Americare Institute LPN SCHOOL SCAM.....BOGUS RECORDKEEPING, BOGUS CLASSES Hanover Park Illinois

 JON  wake up!!!  These are not opinions!!!  Just check or google Ambria LPN school reviews!!!  You mean to say reviews of many students and parents are lying???  Come on now.  Even a salesman like yourself can figure that out.  Lets talk about hiding behind username.  You do not even show up at the school your so embarrassed. Oh, except on info session days where you can sell this place to new students unaware of what really goes on. 

What's sad here is your the "owner" and instead of investigating into the matter of why many students are expressing their feelings and doing something about it, you'd rather just brush it off (Remember: saying is not the same as doing).  Very Unprofessional!!!  Guess it does not matter you, as long as you make that money huh...  Your video is such a joke,  maybe you should watch it again.  Dates of exams, quizes, clinical sites and lecture are changing last minute but not all the time. 

We are students and parents that picked this school because you said this place was accommodating to students.  Hello we are not rich and have to work while going to school...  You cannot change dates last minute and expect all employers to say oh ok when some of us work in the hospital.  And if you did not know that was going on "Wake Up" and start listening to the students that pay lots of money for an education to go to your school.  They all cannot be wrong!!! 

Why would people waste their time to write this all up to knock some sense into you.   Did you ever think that the other reason why people use these school reviews to express their feelings is to educate new nursing students so they do not make that same mistake of going to Ambria?  "Have you ever heard of "Consumer Reports" (Same Reason).  Sounds like your a captain of a sinking ship if you do not "Wake Up"!!!   I would be embarrassed to claim ownership of Ambria but guess some have thicker skin than others...

 Nursing Students beware of Ambria College of Nursing!!!  They are definitely not for the students.  What's sooo sad, they probabally had to pay these people to say this.  If you really want to know the truth before you waste your money...  Please Please,  ask the students that currently go there.  Just stop in the parking lot and ask a student leaving for the day and you will find out quickly that this video was just made up to hide the real truth. 

For New Students entering the school, their info sessions about the school are usually scheduled when students are in class or on days when students are not available to talk to directly.  Students please do your research before picking a school.   Go somewhere else for your RN degree.  Another fine example:  Ambria makes you buy the ATI set from them for $750 when ATI Company sells it for $200... Please look around other nursing sites and you will find other students that have made a big mistake picking this place and are trying to help future nurses from making this mistake.

 Ambria who used to be Americare aint so bad. They are an honest company whos goal is to educate and provide Nurses without being so heavy in the pocket. Im a student of americare and I see how hard they try to do right for their student. I see a problem though lately its the choise of teachers they have a gotten rid of alot of good teachers who knows how to teach. Now they have teachers who graduated top of their class, with wide experience and just everything on their resume but have no idea how to teach. Pricilla was one of the best teachers who really prepared student for Nclex n shes no longer there. they have this new teacher s who cares more about nursing research and  APA formating but wont teachi you any true nursing skills. Ambria wake up before your nclex rate goes any lower! rehire those good teachers let your new teacher train your students for nclex!

I work at Americare Institute and I am shocked at what the students are writing about their school on this website. If you all have concerns I suggest talking to the administration and faculty to try to resolve the issues at hand. I am going to try my best to answer some of the questions that have been posted as well as provide the most up to date information available. Again, I cannot reiterate enough that if students are having issues, we would love your feedback and suggestions on how to better improve the school. We even have an online suggestion box on our website for that sole purpose.

Our Flexible Schedule:

Some students are claiming that our schedule is not flexible for our students and all of our evening classes beginning at 4 PM; I am looking at the most recent schedule for the Summer 2010 classes and not only do half of our evening classes for the program begin at 5:30PM but we also offer morning classes as well as weekend clinical. Not many schools even offer nights or weekends as an option for their students. Having this flexible schedule does allow our students to work if they feel the need to, but we do not encourage or discourage this point. We feel that it is up to the students to make a decision as to whether they can succeed in our program if they decide to work a full time job. Since many of our students make school their number one priority and decide not to work, we offer financial aid to help with expenses.

Clinical Sites:

With regards to clinical sites, our curriculum is in accordance with statewide standards, meaning that the information that is being taught to our students has been approved by the Board of Higher Education for L.P.N training. To say that our LPN students are getting the same experience as our C.N.A students cannot be anything other than an exaggeration. We have specific clinical sites for classes such as Med Surg, OB, Peds, and even a Behavioral Health Hospital for our students to receive all of the necessary training that it pertinent to having them succeed. The clinical sites that our students attend have very high standards since peoples lives and well-being are in our students hands. The hospitals would not risk a potential lawsuit for improper training.

