What Is It Known For?
Lamson Institute opened in San Antonio, Texas, in 2007 as a branch campus of the Institute for Business and Technology (IBT). Since starting classes in August 2007, this vocational training center has become a recognized community leader, contracting with local, county, state, and federal agencies for workforce development.
The school provides career-based programs with industry certifications that help graduates achieve higher recognition in their fields. As of 2023, Lamson Institute had a total enrollment of 443 students. Small class sizes create an intimate, close-knit campus community where faculty provide personalized support to each student.
Degrees & Certifications
Lamson Institute offers various certificate and associate degree programs including:
- Electrician Training
- Medical Assistant
- Vocational Nursing
- Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity AAS
- Medical Biller/Coder/Office Specialist
- Lab Assistant, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomist
- Commercial Refrigeration, Heating, and Air Conditioning
Class Schedules
Lamson Institute offers both day and evening classes to accommodate students from all walks of life, including working professionals. Traditional in-class programs, except Vocational Nursing, meet Monday through Thursday for 5 hours each day or evening. Evening sessions end by 10:45 pm. The school provides day and evening courses for students from all walks of life, including those currently employed.
The school also offers modular programs for students enrolled in hybrid online courses, combining online learning with in-person components. Some programs require up to eight weeks of hands-on applied training at off-site third-party externship locations. Students entering externships must arrange availability based on their site coordinator’s requirements.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Lamson Institute is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Acceptance Rate
The school maintains an open enrollment policy with a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Based on the Lamson Institute’s catalog, tuition ranges widely across programs. At the lower end, the Personal Fitness Trainer program costs $13,300.00, making it the most affordable option. The Vocational Nursing program sits at the higher end at $24,650.00, representing the school’s most expensive offering. All other programs fall somewhere between these two price points.
All other programs fall somewhere between these two price points, though these figures represent tuition only, and additional fees will increase your total expenses. For a complete cost breakdown, reach out to the school directly or check their net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- EKG Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Medical Biller/Coder
- Medical Assistant
- Vocational Nursing
Skilled Trades
- Electrician Training
- Commercial Refrigeration, Heating, and Air Conditioning
Technology
- Cloud Computing & Cybersecurity
Campus Locations
San Antonio 5819 NW Loop 410, Suite 160, San Antonio, Texas 78238
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Lamson Institute in San Antonio presents a highly polarized experience: its Trade Programs (HVAC/R, Electrician) generally receive strong praise for instruction, while its Vocational Nursing (LVN) program is under intense scrutiny and faces serious, well-documented issues, including potential regulatory action.
Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Knowledgeable Instructors: Teachers in the technical trades (HVAC/R, Electrician) are consistently called “very knowledgeable,” going “above and beyond” to ensure students understand the trade.
Strong Administrative Support: Admissions staff are often praised for being “very helpful” and making students feel “welcome and comfortable” during the enrollment process.
Effective Trade Program Turnaround: The HVAC department specifically saw a major positive change after a new head took over, making the latter part of the program a “joy.”
Common Criticisms
LVN Program Crisis: The Vocational Nursing program is described as a “complete scam” with nonexistent communication and administration that “does not care about students’ futures.”
Regulatory Issues: The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has noted the program’s critically low NCLEX-PN pass rate and identified problems with students not receiving required hands-on clinical hours in critical areas.
High Cost and Certificate Value: Multiple reviews call the school a “rip off” and a “scam,” particularly for the cost of certificates like Phlebotomy, which some employers do not require for entry-level jobs in Texas.
Infrastructure Neglect: Students complain about the building not being maintained, with frequent flooding that impacts classrooms and trade labs when it rains.
Job Placement Scam Allegations: Some trade graduates claim the certification is a “joke” and that employers “laugh at the certification,” advising prospective students to attend community college or union programs instead.
Momentum
The momentum for Lamson Institute is split and highly risky. The school has a positive reputation among graduates of its core technical trade programs (HVAC/R, Electrician). However, this is eclipsed by the critical regulatory warnings and student outrage regarding the Vocational Nursing program. The documented issues with the Board of Nursing concerning clinical hours and the extremely low NCLEX pass rate present a significant risk to that specific program.