What is the Cortiva Institute Known For?
The Cortiva Institute is known for its role as a leading massage and beauty school, comprising a network of institutions committed to delivering top-tier education and hands-on training in beauty, health, and wellness. They offer a hands-on curriculum taught by expert faculty and practicing specialists, enabling students to gain practical skills critical to success in the industry. The Cortiva Institute provides courses for massage therapists, estheticians, paramedical estheticians, makeup artists, and cosmetologists. The institute stands out for hosting job fairs and career seminars, facilitating valuable industry connections. Additionally, the on-campus spa provides a real-world setting for hands-on training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields.
Is it Legit?
The Cortiva Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) as well as by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSCSC) branch of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Is the Cortiva Institute Worth It?
Attending the Cortiva Institute proves invaluable for aspiring massage therapists, offering a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. With a curriculum designed to meet industry standards, students benefit from expert instructors, cutting-edge techniques, and hands-on training. The institute’s commitment to small class sizes ensures personalized attention, fostering a supportive learning environment. Cortiva’s emphasis on real-world applications equips students with practical skills, preparing them for success in the dynamic field of massage therapy. The institute’s strong alum network and industry connections open doors to diverse career opportunities. Ultimately, choosing Cortiva Institute is an investment in a rewarding and fulfilling career path in the healing arts.
Cortiva Institute vs. Community College
The Cortiva Institute stands out against community colleges with its focused curriculum, emphasizing hands-on learning, the science behind wellness and massage, and professional development. As a Dermalogica partner school, students and staff benefit from training by experts at the International Dermal Institute, enhancing their ability to prescribe effective treatment plans and homecare regimens. Skincare students receive a professional Dermalogica esthetics kit for practical application, and the opportunity to graduate Dermalogica certified adds a distinctive edge to their skillset, ensuring a competitive advantage in the thriving beauty and wellness industry.
Cortiva Institute Acceptance Rate
The Cortiva Institute’s acceptance rate is 100%.
Cortiva Institute Cost Per Year
Tuition and fees at the Cortiva Institute may vary from campus to campus, but in general, annual tuition for their vocational training programs may cost around $11,746 per year.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here. Keep in mind that the Cortiva Institute’s campuses may feature different programs and classes.
School Hours
Although hours may vary somewhat depending on the location, the Cortiva Institute’s campuses are generally open from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM on Fridays, and 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays.
Programs & Courses
Cosmetology
- Skin Care
- Make Up Arts
Wellness
- Massage Therapy
Campus Locations
Phoenix, AZ 10000 N. 31st Ave., Suite D-100/203, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Scottsdale, AZ 8010 E. McDowell Rd., Ste 214, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Tempe, AZ 1425 W. Southern Ave., Suite 1/6, Tempe, AZ 85282
Tucson, AZ 6390 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85710
Aurora, CO 14107 East Exposition Ave., Aurora, CO 80012
Westminster, CO 8991 Harlan St., Suite B, Westminster, CO 80031
Groton, CT 1154 Poquonnock Rd., Groton, CT 06340
Newington, CT 75 Kitts La., Newington, CT 06111
Westport, CT 25 Sylvan Rd. S., Westport, CT 06880
Fort Lauderdale/Pompano, FL 2001 W. Sample Rd., # 100, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Miami, FL 7925 N.W. 12th St., #201, Miami, FL 33126
Orlando, FL 2600 Lake Lucien Dr., #140, Maitland, FL 32751
Tampa/St. Pete, FL 2370 34th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Chicago Loop, IL 17 N. State St., #500, Chicago, IL 60602
Crystal Lake, IL 241 Commerce Dri., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Joliet, IL 3033 W. Jefferson St., #105, Joliet, IL 60435
Baltimore, MD 517 Progress Dr., Suite A-J, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Las Vegas, NV 2381 E. Windmill Ln., Suite 14, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Hoboken, NJ 2 Hudson Pl., 2nd Floor, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Wall, NJ 1985 Hwy 34, Wall Township, NJ 07719
King of Prussia, PA 211 S. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406
York, PA 170 Red Rock Rd., York, PA 17406
Arlington, TX 808 West I-20, Suite 100, Arlington, TX 76017
Dallas, TX 1055 S. Sherman St., Suite 100/110, Richardson, TX 75081
Houston, TX 13163 Northwest Fwy., Suite A, Houston, TX 77040
Charlottesville, VA 366 Hillsdale Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901
Federal Way, WA 2030 S. 314th St., Federal Way, WA 98003
Seattle, WA 425 Pontius Ave. N. #100, Seattle, WA 98109
Financial Aid Services
Financial aid is available and depends on figures provided on the FAFSA. The types of help differ by Cortiva Institute location. Common offerings include federal grants, scholarships, private loans, and work-study jobs. The school also has in-house loan programs and in-school payment plans. Net price calculators can determine the cost of attendance.
Student Services
Courses have convenient start times and move at a fast pace. Day or night classes might be available depending on the program and location. Students in massage therapy and skin care receive real-world experience to prepare them for relevant careers. For some fields, Cortiva Institute may even cover the cost of licensing exams.
Alumni Services
Graduates receive membership to top massage therapy associations after completing their degrees. Cortiva Institute also has a diverse career network comprised of thousands of industry employers. Other services for alumni include resume help, job fairs, and licensing information. Some students even get employment offers before they graduate.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Cortiva Institute in Phoenix has a highly polarized reputation. While many clients praise the skilled student therapists, a significant number of both students and clients report major issues with administration, communication, and overall management.
Overall Score: 3.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Skilled Students and Therapists: Both clients and students consistently praise the hands-on quality of the services, noting that the student therapists are “adept,” “well trained,” and “professional.”
Positive Learning Environment: Some recent reviews highlight knowledgeable and supportive instructors who are passionate about their work, creating a positive atmosphere for students.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Communication Failures: This is the most significant and recurring complaint. Reviewers describe the staff as “incompetent” and uncaring, with a dysfunctional phone system and poor communication. Clients report frustrating experiences, such as long waits and a new “cashless policy” that was not communicated.
Poor Student Experience: Several students felt they were misled or that the school was unorganized. Reviews mention a high turnover of instructors, a feeling that staff plays favorites, and a general lack of support after enrollment.
Questionable Value: Some reviews state the school is “not worth the money,” citing a lack of supplies and a feeling that students are paying a high price for a fast-paced education that may not provide a solid foundation.
Momentum
The provided reviews are older, but recent feedback from other locations and general discussions about the institute reveal a similar mixed and unstable reputation. While there are still positive comments about the quality of the hands-on education and specific instructors, recent complaints highlight high staff turnover and a disorganized environment, echoing the issues from years ago.