Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.
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Out of the entries voted on, here are the top picks for Best career college/nursing school:
1. CNI College
1610 E. St. Andrew Place, Suite 200, Santa Ana; 800-455-4700; cnicollege.edu
Most people would think CNI College is a hospital from the outside. Inside and out, that is the goal of the founders, to provide an experience for students that is as close to working in a real hospital as possible.
Opened in 1994, the college offers accredited nursing and health services training for English-speaking students, including a Master of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a RN-to-BSN Degree Completion Program, as well as complete programs in AOS Magnetic Resonance Imaging (or MRIs), AOS Surgical Technology and Vocational Nursing Diplomas.
Fully equipped classrooms provide medical, pharmacy, and personal training where students can train with high-tech mannequins that simulate childbirth, and practice vital training in a safe and realistic environment. The campus also includes computer labs, a library, a student union and other student support spaces.
“Here, we believe in a family philosophy that goes beyond academics,” says Shannon O’Hara, director of digital marketing & community relations. “Faculty and staff actively engage with graduates, providing resources for continuing education, job placement assistance, and professional networking opportunities. Many of our alumni choose to return to share their experiences and offer mentorship to current students”
O’ Hara says graduates “consistently receive enthusiastic reviews from employers, who commend their clinical skills, professionalism, and dedication. We prepare our students not only to excel in certification exams but also to thrive in fulfilling careers grounded in integrity and empathy.”
2. American Career College
1200 N. Magnolia Ave., Anaheim; 714-763-9066; americancareercollege.edu
Anaheim’s American Career College has an accessibility that keeps it popular with aspiring health care students and once again, with readers.
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With more than 1,000 students in 10 different programs, American Career College’s up-to-date equipment and technology, provide real prep for healthcare careers. Flexible class schedules, including weekend classes and accelerated programs, are available, with a medical assistant program completable in just nine months, a vocational nurse program in 13 months, an associate’s degree as a surgical technologist or respiratory therapist in 20 months, or a radiologic technology assistant in 25 months.
Also, the college offers associate degree programs in nursing, medical assistant, surgical technology and vocational nursing, as well as pharmacy technician and dental assistant programs.
“I had a great experience at ACC,” says Yelp reviewer Diana of Garden Grove. “Clara is very sweet and kept in contact with me since I’ve graduated to help me find a job.”
3. Stanbridge University
2041 Business Center Drive, Irvine; 888-789-6208; stanbridge.edu
A high rate of successful grads is what sparks a lot of students to enter Stanbridge University in Irvine. A reputation that also keeps it a reader’s poll favorite.
With more than 1,000 students are enrolled in Stanbridge’s nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy programs, they’ll get a valuable, high-end education with licensure pass rates at 95% and higher for most programs.
“We are a community of problem-solvers and humanitarians,” says the school’s website, “passionate about affecting change on a local and global scale. We teach, learn, and serve boldly. The result is a powerful culture of innovative thought, leadership, and deep human empathy.”
Degrees are available in Associate of Occupational Science (LVN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science — RN to BSN, or Master of Science in Nursing. And physical therapy assistants licensure pass rates can be as high as 99%.
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