LAUREL BUSINESS INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE TO LAUREL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

 

UNIONTOWN, P.A., April 10, 2025 – After 40 years, Laurel Business Institute has modernized its name to Laurel Technical Institute. ‘That’s right, LBI is now LTI,’’�� said Doug Decker, COO for the Laurel Institutes. The naming convention for LTI, Laurel Technical Institute, has been part of the Laurel school system since 2009, presiding over their locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania.��

The original Uniontown location has been Laurel Business Institute since its inception in 1985. At that time, the school housed mainly business-related programs, including secretarial studies, accounting, data processing, and others. However, over the years, as technology and the community’s needs in the workforce have evolved, so did Laurel. The school rapidly expanded into computer technology, medical and allied health programs which now includes nursing, cosmetology, skilled trades and many more. Therefore, adopting the name of its sister school made sense for the organization to better align its name with the program offerings.��

The impetus for the change after 40 years, is the addition of a new satellite location of the Uniontown campus in Penn Township located in Northern Westmoreland county. Nancy Decker, President and CEO of the Laurel schools, said that ‘The timing was right with the launch of our new location to bring all of our Pennsylvania schools together under one name.’ Laurel is in the process this spring of updating signage and facades around their three building, 4-acre, 80,000-square-foot campus located downtown. The school plans to hold an open house event later this spring to display their continued commitment to and investment in Fayette County. Later this year, Laurel plans to hold a showcase to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary and recognize alumni and the employer community’s longtime support of the organization.��

 

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,��Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

will Train Students for In-Demand Careers.

 

Export, PA�� (March 21, 2025) – , formerly known as Laurel Business Institute, is opening a new educational facility at 1100 Randall Court, Suite 100, in Export, Penn Township, Westmoreland County.�� A well-known family of post-secondary technical schools founded in Uniontown, PA in 1985, LTI is extending its footprint to the residents of and surrounding areas. Co-located in the Penn Trafford School District’s Administrative building, the satellite location of LTI Uniontown will offer programs such as Electrical Technician, Computer Network Security Technology, and healthcare programs at the new site. The school plans to begin the first classes in May with other class starts in July and September. An Open House will be held on Apr 3, 2025 from 2PM-6PM to offer interested students a glimpse of the new facility, meet faculty and staff and ask questions about their interested program of study.��

“We opened a school in because we learned that the community and employers in the Route 22 corridor are rapidly expanding and in need of more highly trained technical and allied health professionals,” said Nancy Decker, president of Laurel Institutes. “We’re excited about being in this region because of the partnerships that we have forged with Penn Trafford School District and local employers. To sustain the growth in the area, the community is in need of skilled technicians so businesses can continue to grow and serve the community’s residents. The community has been extremely welcoming and supportive of this location. Furthermore, being born and raised in Westmoreland County, we felt a strong connection to this area, and it was the perfect fit for us.”

, the Laurel family of schools, including Laurel College of Technology, Laurel Business Institute (LBI), and Laurel Technical Institute (LTI), is a well-known post-secondary technical school organization that offers hands-on training and small class sizes, taught by highly skilled and experienced instructors.��Laurel convenes annual program advisory committees composed of local employer and community stakeholders to evaluate and review the curriculum as well as guide the institution’s development.

In addition to the new Penn Township school, Laurel has four other locations throughout Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia, including Fort Mill, Hermitage, Morgantown, and Uniontown. In addition to licensure by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, Laurel is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools under the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the State of West Virginia. Students are eligible to apply to participate in federal and state financial aid programs as the school is accredited nationally by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. In addition, was named as one of the top 25 two-year trade schools by.

Other specialized associate degree programs are offered online through Laurel College of Technology, LBI, and LTI, including Medical Lab Technician, Medical Billing and Coding, Accounting and Business Administration, Cloud Computing, and Early Childhood Education. On-ground programs offered at various Laurel schools include Nursing; Respiratory Therapy; Skilled Trades, such as Electrical and Welding; Cosmetology; Computer Networking; and Culinary Arts. The school has plans to add more programs in the future.

