What Is It Known For?
Compass Career College was founded in 1997 with the goal of offering practical, career-focused education. The college is known for its emphasis on hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills, which help students confidently enter various professions.
Serving approximately 140 students each semester, it offers a small and supportive environment that allows for personalized attention. Over the years, Compass Career College has evolved to meet the needs of the job market, ensuring students gain the skills they need to succeed in their careers.
Degrees & Certifications
Compass Career College offers a variety of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers. These include:
- Practical Nurse
- Nurse Aide Training
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Cosmetology
Class Schedules
Compass Career College offers flexible class schedules, including day and evening options to fit the needs of its students. The programs are designed to provide hands-on training, allowing students to gain practical skills in their field. Many programs also include externships, offering students the chance to gain real-world experience before they graduate.
Is It a Good School?
Compass Career College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), ensuring that the school meets high standards of academic quality and that its programs are recognized by employers and other educational institutions.
Acceptance Rate
Compass Career College has an open admission policy, meaning all students who apply are accepted, providing opportunities for those interested in furthering their education and careers.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Compass Career College varies by program. Here are the costs for some of the programs:
- Medical Assistant: $11,600
- Medical Billing and Coding: $11,640
- Nurse Aide Training: $1,500
- Practical Nurse: $33,226
- Cosmetology: $21,673
Compass Career College offers financial aid to help students manage tuition costs. For more detailed estimates, students can use the net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Allied Health
- Nurse Aide Training
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Practical Nurse
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
Campus Locations
Hammond 42353 Deluxe Plaza, Suite 16 Hammond, LA 70403
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Compass Career College has a mixed reputation, with a significant number of positive reviews from students and clients, balanced by a few critical reviews that highlight specific issues.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Quality Education & Professional Instructors: Many students praise the instructors for being highly qualified, knowledgeable, and holding their students to a high standard. Reviews from nursing, medical assistant, and cosmetology students note that the programs are rigorous and prepared them well for their careers and certification exams.
Supportive Environment: Several former students describe the school as feeling like a “family.” They highlight that the instructors and staff genuinely care about student success and are always willing to help.
Effective Cosmetology & Clinic Services: The college also receives numerous positive reviews from clients of its cosmetology program. Customers praise the students’ skills, attention to detail, and the professional supervision provided by instructors during services like haircuts and color.
Multiple Certifications: Students in the Medical Assistant program appreciated that the curriculum included opportunities to also earn Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Phlebotomy certifications.
Common Criticisms
Administrative & Owner Issues: Some negative reviews describe the school as having a “horrible” or “disrespectful” atmosphere, with one reviewer claiming the owner is unapproachable and looks for reasons to complain.
Program Value and Student Behavior: A few students felt the tuition was not worth the experience, and one review mentioned frustration with the “childish and obnoxious behavior” of some classmates.
Customer Service Complaints: A couple of reviews from cosmetology clients noted negative experiences, with one reviewer feeling that the college would not fix a mistake on a service. More recent feedback also mentioned a rude receptionist.
Momentum
Reviews from the last few years show a continued pattern of both strong praise and specific, serious complaints. While many positive reviews from graduates highlight the school’s academic strengths, a mix of recent feedback points to persistent issues with administrative staff and the on-campus environment.