Programs and Admissions
Programs
Admission Requirements and Procedures
GETC is open to all qualified individuals who possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED®). An official copy of the student’s high school or GED® transcript must be provided to the school within two weeks after the student’s start date. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED®, Goodwill's Education department offers Career Pathways GED® classes. Click here for more information.
Candidates must complete an application form and participate in a personal interview with a school Admissions Representative prior to acceptance. After the interview, each applicant is tested in reading comprehension and mathematics to determine academic readiness to participate in training. Both programs require a minimum of an 8th grade reading level and 8th grade math level. Applicants who do not achieve the minimum required scores, but are within a reasonable range, will be referred to Goodwill Literacy Initiative for basic skills remediation.
In addition to test results, acceptance is based upon the applicant’s understanding of the compatibility of personal and program goals. A registration fee of $25 is due upon entrance into the program.
Tuition assistance may be available to applicants who meet certain requirements. You can find information regarding these requirements from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) or Pennsylvania CareerLink by clicking on each link.
Contact Meghan Moore at 412-632-1706 or meghan.moore@goodwillswpa.org if you are interested in attending one of the GETC programs.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate and receive a diploma in a Program of Study, the student must meet the following requirements:
- Successfully complete all course requirements including externship in the Program of Study
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- Satisfy all financial obligations to the school
Graduation ceremonies are conducted twice a year. Our most recent graduation was held on March 8th, 2012. Click here to see photos.
Externship
All students are required to complete a 160 hour externship relative to their program of study. GETC staff work with students to locate an externship site that meets the students' needs, as well as the company's.
Past students have been placed in externships at some of the following sites: UPMC including Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC St. Margaret's, Physician Services, and UPMC McKeesport; Duquesne Light; Urban League of Pittsburgh; Early Intervention Institute; Garfield Jubilee; Northside Common Ministries; Just Harvest; Dress for Success; Habitat for Humanity; Squirrel Hill Health Center; Sarah Heinz House; and Goodwill.
Placement Assistance
GETC recognizes that employment is the goal for all students. We are committed to preparing each student to conduct an effective and successful job search upon graduation. Each student will receive career development instruction as part of the core requirements for graduation. This class covers such topics as resume development, cover and follow-up letter writing, finding job leads, effective interviewing, and strategies for career advancement. Job placement assistance will be provided upon request to each student who successfully completes a Program of Study. GETC does not and cannot guarantee job placement.
Some Employers who have hired GETC graduates: UPMC; Duquesne Light; Premier Medical; Garfield Jubilee; United Healthcare; Aetna; Squirrel Hill Health Center; Diamond Cargo Express; Amerisource Bergen.
Some Positions held by GETC graduates: Data Entry Clerk; Health Unit Coordinator; Patient Information Coordinator; Receptionist; Claims Specialist; Clerk; Administrative Assistant; Customer Service Representative.


