What Is It Known For?
Academia Medical Institute opened as Academia School of Nursing on June 9, 2015, and got approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools that September. As the school started covering more healthcare areas beyond just nursing, it changed its name to match this bigger focus. This growth meant moving to a larger building in Columbus that could better serve students and faculty.
Today, AMI keeps its focus on personal attention by serving just 133 undergraduate students. This small size lets faculty members give one-on-one help that bigger schools simply can’t offer. The school has used this close learning setup to build strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities, making clear paths from classroom learning to real jobs.
Degrees & Certifications
AMI offers nursing programs that can be completed in 12 months through an accelerated, hybrid learning format. Their main programs include:
- Practical Nursing (P.N)
- LPN-To-RN Nursing Bridge
Both programs mix classroom lessons, hands-on lab practice, and real work experience in actual healthcare facilities. The fast-paced schedule lets you finish your studies quicker while still getting complete training for nursing job duties.
Class Schedules
You can take classes during the day, evening, or online, depending on what works for your schedule. This mix of in-person and online learning helps you fit school around work or family commitments.
Your training breaks down into three parts with classroom lessons, hands-on lab practice, and real work externship experience at healthcare places. This setup lets you practice what you learn while building the skills you need for nursing work.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. AMI is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Acceptance Rate
Academia Medical Institute has an acceptance rate of 41%, which is competitive compared to other nursing schools. Before applying, review the admission requirements carefully to understand what documentation you’ll need. This rate reflects the school’s selective approach to maintaining quality education.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
AMI tuition costs vary by program:
- Practical Nursing (PN) tuition is $18,050
- LPN to RN Bridge tuition is $20,106
These fees cover tuition only and don’t include additional costs like insurance, uniform, technology fees, and other expenses. Since the school doesn’t offer a net price calculator, contact them directly for a complete breakdown of costs and payment options.
Admissions Summary
Practical Nursing (PN) Program Admissions
Applicants to the Practical Nursing program must complete an online application and pay a $100 registration fee. All applicants must be residents of Ohio and provide two valid forms of unexpired government-issued ID, with at least one showing a current Ohio address. If the ID lists a non-Ohio address, a signed attestation and supporting documents (e.g., utility bill or lease) are required.
Applicants must submit proof of high school graduation or GED. For international applicants, transcripts must be evaluated by an approved third-party service to confirm U.S. equivalency.
In addition, all applicants must take and pass two entrance exams:
- ATI TEAS: Minimum score of 48%
- HESI: Minimum score of 70%
(Exam scores must be within 2 years of the test date.)
Clinical Requirements Before Starting
To begin clinical site visits, students must complete several health and safety requirements:
- BCI and FBI background checks (Code: 4723.09)
- CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers, in-person only)
- Physical examination (dated within 1 year of admission)
- 1-step TB test (within 1 year of starting and again before clinicals)
LPN to RN Bridge Program Admissions
Admission to the LPN to RN program requires:
- A completed application
- Proof of high school graduation
- Ohio residency verification (same ID rules as PN program)
- Transcript from an approved PN program
- Active LPN license in Ohio or a Nurse Licensure Compact state
- HESI pre-entrance exam: Minimum score of 70%
After acceptance, students must submit:
- CPR certification (no online courses)
- Physical exam (within the last 12 months)
- Immunizations, including:
- 2-step TB or chest X-ray
- Hepatitis B series or waiver
- MMR (2 doses or positive titer)
- DTaP
- Flu shot (once available)
AMI graduates may enroll in the bridge program for 60 days while awaiting NCLEX-PN results, but must provide proof of registration and test date.
Blended Learning Requirements
Students must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with:
- 2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, webcam, and microphone
- High-speed internet (≥1.5 Mbps)
- Software: Windows 10, MacOS, Chrome/Firefox/Edge/Safari, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word or Google Docs
Technical Skills Required:
- Email and document handling
- Web browsing and configuration
- Use of conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet
- Basic computer security awareness
Transfer Credit Policy
Note: Credit transfer is not guaranteed and is subject to AMI review. Tuition is adjusted based on approved transfer credits.
AMI may accept transfer credits for A&P I, A&P II, and Nutrition if:
- The institution is accredited by a recognized agency
- Courses are comparable in content and duration
- A minimum grade of B was earned
- The courses were completed within 2 years
- Official transcripts and syllabi are provided
Credits completed 1–3 years prior may qualify for proficiency exams, requiring a minimum score of 78% to receive credit.
Military training may also be evaluated for equivalent coursework and granted Military Credit if applicable.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Practical Nursing (PN)
- LPN-to-RN
Campus Locations
Columbus 3445 South Blvd. Columbus OH 43204
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Academia Medical Institute (AMI) is characterized by an exceptionally supportive and highly praised faculty whose dedication is viewed as the primary reason for students’ success in the Practical Nursing (LPN) and RN Bridge programs. The institute fosters a sense of community and provides focused support for the challenging NCLEX exam.
Overall Score: 4.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Highly Dedicated Faculty: The professors are the single greatest strength of the school. Instructors (such as a highly-praised professor of Anatomy and Physiology and a beloved clinical instructor) are repeatedly singled out for being “wonderful,” “incredibly patient,” and highly effective. They are praised for breaking down complex medical material, making subjects like Anatomy and Physiology “easy to understand,” and offering extensive support and tutoring.
Effective NCLEX Preparation: Students report that the faculty’s teaching and review methods prepare them well for the licensure exams, with one successful graduate passing the NCLEX in 75 questions.
Supportive Environment: Students feel the school and staff are “very friendly and easy to approach,” and that the professors genuinely care about student success, often serving as “role models.” The environment helps students gain “confidence” in their skills.
Strong Program Structure: Alumni recommend the institute for both the LPN and RN Bridge programs as a “strong and well-structured program” that provides valuable academic and hands-on clinical knowledge.
Common Criticisms
Stressful Learning Environment (Isolated Incidents): Only one review mentioned a specific core faculty member who made the class “so stressful,” despite being good at teaching.
Administrative and Communication Issues (Isolated Incidents): The same review mentioned issues with time management, communication, and a delay regarding the NCLEX following graduation, which caused one student to hesitate about returning for the RN program. The school owner acknowledged this feedback.
Momentum
The momentum for Academia Medical Institute is academically excellent and demonstrably successful in its core mission. The institution has successfully navigated the critical demands of vocational nursing education, with its Practical Nursing (PN) program achieving a high-stakes licensure exam pass rate of $94.74\%$ for first-time test takers in 2023, which is significantly above the Ohio state average. The school maintains its accreditation through the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and its PN program is fully approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN). The overwhelmingly positive and recent feedback that focuses on the quality and dedication of specific instructors shows that the school’s success is directly attributable to its faculty investment. The minor administrative complaints, while noted, are vastly outweighed by the school’s commitment to ensuring students have the confidence and knowledge to pass the NCLEX and achieve licensure.