What Is It Known For?
Chester Career College (CCC), a private for-profit institution in Chester, VA, opened its doors in September 1997 after being incorporated earlier that February. The college maintains a year-round academic calendar and serves approximately 159 students across seven distinct programs.
Under the guidance of accomplished instructors, students develop professional skills and confidence that prepare them for entry-level positions in their chosen fields. The college’s focused approach helps students build both technical knowledge and workplace readiness, giving graduates the tools they need to start their careers and advance in the healthcare and wellness job market.
Degrees & Certifications
Chester Career College offers focused healthcare training programs that prepare students for in-demand medical careers. Some of the programs offered here include:
- Phlebotomy/ EKG
- Surgical Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Massage Therapy
- Pharmacy Technician
- Nurse Aide
Class Schedules
Chester Career College accommodates various schedules with both day and evening classes, running Monday through Thursday. Day sessions meet from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, while evening classes run from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. All programs include valuable externship training, giving students real-world practice while building professional connections and potentially securing job offers or recommendations.
For information about online learning options, interested students should contact the college directly since these details are not listed on their website.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Chester Career College is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
Acceptance Rate
Chester Career College follows an open admission policy. This means that their acceptance rate is at 100%
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Chester Career College varies by program, with each cost package including textbooks, training supplies, and required uniforms for clinical rotations or externships. Here are the total program costs:
- Nurse Aide: $1,295.00
- Phlebotomy/EKG: $11,605.00
- Massage Therapy: $12,115.00
- Pharmacy Technician: $15,890.00
- Medical Assistant: $31,895.00
- Surgical Technology: $36,500.00
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Phlebotomy/EKG
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Surgical Technology
- Nurse Aide
Campus Locations
Chester 751 W Hundred Rd Chester, VA 23836
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Chester Career College has a highly polarized reputation. The reviews are almost evenly split between students who describe a life-changing, supportive experience and those who feel the school is an overpriced and unprofessional “scam.”
Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Welcoming Environment: Many positive reviews describe the staff as “loving and caring,” “kind,” and “welcoming,” making the school feel like a “second home.” Students feel that the staff is genuinely invested in their success.
Quality Instruction: Instructors, particularly in the Nurse Aide and Surgical Technology programs, are frequently praised for being knowledgeable and helpful. They are credited with making classes engaging, taking the time to answer questions, and teaching with real-world scenarios.
Small Class Sizes: The small campus and class sizes are seen as a benefit, as they foster a family-like atmosphere and allow for one-on-one attention from teachers.
Career Preparation: Students who had positive experiences felt well-prepared for their careers and credited the school with helping them achieve their goals.
Common Criticisms
Financial and Transparency Issues: A major and recurring complaint is that the school is a “scam” and a “money pit.” Students allege that the cost is too high for what they receive and that the school is not transparent about its fees. One review claims they were charged over $2,000 for a class they never finished and were denied access to their transcript.
Lack of Support After Enrollment: Several reviewers state that the welcoming and supportive attitude disappears once they enroll and the school has their money. They feel the administration is unhelpful and unprofessional.
Certification and Accreditation Concerns: A significant issue raised by a surgical technology student is that the college’s program may not allow graduates to sit for a major industry exam (NBSTSA). The college’s response clarifies that it is accredited through a different agency (NCCT), but this distinction appears to cause confusion and potential barriers to employment.
Unfair Treatment and Unprofessionalism: Some students allege they were treated unfairly, kicked out of programs, and that their concerns were not taken seriously. They also report issues with instructors being late and a lack of proper supplies.
Momentum
The momentum for Chester Career College is highly mixed. Recent reviews from the past few months are equally divided between extremely positive feedback praising the staff and a caring environment, and strongly negative reviews with serious allegations of financial issues and lack of support. The negative reviews are often “liked” by other users, indicating a shared sentiment. The college’s owner consistently responds to both positive and negative feedback, but the core issues, particularly regarding program value and cost, persist.