Bradford School: Pittsburgh

Bradford School is a for-profit college located in Pittsburgh, PA. In 2004, it moved from downtown across the river to Station Square, where students have good access to parking, public transportation, and other amenities. Bradford has nearby housing for students but over half of students come from the Pittsburgh area.
Bradford awards both diplomas and associate degrees. It states that it focuses on job placement for graduates and that financial aid is available for those who qualify. Its web site contains limited information but may be found at http://www.bradfordpittsburgh.edu.

Student Body, Admissions, and Outcomes

According to Peterson’s (http://www.petersons.com) and recent institutional publications, Bradford School has an undergraduate population of 601. For the most recent year, 72% of entering students graduated and 85% of all graduates were placed in jobs.

Academics

Bradford School provides career-focused courses to high school graduates. Bradford’s programs generally offer hands-on learning opportunities that help prepare graduates to start working immediately. Some programs offer externships as well. Students can graduate in 8-12 months by earning a diploma. Associate degree programs can be completed within four semesters.
Bradford groups its twelve major areas of study into three main categories: Business, Technology, and Health Care. These major areas are listed below.

Business:

• Accounting
• Legal Administration
• Office Administration
• Paralegal Studies
• Merchandising Management
• Hospitality and Travel Management

Technology:

• Computer Programming
• Computer Specialist
• Network Management
• Graphic Design

Health Care:

• Medical Assisting
• Dental Assisting

Accreditation

Bradford School is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (http://www.acics.org) to award diplomas and associate degrees
The Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP, http://www.caahep.org).
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/accred/commission/index.asp) of the American Dental Association.