Laurel Technical Institute

What Laurel Technical Institute does

Laurel Technical Institute is a privately held, multi-campus post-secondary career education institution operating under the umbrella of Laurel Institutes, with origins traceable to 1926 (Shenango Valley School of Commerce in Hermitage, PA) and the current family-of-schools brand established in 1985 by Christopher and Nancy Decker. The institution operates six physical campuses across three states — Uniontown PA, Hermitage PA, Export/Penn Township PA, Morgantown WV, and Fort Mill SC — plus an online division, delivering approximately 25 specialized associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs organized into five schools: Business, Trades & Technology, Healthcare, Spa & Cosmetology Arts, and Culinary Arts. Healthcare programs (nursing pathways, cardiovascular technology, respiratory therapy, medical assisting, medical billing and coding, medical laboratory technician) constitute the largest segment, supplemented by skilled trades (electrical, HVAC, welding, cloud computing, network security), business, cosmetology, and culinary offerings.

The underlying technology stack is conventional and entirely third-party licensed: Canvas LMS for course delivery, Yellow Dig for discussion engagement, Turnitin for academic integrity, RedShelf for digital textbooks, and ProQuest for research databases; AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud are used as instructional content in the Cloud Computing Technology program rather than as proprietary infrastructure. The institution holds institutional accreditation from ACCSC, programmatic accreditation from ACEN (ADN nursing) and CoARC (respiratory therapy), state licensure in PA, OH, WV, and SC, NC-SARA approval for distance education, and Title IV federal student aid eligibility.

The business model is tuition-driven with ancillary $50 application fees and federal/state financial aid administration. Pricing varies by program and length (12-month diplomas through 20-month specialized associate degrees), with publicly disclosed 2026 program cost documents. The go-to-market is direct-to-consumer admissions supplemented by a sales-led admissions team and a Premier Employer Partnership network of 15+ regional employers that supply clinical rotation sites, employer-designed curriculum input, financial resources, and post-graduation hiring pathways. Career Services placement assistance is provided at no additional cost. The institution is family-owned (Christopher and Nancy Decker, with Nancy Decker serving as President of Laurel Institutes), with no institutional investors or PE/VC backers identified.

Name

Laurel Technical Institute

Legal name

Laurel Institutes

Website

https://laurel.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Laurel Technical Institute is a privately held, multi-campus post-secondary career education institution operating six campuses across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and South Carolina plus an online division, delivering approximately 25 specialized associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in healthcare, skilled trades, business, cosmetology, and culinary arts to career-oriented students in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Career & Technical Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Cosmetology and Barber Schools (611511), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAHADAD

Technical Community Colleges (Applied/CTE-Focused)

Education/Higher Education (Colleges & Universities)/Community & Junior Colleges

SECONDARYEDAHADAG

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit)

Education/Higher Education (Colleges & Universities)/Community & Junior Colleges

SECONDARYEDAMAKAA

Mentorship & Coaching (Career, Academic, Industry-Specific)

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/College & Career Enrichment (Mentorship, Internships, Portfolio)

Keywords

• Career-focused education
• Vocational training programs
• Allied health education
• Skilled trades training
• Technical college programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Sharon Hill

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Program Fees: Revenue generated from tuition for specialized associate degree programs, diplomas, and certificates across healthcare, trades, business, and cosmetology programs. Programs range from 12-month diplomas to 20-month degree programs.
2. Application Fees: $50 application fee per applicant as mentioned in the admissions process.
3. Financial Aid Administration: Students eligible for federal and state financial aid programs. School participates in Title IV federal student aid programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Laurel Technical Institute is a private post-secondary career education institution operating six campuses across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and South Carolina plus an online division. It delivers specialized associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in healthcare (nursing, cardiovascular technology, respiratory therapy, medical assisting, medical billing & coding, medical laboratory technician), skilled trades and technology (electrical, HVAC, welding, computer network security, cloud computing), business, spa/cosmetology, and culinary arts. Programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on labs, clinical rotations, and internships, and graduates receive career placement support through an in-house Career Services team and a Premier Employer Partnership network.

