13 Best Surgical Tech Programs In Virginia Beach, VA (2022 Updated)

The nursing program is predatory. There has been a mas exodus of teachers and the good ones have refused to return because they don't trust the head of the department. They have lied to the Virginia Board of Nursing and the VA regarding their NCLEX pass rates and the VA will now not allow new students to use their GI Bill to attend this program. Last I heard, the Virginia Department of Nursing was also reviewing them due to complaints. If you still want to attend, anticipate having to teach yourself everything and probably still failing out of the program. Out of my class of over 35 students, only 1 or 2 haven't failed out. They staff is rude and condescending. They will tell you to go into debt to go through their program and to not pay your bills so you can focus on them if youre not doing well. They will accept anyone that will pay them, and legitimately only see students as dollar signs. When students drop out, they dont care because there's always new students for them to prey upon with lies and false promises. They don't want students passing, the more students that pass their program the more they risk their NCLEX pass rate dropping. **EDIT TO ADDRESS THEIR RESPONSE** The program had previously been allowed to receive GI Bill students, however that is not currently the case. Their response was misleading, making it seem like they've never been able to utilize GI Bill funding, because the program "has not yet" been able to? They had been able to just fine for the previous two years at least before it was revoked. This school's nursing program is the most toxic thing I've had the misfortune of feeding into. When the new director of the program took over and we had the Board of Nursing visit she solicited students to be available to answer questions about the program, then coached answers and told us what to tell them, instead of offering our genuine experiences because it could have affected the programs standing. The nursing staff themselves heard the same things about the schools standing with the Board of Nursing and the V.A. They're only sorry I'm publicly speaking out, they literally only care about making money off of the people they can sweet talk into attending their program.Nika

I really enjoyed receiving my education at Bryant & Stratton I graduated with my Associate of Applied Science and Medical Reimbursement Billing & Coding August 2021 and the program has really made a difference in my life. I would say to the future students just stay focus and you will succeed. These are the instructors who has made a great difference in my life: Professor Malik, Instructor Register, Instructor Quinn, Dr. Hofheimer, Instructor Spruill, Instructor Mosley, Instructor Ellorin, and instructor Foster you all are the best at Instructing your classes, your positive and inspirational! Thank you to career Services Mr. Bishop and Ms. PIrcer for making sure that I was prepared for my future career as a coder you both are the greatest! Thank you to my financial advisor Ms. Cordona and Financial Aid Ms. Washburn you both are the best at always making sure everything is in order. Thank you, Dr. Graham it has been a pleasure having you as an Director you have also have made a great difference in my life, you are so inspirational and you make sure your students get all the education they need to succeed.Lorena Morgan

This is for nursing… They will draw you in with their nice admission reps then when you get there, they completely flip the script. They don’t care about you or your success. You’re just a number to them. Half of the instructors are completely clueless on what to even do for the course. There was one who held a secret meeting with certain students, gave them the test answers and I not then revealed to the rest of the class that we were having a test. The rest of the class failed. Only a couple of the instructors are great. If you do clinicals you will most likely get misled by an instructor who has their own set of rules and then they will hold it against you for not following the “rules”. It’s like they want you to fail just to get your money.They will put on a big Smiley face when the board of nursing shows up and the students are so safaris if the administration, we don’t tell them the truth when we are asked. Either way, our word doesn’t matter to them and it never will. Ask any Bryant and Stratton nursing student and you will always get the same answer.DON’T DO IT.Jessica Matos

I Graduated as and honor student earned my A.O.S as a CMA. I was told by centura that they would help me find a Job. It never happened. And I search for a Job for 2yrs and I even tried to volunteer for doctors office's and private care. I was told since I didn't have any experience they couldn't assist me I had to have at least 1yr experience in the field. I feel like I was deceived and tricked into a student loan and I no longer have my certification because I couldn't find a Job I still have my degree but if I wanted to search for a Job in the field again I would have to go back to take the test or a refresher course. Meaning paying more money and that's not going to happen. I'm really considering taking this issue further legal actions against this school for misleading and deceptive information having people to believe that they are going to get a job and instead your stuck with dept.. Good Luck to you that attend this school and over $30,000 in dept that will go on your credit.Diantha Ford

