My experience at Fortis has been nothing short of life-changing. Every instructor played a role in shaping me into the medical professional I am becoming, and I want to acknowledge them individually. Dr. K -- Tough? Absolutely. But every ounce of his toughness came from seeing our greatness before we could see it ourselves. Because of his technique and high standards, I know how to draw blood with confidence. Now that I'm out on externship, I still hear his voice in my head reminding me to stand out, be proficient, and carry myself with professionalism. His approach was never easy, but it was always for the betterment of our success. Ms. Jowers -- Truly the backbone of our program. She works tirelessly around the clock to make sure we're squared away. No matter how busy she is, she always finds time to help students fix errors, understand the process, and keep moving forward. She never wants to see us fail, and her dedication to Fortis, to herself, and to all of her students is unmatched. Ms. Sledge (Program Director) -- She doesn't get nearly the credit she deserves. She is always looking out for her MAs, often putting herself in the line of fire without recognition. She is sharp, has a heart of gold, and genuinely wants her students to excel. She's the type of leader who changes lives quietly but powerfully. Ms. Welch -- Teaches insurance, billing, and coding with the sweetest spirit. Honestly, I despised that class at first, but she never let me give up. She made sure I was prepared for state boards, and even though I don't touch insurance at my externship, I've realized how beneficial it was to learn coding. I'm so thankful for her patience, kindness, and thoroughness. Mr. Ntumi -- Another tough cookie who didn't play about his subject. His brilliance and discipline in teaching anatomy made me retain knowledge I still use today. He set the tone early on: take this seriously, because it matters. His commitment was to our success, and it showed in every lecture and quiz. Overall: My Fortis journey was amazing. As long as you stay focused and driven, you will succeed here. This school sometimes gets a bad rep from people who didn't take it seriously, but for those of us who showed up, did the work, and stayed dedicated -- it was both challenging and fun. I can proudly say I was more than prepared stepping into externship, and I already have opportunities lined up for hire as soon as it ends. read more

--- **Review: Fortis College** My experience at Fortis College has been extremely disappointing and financially stressful. I believe the school operates with a lack of transparency, structure, and professionalism. To start, there were **hidden and questionable fees** added to my account. I was charged **$500 for a computer I clearly stated I did not need**, yet the charge remained on my account for two months before being removed. In addition, I noticed unexplained "administrative" and "technology" fees that were never properly justified or explained. The academic environment is **disorganized and heavily based on favoritism**. It often feels like students can pass simply by being on good terms with instructors rather than by meeting academic standards. There is little structure, inconsistent rule enforcement, and frequent unprofessional behavior. I personally witnessed instructors speaking negatively about students and even about other staff members. I also experienced and witnessed **deeply inappropriate and offensive comments** from administration. The Dean of Nursing made remarks minimizing the role of LPNs, referring to them as essentially the same as CNAs and implying they are a "cheaper" form of nursing, which was both inaccurate and disrespectful. Additionally, the Dean of Education made an offensive racial comment toward me, referencing "smiling like Asians." As someone who is mixed Asian, I found this extremely inappropriate. I did not report it at the time because the school culture discourages speaking up, and retaliation feels like a real concern. The school president presents himself as approachable, but in my experience, **concerns are consistently redirected back onto the student**, regardless of the circumstances. Accountability is never taken by the institution. Financial aid appears to be the primary focus, and during an internship experience, I overheard administrators speaking negatively about students and each other, as well as discussing financial aid practices that raised serious ethical concerns. The **financial aid office is especially unprofessional and rude**, making an already stressful process even worse. There is one individual in particular who was consistently unpleasant and dismissive during very serious financial discussions. There are also serious concerns regarding **professional boundaries and campus standards**. Multiple male instructors have allegedly engaged in inappropriate relationships with students, and these situations were handled quietly rather than transparently. Despite being advertised as a drug-free campus, I regularly encountered HVAC students smelling strongly of marijuana with no apparent consequences. Lastly, the **nursing program does not adequately prepare students for real-world practice**. Clinical experiences are poorly organized, often consisting of little more than walking around, and there were instances where instructors appeared to falsify clinical hours. Overall, the program felt like a waste of both time and money. I strongly urge prospective students to **research thoroughly and ask detailed financial and academic questions** before enrolling. My experience at Fortis College was not what was promised and left me feeling misled and unsupported. read more

It's a okay trade school. It's a little unorganized to me. But that's my opinion I don't want to spend too many words on what I don't like. The instructors are great the administrators do what they can to help or get you into school classes are not hard just a lot of reading and dedication to be whatever you going to do when enroll. All in all I like it. read more

Fortis College - Soldering a copper line in class for the 1st time. Great experience my instructor was there all the way. - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I've had a good experience at Fortis College in the HVAC program. The instructors are knowledgeable and actually want to see you succeed, and the hands-on training helps a lot. read more

I'd recommend not giving them your information unless you really want to be called repeatedly through out the day until 8-9 pm for weeks. I told them I wasn't interested and I'm still being harassed. I eventually had to block all the numbers that were associated with them. Seems like a scam. read more

