What Is It Known For?
Northeast Technical Institute was founded in the summer of 1995 with just a few short courses and a small selection of teaching equipment. Over the years, the school expanded significantly, with major growth milestones in 2003 and 2019. That year, NTI relocated its Bangor campus to a modern training facility on Broadway and moved its Lewiston campus to a larger space in Auburn.
Today, NTI focuses on career-driven education, offering programs designed to meet employer needs. With a 95% graduation rate, the school prepares students for high-demand jobs in as little as six months. Class sizes range from 24 to 30 students, ensuring a more focused learning environment.
Degrees & Certifications
Northeast Technical Institute provides career-focused training designed to help students build the skills employers are looking for.
Here are the programs available:
- CDL Trucking
- HVAC/R
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Class Schedules
Northeast Technical Institute offers both online and hybrid learning options, giving students the flexibility to complete coursework in a way that fits their schedule. Those who prefer in-person instruction can take advantage of the hybrid format, which combines online learning with on-campus classes.
For programs that require hands-on training, such as the Medical Assistant course, students participate in clinical externships at off-site healthcare facilities. These are typically scheduled during regular business hours from Monday to Friday. While externships provide valuable experience, students are still eligible for graduation even if they are unable to complete one.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Northeast Technical Institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), meaning that its programs meet and exceed the required educational standards.
Acceptance Rate
Northeast Technical Institute (NTI) has an open enrollment policy, with acceptance rates generally ranging between the high 80s and low 90s.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Northeast Technical Institute varies depending on the program, reflecting the differing requirements and resources needed for each field of study. Below is a breakdown of costs for some of the most popular programs:
- HVAC/R $17,312
- Clinical Medical Assistant I is $14,995.00
- Systems Technology $14,995.00
- Phlebotomy Technician $3,445
- CDL-A Truck Driver Training $7,995
- Medical Coding and Billing $14,995.00
- Cyber Security $14,995.00
These figures highlight the range of tuition costs based on the program you choose. While this list doesn’t include every course offered, NTI provides a helpful net price calculator to give prospective students a clearer estimate of their total expenses based on their specific program and financial situation.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
Skilled Trades
- HVAC/R Technician
- Commercial Truck Driver
Technology
- Information Technology
- CyberSecurity
- Systems Technology
Campus Locations
Scarborough 51 US-1 Suite K Scarborough, ME 04074
Bangor 1435 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401
Auburn 730 Center St Suite 6C, Auburn, ME 04210
South Portland 5, Industry Rd Suite 1 A, South Portland, ME 04106
Scarborough 4 Ginn Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
Hampden 358 Coldbrook Rd. Hampden, ME 04444
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Northeast Technical Institute (NTI) in Scarborough, ME, has a very strong reputation as a career-focused technical school. The positive feedback is centered on the quality of its hands-on training and the dedication of its instructors, particularly in the CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) and HVAC programs. The main points of criticism relate to administrative/financial issues and the use of remote (Zoom) classroom instruction.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Experienced Instructors (Hands-on Training): Instructors, especially those for the yard/shop training (mentioned by their first names like Bill, Dave, Jim, and Neil, and others in the Medical Billing and Coding and HVAC programs), receive overwhelming praise. They are described as “highly capable,” “patient,” “incredibly knowledgeable,” and genuinely caring about student success. Students feel they receive a solid foundation and are well-prepared for their new careers.
Effective Career-Focused Programs: Programs like CDL-A, HVAC/R, and Medical Billing & Coding are commended for being well-structured, intensive, and quickly providing students with the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce. Many reviews state they passed their exams on the first try and are now “striving” in their careers.
Supportive Environment and Staff: Reviewers feel the staff and instructors are supportive and create a great learning environment. Enrollment and completion processes are often described as simple, and the financial services department is occasionally noted as being very responsive.
Practical, Hands-on Experience: The emphasis on hands-on training, especially the yard and shop time, is highly valued. Students appreciate using industry-standard equipment and having a great balance of classroom and practical experience.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Financial Issues (“Crooked School” Claims): The most severe negative feedback involves financial and administrative practices. One recent review accuses NTI of being a “Very crooked school” for allegedly charging a card without permission, trying to charge for full tuition after a student dropped out early, and non-stop calling. Other reviews mention confusion or frustration regarding pricing, discounts, and financial aid applications.
Zoom-Based/Remote Classroom Instruction: Several reviews mention dissatisfaction with the classroom training, particularly the use of Zoom on a projector instead of an in-person instructor. Students found this approach challenging and difficult to justify the cost, noting issues like muffled audio and a poor learning experience. The NTI owner acknowledged this as a temporary issue due to instructor availability.
Limited Yard/Road Time and Equipment: While the yard instructors are excellent, a few students noted that there was a lack of one-on-one time due to tight scheduling, or that they wished the school would invest in more automatic trucks. One review also wished the training went beyond the strict requirements of the CDL road test.
Poor Customer Service Experience: A unique criticism reported a woman in admissions (referred to as an admissions representative) getting “angry” and unprofessional when a prospective student expressed shock at the high price of the programs.
Momentum
Recent reviews (within the last few months) show a bifurcated momentum. On one hand, the positive trend is strong and sustained for the quality of the hands-on instruction and overall program outcomes, with multiple students reporting recent successful graduations. On the other hand, the most severe criticisms are also very recent, specifically regarding the financial/billing practices and administrative professionalism, suggesting these are current, critical areas the school needs to address. The school owner is actively responding to both positive and negative reviews, indicating a commitment to engaging with feedback.