Located in Florida, CDA Technical Institute provides tools for success in the diving and welding fields. Training prepares attendees to be air/mixed gas commercial divers, emergency and dive medical technicians, or maritime and industrial welders. Candidates may have to pass physical tests for admission. Its programs are accredited and feature quality certifications.
CDA’s Maritime Welding Program is one of its most popular options. Courses get students ready for lasting careers in the industry. They are able to experience real-world challenges in the field, such as small spaces and hazardous materials. Because of the school’s proximity to water, a lot of training takes place in an environment suited to the job.
Programs & Courses
Commercial Diving
- Dive Medical Technician
- Scuba Diving Instructor
Campus Locations
Jacksonville, FL 91 Trout River Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32208
Financial Aid Services
Most forms of financial assistance are accepted at CDA Technical Institute. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines qualifications. Applicants can also look to outside scholarship agencies or private loans. Staff members are available to answer questions related to paying for school.
Student Services
Students at CDA Technical Institute learn in state-of-the-art facilities near actual bodies of water. Dorms, dining halls, and meal plans are available to those who need them. Career services like job placement support and recruitment events are there to help, as well.
Veteran and Military Services
Those who have served in the armed forces receive waived registration, dorm, and food fees. Students who qualify for the GI Bill can use their benefits at CDA Technical Institute. The school has been rated as military friendly. Counselors offer advice and resources to help veterans enter into civilian life.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google and other online sources, the CDA Technical Institute has a highly polarized and negative reputation. The school’s overall rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars is low, and detailed reviews from former students reveal significant concerns.
Overall Score: 2.9/5 Stars
Common Criticisms
Safety Issues and Student Deaths: Multiple sources and news reports indicate that the school has been the subject of several wrongful death lawsuits following the deaths of at least two students during training exercises in 2022. The school allegedly failed to report these incidents to its accrediting body, which cited the school for unsafe practices and a lack of proper equipment.
Loss of Accreditation and Closure: In 2022, the school lost its accreditation and was deemed financially unstable by the U.S. Department of Education. Following this, the school became ineligible to receive federal student aid and GI Bill funding, leading to its closure.
High Cost and Lack of Value: Many students feel that the school was a “waste of money” and a “scam.” They claim they paid tens of thousands of dollars but learned little, with some instructors allegedly being absent or not providing quality education.
Administrative and Financial Issues: Reviews from former students and public records from the Department of Veterans Affairs allege that the school had poor administrative practices, including a high staff turnover rate and improper handling of financial matters.
Poor Facilities and Equipment: Students complained that the campus needed work, and the equipment, particularly diving hats, was outdated and in need of repair.
Common Praises
Supportive Instructors: A few positive reviews, some of which are several years old, praised the instructors for being helpful and dedicated to the students.
Hands-on Experience: Some students appreciated the hands-on approach and the direct experience they gained.
Parent Perspective: One parent of a former student provided a positive review, stating that the office was supportive and helped their son with issues.
Momentum
The momentum for the CDA Technical Institute is overwhelmingly negative and concludes with its closure. While there are a handful of older positive reviews, the most recent detailed feedback, official government records, and news reports paint a picture of a school that faced severe, systemic problems related to student safety, administration, and financial management, ultimately resulting in the loss of its accreditation and its closure.