Southeastern College - Columbia — Local services in Columbia

If you are looking for a job, please do not interview here unless you are desiring to be discriminated against over your physical appearance. I was told by the president that her concerns on hiring me were over my “appearance”. I assumed she meant my red colored hair which I would have corrected with no problem but she went on to say that I would need to “step up” my attire to work at her school. I wore black pants, a white Calvin Klein dress shirt, and a pink cardigan. The front desk girl was in a blouse and black pants so I didn’t think I was far off in my attire, maybe even surpassing expectation. I was completely off guard as I’ve never had a potential boss discuss her dislike towards my appearance and use it as a reason to have reservations on hiring me. I’ve worked in banks in many different positions and have over 7 years of experience in finance. All places I’ve worked except for one has been business professional attire that I’ve always done quite well per my higher ups. I was also told that the starting pay is for a “qualified” individual so if offered, I’d be receiving a lower pay. If I’m not qualified in her eyes, why am I at a second interview for a 3 step process? I did offer to obtain a new wardrobe if I was hired. While attempting to ask what the requirements were, I was cut off as she told me that there was no need to “rehash” her concerns. No rebuttal from me was welcomed or allowed in this interview room. She also stated that she “prides” herself on being “frank”. This is not being frank, this is blatant discrimination and rudeness. There’s a difference between being blunt and being mean, a difference I don’t feel the president is aware of. I’m very displeased with my experience and feel I was treated like a dirty rag. The energy she brought into the room was like she was better than me. More educated, I agree with. Better than me, I do not. I don’t share a “better than me” attitude. I do not desire to ever work here and if I was offered the job, I would decline after this experience. I’ve never been so disrespected in a professional setting to this degree. I thought about contacting someone hire up than the president but I felt it would be lost in the wind. I’m putting this here so no one makes my same mistake which was applying in the...

In May 2015, I went to Columbia to see what I needed to do to start college. My friend Nicole Gill was already a student at Southeastern Institute located at the old building off of colonial Life blvd and she was getting ready to get pinned for medical assistant. She told me how awesome it was and exciting adventure it would be. So I was like I'm ready for a change! I have two beautiful daughters I need to take care of and support myself financially. With the support of my parents, my daughter's and my partner, I started the medical assistant program at night. I lived in Sumter and traveled back and forth three nights a week!! I had the best instructor Ms. Patel! She made sure I would be a great CMA. It was going well until two weeks in November I got sick and was out for two weeks. Well there was a limit of the days you are allowed to miss a semester. I didn't let that stop me. I kept going and eventually I had to retake to classes because of unfortunate events. So in January I switched to day class and at the time Southeastern Institute was moving to the new location! Here I was used to the small close school and now it's huge and alot more space. Every department had room for everything even a huge place to eat!! I got pinned and took the RMA exam in February 2017. Greatest achievement I ever did!! This was what I was looking for and graduated July 2017!!!! Now I'm a Registered Medical Assistant working at Palmetto Health Baptist!! This program and staff would go above and beyond to help you achieve your dream, just like they...

Staff is nice a friendly. Speaking for Pharmacy, as a current student (since March) haven't received the education I was looking for. Class consist of worksheets worksheets and more worksheets! No particle training or any real experience in pharmacy. Just worksheets, PowerPoint slides and more worksheets. Previous students have had issues getting an internship and didn't feel prepared to take the state certification exam. I dont feel prepared or feel that this school will be able to prepare anyone for it. Unaccredited. You will not be able to take anything from this school to another institution of higher learning. I tried. Many promises have been made about changing the curriculum and even the staff and yet nothing has changed. School basically here for money purposes. You'd be better off starting in retail pharmacy and work your way up. Many pharmacy's like CVS and Walgreens have their own training they offer. I'd advise anyone and everyone to look into other options before committing to South Eastern Insitute, if pharmacy is the career field you're looking into. Can't speak on massage therapy, medical billing and coding or medical assistance. However If you are wanting to pursue a career as a pharmacy tech. This is not the place for that. Explore other options! All the 5 start review's are from employees. Nice and friendly staff here but speaking as a current student. It's not all what's it's cracked up to be....