Instructors and Ethical Issues:

All of our full-time LPN instructors have their Masters of Science in Nursing (M.S.N) and the majority of our adjunct faculty either has their M.S.N or they are in the process of completing their degree. This means that our faculty knows and understands the importance of proper training. They have all taken ethical classes and understand that to help a student cheat on a test is in violation of their ethical practices and they could have their license revoked. This is not something that the Board of Nursing takes lightly, and our school does not either. The repercussions of such an accusation can be detrimental to all parties involved. We greatly encourage that if any student believes that unethical behavior is being practiced, they should contact the Director of Nursing immediately to schedule a meeting to review the claims and proceed with the necessary actions or contact the proper authorities. We have it stated in all of our facultys contracts that if there is any thought of unethical behavior, they will be terminated immediately.

Cheating:

To say that the instructor is helping certain students cheat on the ATI exam does not seem plausible since no one but the ATI Company has access to the answers. Our staff has tried to receive the answer to one question in particular because there was a discrepancy with some of our students, and ATI refused to give us the answer to even one question. If the instructor was walking around the classroom and helping certain students, I am sure that at least one student would have brought it to the administrations attention or to the Director of Nursing for review. It is the students responsibility to notify the proper persons of cheating and other violations since the administration obviously is not in the classrooms at all times. The other point that one student was trying to make was that it is impossible for a student to finish a final exam in 15 minutes and pass it. All I can say is that I have seen it done before and it was accomplished without cheating. Some students are just very prepared for the exam and they do not need to second guess their answers. Have faith in your fellow classmates and in the school that you are attending. It is a good school that is trying its hardest to help its students succeed.

Alumni Testimonial:

I will leave you with a direct quote from one of the numerous alumni that are currently working as an L.P.N in the area:

They (Americare Institute) made me believe in myself. The education is great. When I graduated and started to work, my employer stated that I was a season nurse and they were very surprise I was a new graduate. The clinical instructors were great. I have seen other graduates from LPN schools and the only clinical experience was at nursing homes. And Americare had clinical at selected hospitals which made a big difference. I would love to come back and finish to get my RN. And I know that I (am) getting the best education!!!

Quoted from: Dawn Plamann, Licensed Practical Nurse HCR manorcare libertyville and Fair Oak Health care

As a student of Americare, I too agree with some of the posts on this website regarding Americare being unorganized and unfair. The administration changes policies in the middle of the semester, the class schedules are not flexible contrary to what is advertised. The evening theory classes are only offered on tuesdays or thursdays and begin at 4 pm. How does this work for students who work full-time? And as for clinicals, don't expect to learn or perform any skills outside of cna skills during clinicals. For one of clinicals, I and some of my classmates never performed medication administration during the clinical! The clinical teacher also showed up late every clinical and called off twice, resulting in a seven week clinical being a five week clinical. The students are taught lab skills in the beginning of the lpn course but then after that you are pretty much on your own. And good luck with trying to pratice in the lab. The faculty cancels at the last minute or they schedule lab practice in the mornings for only two hours! Again, how is this flexible for working students? Lastly and the most important is the gross misconduct of one teacher in which I noticed in one of my classes. The teacher helped certain students cheat on the ATI exam and I was a witness to it. After studying my butt off for a week, I came in for the ATI exam and the teacher closed the door and proceded to walk around to certain students and help them answer the test. She also allowed the students to talk during the ATI exam. This same teacher I was appalled and shocked that a teacher would do this. After all, this is nursing and if someone does not know the material they should be allowed to pass! I also witnessed during the final the same teacher allow two students to come in, take final for 15 minutes and then hand in scantron and leave. I asked myself during final how could they have finished test so quickly and pass. I do not have proof that she changed their scores, but I was a witness to the ATI cheating. The same teacher boasts about students getting level 3 on her ATI exam. I however, studied amd achieved level 3 without her help. I am torn as to whether I should report her because I am currently waiting to take role transition and do not want any backlash for faculty or students. Im thinking about reporting after I graduate in July because this teacher is doing the students a great disservice and I know that some of the students she passed are not ready to become LPN's. If anyone is thinking about attending this school, think twice. You may become knowledgeable on the theory side of nursing and may even pass the NCLEX, but you will be lost when it comes to performing lpn skills at the bedside and you will be 18,000 in debt. Go to a school who cares more about you becoming a well-rounded LPN and not a school who cares more about their NCLEX passing rate and the school's bank account.

I went to an info session last week. TO be short because I am tired I will just say this.

#1, the owner is extremely interested in his students and this is far from a scam.he gives you ALL the info at the session. not his view of the schools info.... real hard facts. I actually sat with him for about an hour after the program and talked with him about his school which is like unheard of in nursing to be able to do that with an instructor let alone the OWNER.

