practical training (pt)
Practical Training (PT) is a highly valuable program built into each students experience at BCOM. From the foundation of Bethany in the 1940’s student involvement in on-campus mission, business, and ministry operations have proved mutually beneficial.
Because the student PT program we are able to keep tuition costs lower than you’ll find in nearly any other college and able to support mission work around the world. If you take a moment to look at the financial information you’ll see that each semester a student is awarded a $3000 scholarship ($6000 per year) for their involvement in PT. Through the years the PT program has helped keep costs as low as possible for students.
The key benefit for students however is not financial. Bethany staff work shoulder to shoulder with every student in our program to stay in touch with the real needs our students face. It is part of the powerful mentoring model that creates a natural daily forum to help students develop into world changing leaders in God’s Kingdom. Work supervisors develop authentic relationships with students in which the ups and downs of life are shared willingly. Community is a popular word these days and one we cherish deeply; working together is one of the key strategies we have in place for authentic Christian community to evolve.
The academic grade is only one part of measuring progress, we also track a student’s growth in practical responsibilities – their ability to serve on the field or even in an employment setting. We take the recommendation of their PT supervisor seriously because if they’ve proven to be responsible, dependable and upright workers here, we can expect the same of them in Kenya, Indonesia, Central Asia, or wherever they might go.
PT also provides an opportunity for students to learn new skills, work under godly leaders, work in teams, take on leadership responsibilities, and prepare for the rigors of life in the “real world.”
You might be wondering if holding a part time job is possible in addition to your PT and academic requirements and it’s a great question. Many of our students find that maintaining a part time job is within their ability and succeed in balancing all of their duties. Others find it more difficult. If you learn to manage time well it shouldn’t be a problem. We do, however, require students to spend a few weeks of focus in BCOM before getting an outside job. Many local employers readily hire BCOM students because they’ve demonstrated year in and year out a strong work ethic and high integrity.
