What Is It Known For?
Southern Technical Institute is a credible school that’s been refining the future careers of Florida’s students for over a decade. Established in 2003 as Florida Medical Prep, the school was acquired by Southern Technical Institute, LLC in 2013, and it now operates under the expert leadership of CEO Mr. Reid Allison and COO Dr. Lori Moran.
With three campuses—Orlando, Pinellas Park, and Tavares—Southern Technical Institute is dedicated to giving you quality medical career education right at the entry-level. It’s a reliable place for students to take the first step towards a fulfilling career, guided by committed leaders and a focus on excellent education.
Class Schedules
Southern Technical Institute offers flexible learning schedules, ensuring your education fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a quick learner inclined towards their intensive 3-day Power Weekend, prefer the 8-day classes split between day or evening, or something in between, the choice is yours.
The school even offers hybrid programs and entirely online courses, consistently adapting to meet the needs of our students.
This institution specializes in three main programs:
- Home Health Aide Program
- Phlebotomy Program
- Patient Care Assistant Program
To enrich the learning experience, Southern Technical Institute provides off-site clinical experiences in local facilities like assisted living and long-term care facilities, physician’s offices, and hospitals, tailored to meet the specific requirements of each program.
This approach ensures that students not only learn in the classroom but also gain valuable, hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Is Southern Technical Institute Legit?
Absolutely. The institute has proven credibility, backed by multiple accreditations and approvals:
- Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education
- Holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Approved by the National Healthcareer Association
These endorsements affirm Southern Technical Institute’s dedication to quality and reputable healthcare education.
Acceptance rate
Southern Technical Institute has an open admissions policy. This means that 100% of the students who apply are accepted.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
At Southern Technical Institute, the cost of education is designed with students in mind. The fee structure varies by course, ranging from $59 for a CPR for Healthcare Providers course up to $649 for the EKG Technician Day Class. With a wide range of fees for different courses, there’s something to fit everyone’s budget.
An affordable, non-refundable deposit of $50 is all it takes to secure a spot in your chosen program.
Programs & Courses
Home Health Aide
- 40-hour HHA certificate program
Patient Care Tech
- 6 month PCA training
Phlebotomy
- CPT exam preparation
Campus Locations
Orlando 3940 North Dean Road Orlando, Florida 32817
Pinellas Park 8200 66th Street North Pinellas Park, Florida 33781
Tavares 1300 South Duncan Drive Building A/Suite #5 Tavares, Florida 32778
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Southern Technical Institute (STI) in Pinellas Park, FL, has an overwhelmingly positive and nearly perfect reputation, driven almost entirely by the exceptional quality and dedication of its core teaching staff and the success of its focused, accelerated programs.
Overall Score: 4.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Inspiring Instructors: Reviewers consistently and enthusiastically praise the main instructors across multiple programs (CNA, Phlebotomy, and CPR). These instructors are described as “amazing,” “passionate,” and the “best teacher I’ve ever had.” They are noted for creating a fun, engaging, and welcoming atmosphere, using humor, and teaching material in a way that is easy to understand and retain.
Effective Accelerated Learning: The programs, particularly the CNA and CPR “crash courses” or “power weekends,” are highly valued for their efficiency. Students report being able to learn a significant amount of material and feel “truly grateful, and prepared for the state board test” without sacrificing quality, making it ideal for those with busy lives.
Focus on Student Success and Practice: The institute is praised for its commitment to preparing students for their exams, with instructors offering “endless opportunities to practice and perfect your skills.” Students feel prepared for both the written and practical portions of their certification exams.
Positive and Supportive Environment: The facility is described as clean, up-to-date, and well-organized, and the staff is consistently labeled as “wonderful,” “supportive,” and “caring.” Students often refer to the school as a “second family.”
Successful Outcomes: Many reviews mention passing the national certification exams (like the NHA for Phlebotomy) “with flying colors” and securing jobs quickly after graduation, validating the effectiveness of the training.
Common Criticisms
Lack of Variety in Programs: There are virtually no substantive negative reviews about the quality of the courses or the instructors. The closest thing to a criticism is a student wishing the school would consider adding a nursing program, indicating a high demand for more educational offerings at the location.
Minor Technical/Operational Issues (Inferred): A few reviews mention receiving support with challenging processes like background checks, which suggests that the administrative steps associated with certification, while supported by the staff, can still be complex.
Momentum
The positive momentum is incredibly strong and sustained, with the most recent reviews from the last few months continuing the trend of five-star ratings centered on the quality of the CNA and Phlebotomy instructors. The student body is highly dedicated, with many alumni mentioning they “always like to come back and learn more” and highly recommend the school for all educational needs in the healthcare field. The owner consistently responds quickly and personally to nearly every review, showing a high level of engagement and commitment to maintaining their excellent reputation.