Uniontown and Hermitage campuses included on U.S. Department of Education’s 2026 College Affordability and Transparency List

UNIONTOWN, Pa. and HERMITAGE, Pa. 鈥� Two Laurel campuses have been recognized for affordability in the . Laurel Technical Institute in Uniontown and Hermitage are both included among two-year, private for-profit institutions with the lowest net prices.

The College Affordability and Transparency Center was created by the U.S. Department of Education to help students and families better understand and compare college costs. Its annual Lowest Net Price lists identify the 10% of institutions with the lowest net prices within each higher education sector.

According to the 2026 data, Laurel Technical Institute in Hermitage has an average net price of $6,914, while Uniontown has an average net price of $6,925. Both are substantially below the $23,471 national average for two-year, private for-profit institutions included in the U.S. Department of Education data.

What Does “Net Price” Mean?

Net price is different from a school’s published tuition. The U.S. Department of Education defines net price as the amount a student pays to attend an institution for an academic year after scholarships and grants are subtracted from the total cost of attendance.

Because financial aid varies by student, the actual amount an individual student pays may be different. However, average net price can provide students and families with another useful measure when comparing the potential cost of attending different colleges.

Making Career Training More Accessible

Affordability can be an important consideration for students who want to prepare for a new career without pursuing a traditional four-year college path. Laurel’s inclusion on the federal Lowest Net Price list provides prospective students and families with an independent data point to consider when evaluating their education options.

Laurel’s Uniontown and Hermitage campuses offer career-focused education in fields including healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and other in-demand areas. Programs are designed to combine classroom instruction with hands-on training that helps students develop skills relevant to their chosen professions.

For more than 35 years, Laurel has focused on providing education that can help students move from the classroom toward a new career while offering support throughout their educational journey.

Understanding the Cost of Your Education

Prospective students should consider more than published tuition when comparing colleges. Grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid may affect what an eligible student ultimately pays.

Laurel’s Financial Aid team can help eligible students understand available financial aid options and navigate the financial aid process. Students are also encouraged to use each institution’s Net Price Calculator to estimate costs based on their individual circumstances.

Interested in learning more about Laurel? Explore programs available at the Uniontown and Hermitage campuses or contact Laurel to speak with an Admissions representative about your career training options.

About the College Affordability and Transparency List

The College Affordability and Transparency Center is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education with support from the National Center for Education Statistics. The annual lists are generated using data collected through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and are designed to provide students and parents with information about college costs.

Source: .

Laurel Technical Institute is excited to announce the launch of its new Paramedic program, a 12-month, 48-credit diploma program designed to train the next generation of life-saving healthcare professionals. The program builds upon foundational EMT training to prepare students for advanced prehospital emergency care. Offered at LTI鈥檚 Uniontown and Export campuses, the hands-on program equips students with the advanced clinical knowledge, technical skills, and critical decision-making abilities needed to deliver top-tier emergency care in pre-hospital settings.

The comprehensive curriculum bridges classroom instruction, advanced high-fidelity simulation labs, and extensive field and hospital internships across Western Pennsylvania. Students train alongside experienced emergency service professionals to master complex life-saving procedures, including advanced airway management, endotracheal intubation, IV therapy, emergency pharmacology administration, 12-lead ECG interpretation, and trauma stabilization. Coursework also covers specialized care for pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric populations. The program also boasts advantages for in-course certification offerings including;听 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), International Trauma Life Support (ITLS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).听

“Our goal is to equip students with the critical decision-making, assessment, and intervention skills necessary to manage complex trauma and medical emergencies,” said Dr. Michelle Borland, Vice President of Nursing for Laurel Technical Institute, “Developed in collaboration with our local employers in our Program Advisory Committee, this curriculum aligns directly with local healthcare needs and current workforce trends.”

Upon completion, graduates will earn a Paramedic diploma and be eligible to sit for the National Registry Paramedic Certification Examination. Additionally, the program is designed to give successful graduates of the program 21 college credits, transferability of academic credits is subject to the receiving institution’s credit transfer policies and approval.听

“When emergency situations arise, paramedics are the critical first link in saving lives,” said Dr. Douglas Decker, Chief Operating Officer of Laurel Technical Institute. “This accelerated track allows passionate individuals to gain high-demand credentials and enter the workforce without sacrificing the depth or quality of their training.”