#2, he gives you the facts of his school and others. facts. I really dont get how this school is a scam. I looked at its NCLEX results etc...its got great results which makes me feel happy applying there. Its beautiful inside, everyone has been SUPER helpful and nice. especially the finacial aid persons. The  tuition is complarable to other schools, the owner at the info session even tells you to look at cummunity colleges- but the truth is comm. colleges are a process to get into...and can be a long wait. YES, OF course they are cheaper but hey are just as hard as this school. just like state schools i.e NIU WIU etc. Sure everyone would love to go to a comm college or state school but thats just not realistic. If you have the $ or movivation to find funding.... why not do a private school considering the government offers grants (WIA) and scholarshiips (IDPH rural health) and the school is the only one currently who accepts FAFSA. For me, I didnt want to wait to get into a community college and a BSN program is too long for me to go without working. I think I am damn lucky to find an LPN orogram I can start ASAP so in a year I can work as I finish my RN and eventually BSN. oh- clinical sites...who CARES if they are spread out! Hello...your at a hospital...NOT a nursing home. Most LPN programs spend ALOT of time in nursing homes. I dont care how far it is...its a hospital! be grateful!!! If that is true about a 1 day clinical, them being on phones thats terrible...but if its true...was it reported to admin? did multiple students see this? If thats the case I feel llike soomeone would have done something. This school doesnt seem the type to blow something huge like that off.

#3. I am actually RELIEVED to find out this is considered a hard program. nursing school SHOULD be. Do I want some dumb ass taking care of me who went to a "blow off" nursing program? helllllllllll no. THis school is by the books and it is hard and it schould be. Nursing school is HARD. EVERYWHERE. I feel like students go into nursing expecting it to be some easy program that they will fly thru and when they dont succeed its the schools fault. come on now. and I am sooo tired of people saying this and other LPN private schools are expensive. YES, thats a private school. get grants, scholarships..! Be motivated! I am also so so so happy to know this school will eventually get an ADN program going. From what I was told- within this year. Now thats a perk to already getting an LPN there...

#4 I have not started here yet, so if i have to eat my words I will come back here in 6 months and blog it. But so far, everyone is super nice, the owner is very caring for his students, the students I met seem happy, the school seems legit, and I am very happy to be starting here soon. I have a feeling, like with most schools/prigrams...if YOU work hard and study...are motivated.... you will succeed and all these "probelms" with the school probally would never have exsisted.

 

 

jennifer, IL

I just attended one of Americares information sessions and I must say that I was very impressed by what I heard. Those students who claimed that the president was exaggerating the information must not have been paying attention to the presentation. He not only encouraged all of us to look into all of their competitors before making a decision to attend the school, but he also stated that if we could get into a community college that he urges us to do so. Why would he be saying that if he did not genuinely care about the education and happiness of his students? For every claim that he made about the school, he had documentation that verified the statements. If he was exaggerating the information, or lying about it, he would not be able to prove what he was saying. Also, to say that he made false promises cannot be true since not once in the presentation or when I was talking with him after did he ever promise me or the other students anything. I heard that they are trying to get an R.N. program approved so I did some research and found that it is true! I posted a link just in case people needed proof that the school is doing exactly what they say they are: http://www.ibhe.state.il.us/ProgInv/SchoolResults1.asp?SID1=&school=800517&sector=&subject=&program=&levels=&region=&keyword=&sp_tocall=1

To say that your instructor NEVER showed up I think is probably a bit of an exaggeration on your part, especially when you mentioned that she was always on her cell phone. I know that it is against hospital policy to even use a cell phone, so I imagine that there would have been repercussions if this was true. I attended a graduate school in the city for a year before deciding to switch my concentration to nursing, and a lot of the work was self-taught, this is nothing new or surprising. We are not in high school anymore, so as adults we need to be responsible enough to learn the material on our own. I view the professors as more of a tool to help us if we have questions, rather than hold our hands and make sure we are turning in assignments and keeping up with our reading. If you have been failing your classes, it might not be the teachers fault, considering Im sure there are plenty of other students in your class that are doing well. If everyone failed the class the administration would have had to take action. It sounds like your teacher is giving you the necessary tools to succeed, such as having you read the assigned chapters and going over powerpoint slides. But I understand that it is always easier to blame others then take responsibility.

