Blue Mountain Academy Offers New Career-Building Programs

Story by Kiona Costello

Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) is expanding opportunities for students by launching new career-focused programs in the 2026–2027 academic year. New and upcoming offerings—including pre-nursing, pharmacy assistant and skilled trades tracks—are designed to help students reduce college costs, gain career-ready skills, earn income while attending college or move directly into the workforce after graduation.

BMA already offers dual-credit opportunities, but the academy recently expanded its health care pathways through dual-enrollment classes taught on campus, online instruction and summer coursework.

“If someone started this during their sophomore year and finished everything by their senior year, they would have a year and a half of college [coursework] completed,” explains Burney Culpepper, BMA principal.

Gary Gibbs, Pennsylvania Conference president, emphasizes the benefits of BMA’s dual-credit program: “It is a significant blessing to anyone because it saves both time and money. You can move through your degree faster and begin your career sooner.” Gibbs adds that his daughter graduated from BMA with 23 college credits that applied directly to her degree.

The health care option currently in development is a pharmacy assistant certification program. The program would include one semester of training followed by a national certification exam, preparing graduates for entry-level positions at pharmacies.

“When you’re a college student or just getting started, this can help supplement your income—or even pay for your college,” Culpepper says. He adds that medical professionals at Seventh-day Adventist universities see the certification as “a great advantage for students interested in entering the medical field.”

Concurrently, BMA is expanding opportunities in skilled trades to provide additional career pathways for students. “We recognize that not everyone’s career pathway leads to college,” Culpepper explains. “The trades are important, and there is a growing need for skilled workers.”

Benjamin Weaver, a graduate from the Class of 2026, recognizes this importance. “BMA’s auto tech class has provided me with a hands-on learning experience working with cars. We have done almost everything, from oil changes to learning about the inner workings of a rear differential,” Weaver shares. “Since I plan to work on Class 8 trucks after graduation, this class is giving me the skills I need to succeed.”

Alongside its established auto tech course, BMA plans to add training in electrical work and other trades. While these new programs expand the value of BMA’s quality Adventist education, its administration, teachers and staff remain committed to its mission of helping students grow spiritually and develop a personal relationship with God. Through academics, leadership development, practical skills training and a Christ-centered campus community, BMA continues to prepare students for meaningful lives of service now and for eternity. Learn more at bma.us.