Centura is a great place to start over or even finish something you need to finish. I personally love this school. They have helped me to realize my potential. They push for excellence I'm glad because I'm in the top 5% of my class and just got invited to The National Honor Society. You set your goals at Centura they make sure you reach them. The staff genuinely cares and wants you to succeed. Don't put it off anymore enroll take that leap change your life. It's the best step you will make for yourself. Just do it !!!!!!!!!!D Smith

Waste of time and money didn’t learn anything. They make you pay for books that you’ll never open because everything’s on the computer, you basically teach yourself. More computer action than hands on and lecture and lectures are read word for word out the books the put online, no clarity . I’m leaving the program with little knowledge from that school and not confident that I’ll pass the certifications and actually get a job in the field. Instructors come and go (in the middle of the mod). Would not recommend at all.Jala Moore

would give zero stars if possible. They lost my wife's application for the nursing program after they conveniently got all our money for the pre classes. First they blamed my wife for not putting in her application, but then realized they misplaced it and their response was, "better luck next year." Another student in the class was denied for the nursing program after South university realized she was missing a pre req class that they forgot to put into her degree program! Their first priority is collecting your money. Its not a big deal to them if they screw up your program and you have to wait anther year to apply.Brandon Smith

I am currently a student here and if I could I would give it zero stars. The only reason why I am staying is because my teachers that I had on campus so far are fantastic. The admin side of this school is HORRIBLE! The lack of communication in the front office from registering for classes down to financial aid is a joke. If they worked on their communication skills and take responsibility for their mistakes and own up to it, then the school would be so much better until then I would not recommend this school.Tiffany Sealy

Classrooms were lacking diversity. In addition, most instructors in the Counceling program were not licensed themselves and treated students like children.L.P. Scheuer

I enrolled in the phlebotomy class in September to October as a current CNA. I hate needles and I also was very curious to get my phlebotomy education. The process of enrolling is easy and quick, including a phone interview and coming in to sign papers and brining in your own paper work. You can pay in increments while going to school, so that was really nice. The class was about 13 of us, you are required to not miss more than 3 days to pass and that includes make up assignments. Within the second to third class we were all sticking each other and having a blast. Once you get your first tube of blood, you feel so wonderful and you just don’t want to stop. 95% of your work is online linked to your text book that’s provided. My instructor Mr. Mesa was nice and was very patient with all of us. Although I wish that we learned more and certain things we asked about he wasn’t to sure about them. This class is all about remembering your order of draw, understanding what additives are in what tubes, venipunture, capillary puncture, safety, patient identification, different equipment you’ll see, handing instructions and what type of tests go to what tubes. Overall I had a positive experience here! Thank you tidewater medical training!Jessica G (Jessy)

Overall, I can say I’m pleased with the training I received at TMT. Dr. Misa is a GEM! He makes class fun and interesting and lets us know just what to study for the exam. The financial process is straightforward and the payment plan ensures that you can make your payments in a timely manner. However, the externship portion of the class was less than enjoyable. Understandably, due to Covid, a lot of offices aren’t accepting students. However, we researched and found offices that accepted students for a project so there’s really no reason the school couldn’t utilize the practices we found to take students. Additionally, some of the students found the externship coordinator to be abrasive when it came to determining our clinical sites and had myself and another student had not contacted her 3 days before externships we’re due to begin, we would have been forgotten about. We ended up having to do our externships virtually. That’s why I knocked a star off my review. But if you have Mr. Misa as your instructor, you’re in good hands. I feel prepared and already have a job lined up 4 days after taking my exam and becoming certified.Maria Chowning

