Platt College-Berks Technical Institute (PCBTI) Academics and Admissions

Academics

The Berks Technical Institute (BTI) is an educational institution located in Wyomissing, PA in Berks County. The eight-acre campus is surrounded by rolling hills and towering trees. The main building is a 50,000 square foot structure. Students have the opportunity to study a number of disciplines, from internet engineering and paralegal training to Allied Health programs and criminal justice.

Accreditation is granted by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) to award degrees and certificates. In addition, the Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Allied Health Education’s Program’s Commission on Accreditation as recommended by the American Association of Medical Assistant Endowment’s Curriculum Review Board.

Students can pursue an Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Internet Network Engineering in order to prepare for a career as a computer support specialist, network installer, system administrator and more. Students can also receive an AST as a network/internet professional in 18 months. The AST in drafting technology prepares students for careers in mechanical drawing, technical math and architecture drafting. Students hoping to become a legal secretary or paralegal can pursue the Associate in Specialized Business. The ASB for Medical Assistant trainees takes 18 months of day classes (24 months in the evening program) and prepares students for careers as health information technicians, medical transcriptionists, health support workers and medical assistants. The Criminal Justice Program can award ASB degrees which can lead to a number of jobs in law enforcement and wildlife conservation. An ASB in Business Administration can lay the groundwork for any career in business.

There is also a diploma program for students who wish to enter the workforce as a massage therapist. Dental assistant hopefuls will go on to complete an externship upon completion of coursework.

Information Summary

Ranks 182nd in Pennsylvania and 2610th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	55.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$12,070
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	12 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	66% / 33%
Enrollment Total (all students)	777

Admissions

Admissions are handled on a rolling basis and students will be guided through the process by an Admissions Representative. Students must be eighteen years of age and in possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalent in order to advance to classes in higher education. Transcripts from any previous colleges or universities will be requested. Applicants still in high school are encouraged to contact the school to start the application process early. Further info is available by filling out the online form.

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Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to any students who qualify. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed to qualify for state and federal grants, scholarships and loans. Pell Grants are available, as well as student loans like the Stafford and Perkins. Some of these federal loans may be subsidized by the federal government and include a break on the accruement of interest until after a student graduates and the subsequent grace period ends. In addition, PLUS loans for parents may be available and the work-study program may allow a student to work on campus to help to defray the costs of tuition and expenses.

Beyond standard financial aid programs, Berks Technical Institute also awards numerous scholarships to students entering straight out of high school. A scholarship test is given at the school to see if an applicant will qualify. Opportunities to take the test are given throughout the year. The Imagine American Scholarship is another opportunity, with $1,000 awards available.

Students

There is no single type of student at the institute. While some students may enter straight from high school, others are coming back to school to advance their professional standing or change careers. Instructors are accustomed to working with a diverse student body. The Student Services Center on campus is a place for students to address issues with commuting, academics and finances. SSC coordinators are there to listen.

Local Community

The borough of Wyomissing is part of Berks County and has been noted as one of Pennsylvania’s best places to live by Money magazine. The amount of retail businesses located in Wyomissing is in part due to a gradual exodus from Reading proper as a more picturesque and peaceful climate was sought. Students are not far from the bustling metropolis of Philadelphia, either, with easy highway access available at Wyomissing.