Applicants must hold a high school diploma (minimum 2.5 GPA), have an active EMT certification, and complete an interview with the Program Director. To ensure personalized, hands-on instruction, class sizes are kept small to allow one-on-one instruction and learning so students develop a deep understanding of skills and necessary practices. Skills work consists of simulation experiences on high-fidelity mannequins, additional airway training and OB/Neonatal care. The program requires on-campus attendance one evening per week, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with an additional day of instruction delivered in an online format. Additionally, students are required to attend mandatory 8-hour skills labs across a full weekend (Friday through Sunday) from 8 AM – 4 PM, every 30 days.听

鈥淥ne of the unique strengths of this program is the combination of extensive EMS and emergency medicine experience with advanced practice knowledge,鈥� says Holly Yauch, MSN, RN, Paramedic, Program Director at Laurel Technical Institute. 鈥淒r. Michelle Borland and I bring backgrounds in emergency medicine and EMS, allowing us to combine real-world prehospital experience with advanced clinical knowledge. This perspective is not commonly found in academic programs and gives our students the opportunity to learn not only the science behind patient care, but also how to apply that knowledge in complex, high-pressure emergency situations. Our goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that connects advanced clinical practice, critical thinking, and real-world EMS experience.鈥�

The program also opens a pathway for successful graduates of the program to transition into Laurel鈥檚 16-month LPN/Paramedic to ADN Transition program through Laurel College of Technology, the Morgantown branch of Laurel Technical Institute. The transition offers a unique educational pathway that allows graduates to migrate from a basic emergency technician to a Paramedic, then further into the hospital setting as a nurse in as little as three years.听

Enrollment is now open for upcoming start dates at both the Uniontown and Export locations, with classes set to start in October 2026. For more information about the Paramedic diploma program, visit .听

Photos: Laurel Technical Institute鈥檚 high-fidelity simulation lab is fully prepped, complete with freshly stocked crash carts and monitor stations. Every station is calibrated to give incoming paramedic students an immersive, hands-on environment from day one.

About Laurel Technical Institute:

Laurel Technical Institute is 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 now Fort Mill, South Carolina. Laurel is nationally accredited as 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Laurel has over 650 current students and 5,200 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.听

A Partnership Set to Train the Next Generation of Industry Technicians

 

Automated Logic, a leading provider of innovative building-management solutions and part of Carrier Global Corporation, reinforced its strategic affiliate partnership with Laurel Technical Institute (LTI) with leaders visiting campus and meeting with students. The visit comes more than a year after the partnership was formed to elevate trades education and address the growing demand for skilled workforce talent. By combining industry-leading climate and building automation technologies with Laurel鈥檚 hands-on training programs, this collaboration directly targets the modern skills gap in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical sectors.

As smart buildings and energy efficiency reshape the landscape of commercial and residential infrastructure, the trades field now requires technicians who are as proficient with software as they are with mechanical tools. The partnership bridges this gap by outfitting Laurel’s campuses across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and South Carolina with cutting-edge building automation systems (BAS). This integration provides students with direct exposure to commercial-grade control ecosystems, elevating the baseline standard for regional technical education.

鈥淭here are companies that plan and commit to the long game,鈥� says Dr. Douglas Decker, Executive Vice Predicant of Laurel College of Technology and Laurel Technical Institute, 鈥渁nd they understand that they have to be in front of potential students early so they have access to talent and workforce pipeline that enable them to have the capacity to take on jobs and move forward. Automated Logic is one of those companies. They are willing to put in the time to speak with students early in their education, they help build and plan effective curricula, and they show up when invited. That鈥檚 important to us, and it鈥檚 incredibly important to our students.鈥�

For Laurel鈥檚 graduates, this affiliate partnership acts as a fast track to high-demand careers. Students train directly on proprietary technologies used worldwide, earning industry-recognized credentials from Carrier and ALC alongside their diplomas or specialized degrees. This advanced training ensures graduates are field-ready on day one, capable of diagnosing complex electrical and mechanical issues using data networks rather than relying entirely on physical inspections.