I'm very pleased with the educational experience I recieved at Tidewater Medical Training. The instructor and staff are professional, well versed, educated, courteous and approachable. Upon graduation I was confident that I would pass my State Boards and I did!!! The evaluators at Pearson Vue were kind, warm , professional and fair. Also, Tidewater Medical Training holds a job fair towards the completion of the course. Which is great because I already have a Nurse Aid position waiting for me. If you have a heart to help people like me and to be in the medical field. I would strongly encourage you to attend this school. You're not just a number here, the classes are small and you learn at a steady pace. In addition, the tuition is reasonable also. Just think…..it will only take you 6 weeks to complete the program and from there youre in demand because Nurse Aids are the backbones to the Nurses and Physicians! Be the change the world needs and become a Nurse Aid!! I hope this review encourages you.♥️Monique

I really enjoyed Fortis College. Not just because they made me student of the month, which is very easy to do, but because they care. I was an easy student. I didn't need a lot of attention because I was very determined to do great things, but I know some that did and the teachers and staff were right there to help them along the way. Your certificate for x ray certification is national and that is a big deal. The Dental Assisting Program is top notch with excellent instructors. I could not have been hired right off of externship without them and Mr Doxey who gives great advice for the hiring process and resume preparation. This school was by far the most helpful and caring staff anyone could ever ask for. I will miss my student status but will embrace my career fully capable and qualified.Dawn Moss

When I started this school I thought that things were going to be organized because of Jerrel in admissions. Come to find out that all the teachers quit and there is no staff to have clinicals, I am not sure what is wrong behind the scene and why all of the teachers want to leave so suddenly. The schedules are also given out so late and changed constantly due to lack of staff. If you have money to give out for free you can attend here but if you are actually looking for a good education then you should probably find another school. This school has been a waste of money and a waste of time so far. Do not go here if you want your nursing degree.Brandon

I just completed my course in Clinical Medical Assisting at Fortis in July '15 and feel it was a great decision and good fit for me. The level of education I received there makes me feel confident I will find a lucrative and rewarding job. My instructors were knowledgeable and caring. They were always ready to help and made me feel I mattered, not just "another face in the crowd". They really cared about my success and went out of their way to ensure that if I worked hard, I would attain it. I would definitely recommend Fortis' Medical Assisting program to anyone looking for a new start and a bright future.Jill Savage

Let me state first an foremost the instructors are not my issue…I'm a night student right now an we are treated as 3rd class citizens..they run out of T plates for us to weld on so they want us to weld on backing strips well that doesn't work ppl..the day shift gets food trucks to come by for them to eat lunch, nothing for the night shift. The day shift has welding, plasma cutting contest for prizes "Welding Hemet " first place a really nice 4 sensor helmet to boot..no contest for the night shift. The day shift has very little people in it an the night class is way over booked if we don't get there earlier then required we don't get a both to weld in. The tool room guy shouldn't be employed here at all. As a student i should not have to wait for him to give me electrodes or plates to weld with an then get an attitude from him. if you have a issue that doesn't pertain to welding forget trying to look for someone aftee 5p.m the office people are gone. I work myself so just popping in to school during the day isn't an option. I've gone to the heads of the school with issues an well to benifit the students in general it feel on death ears.Chris Locke

This is a great school to attend. That is my HONEST opinion. There are amazing and knowledgeable instrusctors here. I've completed the Automotive program already and am now in the welding program. I've learned a lot in my short time being there and if you have a passion for what they offer, then its the right place for you. The staff is very welcoming, they can be pretty funny as well. With this being a TRADES school what you put in is what you get, HANDS DOWN! If you don't want to show up, how can you ever expect to learn anything? Its 4 days a week of classes and they offer makeup friday sessions. The bad reviews seem to mostly come from disgruntled students that may have had a hard time adjusting their schedule to suite them but all in all, its a great place. I do know that the Auto is a 10 month program and welding is a 6 month program. As of now that is…Jaylen Bates

