The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (PIT) in Media has grown far past its original mission to provide technical training for potential engineers.  

Today, students can earn a professional certificate, bachelor’s, or associate degree covering 13 careers and fields of study, earning affordable, transferrable college credits in less time with PIT’s term system schedule. 

The private nonprofit college offers an education for career development and advancement, college transfer opportunities, and personal growth. 

Associate Degrees 

These days, PIT can help you achieve a two-year associate degree in: 

• Allied-Health–Clinical Medical Assistant 
• Allied-Health–Practical Nursing 
• Allied-Health–Pre-Nursing 
• Behavioral Health 
• Cannabis Health Therapy 
• Cannabis Business 
• Cannabis Horticulture 
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography 
• General Studies 
• Health Care Management 
• Health Science 
• Physical Therapist Assistant 
• Psychology and Human Services 

Bachelor Programs 

•  Bachelor of Arts in General Studies: The General Studies degree gives students an opportunity to explore different fields they are interested in while earning college credits.   

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing: The new RN-to-BSN program provides registered professional nurses the educational foundation to enhance job opportunities and be better prepared for leadership and management roles in a healthcare setting.  

Certificates 

Career-minded individuals can earn certificates in less than a year to help in their advancement. Certificates are offered in: 

• Clinical Medical Assistant 
• Practical Nursing 

College History 

People may remember the PIT location off West Chester Pike in Upper Darby, where it started more than 60 years ago.  

The school was founded in 1953 by Walter R. Garrison. At the time, there was a need for engineers who could perform stress analysis on aircraft and various buildings and structures.  

Garrison started the school to help train future engineers, offering mathematics, stress analysis, and other technical subjects. 

In 1976, the school was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award associate degrees for its specialized technical courses. 

It continued to expand its career curriculum over the next 30 years, adding computer science, health care management, pharmacy technician, and other engineering and technology training.   

The success of the school meant a larger campus was needed.  

In 1982, it moved to a lovely 14-acre location in the Rose Valley-Media area where it prospers today.  

A year after that, PIT was accredited by the Middle-States Commission on Higher Education. 

PIT Today 

Today, the college boasts over 500 students, and more than 60 faculties, with an 11:1 student to faculty ratio.  

Students can learn in class, online, or a mix of both. The college builds experience as well, with class projects, research, internships and externships.  

Tutoring

For students struggling with course work, free tutors are available in the Student Resource Center. 

Job Placement

Personal job placement assistance is available for each student, including job search coaching, resume writing, cover letter assistance, and sharpening interview techniques:   

• Student resumes can be sent to potential employers when an employment opportunity becomes available  
• The school also has an information portal on internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and full-time employment 
• Lifelong Job placement services are available to all degree graduates  

PIT has formed relationships with a long list of employers who use the school as a resource to find qualified employees.   

Graduates from PIT have been hired by top companies in the Philadelphia area, receiving salaries well above the national norm. 

College Transfers

PIT has transfer agreements with area accredited colleges, making it easy for students to transfer credits over to a four-year university. 

Work/School Balance

PIT will help you design a balanced schedule to handle a job, school and family, with flexibility in its programs so students can succeed.  

For those who can’t drive to campus, bus, train, and trolley lines can get you to campus, with PIT offering a shuttle from the Media stop of the SEPTA 101 trolley line. 

Financial Aid

More than 89 percent of PIT’s full-tine students receive some form of financial aid. 

A financial aid advisor will work with students to develop a personal aid program. Scholarships are also available to those who qualify.  

Why PIT? 

The end goal at PIT is student success stories.  

 “We focus on using effective and innovative teaching methods. PIT’s success is measured by the students who achieve their educational, career, and life goals,” states its website. 

So what’s it like, being a student at PIT? 

You’ll be at a college that supports you so you can write your own success story. That means faculty can and does: 

• Spend extra time with students 
• Pay attention to all aspects of the students’ life 
• Provide programs that meet best practices in the industry 

“We take people where they need to go to get a question answered.  We work as a team, and we complement each other’s service,” states the PIT website. 

Signs of PIT Success

A supportive environment at PIT has meant high placement rates for students, and high graduation rates. 

A Student Success Team that includes an Admissions Representative, Financial Aid Advisor and Academic Support Counselor will work closely with students to ensure success.  

Personal Stories 

Italia Rudisill, graduated in 2021 with Academic Honors and made the Dean’s List. “I am thankful for the guidance my advisors provided at PIT,” she said.

Gerald Grundy shared, “I’ve discovered more health benefits for cannabis than I ever imagined. For example, did you know, cannabis has neurogenesis capabilities? I am thrilled with my experience and happy that I chose PIT.”

Lapina Burris graduated PIT in 2009 and earned a full tuition scholarship to Drexel University. She was the mother of an adolescent daughter when she decided to return to college. P.I.T. courses prepared her for a career as a Medical Administrative professional. “As an advocate for academic success, I can tell any prospective student deciding on education at P.I.T. to think about their knowledge as an investment in themselves and their future!” 

Pamelia Isham graduated from PIT’s Practical Nursing Program in December 2013. PIT’s evening/weekend program allowed her to keep working while caring for her three children. “The instructors have a lot of knowledge from their time in the field at the job they are training us to do. It’s tough, but when you get the answers right, there is a true sense of pride.” 

Find out more about PIT. 

Check out Monday’s virtual open house at PIT to learn more about the school.