Highlighting the active nature of the partnership, representatives from Carrier and ALC conducted an immersive site visit to speak directly with students. Industry experts hosted an interactive session focused on ALC’s signature WebCTRL庐 building automation system, a web-based platform that allows technicians to manage a building’s climate, lighting, and energy consumption from a single interface.

During the presentations, representatives outlined current recruitment pipelines, emphasizing openings available for technicians who understand the automated software. The discussions also explored upcoming market trends, such as the rise of predictive maintenance, high-efficiency heat pumps, and data-driven troubleshooting in response to shifting global energy regulations.

“Bringing industry leaders into the classroom changes the game for our students,” said Justin Caldwell, Regional Director of Trades at 51本色. “This partnership isn鈥檛 just about putting names on a syllabus; it鈥檚 about providing our students with the exact tools, certifications, and corporate connections they need to build sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving market.”

Through regular curriculum updates and continuous recruitment engagement, the partnership ensures that Laurel Technical Institute remains an effective pipeline for skilled electrical and HVAC talent, helping to stabilize regional workforce supply lines while positioning its graduates at the forefront of the modern trades revolution.

鈥淭his is a partnership that stemmed from a direct need in the field. Together, we have created an energizing and welcoming environment to help students feel at home while learning the high-tech automation skills that can help change their future. Our goal is that graduates come out of the program as ALC experts,鈥櫶� says Andrew Bierer, President of Automated Logic Corporation, 鈥榯hat would be the goal, reproducing more ALC experts, and we see that potential here in this partnership.鈥櫶�

Leadership from Laurel, Chief Operating Officer Douglas Decker, and Automated Logic, President of Automated Logic Corporation Andrew Bierer, sit down to discuss industry changes, employment opportunities, and new perspectives for ensuring a prosperous partnership.听

Euka Davis, Regional General Manager 鈥� U.S. North, and Andrew Bierer, President of Automated Logic, spoke to students and upcoming graduates about emerging technologies and career opportunities within their worldwide network!听

Matt Word, Regional General Manager 鈥� Global Strategic Accounts/U.S. South, spoke to Laurel students about their proprietary Building Automation Software, now a part of interactive curricula students learn in the program.

 

About Laurel Technical Institute:

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 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,听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. Learn more at

About Automated Logic:
Automated Logic Corporation provides innovative building management solutions that maximize energy efficiency and sustainable building operation while ensuring comfort. Its intuitive products control and monitor building functions such as heating, air conditioning and lighting for commercial office, education, health care, government and data center markets through a global network of independent dealers and North American branch offices. Automated Logic is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. For more information, visit or follow on .

听

About Carrier:

Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. For more information, visit or follow us on and on X.

The Uniontown campus for Laurel Technical Institute is pleased to announce the Dean’s List recipients for the Fall 2025 semester.

Having Earned a Grade Point Average of 4.0 to 3.8, receiving Highest Honors:听

 

Tucker Anderson

Sarah Ankrom

Moriah Arnold

Angelica Baeza

Karleigh Baker

Brett Brown

Caleb Compton

Madyson Debolt

Jacob Dell

Gabrielle Dorreman

Ethan Genovese

Joshua Gerlachovsky

Kira Goodwin

Joshua Jordan

Jacob Lowe

Emily Miklos

Makalia Morrell

Morgan Pecsko

Dusty Plume

Robert Santore

Andrew Shoemaker

Jessica Thompson

Selena Villanueva

Allison Wilson

Jacob Davis

Christopher Hawk

Olivia Goulding

Kameren Arnoni

Caton Ruvalcaba

Logan Thomas

Joshua Curry-Jones

Tyler Sheets

Daniel Archibald

Raven Bierman

 

Having earned a Grade Point Average of 3.79 to 3.5, receiving High Honors:

 

Eve Breese

Mason Hega

Chase Hernley

Phillip Arnold

Tyler Hart

Joshua Luff

Leigha Miller

Kenzie Teets

Christian Palm

Ethan Bowser

Cyle Shumar

Connor Artice

Emma Karchnak

Isabella Johnson

Karee Jordan

Brayden Kelley

Emma McGee

Sierra Murphy

 