Enrollment for the first class in Penn Township is currently underway, with the next class starting in May 2025.�� Prospective students are invited to visit Laurel’s website, , to schedule a personal tour of the new facility Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ��

Conveniently located in Bushy Run Corporate Park,�� Laurel Technical Institute is a short drive from the intersection of Route 22 and Route 66 in Export, PA.�� For more information, visit��www.laurel.edu or call 724-439-4900.

 

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Technical Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,��Laurel has over 525 current students and 5,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

Fort Mill, S.C., FEB 25, 2024��– Laurel Institute of Technology opened enrollment for its new Electrical System Technician program in the Fall of 2024. This program was brought to the campus to meet the growing need for skilled trade professionals in the area. In this 12-month diploma program, students will learn important skills such as basic wiring concepts, low-voltage wiring, load calculations, motor control, and more! The program is housed in Laurel’s new Fort Mill campus, located at 345 Patricia Lane, Suite 105, in Fort Mill, SC. To begin the late fall semester in 2024, Laurel excitedly welcomed new instructors Marc Cordone and Charlie Buchannan.

Originally from Connecticut, Cordone moved to Fort Mill in 2023, looking for a change in scenery. He attended a vocational high school with a trades program that introduced him to the electrical field. After high school, Cordone started an apprenticeship and has been in the field for the last ten years. Cordone states, “My favorite part of being an electrician is that the field is always changing and evolving with new technology…” Overall, he really enjoys the challenge of problem-solving. Cordone also states. “Being an instructor in the Electrical Systems Technician program here at Laurel, I really look forward to working with students and inspiring them to join the trades field.”

In the photo: Marc Cordone, Laurel Institute of Technology Trades Instructor

Buchanan was born in Columbus, Mississippi, but was raised in Lancaster, South Carolina. After 16 years of service to the U.S. Navy, Buchanan began work as a field service technician, stating, “I like the variety of projects in this field, kind of like a box of chocolates. You get a new one every time you open the box!” He also states, “I look forward to helping students navigate their own path and pass down wisdom to help them achieve their goals.”

In the photo: Charlie Buchanan, Laurel Institutes of Technology Trades Instructor��

The new Electrical System Technician diploma program highlights the development of skills necessary for individuals to install and maintain electrical systems in unique lab spaces designed for real-life simulation & response etiquette, led by a strong team of instructors with years of in-field experience. The 12-month program is also designed to prepare students for certifications, including the NCCER Core & Electrical 1 – 4, NFPA 70e Low Voltage Safety, and OSHA 10 certification. The program will also emphasize special features of various electrical systems and demonstrate diagnostic procedures to determine the causes of electrical failures.

“Our program provides an interactive learning environment and incorporates a strong foundation of electrical knowledge, proper and safe equipment handling techniques, and preparation for five different industry certifications.” states Justin Caldwell, Director of Trades for Laurel Institutes, “Our goal is to provide each student with an ever-evolving opportunity for growth and education, and we’re excited to offer that within this program.”

This 12-month diploma program is offered to students in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. The Electrical Systems Technician program curriculum includes courses in Residential Wiring Concepts, Industrial Wiring, Low Voltage Wiring, Voice / Data and Video Installation, PLC Programming, Certification Prep, and much more! With small class sizes and experienced faculty, Laurel has high hopes of helping build great entry-level graduates for the community and surrounding areas!

Conveniently located in Fort Mill, SC, Laurel Institute of Technology is a short drive from Interstate I-77 (Exits 88 or 85) off of Highway 160. This location is the newest addition to Laurel’s growing network of�� private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE). For more information, visit��laurel.edu or call 803-802-0700.

Our Esthetics students had the steam rolling and the creativity flowing! They worked on some facial skills after a morning of decorating the classroom for spooky season! They did a great job on both!

Thank you to everyone who donated to the PN Book Drive! Thanks to your donations, our PN students were able to enjoy a day of giving back to the community by reading and donating books to local preschool students at Rainbow Dreams Daycare/Preschool in Uniontown.

This year,��Respiratory��Care Week��������October 20-26, and it’s a time to recognize respiratory professionals and draw attention to the field. Respiratory Care Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the essential role respiratory therapists play in patient care, particularly for those managing��chronic lung��diseases. Despite their critical role, respiratory therapists are often the unsung heroes��in patient care, providing essential support and expertise for countless individuals struggling to breathe.

