Why Did They Close?
Brightwood Career Institute was a private for-profit institution in Philadelphia that abruptly closed. Specializing in trade and healthcare certification programs, it served a nontraditional/ and online student body before losing accreditation. The private, for-profit career institute in Philadelphia met an abrupt end due to the actions of its parent company, Education Corporation of America (ECA).
The institute, which caters to a nontraditional and online student body, specializes in providing trade and healthcare certification programs.
The unforeseen closure came in the wake of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, ECA’s accreditor, suspending accreditation. This suspension raised significant concerns about the institute’s ability to maintain academic standards and meet accreditation requirements. The sudden shutdown left enrolled students uncertain, disrupting their educational pursuits and leaving them without the anticipated certifications.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Pharmacy Technician
HVAC & Building Services
- HVAC
- Electrical
Computer & Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
Campus Locations
Broomall 1991 Sproul Rd. Ste 42, Broomall PA 19008
Harrisburg 5650 Derry St. Harrisburg PA 17111
Philadelphia 3010 Market St. Philadelphia PA 19104
Philadelphia 177 Franklin Mills Blvd. Philadelphia PA 19154
Financial Aid Services
Those who enroll at Brightwood Career Institute have many different options when it comes to paying for school. After filling out the FAFSA, students might be eligible for grants, federal loans, or work-study programs. Applicants can also receive aid from private scholarships. Some of these require prospective students to be in high school for consideration.
Student Services
The college offers a career development department that helps people navigate the job market before and after graduation. Services include resume writing workshops and interview tips. The Brightwood Career Institute staff will even assist students who want to find part-time work while enrolled in classes. Learning resources like tutoring and advising are also available.
Veteran and Military Services
The Military Student Center works to ensure the success of veterans, those currently serving, and service member families. The department provides help with financial aid, programs of study, transcripts, and more. At Brightwood Career Institute, these students may qualify for military tuition assistance as well.
Reviews
Based on the reviews and external information, the situation regarding Brightwood Career Institute in Broomall is complex. While the Google reviews are overwhelmingly positive, they are all from before the school’s closure. The school and its parent company, Education Corporation of America (ECA), abruptly ceased operations in December 2018, leaving students without a way to finish their programs.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive Instructors and Staff: Many reviewers from before the closure praised the faculty and staff, describing them as caring, professional, and dedicated to helping students succeed. The school director and instructors were frequently mentioned as being helpful and friendly.
Effective Hands-On Learning: Students appreciated the practical, hands-on training provided in programs like Pharmacy Technician and Medical Assisting. Reviewers felt that this approach, combined with externship opportunities, prepared them well for their careers.
Flexible and Career-Focused: The school was recommended for its focus on providing a direct path to a new career. Students appreciated the accelerated course schedules and the support from the career services staff.
Common Criticisms
Abrupt and Unannounced Closure: The single most significant issue is that the school, along with all others owned by its parent company, suddenly closed its doors in December 2018. A review from a student highlights this, stating they were in the middle of their class and were left with no warning, no way to finish their studies, and no clear next steps.
Lawsuits and Legal Issues: Following the closure, Brightwood’s parent company, ECA, faced multiple class-action lawsuits. These lawsuits alleged that the company had misled students and staff by assuring them that programs would continue, even as the company was facing financial and accreditation issues. The sudden closure left thousands of students without a clear path to complete their degrees and resulted in a settlement to help resolve the claims.
Momentum
The reviews for Brightwood Career Institute are outdated and do not reflect its current status. The school permanently closed in December 2018 along with all other campuses owned by its parent company, Education Corporation of America. The high ratings are a reflection of students’ positive experiences before the closure, but the school’s ultimate failure and the way it ceased operations are the most critical factors to consider. The abrupt closure led to widespread issues for students, including lost tuition, disrupted education, and legal challenges.