Having earned a Grade Point Average of 3.49 to 3.25, receiving Honors:听

Kaylee Clark

Jacob Jordan

Haleah McClain

Christian Moser

Garrett King

Kaylee Ptak

Isaiah Dressel

Howard Clevenger

Ethan Nguyen

Emily Guess

Tyler Stickle

Anei Toaisi

 

Receiving recognition for Perfect Attendance:听

 

Tucker Anderson

Caleb Compton

Madyson Debolt

Joshua Gerlachovsky

Kira Goodwin

Joshua Jordan

Emily Miklos

Makalia Morrell

Robert Santore

Allison Wilson

Kameren Arnoni

Logan Thomas

Alysha Bouvy

Brandon Dodd

Christina Griest

Harmony Sledge

Arionna Smith

Juliann Watson

 

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 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� 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.

UNIONTOWN, P.A., JANUARY 29th, 2026 – Laurel Technical Institute held graduation on January 15th, 2026, at the State Theater in Uniontown, PA. Opening comments were given by Nancy Decker, President and CEO of 51本色, 鈥淭his is a time to celebrate all the hard work you鈥檝e put forth in the recent months of your life,鈥� says Decker, 鈥測ou鈥檝e put in the time, the effort, and the dedication and here you are. Congratulations to each of you, we are all very proud of you.鈥�

Assistant Campus Director, McKenna Gower, recognized the class Valedictorians, Nicholas Loughner, MercMedes Bando, Tina Dean, and Kevin Hendrix. Gower then recognized class salutatorians James Cessna and Alexis Pritts. Next to be recognized were the January 2026 Distinguished Graduates Kevin Hendrix and Lucas Stevens. Hendrix and Stevens were also recognized for membership into the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society. Assistant Campus Director, McKenna Gower, then presented the Degree and Diplomas to the graduates. The Career Services department reported that 74% of the January 2026 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:听

 

Degree Programs:

Early Childhood Education

Kyndra Rose Tucker

Medical Billing & Coding

Miranda Arnold

Kaleigh Jo Lynn

Electrical Technician听

James Cessna听

Matthew Costello听

Josiah Dauria听

Geno DeChessero听

Jace Deli听

Brody Dix听

Nicholas Loughner听

Mark Martini听

Ramani Pirl听

Brandon Rapchak听

Noah Ritchie听

Jacob Thomas听

Diploma Programs:

Clinical Medical Assistant听

Cassy C Knisell

Kaitlyn Eileen Wright听

Cosmetology听

Meredith Kinneer听

Valerie Means听

Alexis Pritts听

Carleigh Riley听

Esthetics & Nail Technician

Mercedes Bando听

Tia Dean听

Practical Nursing

Noelle Bernier

Andres Cardona

Angel Dennison

Vada Glover

Kevin Hendrix听

Shawna Hileman听

Emily Hutchison

Gabrielle Kobaly

Kaylee McClead

Olivia Sanders

Mackenzie Jordan Sanner

Shalea Smith

Raven Darryle Thornton

Lynda N. Weaver

Welding & Fabrication with Pipeline Technology听

Lucas Stevens听

 

 

Front Row, Left to Right: Shawna Hileman, Kevin Hendrix, James Cessna, Mercedes Bando, Tia Dean, Lucas Stevens, Alexis Pritts, Standing-Lynn Weaver

Second Row, Left to Right: Raven Thornton, Valerie Means, Carleigh Riley, Meredith Kinneer, Kaitlyn Wright, Brandon Rapchak, Kaleigh Jo Lynn, Miranda Arnold, Kendra Tucker, Cassy Knisell,听 Angel Dennison听

Third Row, Left to Right: Noelle Bernier, Olivia Sanders, Matthew Costello, Jace Deli, Noah Ritchie, Ramani Pirl, Jacob Thomas, Geno DeChessero.

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 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,听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 Technical Institute, Uniontown鈥檚 local career and technical school, celebrated its 40th year on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Marking four decades since its founding in 1985, Laurel used this milestone not just to commemorate its growth from a single campus to six locations, but primarily to express gratitude for the trust, collaboration, and support received from local families, employers, and government partners. Laurel welcomed local Premier Employee Partners, students and alumni, local dignitaries, and dedicated community members to celebrate with a specialized career fair and luncheon in the Laurel Center.