I have seen the NCLEX passing rate scores for the school and they are unbelievable! Again, for those people who do not believe what they are hearing about how well the school is preparing their students I have included another link: http://nursing.illinois.gov/PDF/IlApNursingEdProgPassRates01292010.PDF

Congratulations to all of those students who have worked hard to pass NCLEX, it obviously paid off in the end. To say that the only reason the school has high passing rates is because the students have the desire to pass does not make any sense. If it wasnt for the information that the students learned in class, labs, and clinical settings, there is a high probability that these students would not have passed NCLEX at all. But instead, from what I have heard from friends, Americare prepares its students to the fullest so that they are able to pass the first time around and in such great quantities none the less. This must be contributed to the information that was taught at the school because other schools do not have even close to the number of students passing as Americare. You keep mentioning that you have to study on your ownwhat is your point? In order to succeed in this economy people are going far and beyond what they have had to in the past, so if you really want to do this as your career maybe you should actually work for it too instead of complaining and bad mouthing your own school. If you do not like the school that much why dont you go somewhere else? Im sure Americare does not need your tuition money that bad and maybe youll be a happier person. To say that you own the school because you pay tuition is just ludicrous. That is like saying you own the United States because you pay taxes. From all of the other people I have talked to I have heard nothing but positive feedback with very little complaints. I am very excited to start the program in September and I know that it will be the best decision.

 

If you need a relief for your grievances, why not file a formal complaint with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)?  Americare Institute is an ISBE-approved private, vocational school.  For students who have grievances against this school (or for any other ISBE-approved institutions), your first step should be to reach out and escalate your issues to the State Board of Education.

Here's a link to the ISBE Student/consumer Complaint form:

LINK: (((Redacted)))

STAY FACTUAL
From a legalese perspective, I would also CAUTION the complainants to stay within the bounds of what is factual (things you CAN prove) versus insinuations, accusations, or allegations.  I'm not dismissing your issues or complaints; I'm merely suggesting that you research your facts (example: Americare does not have FAFSA; yet FAFSA has issued them a valid school code) prior to making accusations that might put you in legal trouble (wiki DEFAMATION).

TUITION COST
The school, as far as I know, is privately owned -- and as such, they are not as privvy to boat-loads of State money that are afforded to "publicly-ran" schools. This means, they need to set their tuition rates according to the fair-market price in order for them to remain operational; while providing the most cost-affordable alternative to students.

IT REALLY IS NOT ALL ABOUT MONEY
Also, and this is NOT to come to Americare's defense, but I have personally witnessed the "altruistic" nature of this school.

I have personally attended more than a few LPN program graduations that this school has held within the past few years.  On both graduation instances, the school graciously gave MONETARY awards in excess of hundreds of dollars to students who had done well.  Now, have you ever attended a graduation ceremony where the school actually gave back money (and this is NOT a few dollars; it's in the hundreds if not thousand) to deserving graduates?  I have not.  You gotta ask... What does that tell you about the school's character?

APPROACH THE SCHOOL PROACTIVELY
Last but not least, if you truly have a genuine concern and a serious complaint, aside from reaching out to ISBE, why not ask the owner, or the school's operations staff, for a 1:1 meeting with the management?  Write your issues in a constructive form, list down everything that you think is wrong or should be corrected, and perhaps even offer a set of options or steps that the school can take to remediate your grievance(s).  Don't forget to write down the times you requested for a meeting and the names of the people whom you've spoken to.  You'll be surprised on how much you can accomplished by being proactive; without being destructive.

 

 CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

Seriously... I came from a RN program at a community college and by far, Americare teaches students the tools need to suceed as an LPN much better than the training I received at the community college.  Fact is, the community college is a self taught program. At Americare the teachers take the time to go thru the test questions with the students so they better understand the material being taught and are able to analyze and evaluate the question being asked on the tests to make the correct choice.  The clinicals are taught in a manner where students can learn. As opposed to the community college where they hold your life in your hand and take it away at whim.  If the environment is stressful and unrelenting then the students will have difficulty learning.  At Americare the clinical instructors are tough, but fair.  If you are unsure, you feel comfortable asking questions.  The instructors have worked as nurses and at the community college, most instructors went straight to their Masters without stepping foot in the workplace.  How can you learn from someone who hasnt worked as a nurse?  Its obvious that Americare has a excellent program since they have a 97% pass rate on the NCLEX.  The Exit exam is harder than the NCLEX and that is a good thing. Americare prepares students for the NCLEX indefinitely.  Private schools will always be more expensive then public schools. If you want to get into a nursing program right away then you pay for it.  That is just the way it is. Plus these private schools are not getting funding from the government because they rely on the students to pay tuition to keep the school going.  That is another reason why private schools tailor to the students needs. Obviously, they want to stay in business so it is a sure bet the administration will work with you unless you fail or are disruptive.  I woulndt call Americare a hole in the wall or a short cut thru nursing.  If the community college isnt going to work with students for transfering nursing credits and the private schools will, then i say go for the private schools.  Time is money and if you have to wait and wait and wait to get into the community college nursing programs then why not try a private school. I have recommended Americare to many many people and all have been satisfied with this school.  I am happy with this school and proud to be a graduate of the LPN program. The students are from all different nationalities and besides learning nursing you also learn about different cultures which is valuable in this day and age, especially when you will be working with all cultures of patients. The clinicals are mostly in the chicago land area which i was fortunate to experience.  You never know where you will end up in life and just because you have to drive farther for experience in nursing doesnt mean it is not worth the time.   I was very impressed with my clinical rotations. Nursing school is about experience and in the city you see more then you do in the suburbs.  You become a well rounded individual in the nursing field and if you shelter yourself from experiences, how will you learn.  Americare is a great school, if you can afford to go part time, there is that option too.

