Porter and Chester Institute has made going back to school easier with the introduction of hybrid and fully online programs. Since the start of COVID-19 in 2020, PCI has had to adapt to the changing world while still keeping quality education a priority. That’s why, even still, PCI is incorporating virtual aspects to the programs that are currently offered.

The hybrid learning format is a combination of online lectures and didactic activities that go hand-in-hand with on-campus, hand-on labs and/or off campus learning experiences. With the online learning portion, a majority of the instruction is asynchronous, meaning a student is able to complete the assigned work on their own schedule (within a certain time frame). Assignments and homework are accessible 24 hours a day/seven days per week through the online Learning Management System.

There are hybrid programs that fit into the schedule of attending on-campus labs for two days a week. These are:

• Electrical Technology (CT only)
• HVACR
• Low Voltage Technology
• Plumbing
• Dental Assisting
• Medical Assisting

The hybrid program that requires three days a week on campus is:

• Automotive Technology

These programs are offered with lecture and simulated labs fully online:

• Computer Aided Drafting and Design
• Computer and Network Technology

There are three programs that are offered completely on campus. They are:

• Career Industrial, Commercial, and Residential Electrician (MA only)
• Practical Nursing
• Welding

In addition, fully on-campus training is available as an option for select programs at select locations. These are:

• Automotive Technology (Day) at Hamden CT, Brockton MA, Worcester MA
• Automotive Technology (Evening) at Brockton MA, Worcester MA
• Low Voltage Technology (Day) at Rocky Hill CT
• Electrical Technology (Day) at Hamden CT, New London CT
• Electrical Technology (Evening) at Hamden CT
• Plumbing (Day) at Hamden CT, Rocky Hill CT
• HVACR (Day) at Hamden CT, Chicopee MA, Worcester MA
• HVACR (Evening) at Hamden CT

When programs are offered in a hybrid format, there are different things that prospective students should know. Since a majority of the online portion is asynchronous, assignments can be completed in your own time, within a certain boundary. There are still due dates, tests, and other time-sensitive projects, but one of the plus sides of learning this way is that you can mostly do those assignments in a time that best fits with your schedule.

However, there is still an expectation of how much time you should be spending on your assignments and on-campus learning. Although each program is unique, the general time set aside for academic activities within your program should average between 25-30 hours per week. Note that that time frame includes both the on-campus labs as well as the online asynchronous portion. Students are also able to choose either days or evenings for their on-campus labs.

When getting ready for the on-ground portion of your program, it’s important to note that different programs will result in different types of ways classes are given. For example, some programs may require an off-site, in-person clinical and/or an on-campus labs and simulations.

Jumping into earning a higher-education diploma online is a big step, and PCI is here to answer questions individuals may have about the change from completely in-person to hybrid on fully online learning. To see a full list of the programs we offer, check out our programs page. Or, if you’re ready to get started, visit our online application portal.