Laurel’s current respiratory students are dedicated and hardworking, both of which are traits they will need to carry with them once they enter the field upon graduation.��

Please join us in recognizing our wonderful respiratory therapy students to celebrate Respiratory Care Week!��

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Interested in learning more about respiratory therapy? Click����to watch a short video!

Laurel graduate and Beauty Bar owner, Tiara Blosser, came in for a visit to show our Cosmetology students a demonstration on a how to do a blowout! It was great to have her in the clinic helping expand the knowledge and skill set these students get access to through amazing local employers like the Beauty Bar! Thank you Tiara, we hope to see you back soon!

Laurel Business Institute held graduation on September 19th, 2024, at the State Theater in Uniontown, PA. Opening comments were given by Nancy Decker, President and CEO of Laurel Institutes, “Graduation is a time of new beginnings and we are always excited to celebrate this time with you because we know that it took hard work and dedication for you each to get here,” says Decker.

Assistant Campus Director,McKenna Gower, recognized the class Valedictorians, Brooke Clark, Madison Gibson, Luke McCullah, Amber Ravenscroft, and Christine Specht. Salutatorians Bonnie Benco and Emily Brentensky were also recognized. Next to be recognized were the September 2024 Distinguished Graduates, McKenna Hilling, Madison Gibson, and Amber Ravenscroft, all three were also recognized for membership into the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society. Laurel Business Insitute’s Assistant Campus Director, McKenna Gower, then presented the Degree and Diplomas to the graduates. The Career Services department reported that 66% of the September 2024 graduating class have accepted employment offers within their program of study. The following students were awarded Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas in the following programs:��

 

Degree Programs:

Cloud Computing Technology��

Mason Tharp

 

Early Childhood Education

Nicole Gregg

 

Electrical Technician��

Ontario Jones

 

Medical Office Administration��

Savannah Turner

 

Network Administration & Security��

Alexander C. Abedejos

Chase Hicks

 

Diploma Programs:

Clinical Medical Assistant��

McKenna Hilling

Jacob Robison

Christie Specht

Madison Vojtkofsky

 

Cosmetology��

Adriana Allen Angelo

Bonnie Lee Benco

Emily Marie Brestensky

Madison Morgan Gibson

Devyn Harris

Lillyann Germaine Horvath

Cassidy Brook Zelasko

Adalina Elizabeth Zolbrod

 

Esthetics & Nail Technician

Faith Andrews

Keristen R. Harris

Alaina Petrosky

Amber Ravenscroft

Alicia M Rimbey

 

Nail Technician��

Samantha Grim

Nina Moreland

 

Welding & Fabrication

Truman Philip Avery

Hunter James Brangard

Brooke Clark

Olivia Fairbee

Luke McCullah

Heath Randolph II

 

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,��Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.

Laurel College of Technology welcomed Dr. Lynn M. Linder and Dr. Theresa Black from West Virginia Wesleyan College to campus on Friday, September 13th to sign a collaborative agreement for a new educational pathway for Laurel Nursing graduates.

First Row, Left to Right: Nancy Decker, Laurel Institutes President & CEO, Dr. Lynn M. Linder, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of West Virginia Wesleyan College

Second Row: Dr. Michelle Borland, Nursing Program Director for Laurel College of Technology, Sherri Rimel, Campus President for Laurel College of Technology, Dr. Theresa Black, Associate Professor of Nursing

 

 

MORGANTOWN, W. VA. SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – Laurel College of Technology located in Morgantown, West Virginia is excited to announce a new collaborative effort with West Virginia Wesleyan College of Buckhannon, West Virginia to allow graduates of Laurel’s 20-month Associate Degree of Nursing program to expand their education through an RN to Master Science in Nursing opportunity. The agreement allows eligible Laurel graduates who pass the NCLEX and obtain the credentials to be a Registered Nurse through the West Virginia RN Board to apply for enrollment in WVWC’s Master Science in Nursing program. According to the agreement, WVWC will accept eight eligible students a year who after an individualized review for potential admission for graduates meet the predetermined criteria.