We are not disgruntled students. We are real students, having real experiences with Americare,  that are telling the truth.
Jon, you are the owner of this school,  and sounds in denial of what your students are going through.  First of all,  we are not dismissed or kicked out of the school, because that is the last thing you would want to do is to lose another overpriced tuition fee.
The facts are:
1.  Your FREE information has free information and a bunch of over exaggerated ones too to convince future students.  Its informational but a lot of failed promises as well.
2.  Your tuition fee may be the lowest on the list of schools that you have,  but still is high for us since the kind of education provided is not worth the price.  I have finished my clinicals with having an instruction who NEVER came in time,  always on the phone with friends, did not even taught an actual assessment ever.  I did not had a chance to pass meds, not even once in the whole semester,  eventhough the instructor was informed (instructor was so busy with everything but teach).
If you consider reading slides, or reading a book,  as teaching.  Then maybe i could teach too.  'Coz thats all it is for lectures.
SO BEWARE future students,  if you feel like you want to pay the least tuition fee of $17,895 to SELF STUDY,  i think you can do that on your own.  It is unfortunate that we got sucked into the beautiful words that Americare presented during their free informational sessions.
3.  TRANSFER CREDITS?  You meant you accept credits from other schools right?  But what about other schools accepting your credits?  A big NO!  Most of the schools do not accept your credits.  And dont go around the bush with this during your informational session,  just tell the truth,  your classes do not transfer to other schools!
4.  AND DONT BRAG ABOUT YOUR NCLEX PASSING.  The only reason why you have good passing rate is because you have good students who have the desire to pass the NCLEX exam for themselves and their families who are looking forward to them passing the board.  Even if we have to study on our own.
5.  Lawsuits?  Yes i heard you have a lot right now.

Well Jon,  owner of the school,  open your eyes and ears.  These are your students speaking to you.  Make is as a FREE informational session for you to make improvements.  The students that you referred to as dismissed or kicked out was never that.  Those are the students who are fed up with all your broken promises and unorganized management that just left or walked out on you guys.

80% of the population of this school are adults in the working class that have other degrees.  They are smart people, not stupid to be dismissed or kicked off because they failed.  These are people who TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY in their lives,  and who will not pay $17,895 just to fail.

"Owner"  of the school is a designation.  We the students are the owners of the school.  We are the ones who give you the money for the company to survive.  We give you the money to "manage" it,  and we expect that you manage it well because we give you a lot of money.  If you dont have us,  you would not "own" this school.

I am very surprise to read this about americare because I have never experienced any of the things that was mentioned here. I am a student at americare and I just finished and passed my exit last week. I think the cost for this program is worth every penny, plus the school offers fafsa and they work with you through your application every step of the way.I have never talked to anyone that was rude my phone calls and emails where always returned within 18- 24 hours. As far as nclex passing rates 2 weeks ago I went to this site that shows the passing percentage of schools and illinois and americare was on 91% and its clearly shown on that website I heard 2 months ago for students that took the board the pass rate was 95% but this number has not been posted yet so i dont know for sure, the 91% im sure of though.Wow, just reading through all thats written on this report i just couldnt leave this site without saying anything. Our clinicals where very smooth there was only one time during the ENTIRE program that our clinicals was cancelled and this was because at that really heavy snowfall more like a winterstorm but aside from that everything went as scheduled.The only thing thats true about this report is for students that failed and I have heard of them, in fact i went to a clinical with a student who complains alot about the school and said that he had failed and had to retake a class and its because of the school trying to make money, I amost felt sorry for him but one time when I was on a break he had caught me studying and made fun of me. He said, "why are you studying? I never study for any of the classes I just show up for them" and he was proud about it too. so im thinkin to myself, maybe thats why he failed lol. But remember he was blaming the school for it lol. Anyway, yes these students do exist and I know some of them. I guess they end up on these website because their own classmates dont even bother with them anymore. If you are just looking to show up for class sitting and waiting for that license without studying  and workin hard for it, theres no way you survive in any nursing program, The teachers from americare are one of the best I cannot imagine any better place to prepare you for nclex than this school.

