exams immediately upon graduationwithout any requirement of work experience. Programmatic accreditation is not availablefor all programs.Pittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152197 of 104
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program is programmatically accredited by:Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)25400 US Highway 19 NorthSuite 158Clearwater, Florida 33763(727) 210-2350 fax (312) 704-5300The Respiratory Therapy degree program is programmatically accredited by:Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)1248 Harwood RoadBedford, TX 76021-4244(817) 283-2835(817) 354-1063The Veterinary Technology program has initial programmatic accreditation by:American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary TechnicianEducation and Activities (CVTEA)1931 N. Meacham RoadSuite 100Schaumburg, Illinois 60173-4360(800) 248-2862Articulation AgreementsPittsburgh Career Institute currently offers articulation agreements with the following collegesand universities:La Roche CollegeCarlow UniversityPoint Park UniversityFor additional details, please contact:Chief Academic OfficerPittsburgh Career InstitutePittsburgh, PA 15219412-281-2600Pittsburgh Career Institute holds the following memberships: National Association of Student Financial Aid AdministratorsPennsylvania Association of Private School AdministratorsPennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid AdministratorsPittsburgh Career Institute is approved by: PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency)Pennsylvania Department of Education for Training VeteransPittsburgh Career Institute is eligible for participation in federal Title IV StudentAssistance ProgramsPittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152198 of 104
Statement of OwnershipPittsburgh Career Institute is a fictitious business name (“d/b/a”) of, and is owned by, NewOpportunity Calling LLC, a Pennsylvania Limited Liability Corporation, with its registeredoffice located at 421 Seventh Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Executive Officers of NewOpportunity Calling LLC are: Efrem M. Grail, President and Treasurer, and Dr. Patti L.Yakshe, Vice President and Secretary.The Executive Officers of the Pittsburgh Career Institute are: Dr. Patti L. Yakshe, CampusPresident and Chief Executive Officer, and Paul Gelorme, Vice President and Chief FinancialOfficer.Pittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 152199 of 104
ADMISSIONS INFORMATIONNon-DiscriminationThe school admits students without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion,creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, disability, or any other factorprohibited by law.Admissions PolicyAdmission to Pittsburgh Career Institute is open to all applicants who will be 18 years ofage at the time the clinical/externship portion of their program begins (as applicable).Parents, children and/or significant others are encouraged to attend admissionsinterviews and tour the School’s facilities. This provides applicants and their families anopportunity to see and learn about the school’s equipment and facilities and to askquestions relating to the school’s curriculum and career objectives. Personal interviewsalso enable school administrators to determine whether an applicant is a qualifiedcandidate for enrollment into the program.Students should apply for admissions as soon as possible in order to be eligible for aspecific program and class start date.The school reserves the right to reject applicants and/or rescind eligibility for anapplicant to begin classes if all general and selective admissions requirements are notsuccessfully completed within the required timeframe.Admission to any one program does not automatically qualify a student for admissioninto any other program. If a student wishes to apply to another program in the future, theindividual must independently meet all the admissions requirements in place for thatprogram at the time of the future enrollment. The student will also be subject to allselection procedures in place for admittance into the other program. Admittance into theother program is not guaranteed.General Admissions RequirementsThe following items must be successfully completed prior to the first scheduled class ofthe program: Application for Admission Application fee (1) Entrance Exam (see “Entrance Exam Requirements” below) Enrollment Agreement (if applicant is under 18 years of age, it must also besigned by parent or legal guardian) General Student Disclosure Programmatic Disclosure Financial Aid forms (if applicant wishes to apply for Financial Aid) Satisfactory in-person interview High School diploma, certificate or other acceptable proof of graduation from aninstitution providing secondary education, or the equivalent of suchPittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 1521910 of 104
graduation. A valid institution is one that is recognized as a provider ofeducation by the U.S. Department of Education. (2)Background Check consent formInterview with a Program Director or designee.(1)Payment of the full amount of the application fee at the time of application may bewaived for individuals who:1. have previously enrolled at Pittsburgh Career Institute within 12 months or 364days of the original enrollment date, but did not graduate2. have graduated from Pittsburgh Career Institute3. are in active duty, a veteran, a reservist or a spouse or dependent of any of theformer.4. are receiving financial assistance from assistance agency (ies). Proof ofassistance is required.