When Laurel Business Institute first opened its doors in 1985, it operated with just a handful of programs focused on secretarial, accounting, and banking skills. Nancy Decker, President and CEO for Laurel, recalls, 鈥淢y late husband, Chris Decker, was the head of HR for Gallatin Bank and was tired of not having qualified candidates to work, so he decided we were going to start a school and train them, and we did!鈥� Over the years, the institution has successfully navigated technological shifts and economic cycles, constantly adapting its curriculum to remain on the cutting edge of industry requirements.

During the Luncheon, Nancy Decker and son, Dr. Douglas Decker took time to reflect on special memories and recognize students, employers, and faculty members with awards and gratitude toward the support they have seen over the years. First to be recognized by Uniontown鈥檚 Campus Director, McKenna Gower,听 were the Distinguished Graduates for the class of January 2026. Gower expressed pride for the award recipients, recognizing their hard work, great attendance, and willingness to be helpful to their instructors and classmates. Candidates must also have a QPA of 3.0, and at least 90% attendance. She recognized Practical Nursing graduate, Kevin Hendrix, and Lucas Stevens, Welding & Fabrication graduate with a certificate of achievement.

Next to be recognized was one of Laurel鈥檚 Premier Employer Partners, Automated Logic. Automated Logic and the 51本色 partnered to help build a new generation of technicians while outfitting campuses in three states with the latest technology in building automation systems. Dr. Decker thanked Automated Logic for their dedication and willingness to provide training and equipment to the campuses.

Finally, Ms. Nancy Decker presented a special Presidential Award to Mrs. Bonnie Marsh, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Executive Director. Nancy states, 鈥淭he Presidential Award is presented to someone who exceeds expectations and believes in the quality and effectiveness of the work we do here. The recipient displays helpful and听 responsible management skills for the team they work with, while being supportive and compassionate to the community of Laurel.鈥�

鈥淐elebrating 40 years is truly a humbling experience, and it鈥檚 a moment of reflection and deep gratitude,鈥� said Dr. Douglas Decker, Chief Operating Officer for Laurel. 鈥淲e held this event to honor the trinity that we do this for: our students, our employers, and our community. 鈥�

Along with students, employers, and alumni, Laurel was also joined for this celebration by local dignitaries such as State Senator, Pat Stefano, who recognized Laurel鈥檚 40 years of business and community involvement with a certification of recognition. Also joining Laurel to present a certificate of recognition was Debbie Hoone, a representative from Charity Grimm Krupa House of Representative member. Finally welcomed up to present Laurel with a certificate of appreciation was Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites. Ms. Nancy Decker and son, Dr. Douglas Decker, were honored to accept these recognitions and extremely pleased to have such great advocates for local business and education in attendance.

Laurel offers more than 20 educational programs designed with input from local industry advisory boards. This ensures that every certification, degree, or diploma earned is highly valued in the current industries. Programs range from practical nursing and respiratory therapy, to welding and electrical technician, computer network security, and cosmetology arts. In response to the growth and changes that Laurel has seen, earlier in 2025, they announced that the naming convention of Laurel Business Institute would modernize to Laurel Technical Institute. This specific naming convention for LTI, Laurel Technical Institute, has been part of the Laurel school system since 2009, with locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. 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, said that 鈥楾he timing was right with the launch of our new location to bring all of our Pennsylvania schools together under one name.鈥�

As Laurel Technical Institute steps into its fifth decade, the institution is reaffirming its commitment to future innovation. Plans are underway to integrate more specialized training programs ensuring Laurel remains a relevant and vital resource for the workforce of tomorrow and the students who want the opportunity to make an impact on the community and their future.

鈥淥ur commitment remains to the communities across our six campuses,鈥� states Dr. Decker, 鈥淲e will continue to listen, adapt, and invest in the resources necessary to keep our programs relevant and the opportunity accessible. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for 40 incredible years. We look forward to continuing growth and legacy for many decades to come.鈥�

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 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,听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.