One item the owner doesn't point out is that the lab classes do not have enough equipment and far too many students.  Try six lab stations between 40+ students.  And please, no condescending attitude about "less work, more study"; it's clear this is a start up operation and as such, has some problems to be resolved.  I find the owners attitude to be one of "it must be the student's fault".  Perhaps, but no school is without deficiencies that need to be corrected, and Americare is no exception. The oddity is that despite complaints by students, through the proper channels, the school management does not seem inclined to take corrective action.

On the plus side, there is little to no waiting to get in, unlike other nursing programs, and the cost/curriculum is comparable to other schools.  The lecture classes are fine, but the labs are where this school misses the mark.  Try learning anything when you have 5-6 students per work area...you can't.  Americare needs to invest on better lab facilities, or have a few more classes if they can't accomodate that.  There is no reason to create poor learning environments by overcrowding. 

I would be curious if anyone knows if the Illinois Board of Professional Regulation (the body that grants licenses for LPN's and RN's) have any standards regarding classroom size, overcrowding or inadequate facilities.

In response to reports of Americare Institute being a scam. I have researched many schools offering a LPN rogram, visited, checked them out on the state web sights. I find that and have experienced it first hand Americare Institute is by far the best decision if you are going in a LPN Program.

1. They do except FASFA, they are the only private LPN Program in Chicago that has been approved for financial aid, if you visit the Il state board of Nursing web sight, you will see their pass rate for NCLEX is comparable to many of the better schools, by far better then the private LPN Programs. They walk you through applying for FASFA, as well as scholarship programs and WIA. These state web sights are accurate and legit data. As far as tuition I paid $900.00 for 2 courses at the city college 2 courses. I paid $5000, for CNA CMA and Phlebotomy course which included a $3000.00 schalorship. Nursing School is expensive. There program is the cheapest of the private schools and they take financial aid.

2. They are very well organized, as a student of both city college and private schools, Americare Institute does a terrific job of informing, counseling, and making sure you  understand each and every part of the program. They consistantly advise you to do your pre-reqs at the city colleges to save money. There flex schedule is a A+ option, there online student grade and e-mail application is comparable to the city colleges.

3. As far as excepting transfer credits they are more liberal than any other program I experienced, and the TEAS testing for admission  they offer training and books to assist you. Most schools rely on the students finding their way for this test. I am a 1st time passer as many of the others who tested with me.

There are problems with all programs most are small and minute. Taking a small issue and making them scams is not how to fix it. I my self as well as others that have signed up for Americare Institute are very satisfied. Again they do take financial aid, which in itself indicates they are doing things right. It is a hard program, and we were advised of this, but all nursing programs are hard they are suppose to be.

Suzanne S Chicago

 

Everyone's entitled to an opinion.  It's just so convenient to complain about something and bad-mouth a program or somebody when you're hiding behind a username...   But I'm sure whoever is reading this thread wants more than just your opinion and mine. They want to know the facts.

Here are some facts.

1.  Americare Institute has achieved higher NCLEX pass rate for 2009 than our competitors.  The numbers don't lie.  To improve, change must take place.  And every growing organization implements change.
http://nursing.illinois.gov/PDF/IlApNursingEdProgPassRates01292010.PDF

2.  Americare Institute is the only private LPN school in Illinois to offer student financial aid (school code: 041247), making our LPN program more affordable.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

3.  Passing a school exit exam is standard at many nursing programs.  Nursing schools are held to high NCLEX pass rate (Click the link and check out the bottom notes from the board).
http://nursing.illinois.gov/PDF/IlApNursingEdProgPassRates01292010.PDF

I'm just wondering if you truly believe we're a scam why haven't you transferred to another LPN school.  For your convenience, here's the list.
http://nursing.illinois.gov/education.asp

One last thing, I'm not so concerned about your negative opinion or bad advertising as you succinctly put it because I know we're doing the right thing.  We're trying the best we can to help average students achieve their dreams of starting a nursing career. 

There are many who have completed our program and are now enjoying a successful career in health care.  And we have plenty who will testify to that - that is not an opinion.

You've seen my comments more than once? I go from websites to websites -what??? Hahaha that is just very entertaining. That was my first written comment about this school I got stuck in. Do you know how I even found this website? I Google'd "Americare Institute" and wow, it's on Ripoffreport. So Jon, I believe you're mistaking me from someone else. But clearly though, it is funny how the president of this school is giving leaks on how ''students are complaining about their policy'' -the grading policy that keeps changing! Sometimes, in the middle of the semester!

And no, not false claims. Fine, let me give you examples. You asked for it.

I have written proof (handouts from staff) from semester to semester that I'm in the school that the grading policies keep changing. If you want, next time I comment here, I'll include those pics.

