Greensburg, PA- The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. (PIC), dba Education and Technology Institute (ETI), is pleased to announce that it has received accredited status from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The grant term is for 3 years and extends through December 31, 2008. The Institute is also licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

Education and Technology Institute has been serving area students since 1999 when it began offering a 6-month Computerized Office Technology diploma program. The Institute has since grown to offer eight programs, four of which have accredited status. The accredited programs include Computerized Office Technology, Medical Coder/Biller, Medical Insurance, and Health Information Technician. The programs range from 6 to 11 months in length.

Accreditation follows an intensive self-study process by the facility seeking accredited status. The self-study and the subsequent on-site assessment by specially trained representatives of ACICS establish that the level of organizational, administrative, educational, and technical performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by ACICS. By successfully meeting those requirements Education and Technology Institute joins more than 600 similar facilities across the United States and abroad that have earned ACICS accreditation.

"Education and Technology Institute's accreditation procedures are voluntary," Tim Yurcisin, President of the Private Industry Council, explained. "ETI has sought ACICS accreditation to stay consistent with the high standards that we have always set for ourselves. The quality education received by our students will prove beneficial to them as they enter the local workforce."

ACICS, which was formed in 1912, has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education since 1956 (just four years after the recognition process was introduced) as a national accrediting body for post secondary institutions offering primarily business and business-related programs of study at non-degree and associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. The Secretary's recognition confirms that ACICS is a "reliable authority concerning the quality of post secondary education or training offered by educational institutions" which it accredits.