What Is It Known For?
Founded in March 2012 by Christine Smith, Tidewater Medical Training (TMT) is a Virginia Beach-based school dedicated to exceptional healthcare education. With two state-of-the-art campuses in Hampton and Virginia Beach, TMT combines advanced learning technology with a focus on compassionate, competent care.
While enrollment numbers aren’t publicly available, TMT’s graduates are known for standing out in the healthcare field. The school builds lasting connections between students, local healthcare organizations, and the community, ensuring its alumni are well-prepared for success.
Degrees & Certifications
Tidewater Medical Training offers a variety of healthcare programs designed to fit your schedule, with new courses starting every week or two across its Hampton and Virginia Beach campuses. Programs include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- EKG Technician
- Phlebotomy
- Medical Billing & Coding
- CPR training programs
Class Schedules
Tidewater Medical Training offers flexible day and evening classes at both its Hampton and Virginia Beach campuses. Programs combine online coursework, hands-on lab training, and classroom instruction to provide a well-rounded education.
Each program also includes externships or clinical experience, giving students real-world practice in healthcare settings. This hybrid approach ensures graduates are ready to excel in their chosen fields.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Tidewater Medical Training is a legitimate institution. The school is Certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia. It provides Virginia Board of Nursing Approved Courses.
Acceptance Rate
Tidewater Medical Training does not publish an acceptance rate. However, prospective students must meet specific enrollment requirements to join their programs.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition starts at $75 for the Certified Medication Aide (CMA) Refresher Course and goes up to $2,100 for the Clinical Medical Assistant program, the school’s most expensive offering. Other programs fall within this range.
Please note that certification exam fees are not included in tuition. For a full breakdown of costs, visit the school’s tuition and fees page or contact them directly, since a net price calculator is not available.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Phlebotomy Tech
- EKG Tech
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- CPR
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Administrative Medical Assistant
- Electronic Health Records
Campus Locations
Hampton 1503 Hardy Cash Drive Hampton, VA 23666
Virginia Beach 1300 Diamond Springs Road, Suite 102 Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews for Tidewater Medical Training (TMT), the school presents a conflicted picture: a large group of graduates highly praise the passionate instruction and preparation for certification, while recent and detailed negative reviews point to significant issues with staff demeanor and inconsistent policy application.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Instruction and Preparation: Many reviewers credit TMT’s instruction for preparing them extremely well for certification exams. Graduates express feeling “very well prepared to take the CNA certification exam.” The school is frequently credited with providing a “phenomenal school, wonderful instructors” experience.
Strong Support System: The school is praised for being “with you every step of the way,” providing “every tool you could need for success,” and genuinely caring about success “not only through the programs but after you’ve completed them as well.”
Excellent Certification Pass Rates (Owner Claim): The owner stated that TMT graduates have the “highest pass rate in Hampton Roads” for certification testing, which is a major objective point of value.
Positive Atmosphere and Learning Environment: Many reviewers “love the atmosphere” and mention the staff making them feel “so comfortable.”
Common Criticisms
Rude and Unprofessional Instructor Behavior: The most recent negative review (a year ago) called a CNA instructor the “rudest person on earth.” The owner confirmed this instructor is “no longer with TMT,” suggesting the issue has been resolved.
Discrimination and Policy Conflicts: A student claimed to have “never felt so discriminated and stereotyped” during testing. Separately, a reviewer experienced issues with a COVID-19 vaccination policy conflicting with externship requirements. The school issued a “sincere apology” regarding the discrimination claim and clarified the vaccination policy, noting that a virtual externship option was available for those who were unvaccinated.
Inconsistent and Strict Attendance Policies: One student wished the school could be “more understanding” regarding attendance for a special needs child’s appointment, feeling they might have to unenroll due to the rigid rules. The owner explained the importance of attendance due to the rapid, challenging nature of the Phlebotomy course and offered to re-admit the student to another class “at no additional charge.”
Suspicion of Review Integrity: An older, critical review questioned the authenticity of positive reviews, claiming they were from “former employees” or “naïve girls” (a claim the owner rebutted by stating the President does teach).
Momentum
The momentum is mixed but requires cautious interpretation. While the school continues to receive positive feedback, the most recent negative reviews are highly detailed and involve serious issues. TMT’s owner, Business Director Smith, is highly engaged, offering detailed, personalized, and often policy-clarifying responses to almost every criticism. This high level of engagement and transparency suggests a strong administrative commitment to addressing concerns, even if the issues themselves persist in student experiences.