Laurel’s Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) is a 71 credit program that spans over 5 semesters and is designed to prepare the graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for registered nurses and to enter a career as a beginning practitioner of nursing.�� In June of 2024, Laurel received initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Public information about accreditation is disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website. Laurel has designed the courses to provide the students with an awareness of the value and dignity of people, a view of the patient as an integrated, unique individual that requires nursing knowledge and skills. The program and simulation center is reflective of Laurel’s commitment to preparing exceptional, job-ready professionals in a way that addresses the ever-increasing need for qualified nurses.

“Our program, and the students in it, are held to rigorous expectations for the safety of future patients and the care our students will provide the community,” states Doug Decker, Ph. D., Executive Vice President of Laurel Institutes. “We’re excited to see this pathway open up for our graduates. This agreement creates an additional entry point for students who want to expand on their career and professional training and complete a masters’ degree.”

West Virginia Wesleyan College offers graduate programs in nursing with various pathways and points of entrance. Currently, students can choose between Master of Science in Nursing programs with specializations in Nursing Leadership or the Family Nurse Practitioner. The school also offers Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwifery options in collaboration with Shenandoah University. For the past two years, the College has offered an RN to MSN program, which allows nurses with an associate degree in nursing to complete bridge course work and then directly enroll into the MSN program.��

Coursework for the graduate programs in the School of Nursing at West Virginia Wesleyan College is offered in a hybrid format including online, asynchronous, and limited on campus residency experiences.����

“Our College is dedicated to providing flexible and accessible continuing education opportunities for nurses at all career stages,” said Dr. Lynn M. Linder, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to cultivate a highly skilled health care workforce for West Virginia. We’re thrilled to offer programs that accommodate the demanding schedules of working nurses while advancing their professional development.”

 

ABOUT �ǿմ�ý

Founded in 1985 by Christopher and Nancy Decker,��Laurel Institutes are a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania, North Central West Virginia, and Northern South Carolina. Laurel College of Technology located in Morgantown, WV is licensed by the��WV Council for Community and Technical College Education, WV��Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists, initially accredited with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, WV RN Board, and nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.��Laurel has over 750 current students and more than 5,000 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology and early childhood education.��Learn more at laurel.edu.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States.��U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit.

Laurel College of Technology held their Fall 2024 graduation ceremony on September 13, 2024. Opening comments were given by CEO and President of Laurel Institutes, Nancy Decker, saying “We couldn’t be more proud of your hard work. We know this is not always an easy journey, but here you are, and that alone is huge.” First to be recognized was the class Salutatorian, Hannah Martin. Next to be recognized were the September 2024 Distinguished Graduates, Victoria Hershman and Hannah Martin.��

During the ceremony, Laurel’s graduating Nursing students were also recognized and celebrated with a Pinning Ceremony led by Program Director of Nursing, Dr. Michelle Borland. Borland led the presentation of pins and talked to the class about what it means to be a nurse. “You will never be bored. You will always be frustrated,” she said. “You will be surrounded by challenges. You will step into people’s lives and you will make a difference.” Borland also says “You each brought something to my nursing career, and the career of your instructors, every conversation was a learning experience and we cannot thank you enough.” She and Clinical Director, Mrs. Hillary DeWitt, presented the pins to each of the six graduates with evident pride for each student.��

Following the Pinning Ceremony, Director of Education, Alfred Vallano, presented the Degrees and Diplomas to the graduates. Career Services Coordinator, Laurel Muhly-Alexander, reported that 50% of the September graduating class have already accepted an employment offer within their program of study! The following students were awarded Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas in the following programs:��

 

Specialized Associate Degree Programs:

Electrical Technician

Gary Flesher

 

Nursing

Jacob Allen

Sarah Dalzotto

Blake Greener

Victoria Hershman

Allison Hott

Alyssa Sauriol

 

Diploma Programs:

Cosmetology

Mary Croskey

Leah Elliot

Hannah Martin

ShyAnn Todd

Zoe Vannoy

 

Nail Technician

Jaden Wilson