If you put in the work and show up you get what you deserve if you dont then yeah it's a waste of money if you don't put in the hard work and time it's your mistake if you dont get what you want not theirs (welding) Instructors are the best because their are so many every department has amazing teachers it's the students that have to put in hard work to get what you want the teachers will give you the tools to succeed if you don't show up and take the tools then its your fault you failed not theirs I recommend this school to anyone who wants to put hard work into it and get what they want if you halfass this school you won't so don't bother going to this school because you'll be a waste of time for the instructors who are trying to help those who actually wants a job in the field they chose.Cody Dillow

I could eat her hopes Clinic they prescribed medications one of which was stolen in a burglary of my houses for blood pressure medicine and I've been trying to get it they've told me they call it in to the pharmacy and they told other I went there they told me they were called in and if they did they call the wrong medicine are these people rho they are accountable to no one I can't even call and talk to my doctor there I would not recommend this college did anybody I think they practice bow practice Thursday to actual practice and I can't even file a complaint with anybody I guess there's nobody you can complain to in the EVMS thing I've called to try to talk to somebody I can talk to my doctorTimothy Collins

Although I have not had very many appts at this office, I am adding how I appreciate the medical assistants…who are always very pleasant and helpful. I cannot remember names much, but I was there today for blood work and "Calethia" was very patient and pleasant with me. She also made sure any questions I had were answered before I left. So many times, doc appts are not "fun" …so I especially appreciate when medical assistants, staff members, and doctors listen patiently, pleasantly…and helpfully.Doreen Jackson (DoreyJ)

How can anyone trust a medical school that employs professors that lack any sort of professionalism. Psychiatric professors that thinks he can diagnose people based off their acting? Without a single face to face sit down? That they can see a persons processing speed? I am very concerned about the quality of psychiatrists being trained by this institute and the sort of damage they could be causing through misdiagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.Jivan Grewal

I attend the evening/ weekend RN program and I will tell you I love it so far… My professors are not only very knowledgeable they are personable and easy to talk to as well. Ms. Hunter, Robinson, Baranek, and Hobbs have made college enjoyable. Their energy and spirits make to look forward to school as a pleasurable "get away" from everyday life. IDK about the day program but evening and weekends are awesome.Phillip Brown

I applied to the Licensed Practical Nursing program. I took my entrance exam & waited 1 week. The testing experience went very well and I got my score immediately. I’m interested in attending your college to become a Registered Nurse. This fall I take Microbiology, Chemistry and Ethics. I plan on applying at the end of my semester.Jasmine Frink

Amazing professional culture! Riverside College is so overlooked and it's unfortunate because there are so many awesome things happening here.Marcus Calabrese

I got my first Bachelor's here for Criminal Justice and it was good. Enjoyed most of it, don't remember any major problems at all. Started going for my second Bachelor's with the STEM extension doing Cyber Security, not so good. Most of the teachers are cool, but there is one when you are taking IT classes, you will likely have him. He is very condescending! He takes it upon himself to try and teach you life lessons that he thinks you should know or have. He says he follows the rules of the school to the letter, where discretion is an option to the teachers, he takes none! So just know if you are taking IT, don't get too accustomed with the other teachers who will give you breaks with due dates, because there is one who gives NO breaks! He says he is willing to offer help, but his way of offering help is thru "challenging" yourself to find the answer yourself. Now, normally I'd have no problem with this. I like being challenged and I like to challenge others, but his way isn't normal or nice. Like I said, he can be very condescending, while challenging you, he can make you feel like an idiot, which turned me off from wanting to ever ask him for help. Hey, we all can be idiots at times, right? Of course, it doesn't need to shoved in your face! Plus many times, when you are asking a simple question, he will in turn ask you a question and it turns into a whole convoluted back and forth, and a waste of your time. Ask a fellow student, Google or go with your best guess. My main complaint so far, is with his Ethical Hacking class. He didn't teach any ethical hacking, as far as how to do it. How do you take the recon, the scans and then hack a computer? I didn't know, hence why I'm in school. He wanted you to rely on the iLabs and Google. And you can ask him for help, but be prepared for an inquisition. Problem is, he is one of the main teachers for IT. So it's not just one or two classes you will likely have him for. I've had him for at least 6 at this point and by the end it will probably be 12 or more. This isn't even everything. Unless you are already in IT and semi-comfortable, I don't recommend going here. Otherwise, you may come out frustrated and not having learned a whole lot. 6 days later: Things just got worse. Now they are assuming every student is cheating. They are requiring students to prove they aren't cheating, just for homework assignments. If you've ever done an IT lab in a virtual environment with only one small screen, its a little cumbersome. But in order to prove I'm not cheating it means either taking double the screenshots or maximizing the screen to see what you're doing and then minimizing them to take the screenshot. This is a purely selfish policy. They don't want a cheating student to get into a job and make them look bad as if they didn't teach that student what was expected for the degree. DON'T GO TO ECPI FOR IT/CYBER SECURITY!Some IT Guy

