American University of Health Sciences — Attraction in Signal Hill

As a recent graduate of the AUHS School of Nursing, I feel obligated to share my experience so prospective students understand what they are signing up for. I came here with passion and high expectations, but my time was defined by disorganization, poor leadership, and a culture that actively makes nursing school harder than it needs to be.

Clinical Hours: During our pediatric rotation, the school failed to provide enough hours to meet requirements. When I asked what would happen, I was told we’d have to retake the course. Hours were eventually made up, but in a chaotic, last-minute way that made the quarter about surviving, not learning.

Retaliation for Speaking Up: When students respectfully asked questions about scheduling, the Provost, Marilyn Uvero, interrupted a class to accuse us of being “ungrateful.” I was later written up for voicing concerns privately. The same week, AUHS changed the quarter schedule without student consent, violating California education law.

Ignored Complaints: A clinical instructor canceled shifts, mistreated students, and was even reported by hospital staff. Despite multiple complaints, leadership claimed “it didn’t happen.” Students are consistently dismissed or blamed when raising legitimate issues.

Harassment by Faculty: My classmates and I filed a formal letter reporting Professor Denise Waller for harassment and unprofessional conduct, including sending students home without cause, humiliating them in front of staff, entering a locked psych unit without clearance, and making physical contact. The school took no visible action. Waller remains employed, and students remain afraid.

Constant Chaos: AUHS frequently changes schedules with little or no notice. It’s common to learn about clinical start times the night before or to have “bootcamps” announced last minute. Emails are ignored, and staff give conflicting answers to simple questions.

False Advertising: AUHS heavily marketed a new “state-of-the-art” simulation lab that was used as a selling point for enrollment. The building stayed closed well into our program, and students never used the promised equipment.

Culture of Fear: Multiple instructors have quit, calling the environment toxic. The Director of Clinicals, Maria Shearing, has been described by faculty as verbally abusive in meetings. Students who are sent home from clinicals (without just cause) are forced to pay $1,200 to make up the hours. Many of us learned to keep our heads down just to get through the program.

Broken Promises: AUHS advertises a $1,000 tuition rebate for graduates who pass the NCLEX on their first attempt. The policy said the rebate would be ready the Friday of the first week of the next quarter. It’s now been over three weeks, and the school refuses to provide any timeline or information about when it will actually be paid.

There are a few individuals at AUHS who care and try to help, but they are the exception. The administration as a whole provides no meaningful support and often feels openly hostile. They are punitive when questioned, dismissive of concerns, and unaccountable for the chaos they cause.

I strongly advise AGAINST attending AUHS. If you do, be prepared to sacrifice your job, your personal life, and your peace of mind. The school will not accommodate you or treat you with basic respect.

Nursing school should be challenging because of the material, not because the administration makes it harder. It should be fair, professional, and focused on growth. AUHS fails...

CAUTION!!! TURN AROUND SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!

This school is a scam! all the stuff they claim to offer you during your meetings with Dina the counselor and the dean Dr. Bralock is of course BS. I'm about to graduate soon and I'm worried cause I was looking into a couple of school for my Master program and most of my credits are not transferable because AUHS is not accredited by wasc. Schools don't care much about CCNE. Everything sounds good and even looks good on paper but in reality its BS! We signed contracts in the beginning but the school changes stuff up all the time. The school went from 100 community service hours to 200. We went from accredited with CCNE to not and back.

Just beware... AUHS evens has this horrible teacher that her pass rate is in the 50's but the school doesn't care because they are failing students and making more money! Her name is Professor Tracey Beltran Flores!!!!

The school was even going around telling students that they would give them 5 hours of service if they went on to sites like this one and left a positive feed back.

If you don't believe that this is a real review... Go ahead go through the process! you will meet with one of the counselors. Than you will take a timed test and if you pass you will have a interview with the dean. Dr. Bralock with 5 other applicants. If you still don't believe me just ask around when you are on campus about the teacher Professor Flores!!! By the way she teaches about 8 classes so you can't get away from her!

SCAM SCAM SCAM all they want is your hard earn money! If you fail out PEACE your assed cause you can't even transfer the...

I am currently in my 3rd quarter at AUHS. So far, my experience here has been amazing and I have met lots of students that have become my friends and study buddies. I admit, the nursing program is hard just like one would expect. Nothing comes easy, you have to work your way up to get where you are. It is hard, but if you talk with your professors regarding your concerns in a class, they will definitely give you tips and help you out. Also, take advantage of the tutoring and read, read, read!! You won’t learn anything if you do not read and understand the material yourself! I did not get to meet the staff right away due to the pandemic, but once I did, they were very welcoming just like how they were in the online orientations and meetings. They definitely take the students’ feedback into considerations and make sure you are heard. So far, the staff I have met in the Student Services is Ms. Alma, the registrar. She is always there in the office when you need to talk to her or have any questions. I usually go to her when I have questions (even thru email) and she will direct you to the best person that can help you with whatever concern you may have. Other faculties/staff I have met are Ms. Venus, Ms. Carlet, Professor Carter, Professor Marco, and Professor Flores! They have all been amazing to me, especially this quarter. I believe that the professors here want you to learn and succeed in the best way possible, even if this program is rigorous and...