Apollo College Apollo College, passing students regardless of whether or not they are fitted for the programs. Mesa Arizona
I want to report Apollo College. This company seriously ripped me off. Well over a year ago, I was fired from my job. I was left without any money or health insurance. Eventually, after not been able to find a job, I went to a couple of colleges to try to train for a new career. After searching for a while, I finally decided on Apollo College because the schedule fit my needs at the time. After talking to a representative at the campus in Mesa, I was convinced by the representative that going for a Massage therapy program was appropriate for me. I studied very hard and was at the top of my class. I made the Dean's and president's list on many ocasions. Once I graduated and got my license I began applying for jobs, to no avail. I have gone to interviews where I had to do a practical and I have been told that my skills are deficient. I always got good grades in the theory and the practicals. However, for the results I am getting now it seems that I was not trained right. Furthermore, I know from other students, that it really didn't matter at all if one gets good grades or not because the teachers were passing students that were getting bad grades and were absent constantly! One girl admitted to me that she knew she hadn't passed an Anatomy class, yet, she received a passing grade. Another one even said that she was surprised when she got a B in one of the classes because she was absent a lot and had flunked the majority of her tests. I am very angry because now I am unable to get hired anywhere and I'm thousands of dollars in debt! I was misled by the representative who said that they would find me a job (they haven't) and that i would get paid well. This type of job does not even pay by the hour, but it pays according of how many massages you do. If you cannot get clients, you make no money. Apollo should have an aptitude test or evaluation prior to placing anyone in a program. This way they would be able to tell if the person is appropriate for the program or not. Also, they are dishonest because they pass everyone. Basically, it does not matter if you get good grades. All my effort was in vain! they should give me back at least half of my money! I was a good student, but obviously I'm not good enough for the employers who now are telling me the truth about my skills. Apollo teachers just told me I was good so they could take my money! Do not go to Apollo College, its better to go to a real university!
Anonymous
Mesa, Arizona
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Happy Lmt
Avondale,Arizona,
U.S.A.
You are the key to your own success
#3Consumer Comment
Mon, July 13, 2009
I am taking the time to respond to your experience because I feel you are greatly misrepresenting Apollo College by taking your personal frustration out unfairly. While I can sympathize with your current situation and unemployment status, I myself had a different educational experience with Apollo College and feel that those reading your rip-off report need to hear the other side of the story.
I graduated from Apollo College-Mesa Massage Therapy program just recently; ALMOST with a 4.0. Maintaining a high GPA was not a cake walk nor was an instructor easy on me. Some of the modules were easier than others, but a student cannot expect to get an A without studying. I have to be honest, there were a couple of students who had the impression that the massage program would be a walk in the park and they didn't make it through the program. Actually, I think they both dropped the course after failingso failing a course does occur. Did they ask for help from an instructor? Did they ask for help from another student? NO! The instructors are always available, and I know this from personal experience. While going thru the A&P modules there were MANY times I was confused or had stupid questions. Never was I laughed at for those questions, and when confused the instructor ALWAYS went back over the material until it made sense. I was also lucky enough to have great support with the other students. While on break we constantly went over material and used each other as a source of study.
As far as skills are concerned, I feel the clinic part of the program prepared me more than expected. After each client, a form is to be filled out where they can express what the student can work on. While some clients may not feel comfortable being honest, the responsibility is still in the hands of the student. I always asked my clinic instructor ways of working on an area, whether it be different stretching techniques or massage techniques. You have to keep in mind, this 10 month program does not make a student the best massage therapist, nor can it replace years of experience other LMT's have gained.
I am still looking for a job as well. I know that my skills are not going to be the same as an LMT who has 5 years under their belt. I have been on 3 interviews since graduating and am deciding on which employer to accept an offer from. I am not expecting to be paid as much as those who have the experience. While looking for a job, posts will say pay is based on experience. If an employer told me my skills were deficient (as you say), I would have specifically asked them what I could improve on. I would then be proactive and study and be prepared for the next interview. I have also taken the full responsibility of finding a job on my own. I am not going to rely on the school to find me a job because they don't guarantee that. Career Services is used as assistance.
All in all, I am sorry you personally had a bad experience. I am completely satisfied with the education I received from Apollo College. I was not expecting to be a master at massage therapy. I feel my skills are where they need to be for what I was taught. Massage Therapy can only be enhanced through experience and the willingness that person has to succeed.
Anonymous
Phoenix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
I disagree
#3Consumer Comment
Sat, July 11, 2009
I disagree. I am currently attending Apollo College in Mesa and I had to take 2 different assessments to get into the school. I know for a fact that there are some students in my class that aren't doing well in the program and may have to repeat some classes because of their grades. There are also a couple students that started with us in the beginning that aren't here anymore because they didn't get good enough grades to continue in the program. Personally, I feel that I have worked hard and earned the grades that I have received. I don't feel concerned about finding work after I'm finished with the program, but I also know it's not a one-sided thing. My representative told me that I can't just sit back and expect that the school will find me a job at the end. My representative also told me I would need to put in just as much effort if I want to be successful after I'm finished with the program. You will always get what you put into the program. I haven't had any problems at Apollo College and feel that the instructors are being fair when it comes to grades... Sometimes I wish they would take it easy on us, but I know that it's better for me if they are fair. I am sorry that you are having a hard time finding work, but in this economy a lot of people are in the same position. I just wanted to represent my school in a fair manner and share my experience. It has been a tough, but rewarding experience so far. I hope that things turn around for you and that you will be able to get the job you deserve. Good luck out there!