American Institute - Somerset — Local services in Franklin Township

I’m currently a medical assistant student attending evening classes and completing my clinical hours. In my honest opinion, this school is a joke. Most of the positive reviews you’ll find online are not genuine, they are coerced. Students are offered snacks or small rewards in exchange for posting 5-star reviews, which should tell you everything you need to know about how the school tries to manage its reputation.

One of my biggest mistakes was not doing more research before enrolling. I was invited in for a tour, but that “tour” turned into pressure to sign papers on the spot. I felt cornered and ended up enrolling without fully understanding what I was committing to. That’s on me.

As for the staff, I want to speak directly about John Bigay. He started off acting professional and friendly, but once he saw students get comfortable, he changed. He began speaking to us in an unprofessional, condescending way, as if we were his friends, not adult students trying to pursue our careers. In my case, he became upset with me for not being able to attend externships in the morning, even though I clearly enrolled in the evening program due to my schedule. Since then, he has completely ignored me an advised me that I will be on my own from now on and he will no longer be in touch, which I find incredibly petty and unprofessional.

And yes, I know this review is probably going to make John Bigay mad—because whenever someone tells the truth about him, he tends to reach out real quick. So John, I hope you do see this. I hope it finally motivates you to text me back and stop acting so petty at your grown age. You're in a position of leadership , start acting like it!

The only two people at this school I genuinely have respect for are Mrs. P and Dr. Muhammad. They are dedicated, kind, and truly care about their students' success. I’m grateful for the effort they put into teaching and supporting us. They are the only reason I’ve stuck through this medical assistant program so far, and I truly wish them the best in...

TL:DR, Don't go to American Institute. Go to IEC instead. Its cheaper, and gives you the proper licenses and career options.

This school does not give you all the information when you enroll. (AMERICANINSTITUTEIS NOT D.O.L. APPROVED!) While I was applying to American Institute, my goal was to learn the electrical trade, get into and finish an electrical apprenticeship, and get my master electrical license so I could open an electrical business. I was told all this was possible though AI, but that was not the case.

I am about to graduate from AI, and only recently did I learn that this school is not DOL approved, which means I, and anyone else who attends this school, will not be able to attain our master electrician license, which is needed to open an electrical business. You will need to go to school AGAIN, if you wish to get your master license, or even your proper journeyman license (Class A). They will say it is accredited, but that doesn't matter if you plan on opening a business.

In addition to the misleading information on where you can take your career after AI, the curriculum is a joke. For example, you are supposed to learn how to connect a printer in the low voltage class, and there is a whole week dedicated to troughs, which is just a big junction box, and a whole week dedicated to a transfer switch. Each of these things can be taught in the same day.

If you are trying to go to a good school, you are better off enrolling at IEC, which is a DOL approved school. While Mr. J, Mr. P, Mr. C, and Mr. E are great instructors, and I'm very grateful that I got to learn under them, it is the administration side of the school that is the problem. This school will tell you what you want to hear to get you in here and get your 25K. Again, IEC is a much better school, and is cheaper, too. The union is a better option as well. At the end of the day, if you want to get into the trades, thats great, just don't get involved with...

Let me start of by saying- if your considering attending American Institute you're already on the right track. I got enrolled in the Massage Therapy program back in September 2023.- I'll say this, I had just found out I was pregnant, managing a gym, and training clients as a personal trainer... I had a bit of a busy lifestyle YET I was eager to continue my education here. To begin, they have a wonderful student services group who really motivated and encouraged me to enroll and honestly made the entire process seamless, easy to understand and heartwarming considering they were so open to guiding me through how the curriculum would work for me even through my pregnancy. As for my experience as a student (where to begin!) First off the program director and Instructor Mr. Frank is the literal heart and foundation of the Massage program. He truly pours his heart out when it comes to educating his students and is passionate about uplifting not only us as students but also Massage therapy practice as a whole. He gives a whole new outlook on the practice and always finds a way to make it more exciting, fun, and easy to comprehend. But all this is also done with the help of Dr. Chris- Dr. Chris (AKA the Wizard) is another instructor in the program his extensive experience and passion to teaching brings students so much further in the learning experience and his humorous story telling capabilities really does allow for a more enjoyable experience. They truly make the program possible and exhibited so much patience and kindness throughout my entire experience in the program. Needless to say I graduated the program May 2024, PASSED my National exam and also gave birth to a healthy/ happy baby! It was all possible for me and I'm sure it will also be for you. Here's my advice. Enroll in the American Institute, pay attention to these wonderful Instructors, do your homework, and most importantly- enjoy the process! If I can do...