PENN TOWNSHIP, P.A., JULY 9, 2025 鈥� In an effort to meet the growing need for nursing staff in local healthcare systems, Laurel Technical Institute is excited to announce the addition of its twelve-month Practical Nurse program to the new Penn Township location. Classes will start this September in the brand new, 15,000 square foot facility, located near Murrysville, just outside of Pittsburgh. For 40 years, LTI has delivered high-quality healthcare and nursing education to the Southwestern and Northwestern regions of Pennsylvania. This location gives communities closer to Pittsburgh the opportunity to experience LTI closer to home. Students will learn current industry skills in the new simulation lab before beginning their direct client care clinicals, which are coordinated and supervised by Laurel鈥檚 faculty and local clinical partners.

鈥淭his program offers a unique curriculum designed to provide the student with clinical and simulation experiences up to four days a week prior to graduation,鈥� states Dr. Michelle Borland, Vice President of Nursing for Laurel, 鈥淭his will better prepare the student for the role of the practical nurse in today鈥檚 healthcare environments in long-term, acute and primary care settings鈥� This 12-month diploma program is offered to students in Penn Township and surrounding areas, the campus is located at 1100 Randall Court, Suite 100 in Export, PA. It provides students access to a new learning simulation lab and provides hands-on experience that students will utilize throughout the program to prepare them for certifications, critical thinking, and patient care. The curriculum students will take includes courses in Nutrition Therapy, Fundamentals of Nursing, Human Growth & Development, Medical Surgical Nursing, Certification Prep and much more! With small class sizes and great faculty, Laurel has high hopes of helping build great healthcare workers for the community and surrounding areas!

In addition, Laurel Business Institute has established healthcare affiliations with WVU Medicine-Uniontown Hospital, Ruby Memorial Hospital, Mon Health Hospital, We Care, as well as Independence Health Westmoreland Hospital and Jefferson Hospital. We also have great partnerships with Mt. Macrina, LaFayette Manor, Quality Life Services -South Fayette Nursing Center, and Henry Clay Villa. The students of Laurel Technical Institute鈥檚 healthcare programs will receive invaluable clinical experiences from all affiliations.

Co-located in the Penn Trafford School District鈥檚 Administrative building, the satellite location of LTI Uniontown also offers programs such as Electrical Technician and Computer Network Security Technology. 鈥淲e opened a school in Penn Township 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,鈥� said Nancy Decker, president of 51本色. 鈥淲e鈥檙e 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鈥檚 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.鈥�

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. Laurel is excitedly accepting applications for our September 8th class start! Find more information on the program and admission requirements at laurel.edu/laurel.edu/practical-nursing.

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute, LCOT 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. Licensed by the WV Council for Community and Technical College Education, WV Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists, provisionally accredited with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and nationally accredited as 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,500 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.

51本色 BUSINESS INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE TO 51本色 TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

 

UNIONTOWN, P.A., April 10, 2025 – After 40 years, Laurel Business Institute has modernized its name to Laurel Technical Institute. 鈥楾hat鈥檚 right, LBI is now LTI,鈥欌�櫶� said Doug Decker, COO for the 51本色. 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.听

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鈥檚 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.听

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 鈥楾he timing was right with the launch of our new location to bring all of our Pennsylvania schools together under one name.鈥� 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鈥檚 40th anniversary and recognize alumni and the employer community鈥檚 longtime support of the organization.听

 

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 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,听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听 (March 21, 2025) 鈥� , formerly known as Laurel Business Institute, is opening a new educational facility at 1100 Randall Court, Suite 100, in Export, Penn Township, Westmoreland County.听 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鈥檚 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.听

鈥淲e 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,鈥� said Nancy Decker, president of 51本色. 鈥淲e鈥檙e 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鈥檚 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.鈥�

, 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.听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鈥檚 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.听 Prospective students are invited to visit Laurel鈥檚 website, , to schedule a personal tour of the new facility Monday 鈥� Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 听

Conveniently located in Bushy Run Corporate Park,听 Laurel Technical Institute is a short drive from the intersection of Route 22 and Route 66 in Export, PA.听 For more information, visit听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 鈥楽chool of Distinction鈥� by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges,听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.

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!