There are definitely some areas for improvement with ECPI/MCI but overall I had a good experience. I went through them for LPN and then the RN Bridge program immediately after. Positives: 1. The majority of their teaching faculty will go above and beyond and truly care about the students. Mr. Seigel, Ms. Thomas and Ms. Smith to name a few really truly care and want the best out of you and they deserve a shout out. 2. I really felt prepared both times for the NCLEX 3. The ATI program they use is great. Take them seriously and use the resource! 4. They have a lot of great clinical rotations 5. It gets you where you want in the fastest way 6. Though I felt like I should have just went straight to RN and skipped the bridge, I feel like the LPN truly did make the RN program much easier. I had no issue in the RN program and it was good reinforcement. I don’t think I could have retained all that I did if I would have just done the RN program. I feel very prepared to start working as an RN. They do push the LPN program first which can be frustrating to people, but the positive of it is it does help, it will just cost more money and time. Negatives/Room for Improvement 1. Communication regarding clinical schedules- Yes, it is possible to have a family, work, have a military spouse and complete this program. But you definitely need to be prepared to drop plans at the drop of a hat because of last minute changes and last minute schedules. Obviously this could also have something to do with the clinical sites, but regardless, do not expect to be able to have schedules well in advance. Often they will be last minute with 24 hours notice. If you know that going in it will make it a little less frustrating. 2. Communication and organization as a whole- Questions do not always get responses or answers when you reach out and that can be frustrating. This could be from lack of support/personnel for administration. It’s a fine line of feeling like you are nagging/beating a dead horse and just trying to simply communicate. Overall I had a good experience. No school will be perfect without room for improvement. This is my honest review. I would recommend attending this school for nursing and I am glad that I went. It was doable going back in my 30’s with a military spouse and children and I am thankful that the school was right here in Hampton Roads.C Masson

I love ECPI. The campus and courses are straight to the point. If you want a no frills education that doesn't waste your time, inquire about their programs. Be aware, this is a fast paced, do it yourself environment! If you need or want your hand held and to be treated like you're fresh out of high school, this place is not for you. As for dealing with VA benefits, they are still the VA. Nobody interacts with them without any issues. My financial advisor has done a phenomenal job of processing all my claims and I have never waited on any payments from the VA. But again, when there's an issue, you need to be involved and asking questions. It's YOUR benefits and YOUR education.jason arpei

I was an ESL student at ALC. Their curriculum was good but the classmates(20 to 25 ppl) were always talking in other Languages during English class and the teacher would say nothing. Some students would talking loudly during tests and the teacher would not address it. It was not only extremely rude but very distracting! I never expected to experience something like that among grown adults. We paid $50.00 + $40.00(book) = $90.00 for four months. Maybe that's why they don't respect their students and don't do their job. The instructors should know their students are investing their time to learn English . I spent three to five hours in class Monday to Friday, which is almost 25 hours a week. 25×4(weeks)= 100 hours a month. Nobody wants to spend 100 hours every month to get stress and not encouraged to learn. I wouldn't recommend ALC to anybody. IF you are a beginner, it's also very difficult to learn because we do so much group work with students from other countries with strong accents and improper grammar. The teacher Did not take the time to correct anybody or try to help. Sometimes the teacher would take several weeks to grade and return our tests. I feel that the instructors think we're lucky to attend an English class for so cheap, but the truth is, they're lucky to have us there because we provide them a job.J C

