HCI College

What Is It Known For?

HCI College, established in 1993, is a stand-alone for-profit institution located in Florida. Originally, it offered American Heart Association courses for medical professionals, but it has since expanded to include general education and professional healthcare programs at the Diploma and Associate Degree levels.

The college has two campuses, one in West Palm Beach and another in Fort Lauderdale, and enrolls approximately 191 undergraduate students. In 2022, the college received 596 applications and admitted 282 students, reflecting an acceptance rate of about 47%.

Degrees & Certifications

HCI College specializes in healthcare education, offering a range of Diploma and Associate Degree programs. The curriculum combines general education with professional training to prepare students for careers in the medical field. Some popular options include:

  • Medical Assisting
  • Practical Nursing
  • Associate of Science in Nursing
  • Substance Abuse Counseling (fully online)
  • And Many More!

Class Schedules

HCI College makes learning easy for busy people. Nursing students come to campus once a week and do hands-on training on 1-3 other days. For EMT and paramedic training, it’s two days in class and 1-2 days working with real emergency teams. Some courses, like Substance Abuse Counseling, are all online.

The school has classes during the day and at night, so students can pick times that work for them. This setup helps students learn in class and get real job experience at the same time.

Is It Legit?

Yes. HCI College is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The school is also licensed by other well-known institutions like:

Acceptance Rate

The admissions process at the New England Institute of HVAC is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 47% based on the latest data from 2022.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

The average annual tuition at HCI College is approximately $30,456, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education. This figure includes tuition, books, and fees but can vary based on the specific program and delivery method. For a personalized estimate, we recommend using the school’s net price calculator.

Programs & Courses

Healthcare

  • EMT
  • LPN
  • Medical Assisting
  • RN
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Veterinary Technician

Campus Locations

West Palm Beach 1764 North Congress Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Fort Lauderdale 1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd. Suite 101 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews, HCI College has a highly polarized reputation, with a strong contrast between an exceptional admissions experience and significant criticisms regarding the student experience after enrollment. The feedback highlights a school that is very effective at attracting and enrolling students but faces challenges in retention and ongoing support.

Overall Score: 3.6/5 Stars

Common Praises

Outstanding Admissions and Advising: This is the most consistent and prominent praise. Numerous reviewers express how helpful, knowledgeable, and patient the admissions representatives were during the initial enrollment process. They describe the experience as a “breeze” and a major factor in their decision to enroll.

Supportive Learning Environment: Some students describe the school as “amazing” and report having a “wonderful experience.” They feel motivated by the faculty and staff who show patience and kindness, helping them feel more confident about returning to school.

Common Criticisms

Lack of Student Support: The school is accused of having “no student support” and being “ready to drop you for every little thing.” Reviewers feel that staff are not there to help students succeed once they are enrolled, and that the school is unorganized.

Administrative and Financial Issues: A number of reviews strongly advise others to “STAY AWAY.” They claim that advisors will “say and do whatever to get you to sign up” and that the school is a “complete joke” that only cares about money.

Stringent and Uncompromising Policies: A detailed negative review from a student highlights strict and allegedly uncompromising deadlines for clinical requirements, which the school’s response defends as a necessary part of preparing students for the workforce. This exchange points to a perceived lack of empathy from the administration in an already demanding program.

High-Stress Academic Environment: One reviewer mentions the difficulty of the Capstone course, suggesting it is intentionally rigorous. The school’s response confirms this, stating the course is designed to be challenging to ensure students are prepared for the profession.

Momentum

The provided reviews show a clear polarization, with a recent cluster of very positive reviews focusing on the initial admissions experience, while a few strong negative reviews from the same period raise serious concerns about the ongoing student experience. The school owner is highly engaged, providing lengthy and detailed responses to negative feedback. These responses often defend the school’s policies, confirming the existence of the very issues (e.g., strict deadlines, remote staff) that the students are complaining about. This suggests that while the admissions process is a strength, the student experience after enrollment may be a source of ongoing challenges.