Product overview

Laurel Technical Institute operates as a multi-campus post-secondary technical education institution offering career-focused programs across six academic schools: School of Business, School of Trades & Technology, School of Healthcare, School of Spa & Cosmetology Arts, School of Culinary Arts, and School of Online Education. The institution provides specialized associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across approximately 25+ programs including Nursing, Practical Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Electrical Technician, HVAC, Welding, Computer Network Security, Cloud Computing, Medical Billing & Coding, Medical Laboratory Technician, and Cosmetology. Programs are delivered through campus-based instruction, hybrid-online formats, and fully online education with NC-SARA approval. The institution also offers supplementary services including Career Services placement assistance, Laurel ASSIST career transition support, and Experiential Learning through internships and clinical rotations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Laurel ASSIST: Program designed to help displaced workers or those seeking further education transition to new careers with skills, credentials, and support
• Premier Employer Partnership

Products and services

• School of Business Career-focused business education programs offering Accounting & Business Administration associate degrees, designed to prepare graduates for management positions or entrepreneurship.
• School of Trades & Technology Technology and skilled trades programs including Cloud Computing, Computer Network Security, Electrical Systems, HVAC, and Welding, designed to meet regional employer demand for technical professionals.
• School of Healthcare Healthcare career programs including Nursing, Practical Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, and Medical Billing & Coding, addressing high demand for healthcare professionals.
• School of Spa & Cosmetology Arts Cosmetology and beauty industry programs including Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Styling, Nail Technician, and Master Teacher of Cosmetology, preparing students for careers in salons and spas.
• School of Culinary Arts Culinary arts program offering hands-on training in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen management, recently elevated to Specialized Associate Degree.
• School of Online Education Distance education programs including Accounting & Business Administration, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Billing & Coding, and Cloud Computing Technology, offering flexible online learning with NC-SARA approval.
• Nursing (ADN) 20-month associate degree of nursing program with hands-on patient skills, simulation lab training, and clinical rotations preparing students for NCLEX-RN examination.
• Practical Nursing Licensed Practical Nursing program preparing students for entry-level nursing positions and NCLEX-PN examination.
• Cardiovascular Technology 20-month program (degree in WV/PA, diploma in SC) teaching non-invasive cardiac testing including cardiac sonography, echocardiography, EKG, Holter monitoring, and exercise stress testing.
• Respiratory Therapy Respiratory therapy program accredited by CoARC, preparing students for careers in respiratory care with focus on therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• ADN to BSN Pathway Bachelor's degree pathway at Laurel College of Technology Morgantown allowing ADN graduates to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• LPN/Paramedic to ADN Hybrid-Online 16-month hybrid-online associate degree program for LPNs and Paramedics to advance to Registered Nurse, combining online coursework with weekend hands-on labs monthly.
• LPN/Paramedic to ADN 16-month associate degree program in Morgantown for LPNs and Paramedics transitioning to Registered Nurse with flexible scheduling options.
• Clinical Medical Assistant 12-month online diploma program with monthly on-campus skills labs covering medical histories, vital signs, injections, physical exams, and patient education for clinical settings.
• Medical Billing & Coding 20-month online program teaching insurance billing, claims filing, CPT and ICD-10 coding, HIPAA compliance, and third-party payer requirements for healthcare settings.
• Medical Laboratory Technician Degree program preparing graduates for clinical laboratory work including specimen processing, routine medical laboratory tests, and laboratory equipment operation.
• Electrical Technician 16-month associate degree program providing foundational skills in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems with hands-on training in wiring methods, circuitry, and electrical code concepts.
• Electrical Systems Technician 12-month diploma program focusing on low-voltage electronic systems including installation, troubleshooting, and repair of basic wiring, motor control, and PLC programming.
• HVAC Technician 20-month degree program teaching design, installation, and repair of heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, and refrigeration systems including oil burners and heating stoves.
• HVAC Systems Technician 12-month diploma program covering design, installation, and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems with Building Automation Systems focus.
• Welding & Fabrication with Pipeline Technology 12-month diploma program covering welding procedures (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW), fabrication, layout, and specialized pipe welding and pipeline technology training.
• Computer Network Security Technician 20-month degree program covering system analysis, network security, cybersecurity, firewall technologies, Linux and Windows operating systems, and Voice/Data/Video communication systems.
• Cloud Computing Technology 20-month online degree program teaching design, operation, and maintenance of cloud computing systems using AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms with cybersecurity focus.
• Accounting & Business Administration 20-month online associate degree program covering accounting fundamentals, business operations, economics, business law, payroll, marketing, and human resource management with internship experience.
• Cosmetology Cosmetology program training students in hair, nails, and skin care services for careers in salons and spas.
• Esthetics Esthetics program focusing on skincare, facials, and beauty treatments for spa and salon careers.
• Hair Styling Hair styling program dedicated to hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques for beauty industry careers.
• Nail Technician Nail technician program covering manicures, pedicures, nail art, and artificial nail application for salon careers.
• Master Teacher of Cosmetology Advanced instructor training program for experienced cosmetologists seeking to teach beauty industry professionals.
• Culinary Arts Culinary arts program recently elevated to Specialized Associate Degree, providing hands-on training in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen management.
