What Is It Known For?
More than 500 undergraduate students train at the Advanced Training Institute each year to become HVAC technicians, automotive technicians, electricians, and personal fitness trainers.
Jonathan Magel founded the Air Conditioning Technical Institute in October 2002, and classes began the following January. Fairway Inc. bought the school in June 2003, and later on, Advanced Training Institute Inc. acquired it in February 2007. The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) then granted the school national accreditation in December 2009.
By October 2011, the institution completed its transition to Mikhail Education Corporation, operating as Advanced Training Institute.
Degrees & Certifications
Certificate and diploma programs at the Advanced Training Institute prepare you for professional certification in four fields, each with different timeframes.
You can train as:
- Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technicians
- Electricians
- Automotive Technicians
- Personal Fitness Trainers
Class Schedules
Balancing school with work or family is manageable at the Advanced Training Institute because you have options. Day courses run alongside evening sessions to fit different schedules. Besides traditional classroom learning, there are hybrid online formats that give you flexibility.
There are no externships of clinical experience due to the nature of the programs. However, hands-on training and practical application form the backbone of every program, letting you build real skills.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Advanced Training Institute holds accreditation from theAccrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Programmatic accreditation is also available for the HVAC program throughHVAC Excellence.
Acceptance Rate
The Advanced Training Institute has a 100% acceptance rate, meaning that, provided you meet the minimum requirements, you’ll be accepted into the school.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Tuition at the Advanced Training Institute costs between $12,800 to $22,800, with additional fees varying by program. TheFinancial Aid Department can walk you through funding opportunities. You can also get personalized cost estimates from the school’snet price calculator based on your specific situation and program selection.
Programs & Courses
Professional Services
- Personal Fitness Trainer
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Electrician
- HVAC/R
Campus Locations
Las Vegas 5150 S Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89118
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Advanced Training Institute (ATI) is a vocational school offering accelerated training in trades like HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing. Reviews are strongly divided: graduates often credit the school with launching their careers quickly, but a substantial number of critics accuse the school of prioritizing profit over education, citing major operational deficiencies and administrative issues.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Career Transformation and Speed: Many graduates report that the programs (typically 9 months) “literally changed my life,” allowing them to go from zero experience to a full-time job offer in commercial refrigeration or other trades before graduation.
Knowledgeable and Inspiring Instructors: Many instructors, particularly in the Electrical and Plumbing programs (including several highly-rated instructors in the electrical department and instructors in the plumbing course), are praised for being “really knowledgeable,” “inspiring,” and having real-world experience. They emphasize safety and the foundations needed for field success.
Effective Program Structure: The courses are designed to prepare diligent students for a trade career, with a modular format (e.g., six 6-week modules) that focuses on passing national certification exams.
Alumni Support: The school offers free refresher training and career placement assistance to alumni, which is a noted benefit for long-term career support.
Common Criticisms
Overcrowding and Resource Scarcity: Students report that classrooms are often overcrowded and that there is a severe scarcity of materials for lab assignments and old, worn-out equipment, leading some to call it a “diploma mill.”
Administrative Failures: Complaints include extreme delays in receiving final certificates (up to one year after graduation), a lackluster enrollment process with unreturned calls, and a perception that the school prioritizes profit above all else.
Questionable Instructor Quality: Some reviewers assert that certain instructors are “not very knowledgeable” or teach outdated concepts. One review specifically noted an instance where a respected instructor was let go after an injury, raising questions about staff retention and professionalism.
Lack of Direct Job Placement: While the school provides career support, a warning noted that the school does not place students in jobs; graduates must be proactive in their job search, contrary to perceived “sales jargon” used during enrollment.
Momentum
The momentum for Advanced Training Institute is pressured by internal quality control issues, despite maintaining a positive overall star rating driven by successful graduates. The frequent, recent complaints about overcrowding, equipment failure, and administrative delays are major operational risks that could threaten its reputation and accreditation. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ATI’s reliance on successful student outcomes in fast-track programs like HVAC and Electrical is clear, but the widespread reports of inadequate resources and slow administration indicate a major deficiency in handling the high volume of students it recruits.