California Career Institute — Attraction in Anaheim

I attended CCI’s Cardiovascular Sonography program from September 2024 to January 2025. From the start, there were major red flags. The building is run-down with no signage on the building, no student lounge, no vending machines, and no real campus feel. Despite claiming they weren’t “about money,” the school felt like a cash grab with little to show for it. Classes were disorganized, some were missing from Canvas, names were spelled wrong across platforms, and we were misled into believing we were the second sonography cohort when in reality, we were the first, meaning no past graduates or credibility.

We were promised in-person instruction, but ended up on Zoom. The Hawthorne campus wasn’t even open when the program started, yet they expected them to commute to Anaheim. One professor was tasked with teaching multiple courses to over 20 students. She did her absolute best, but it was clear she was overwhelmed and unsupported.

To make matters worse, my tuition increased without notice.I told my classmates, one had to withdraw because she couldn’t afford the change. Rumors swirled about the school not actually being accredited which is VERY concerning.

What pushed me to leave was when Dr. Qahoush scheduled a Zoom meeting just 4 days before the term started to “figure out” our class schedules. He expected us to switch to PM and weekend classes, not what we signed up for. When I explained I worked two jobs to afford tuition, he called me non-compliant. That was the moment I realized how unprofessional and unstable this program was.

I requested a refund, as Dr. Qahoush himself had stated we could do at orientation. My mother and I scheduled a meeting with financial aid advisor Odessa Mathis and her demeanor changed the moment we walked into the room. She was demeaning, hostile, and even called me a “beggar looking for a free handout” and said, “people like me always want things for free.” I’m mixed race and she is a black. It was shocking coming from someone in a professional role and who claims to be a christian. She physically pushed us out of the office and the door caught both our ankles.

Dr. Qahoush was made aware and admitted he didn’t take action because he feared “what Odessa might do,” suggesting he didn’t want to be accused of discrimination — though the experience was discriminatory toward ME. I was ignored for weeks until I showed up in person, and only then was my withdrawal processed within 30 minutes. I strongly believe I only got my refund because of the incident.

The only positive experience I had was with my professor, Muna, who truly cared about her students. I also wish the best for my classmates who remained. But as for the school, this is not a place that puts students first. It felt unsafe, unstable, and like a waste of $50,000 for a program with no foundation.

Please, do your research. Read every review. Take a tour. Ask questions. And most of all, trust your gut. It will never steer you wrong.

God bless you, Odessa. I hope you heal from your hateful heart, from one christian...

I recently graduated from the LVN program at CCI Anaheim on June 2025. Parking are plenty. The school structure is located at a decent location. Class schedule is flexible enough for me to work full time while in school. Instructors are knowledgeable and make sure you are ready for your exams and NCLEX. Homework are manageable if you do not wait until last minute. Comparing to other schools, this school workloads and requirements to pass are all doable if you actually put in the work. Yes you will pay a lot of money for tuition, this is a private school! But There are financial aid offer. More importantly, they will make sure you pass, and well prepared. They will not just drop you because you fail a class. However keep in mind, they want you to earn it not just giving it to you. Make sure do what you need to do, and work with them. You will be successful. HOWEVER, there are still some drawbacks. Communications between faculty staff and students need to be improved. Some class pacing should be adjust (maternity, pediatric, mental health). Skills lab is usable, but could be better. Rules, and grading criteria should stay consistent and should not be changed too frequently. All in all, despite some drawbacks, CCI is a decent starting place for your healthcare career. And the selling point of their programs are you will be able to study while working at the same time. Not many schools can offer this. It can be challenging at some point, but it is worth it!...

Did my LVN program here and I do not recommend. I don't feel like I learned a lot, it was more independent study. We only did nursing homes for clinicals and the curriculum is very unorganized, usually same clinics. The professors are unfair because you follow rules but they won't apply for all students. I was very upset most of the time and voiced my opinion but would get bs excuses. I saw many instructors and administrators leave. They have a high turn over rate it's hard to keep up. I did have a great instructor but she was also fed up with them and we lost her. Their rules and agenda change all the time and you would think by now they would have it together. Flexibility is good but not sure if worth the headache. Many ppl got away with things while I followed rules but was worthless. Towards end of program they changed exit exam date when ppl already had plans. I passed with a 84% on my exam and because someone cheated they made everyone who got over 80 retake the test regardless if my grades were all A and Bs. It was very unfair and they didn't care. I studied so hard just to be punished. Retook my test and passed again and was glad I was done with that nightmare school. Also right now they are bribing with free IV certification if you give them a 5 star review. Guess I won't qualify , oh well, I rather give my honest opinion...