(2)Acceptable documentation of high school graduation must be received by theinstitution prior to the student’s first scheduled class of the program. It is the student'sresponsibility to provide acceptable documentation of high school graduation or itsequivalency, as well as any additional documentation that may be needed to support thevalidity of the documentation. Any student who does not provide valid documentation ofhigh school graduation or its equivalent within this timeframe will be unregistered from allclasses and their program of study.Background Checks and Drug ScreeningsPCI places the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff as a highest priority.As a result, students applying to any program must successfully submit consent for acriminal background check to be eligible to begin classes. Results must be dated within90 days of the program start date and will be evaluated within 7 calendar days from theprogram start. Convictions, guilty pleas or nolo contendere pleas for certain drug related,fraud based, or other serious crimes will automatically disqualify a prospective studentfrom remaining actively enrolled: s/he will be unregistered from all courses and theinstitution without incurring academic or financial penalty. A listing of the specificoffenses that are considered can be obtained from the institution.If a potential applicant believes that the results of the background check are incorrect,the institution will provide the student with the contact information to appeal theinstitution’s decision. However, the application process will not move forward until theappeal is complete, and the student may need to re-apply for a future class if the appealis accepted.Many states, employers, and agencies impose restrictions on the employment,registration, licensure, or certification of workers with certain criminal convictions.Facilities and institutions that accept our students for clinical rotation and/or externships,as well as potential employers, may require an additional criminal and/or personalbackground check and may reject a student based on criteria different than thoseapplied to the student during the enrollment process.Pittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 1521911 of 104
Additionally, some agencies and employers may require candidates to submit to a drugscreening test. Students with criminal records that include felonies or misdemeanors(including those that are drug-related) or personal background issues such asbankruptcy may not be accepted by these agencies for clinical assignments, externshipor employment following completion of the program. Employment, clinical, andexternship decisions are outside the control of the institution.PCI cannot guarantee clinical rotation and/or externship placements for individuals withcriminal, drug-related, or personal background histories that preclude them from workingin a professional setting.Applicants who have questions regarding how these issues may affect theirclinical/externship placement or potential future employment should discuss this matterwith a school official prior to beginning their program.Entrance Exam RequirementsIn addition to the requirements listed above, all students will need to meet the minimumtesting and/or college credit requirements.ProgramDental AssistantDiagnostic Medical SonographyDialysis TechnologyMedical AssistantRespiratory TherapySurgical TechnologyVeterinary TechnologyWonderlic Score14221414201818Entrance exams may be waived for individuals with a conferred Bachelor Degree (orhigher degree) from a post-secondary institution accredited by an agency as recognizedby the United States Department of Education.In the event an applicant does not achieve a required score on an entrance exam, aretest may be administered after a minimum 10 minute waiting period. Should theapplicant not achieve the required score on this second attempt, a third attempt may bemade after a minimum 24 hour waiting period. If the applicant is unable to achieve therequired score on this third attempt, a fourth and final retest may be administered after asubsequent minimum 10 minute waiting period. Entrance exam scores will remain validfor one year from the date the exam was taken. After expiration, an applicant mayattempt testing again.Pittsburgh Career Institute421 Seventh AvenuePittsburgh, PA 1521912 of 104
Additional Program-Specific Selective Admissions CriteriaApplicants to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program must successfully completethe following criteria in addition to the General Admissions Requirements: High School graduates: High School CGPA of at least 2.7 or better or post-secondaryeducation consisting of at least 12 credits and a CGPA of 2.7 or better. Credits must beawarded by an institute accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S.Department of Education.For non-High School graduates: completion of 12 semester credits of post-secondaryeducation with a CGPA of 2.7 or better. Credits must be awarded by an institutionaccredited by an accrediting agency recognized by U.S. Department of Education.To facilitate quality education, enrollment in these programs is limited. Applicants whomeet all of the above General and Program Specific Selective Admission Criteria will beenrolled into his/her desired class start on a rolling basis. These individuals will receive aNotification and Acceptance of Enrollment which must be returned to PCI within 15calendar days of the date of its receipt. The Notification and Acceptance of Enrollmentform may be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the address provided on the from.Once a class limit has been reached, additional applicants meeting the entire aboveGeneral and Program Specific Selective Admission Criteria will be placed on a waitlist,but enrolled into the next available class start. These individuals must complete aWaitlist Acknowledgment form at the time of enrollment.WaitlistsIn addition to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Respiratory Therapy programs,PCI limits the number of students who are accepted for admission to its other programsto maintain optimum faculty:student ratios and ensure appropriate clinical opportunity forall students. Once a class limit has been reache
Pittsburgh Career Institute is a fictitious business name ("d/b/a") of, and is owned by, New Opportunity Calling LLC, a Pennsylvania Limited Liability Corporation, with its registered office located at 421 Seventh Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The Executive Officers of New Opportunity Calling LLC are: Efrem M. Grail, President and Treasurer .