First, let me start off by saying that the nursing students deserves so much more than they receive. As the former nursing office manager, I worked closely with the dean of nursing at Fortis College and nursing staff. I can truly say that I have been disheartened and disappointed in the actions of the dean of nursing and some of the older nursing staff members. I have personally seen and heard favoritism to certain students regarding needing adjustments to scheduling for their jobs, while other students have been told to speak to their peers to see if they can switch schedules. I'm a firm believer of treating everyone the same across-the-board. Unfortunately, that's not the case in the nursing department at Fortis College. My personal interaction with the Dean of Nursing could at times be awkward. There will be instances when I would bring up occasions where the dean of nursing would make racially insensitive comments. When I would bring those issues to the dean of nursing attention the response I would receive would be." wow, you really hung onto that.", versus a simple apology. Since June 28, the nursing department has lost seven staff members in part of lack of Accountability and poor attitudes of the pharmacology instructor who also happens to be best friends with the dean of nursing. And nursing program leadership. I was shown a text message between the two of them and during that Conversation they were mocking the concerns of one of the instructors about favoritism being shown amongst the staff. The "favorites" is what they referred to themselves. I have also heard a conversation where the dean of nursing spoke negatively and extremely poorly about one of the previous nursing staff members who also happened to be a service veteran to another staff member. During that conversation, the dean of nursing stated that the two oldest members of the nursing team were glad that that instructor was no longer there. Which frankly I found to be extremely unprofessional! If the dean of nursing felt comfortable about speaking about a veteran in that manner I could only imagine how she speaks or have spoken about the rest of her staff! Then we have the dean of education who frankly has one of the nastiest attitudes I've ever encountered in my professional career! She is extremely rude and disrespectful to those she feels is beneath her.. Under her" leader ship" she's lost three different program directors because of her poor and negative attitude towards others! Putting it mildly she just doesn't know how to show basic respect to individuals! That includes students and staff. Since the beginning of the year up until the time I resigned, which was in August Fortis College -Columbia has lost about 11 staff members across different departments. With that high of turnover rate, I'm very surprised that a member of corporate has not been to the campus to investigate. There are some gems at Fortis College such as the Director of student services. the program Director for dental assisting program and the leadership in the HVAC program (evening shift manager). They truly pour into the students and have the students best interests at heart. My hope is that this review sheds some insight on making the best decision for you as a student and possible employee. read more

I wouldn't recommend they don't take complaints seriously they allow anybody in there programs and don't do reresearch on thier students they will tell you it's not there issue read more

All they care about is your money they do not care if you pass or fail. I would not go there for anything they run it as a business and not a school. They can't even keep employees there. read more

They were very supportive and accepting of me and all my flaws , they were patient with me & i received more support from them than my own family and friends . I love this school so much . I hope everybody gets the experience I did . read more

My experience at Fortis has been nothing short of amazing. Being an older non traditional student I have the ability to distinguish the fluff from the actual product. Sometimes you go into a situation where they present a rosie, flawless product but eventually shows that it's nothing more than smoke and mirrors. From my initial introduction to Fortis with Ms Nadine to my classroom experience with Mr Cameron, Mr Williams and Ms Young they've shown exceptional professionalism and subject matter expertise. I've had an opportunity to meet the President Mr Newton whose always asking students how are they doing and if there is anything they need. Other interactions with people like Ms Asia, Ms Simmons and Dr Holmes have always been pleasant and engaging. If you're looking for a school where your needs can be met on an individual basis then Fortis is the place to be. read more

Asia is awesome and is so down to earth it feels as if a long time friend was helping me out, more casual but still maintained professionalism. read more

very friendly and positive environment, staff took to the time to make sure each student had what they needed to be successful

I had a great experience at Fortis collage, they are a very professional school. Mrs. Simmons is a great person.

Mr. Eric Walker is one of the professors in the hvac program whom has great communication skills and very practical and enthusiastic teaching style he makes learning a fun experience. read more

Hello, My name is Noel Berry, RN, I am a Fortis College graduate from Tampa, Florida. My license has taken me places! Currently, I am an Intravenous Instructor, able to certify nurses for intravenous therapy. Feel free to contact me at nb91withinthevein@gmail.com read more

As a student, teaching staff here is great along with the norms and uniforms . I recommend this college if your looking to get into nursing, dental, or hvac . read more

Fortis College Has A Great Program My Time Here Has Really Been great The staff Is Very Interactive With The Students, They Push You To Strive and Staying Focus on The Agenda! read more

great admissions team, great classrooms and teachers. they are willing to go the extra mile to help and make sure you get assignment understandings. read more

The school is great. The teachers are knowledgeable and the lab is great. You will learn a lot from Ms. Jones and the other instructors. For the most part i have really dealt with great people at Fortis. However they need to get rid of Kevin Banks he is unprofessional and gives you the run around. read more

