The American Institute Trade School has campuses in various locations, but one thing that doesn’t change no matter where you go is their devotion to their students. This school is more than just classrooms and books. It’s an institution committed to helping students achieve their career goals and succeed in their chosen fields.
What is the American Institute Trade School known for?
As a for-profit trade school, the American Institute holds dear its mission to provide students with focused and effective career training. The institution stands out for its:
- An array of programs, including Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Electrical Trades Technology, ESL, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Coding and Billing, and Nurses’ Aid Fast Track.
- Commitment to supporting students in achieving their career aspirations — a testament to their ‘American Way’ of education.
Is American Institute Trade School legit?
Yes, the American Institute Trade School is a legitimate and respected institution. Its legit status can be confirmed through its official accreditations and affiliations.
- Accreditation: The school’s Cherry Hill, Clifton, Somerset, Toms River, and West Hartford locations are institutionally accredited by the ABHES.
- The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools is recognized by the US Department of Education as an accrediting agency.
For further information, you can call AIT or use their online contact form to request additional details.
How much does it cost to attend the American Institute Trade School?
The cost of attending the American Institute Trade School varies by program and can be found detailed in their online catalog. Recognizing that students may need financial assistance, the school offers various programs to help defray costs, including federal financial assistance (Title IV) for eligible students.
Prospective students can schedule a meeting with a Financial Aid Advisor for personalized guidance.
Programs & Courses
Cherry Hill
- Dental Assisting
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Electrical Trades Technology
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
Clifton
- Dental Assisting
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Electrical Trades Technology
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
West Hartford
- Dental Assisting
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Nurse's Aide (Fast Track)
Toms River
- Dental Assisting
- Electrical Trades Technology
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Somerset
- Dental Assisting
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assisting
- Electrical Trade Technology
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations
Clifton, NJ 346 Lexington Ave., D Clifton, NJ 07011
Somerset, NJ 80 Cottontail Ln., Suite 103, Somerset, NJ 08873
Somerset, NJ 2363 Lakewood Rd., Toms River, NJ 08755
West Hartford, CT 99 South St., West Hartford, CT 06110
Cherry Hill, NJ 2201 NJ-38, 8th Floor, Cherry Hill, NJ, 08002
Financial Aid Services
The campus financial aid department helps students figure out the type of assistance they can get. For those in need, Federal Pell or Supplemental Education Opportunity grants are available. American Institute also offers several low-interest loans and a part-time Federal Work Study plan. The staff will assist in applying and making the best choice.
Career Services
American Institute provides Career Services Specialists to help graduates find jobs. Advisors give strategies for the job search, resume writing tips, interview advice, and more. The school website also has career resources and helpful blog posts.
Alumni Services
The American Institute Alumni Association keeps people connected to campus after graduation. Membership requires registration at no cost. Members hear about job openings, networking opportunities, career fairs, and other employment events. There are personal benefits too, like staying in touch with teachers or fellow alumni.
Reviews
Based on Google reviews provided, the American Institute in Clifton has a highly polarized reputation. The feedback is split almost evenly between students who had a wonderful and supportive experience with dedicated staff and those who describe the school as a “scam” with significant administrative and financial issues.
Overall Score: 4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Dedicated and Caring Instructors: Many students express deep gratitude for their teachers. Certain instructors are frequently mentioned as “amazing” and “the best teachers” who are willing to go “out their way to help you to pass your courses.” A specific doctor and a particular instructor are also praised for making learning fun and helping students understand complex topics.
Supportive and Welcoming Staff: A significant number of reviews highlight a positive experience with the staff, particularly during the admissions process. Several staff members are named for being helpful, professional, and making students feel comfortable and supported from their first day to graduation.
Effective Programs: Graduates praise the hands-on and theoretical training, which they credit with preparing them for their careers. Students in the Medical Assistant and Electrical programs mention feeling a strong foundation and a clear path to success.
Positive Learning Environment: Reviews from students with positive experiences describe the school as a “great place to learn,” with a “relaxing and welcoming” atmosphere and a supportive community.
Common Criticisms
“Scam” and Financial Allegations: A recurring and serious theme is the accusation that the school is a “big scam” and “money hungry.” Students claim the price is not worth the stress and that the administration only cares about money. Some report struggling with student loans even after being failed or dropping out, alleging that the school took the full course money from the government.
Unprofessionalism and Disorganization: Reviews from dissatisfied students describe the school as “unprofessional” and “unorganized.” They report staff being difficult to contact and a general sense that the administration does not care about student issues after enrollment.
Poor Facilities and Lack of Resources: One highly negative review calls the Clifton location “dirty” and “a joke,” citing unhygienic conditions in the classrooms and among some students. Other reviews complain about a lack of supplies, equipment, and outdated resources.
Inconsistent Instruction: In direct contradiction to the positive reviews, some students claim that certain instructors teach things that are “straight up wrong” and that they graduated “without knowing anything” about their profession.
Momentum
The reviews show a highly inconsistent student experience rather than a clear momentum in one direction. The most recent reviews, from the last few months, contain both glowing praise for specific staff members and severe, detailed criticisms about the facilities and value. This polarization suggests that a student’s experience at American Institute – Clifton is highly dependent on their specific program and interactions with certain individuals, with no clear trend of improvement or decline over time. The lack of public responses from the school to the most serious negative reviews is also a notable point.