• Laurel ASSIST Program Career transition support program helping displaced workers and those seeking further education obtain skills, credentials, and resources for new career paths.
• Career Services Career placement and internship coordination services including job search assistance, interview coaching, employer connections, and placement support at no cost to students and graduates.
• Laurel Staffing Services, LLC Recruitment and staffing service providing confidential direct hire recruitment, contract training/testing, and payroll servicing for clerical, business, and healthcare industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Uniontown campus named #1 for 2026 Best LPN Programs in Pennsylvania
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Carrier/Automated Logic CorporationcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 May 2025Technology partnership with Carrier and Automated Logic Corporation to help build a new generation of HVAC technicians while outfitting campuses in three states with the latest technology in building automation systems. Students gain access to Carrier U training and certifications.
• WV Wesleyan CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 September 2024Partnership with WV Wesleyan College creating new pathways for nursing students to pursue higher education and career advancement.
• Community Action Partnership of Mercer County (CAPMC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 July 2024CAPMC partners with Laurel Technical Institute for local electrical training scholarship, providing financial support for students in the electrical program.
• UPMCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for healthcare graduates. Students gain clinical rotation experience and potential employment after graduation through this partnership.
• WVU MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner and clinical rotation site. Provides clinical experiences for nursing and healthcare students. Multiple graduates employed at WVU Medicine facilities.
• Akron Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for graduates, particularly in healthcare and allied health fields.
• Mercy HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for healthcare graduates and clinical rotation opportunities.
• Mon HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner and clinical site. Multiple graduates employed as cardiovascular technologists and in other healthcare roles.
• Encompass HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for nursing and rehabilitation healthcare graduates.
• The Grand ResortminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner in hospitality industry, providing employment opportunities for graduates.
• NemacolinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for graduates in hospitality and resort services.
• Tuscan Sun Spa & SalonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment opportunities for cosmetology and spa services graduates.
• Great ClipsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment opportunities for cosmetology and hairstyling graduates.
• Sport ClipsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment opportunities for cosmetology and hairstyling graduates.
• Avalon Golf & Country ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for graduates in hospitality and service industries.
• Berner Air CurtainsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment opportunities for trades and technology graduates.
• Fresh MarkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for manufacturing and trades graduates.
• Ellwood GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment opportunities for electrical and trades graduates.
• George R Smalley CominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Employer Partner providing employment pathways for technology and electrical graduates.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Triangle Tech: Pennsylvania-based private career school with multiple campuses offering associate degrees and diplomas in trades (HVAC, electrical, welding, carpentry), culinary, and healthcare. Closest geographic peer with directly overlapping trades program portfolio.
• Fortis College: Multi-campus proprietary career college network offering nursing, medical, dental, and skilled trades programs. Closest model match in terms of program breadth across healthcare and trades, scale, and proprietary Title IV-funded delivery model.
• South University: Proprietary institution offering associate through doctoral programs in healthcare, business, and technology with multiple campuses including South Carolina. Comparable career-focused, employer-aligned proprietary education model.
• Lincoln Educational Services: National for-profit career college operator offering diploma and degree programs in healthcare, skilled trades (HVAC, electrical, welding), automotive, and IT across 22+ campuses. Directly comparable multi-campus proprietary career education model targeting similar student segments and employer relationships.
• ECPI University: For-profit university offering accelerated associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in healthcare, technology, and trades with multiple campuses across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Similar career-focused, employer-aligned educational model with comparable program breadth.
• College of Health Care Professions: For-profit health-focused career college with multiple Texas campuses offering nursing, medical assisting, and allied health programs. Comparable proprietary healthcare education model with similar Title IV and programmatic accreditation profile.

Regional players

• New Castle School of Trades: Western Pennsylvania private trade school offering programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, automotive, and CDL training. Direct program-level overlap in skilled trades serving similar employer base in the same region.
• Pittsburgh Technical Institute: Private career college in Oakdale, PA offering associate degrees and diplomas in healthcare, business, technology, and trades. Geographic overlap in western Pennsylvania with overlapping program categories targeting similar student populations.
• Penn Commercial Business/Technical School: Pennsylvania private career school offering business, healthcare, trades, and technology programs including nursing. Geographic and program-level overlap serving similar student demographics in western Pennsylvania.
• Westmoreland County Community College: Public community college in Youngwood, PA serving Laurel's core western Pennsylvania market with associate degrees in nursing, trades, and business at lower tuition. Represents the public-sector competitor that constrains Laurel's pricing and enrollment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/laureltechnical
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/laurel-business-institute

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Laurel Technical Institute