I also have voice recordings of Dr. Eliot, the nursing student director there, commenting how STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE THE NCLEX EXAM IF THEY DONT PASS ''SCHOOL EXIT EXAM'' -EVEN IF they PASS ALL their CLASSES. Jon, that is not a false accussation. That is the truth, simply the truth. Eat it because you know it's true. I know it's bad advertisement about the school, but come on, it's not false claims. It's simply a statement.

About unprofessional. For one thing, let me ask you this. Exactly how many lawyers have called your school already because some students aren't happy with either their grades or something else? And didn't you GIVE IN to what they were demanding to be done? EVEN if it was against the policy? Want an example? Karmela, for one. She misteriously passes a class and gets a higher grade in the end than people who were passing the class and getting higher grades than her in every exam. I mean come on, it's very obvious that there's something fishy when someone's sitting there busting their ass off studying and passing and then some lady who's failing exams gets a higher grade IN THE END than the person who was studying getting higher grades in exams than the person failing. She got FULL CREDIT on the ATI quizzes after she called her lawyer up who then called the school, because she failed the class, then voila, full credit on those quizzes = class passed with higher grades than people who deserved higher than her. But you know, I heard students complained why you guys did it for her and not the others -and then all of a sudden gradebookwizard is cleared up. Well, take that for what it is.

Another unprofessional. When students show up to their clinicals and waits for the teacher for hours and hours and doesn't show up. Students call the school, but the school doesn't pick up [even during office hours]. I heard that was a fun free day for the students though, but then they had to make up for the loss time anyway. But still.. LOL I'm looking forward taking that class and the same teacher.

Another unprofessional. When a student breaks an arm, misses class, and has a doctor's note, forced to not show up to upcoming classes and fails and gets thrown out, because she couldn't get all the paper works Dr. Eliot wants in time for the next class, which she can't attend without those paper works. COME ON! She broke an arm! And by the way, I know the mother of that student is in for some lawsuit -if it ever happens, expect some major number of students to testify -even the ones that are passing and happy, because really, that student failing for breaking her arm is just sad.

BY THE WAY! If you're sick, you better be really dying to miss a class and see a doctor because if you don't, you don't get to take your exam you miss that day. If you have the cold, fever, flu, something viral but minor that's contaigous that's generally treated at home without seeing a doctor, don't miss class! Go ahead and go to class even if it's contaigous! Just make sure you're not dying! Infect your fellow classmates and share your sickness! That, or go spend $$$ and see a doctor just for the doctor's signature saying you do have the cold.

So, Jon, no. What I wrote weren't false claims. You know it's true. I know it's bad advertisement, but it's true.

Like I said. My opinion is.. the administration cares about your money. Except the teachers. They're nice.

Hi Seriousrose,

Why are you spending so much time and energy in bad mouthing your school?  You're going to great lengths from website to website writing false claims and unfounded accusations.  I've seen your comments before more than once.  Have you read how contradictory and ridiculous your comments are?  The truth is you're one of those six students who came to the administration office last week demanding that the grading policy be changed to suit your needs.  It does NOT work that way. 

If you reduce your number of hours at work and spend time studying, you'll see that your grades will change for the better.  You can't have your cake and eat it too.

If it needs be, attend the orientation session again to refresh your mind about the school's policies and procedures.  Memorize your student handbook.  Do not listen to negativity.  Ask your real friends, and they will tell you that Ameicare Institute has an uncompromising committment to quality.

I'm a current student of this school right now. I do agree this school is somewhat a scam.

First off, I'd like to say everything the employee above said is what they say upon entering the school. But be very aware. Right now, I'm part way into the program and I'm seeing a lot of unprofessionalism. The grading policies keep changing every semester. The Director is, in my opinion, uncaring (all she cares about is the monetary aspect of their business, the school rank). She loves to talk about "how she's not going to allow you to bring the school's rank down by allowing you to take the NCLEX, even if you pass all the classes, if you don't get a 90 percentile on the ATI exam at the end to make sure that you pass the NCLEX so the school doesn't have a record of failed students on NCLEX." The ATI exam is way harder than the NCLEX. This school makes students get a 90percentile on the ATI exam before they even allow them to take the NCLEX to guarantee that they pass it. It DOESN'T matter if you pass all their classes in the end if you don't pass that ATI. Not that it's a bad thing to study for the ATI (I actually believe it's great), but I'm just simply saying how I agree with the original poster about school scamming.

From what I see, this school purposely fails their students so to not allow them to take the NCLEX so their record will always be good ;) and only allows the ones that are for sure going to pass it. I agree, it's a scam.