I took a small class to learn more about Microsoft office and there were a few nights where the teacher was late and I didn't feel she took her job seriously. I got the feeling that since she already had a full time job during the day, that she had no energy for our class. I didn't feel that we had much interaction and we should have had more problem solving in the classroom of which we barely had any. I feel like it's easy money for the school to keep going but I would not recommend in spending a large amount of money to really learn a career there. Go to a real school and get your money's worth.Melissa Newcomer

Do not go to the ALC they have a very shady financial aid department run by 1 person for all of Virginia Beach by the public school system. It is not really of service to adults like they advertise or you should be prepared to pay out of pocket. They will keep your aid money this is nothing like a reputable college who disberses leftover funds at the end of each semester. I highly advise looking elsewhere. Also, ESL classes are all free at your local library as well as GED programs:)M J

The advisor staff at the counseling office are very rude and sad to say the black staff there treats white people poorly. They don't do a thorough advising session, they dont allow parents to be apart of it, they dont care about answering parents questions. I observed (as a black person) how they talk, look at, and interacted with white people. They are condescending, rude, and its very unnecessary and disgusting. I mentioned this feedback as I was there today, and the supervisor said oh its just (the main one I pointed out) her personality, she has a strong stern personality. I told her no that's unacceptable, she didn't interact with me like that. And these people didn't act or provoke that type of response. They need to learn to treat everyone the same and be more professional, and not excuse bad behavior. We left and went to Chesapeake campus its definitely night and day!!!! Will be giving Chesapeake a great review!mommy 1

7/22 Definitely left the campus unhappy. Get better people in the financial aid department that actually want to help you. I came in person because calling the 855 number is an absolute Joke. When I came up to the 2nd Floor, all the lights were turned off in the Financial aid section and I thought they were closed. As I approached closer, I saw the light of the laptop on and the lady sitting in the dark. She was very unfriendly and seem bothered with my questions like it's an inconvenience for us to come in person for help. Do better Tidewater CC!!!!!!N.A.

If you need to speak to a counselor, good luck. They are severely lacking and can’t seem to manager their time between virtual and in person. I doubt they know how to theirs jobs at the Virginia Beach campus. To speak to one in person you are looking at a 2 and half hour wait or more. Those office people don’t seem care about the students. You would be better off attending another college. The Virginia Beach campus needs new administration personnel. Fire and get rid of them all and we can do everything online. Why even have the buildings.Amber Hallett

This was by far the worst experience my daughter had! They separated the classes to black and white! Not knowing a lot of the kids became friends. They would look over the black group on information that was taught to the white group. When their white friends would tell the black friends what they was taught, it was completely opposite. When the students asked the teacher about it the teacher said oh I forgot all about that. Most of the black girls failed the boards because of the lack of knowledge not the skills. I guess racialism it’s finished in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Do not waste your child’s time here. Don’t have them get their hopes up to get hurt. Complete waste of our children time.Angela Morado Blanding

Class= Look at Power Points and watch YouTube videos. Unsure why people need to be bussed over there to do that.School makes you pay out of pocket for everything you need, they only supply the building. And the building has no cafeteria even though some classes turn in to all day. Teachers not familiar with online delivery or how to use lock down browsers for testing. They want you to print your own paperwork out weekly. The high pass rates they talk about are the 8 out of 40 students that even stay for the second part of their program, not the pass rate for the starting classes.Banana Bread

I got here and I'll say that the class I had chosen was false advertising. Wanted to work on motorcycles but all we do is lawn mowers and the staff here never take the kids seriously unless its Mr. Marlin. My teacher just shows us powerpoints that we could've looked on our computers for and really never taught. Loved it at the beginning of the school year now I just want out. Wish everyone else a good future though.Emily