Practical Training

Practical Training (PT) is an essential element of each student’s experience at BCOM.

From the foundation of Bethany in the 1940’s, student involvement in on-campus mission, business, and ministry operations has proven invaluable in giving them “real world” experience and skills.

Because of the student PT program, we are able to keep our operating costs low. This allows us to offer every student an automatic Practical Training Scholarship to offset the cost of the college program.

The key benefit for students, however, is not simply financial. Bethany Practical Training Supervisors and staff work shoulder to shoulder with students to stay in touch with the challenges our students face. It is part of the powerful mentoring model that creates a natural daily forum to develop students 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. Lifelong friendships with staff and other students form in the hours spent chopping vegetables, gardening, painting or preparing for a campus event.

Students are assessed at the end of each term. As they master tasks and develop understanding, they are given greater responsibility. This allows students to learn new skills, work under godly leaders, learn to be a good team member and facilitator and take on leadership responsibilities themselves.

One of the comments we hear from mission sending organizations who receive our graduates is that they greatly appreciate the strong work ethic and integrity that our alumni bring to the mission field. Over the years, alumni have testified time and again as to the impact PT has had on their lives and character.