The only great thing about this school are their teachers. The teachers are very nice, helpful, knowledgeable, and caring. The topics/classes are okay. However, the policies the administration keep making/changing are just outrageous. The teachers [doctors, nurses] care about their students. The administration cares about your money.

I am not disgruntled or anything. I'm actually passing my classes now. I'm just telling about what I see this school has become. It used to sound like the perfect nursing school.

Who ever wrote nasty things about this school should growup and smell the roses

I am a current student and you have no idea how bad other nursing schools are out there. I was attending a private school to receive my RN ADN and guess what it would of cost me $62,000 and their program can't even come close the Americare. I left not because I was failing I felt like I was not learning anything - I had a 3.875 grade point average. When I left this private school the class that I was in originally in had 30 student and they are down to 7 and they have one more year to go doesn't this say something about their nursing program. Americare's nursing program supercedes the private program that I left, their retainment rate is high because they care about their students. And if you can tell me what univerisity charges what Americare charges for tutition - let me know so I can send my children there.

Also you said that that the teachers at Americare do not care or return your phone calls - you have got to be kidding and what planet did you come from. The teachers are always there to help you regardless how stupid a question is. Let me tell you that the program that I left if you had a question they made you feel stupid and if there were any other issues you would have - they will tell you to buy a book and teach yourself and guess what most of the nursing programs are like this.

Americare Institute really do care about their students - their pass rate for boards is 98% can you tell me what other school has this high pass rate. The way their program is structure (which is not like any other out there) you will pass boards and that is the name of the game.

Americare Institute is professional and they strive for excellence.

And for the Director of Nursing - she is always there. She is devoted to her students and where the students go for clinical. And speaking about clinicals you want to get the best experience and if it means to travel - so get a grip and go to the clinicals that are assigned to go to.

So in conclusion do not believe a nasty word that was written about Americare Institute - this program produces excellent LPNs and this what we need.

Stop telling lies and making false accusations about the school and its LPN program because you were dismissed or kicked out from the program due to low grades or violating school policies.

Here are the facts about Ameriare's LPN program.

1. Americare holds a FREE information session every Thursday and Friday to discuss a variety of topics including admission requirements, tuition and fees, transfer credits, NCLEX success rate, retention rate, entrance exam, pre-requisite requirements.

New applicants seeking detailed information about its LPN program are required to attend this FREE information session.

2. Americare's LPN tuition is $15,754. With other fees included, the total cost of attendance is $17,895. Other private LPN schools charge between $20,000 - $22,500. Americare tuition and fees rank the lowest but bring the best value. It is easy to verify this claim. There are only 5 LPN schools in Illinois, so it should be easy to do your research.

Check out the Board of Nursing's website (http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/WHO/schools/NurseSchools.pdf)

PCCTI (Oakbrook)
Omega Technical School (Evanston)
J Renee (Crystal Lake)
Northwestern Institute of Technology (Chicago)
Americare Institute (Schaumburg, Hanover Park)

Americare always encourages applicants to apply at community colleges to save costs. But the stringent admission requirements and the long waiting list frustrate many students.

Also, applicants have an option to apply at new private nursing schools like Robert Morris College and Devry Chamberlain Schools of nursing since they do NOT have a waitling list.


3. Transfer of Credits
Americare accepts transfer credits from accredited U.S institutions as well as foreign schools. Official transcripts must be submitted to the school for an evaluation. The credit hours must match Americare's credit hours. The math and science courses must be taken within 5 years (this is a typical requirement among community colleges). Contact the school for more information about its Transfer Credits Policy

There is absolutely no CLEP exam needed to transfer your credits.

4. Faculty and staff
A performance evaluation is given annually to faculty and staff to ensure that they are aligned with Americare's mission of putting the student first above all else. Americare goes above and beyond in providing counseling and tutoring to help prepare students for NCLEX and the real world. Read the testimonials and contact some of its graduates.

5. NCLEX Passing Rate
Americare's NCLEX passing rate ranks higher than well known big nursing schools. Contact the Illinois Board of Nursing at 312-814-3039 and inquire about Americare Institute NCLEX passing rate.

6. Job Assistance
Americare helps provide its graduate with a comprehensive job search strategy from writing a resume, to interviewing skills, to a Job Fair. Hospitals and nursing home facilities are invited before graduation to recruit students. Americare graduates make between $21 - $24 as an entry level LPN.


7. Clinical Sites
There is nothing wrong of going to Chicago hospitals for clinical.


8. Lawsuit against the school
What a lie! You're probably thinking of filing a lawsuit against the school for dismissing you from the program for either violating school policies or failing a class.

That's why our country is in such a mess right now because of people like you who do NOT want to take personal responsibility.


Attend the FREE information session to find out about Americare's LPN program. Contact its Schaumburg campus at 1-847-397-0300.