My name is Latonya Coleman, 43 year old former graduate of the medical coding and billing program at Fortis College. I have had the pleasure of meeting the most prestigious staff of all times at Fortis College. I did research on other colleges in the area, and none compared to my family at Fortis College. I received help from the first step ALL the way through to the LAST step!!!!! I had my own self doubt, which questions surfaced in my brain, "could I do it", " why are you here"? I at times thought that it was hard, I struggled with sickness, my family, but Fortis College was really THERE for me. I had professors who made themselves available to help me through tutoring. My transition from classroom to internship was amazing!!!!!!! I treated my college experience like a job experience. So go and STOP in at Fortis College, and make them apart of your future!! I did and by the grace of God I am employed in my field (medical billing and coding)! I obtained a job before I walked the stage for graduation, as well as I had already taken the certification test and past. So go to Fortis College today and be as proud of yourself as I am of me! read more

Fortis College - The pic on the left is me, the one on the right is is my twin. This picture symbolize the happness and product of my sucess. - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The HVACR program at Fortis College changed my life. Mr. O'Carroll put me in contact with a company looking for a field service technician in the south eastern area based out of Michigan who specializes in Environmental test chambers. Although cascade refrigeration wasn't really covered in great detail I did receive the basic training needed for this field. I set my own hours and see some real cutting edge stuff. It's complicated and at times hard work, but like most things in life you will get out of it what you put into it. You do your part and fortis college will do theirs. When you get the tools it's up to you so strap on your boots and get to it. If you want a great opportunity its there waiting! read more

My name is Candice B'Rells and I am a former graduate of Fortis College in Columbia, S.C. I earned my Associates Degree in Nursing in 2015, and I am a proud Registered Nurse with a great job that I love. I had some tough instructors, and it was the hardest endeavor I have ever encountered. Fortis of Columbia IS ACCREDIATED. Many of my previous courses did transfer, however, previous nursing classes will not transfer due to accreditation standards and to ensure students were taught the correct material. Many classes from other nursing schools are different and to ensure patient safety, nursing classes will not transfer until you get to the BSN level. I recommend before enrolling into a BSN program, to ensure most of your classes will transfer. Fortis College of Columbia works closely with several colleges and usually you can obtain your BSN via on-line. The faculty at Fortis will help you, but you have to ask for help. They will not "spoon feed" you because they are preparing you early on for success, and "the real world". Fortis of Columbia offers each nursing student access to a simulation lab. This is where a student may brush up on skills they do not feel confident with, or need extra practice. This state- of- the- art laboratory is open everyday for all nursing students. An Instructor is always there with you to ensure you are properly grasping the technique, and will answer any questions a student may have. These highly technical manikins can breathe, deliver a baby, and can even show signs of hypothermia, a fever, or flushed skin. They can virtually exhibit any complication that a real person could portray. Fortis College of Columbia will help aid you in seeking employment, and will provide guidance regarding your resume'. It does not stop there. I still get help from the Career Service's long after graduation. I went back to school at 45 years of age. I have a young child to support, and Fortis College of Columbia made this possible for me. I passed the NCLEX-RN on the first try, and it is because what I learned, and what I was exposed to during my clinical tenure while attending Fortis College. I would recommend Fortis of Columbia to anyone that has the ambition and the commitment to become a Registered Nurse. read more

If I knew then what I know now I would have gotten on the 2 year waiting list for MTC. I took the DA program. I was told upon admission this school is accredited and that credits will transfer should I decide to pursue further education in dentistry; however this is NOT the case. Some of my instructors were good while others were simply there to collect a paycheck (one gave 5 minute breaks every 15 minutes so she could smoke). And job placement? HAH! I have had a few jobs in the dental field since I "graduated" (I have YET to receive any sort of certificate proving that I even went to school there); however, I had to find them on my own, and when the decent offices in town hear that you are a Fortis "graduate" they are not exactly impressed. There IS one plus side to Fortis: I can get my $18,000 in student loans forgiven due to the fact that the criteria necessary to do this fits Fortis perfectly. read more

I am a recent Fortis College graduate of the Medical Billing and Coding Program. I decided I wanted a change in career. Fortis has helped me with that change. I can honestly say that I am glad I chose Fortis, and I would highly recommend. The instructors are very knowledgeable. The instructors at Fortis show a great deal of concern about students and their learning. The hours were convenient for my work schedule. There is no waiting list to start at Fortis unlike other schools.If you want to make a difference in your life in hopes for a better future, consider Fortis College of Columbia SC. read more

the medical assistant program here at fortis was a wonderful experience for me...at fortis i achieved more than i actuallly expected, when i first started at fortis i had alot of distractions that made me want to just give up and throw in the towel..but with the motivation and extra encouragement from my instructors and advisor i hung in there because they did everything they possibly could to keep me on the road to success...and for that im truly thankful, because now im a successful graduate of fortis with my rma...bt, lastly i would also like to give a huge special thanks to mr.scott o'carroll & mrs, susan smith for taking the extra time to put up with me along with helping me find placement for employment.. read more