First Institute was established in 1982. At First Institute, student can acquire the necessary skills to embark on a professional career in various fields.
Through training in a fully functioning dental laboratory, you can develop expertise in administrative procedures, dental records, oral health, lab procedures, anatomy, dental specialties, chair-side assisting, coronal polishing, dental radiology, and more.
In the medical assisting field, First Institute offers online classes complemented by hands-on training in areas such as anatomy, medical terminology, billing and coding, clinical procedures, office administration, and lab procedures. Career seekers can also complete a 160-hour externship in a medical office setting to gain practical experience.
First Institute provides flexible day and evening class options to accommodate busy adult learners, and financial aid is available for eligible students.
The Career Services Department offers ongoing career placement assistance to all graduates.
Programs & Courses
Crystal Lake
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Massage Therapy
Libertyville
- Medical Assisting
Aurora
- Medical Assisting
Campus Locations
Aurora 405 N. Eola Road, Suite C Aurora, IL 60502
Crystal Lake 790 McHenry Ave Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Libertyville 1139 S Milwaukee Ave Libertyville, IL 60048
Chicago 405 N. Eola Road, Suite C Aurora, IL 60502
Financial Aid Services
Students can cover tuition with federal loans and grants. Payment plans through the school are also an option. Student loan exit counseling is part of the process.
Career Services
A Career Services Department is available to help you with job search strategies, interviewing and networking. The school maintains contacts with local employers to facilitate possible job placements.
Veteran and Military Services
A very wide range of options for veterans are available such as MGIB & MGIB-SR, GI Bill, REAP, DEA, National Guard Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, First Institute has a generally positive reputation, particularly for its supportive staff and hands-on education. However, a significant number of reviews raise serious concerns about the school’s marketing and academic accreditation.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Encouraging Staff: This is the most consistent and powerful theme. Reviews frequently describe the staff and instructors as “amazing,” “very nice,” and “incredibly helpful.” Students feel treated like “family” and appreciate the personal attention they receive.
High-Quality, Hands-On Education: Many students praise the education they received, stating they felt “fully prepared” for their careers. The small class sizes and one-on-one time with instructors are highlighted as key benefits of the learning experience.
Effective Career Placement: Numerous reviews from both current students and alumni mention the school’s assistance with finding jobs, including resume help and job-opening emails. Several students report getting hired shortly after graduation.
Excellent Student-Run Clinic: The student-run massage therapy clinic receives separate, strong praise, with reviewers calling it a “hidden gem” and commending the professionalism and skill of the student therapists.
Common Criticisms
Aggressive and Persistent Marketing: This is the most significant criticism. Several reviews complain about being “bombarded” with calls and texts after submitting a simple inquiry form, describing the behavior as “so annoying” and “very persistent.”
Credit Transferability Issues: A very serious concern raised in the reviews is the lack of transferable credits. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), a national accreditor. While this is a recognized accrediting agency, national accreditation is not always accepted by traditional community colleges or universities for credit transfer. This means a student’s diploma may not provide a pathway to a higher-level degree.
Administrative Complaints: An isolated older review complains about a specific manager being unprofessional and not valuing a long-time customer at the student massage clinic.
Momentum
The reviews show a distinct split between internal and external perceptions of the school. Students and alumni who have attended the school are very satisfied with the supportive atmosphere and quality of the programs. Conversely, individuals who have only interacted with the school through its admissions process express significant frustration with its aggressive marketing. The serious concern regarding accreditation and credit transferability is a key factor for anyone considering the school, as it may limit future educational options.