Western School of Health and Business
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The Western School of Health and Business is a private, diploma granting institution based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with branch campuses in both Pittsburgh and Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
[edit] Program Offerings
The programs offered at the Western School include:
- Medical Technology Degree Programs (AST)
- Anesthesia Technologist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer II
- Medical Assistant Specialist
- Radiographer
- Business Degree Programs (ASB)
- Paralegal Specialist
- Business Administration
- Diploma Program
- Criminal Justice
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Administration
- Veterinary Technology
- Massage Therapist
[edit] Criticisms
Critics of the Western School believe that the school is a glorified diploma mill. They point out that several programs have questioned accredidation and the limited transferability of credits.[citation needed] The institution runs controversial commercials for various programs. Usually aired during daytime television shows, the criminal justice commercials are set to a rock music soundtrack and includes the line, "there are criminals on the street, who's going to stop them? There are innocent people in danger, who's going to save them? You are...You can be a hero."
Thomas W. Wollett, former Dean of the school, pleaded guilty in May, 2006 to sending phony documents, with forged signatures, to the Institutional Participation and Oversight Service of the Department of Education, saying that he did so to keep the school running. [1]
[edit] External links
- Article on the indictment of Thomas Wollett, former dean of education
- Western School of Business homepage
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Western School The Bad At this point there is on going contention between the student body and the admissions department over there practice of promising far more then the school can deliver. Issues include complaints of unrealistic employment numbers, unrealistic post graduation salaries, the near lack of proper job placement, the lack of proper laboratory equipment, difficulties in obtaining text books (its not uncommon for students to go entire blocks without them), the use of "micro" blocks (an entire anatomy & physiology course in 2 and 1/2 weeks). All of this is compounded by the fact that all help from admissions stops upon payment for tuition.
The Good Most of the “higher” medical orientated programs have both good salary expectations and excellent employment outlooks (esp. if you are considering leaving the Pittsburgh area). Many of the program directors are both highly experienced and dedicated to there students. Also there really is no such thing as a “waiting list” at Western. The school will place students in classes regardless of seat limitations, clinical sites available etc. Although the practice of over stuffing classes is a good point for people who register late it does make for difficulties later.
I (we) would strongly recommend prospective students stop and ask current students about there feeling on the school while you are conducted on your tour. Additionally we STRONGLY recommend that potential students do research on there program. Call hospitals and doctor offices, get a good idea of what type of workers are in demand and what hospitals will pay for those positions. Also find out what local community colleges offer equivalent course and how much they charge.
