The Pittsburgh Career Institute (PCI), a downtown Pittsburgh school specializing in healthcare training programs, has announced it will cease operations by November 23. This closure comes as a direct result of the institution losing its academic accreditation earlier this summer.
The private, for-profit career college, known for its diverse range of Pittsburgh Career Institute Programs, including six degree offerings, confirmed the shutdown, stating that classes will officially end before Thanksgiving. While instructional activities will conclude, PCI will maintain a presence until December 31 to support current students. During this period, school representatives will assist students in completing externships and clinical program requirements. Crucially, they will also aid students seeking to transfer to other institutions and obtain academic transcripts.
PCI is transitioning into a “teach-out” mode, designed to provide enrolled students with “a reasonable opportunity” to finalize their current courses of study. However, the primary catalyst for this closure is the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to revoke PCI’s accreditation, according to Patti Yakshe, the school president. This revocation effectively prohibited PCI from admitting new students into its degree programs, severely impacting its operational viability.
Owned by New Opportunity Calling LLC since 2014, Pittsburgh Career Institute had been accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS itself is recognized by the U.S. Education Department. Despite this prior accreditation, the specific reasons for the recent revocation were not disclosed by Yakshe in her statement.
Following the initial decision by the Department of Education on August 19, PCI reportedly explored various avenues to secure new opportunities that might have allowed it to continue operating. These efforts were aimed at maintaining operations until the accreditation restrictions could be lifted. “Unfortunately, PCI’s efforts have been unsuccessful,” Yakshe stated, confirming the definitive closure.
In 2018, Pittsburgh Career Institute’s programs catered to 136 enrolled students across its six degree offerings. With a reported 9-to-1 student-faculty ratio, the school maintained a relatively small and focused learning environment, employing approximately 15 instructors. The tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year was approximately $26,000. The announcement of the closure did not include details regarding potential job losses for PCI employees. The school indicated it would release further information and updates concerning the closure process as it unfolds.
