Ask HCI College

Question 1

What is HCI College?

Accepted Answer

HCI College is a career-training college in South Florida dedicated to preparing students for careers in healthcare and technical fields. It offers nursing and allied-health programs that run from about 10 months to 2 years, with hands-on training and career placement assistance, at campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Question 2

When was HCI College founded?

Accepted Answer

HCI College began in 1993 as Health Career Institute, with roots in American Heart Association and emergency-medical training, and has since grown into a career college offering nursing and allied-health programs.

Question 3

What makes HCI College different?

Accepted Answer

HCI focuses on hands-on, career-ready health education: simulation labs and real clinical skills, programs you can finish in as little as 10 months to 2 years, small career-focused classes, included tablet and uniforms, 24/7 tutoring, and career placement assistance.

Question 4

Does HCI offer American Heart Association courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In keeping with its origins, HCI College offers American Heart Association (AHA) courses alongside its nursing and allied-health programs.

Question 5

Are classes taught in English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Classes at HCI College are taught in English.

Question 6

What programs does HCI College offer?

Accepted Answer

HCI College offers the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and diploma programs in Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Veterinary Assisting and a newer Optometric Technician program, plus American Heart Association courses. Use the "Find your health career" section on this page to match a program to your goals.

Question 7

How long are the programs?

Accepted Answer

HCI's programs run from about 10 months to 2 years. Medical Assisting and Veterinary Assisting are about 10 months, Practical Nursing is about 16 months, and the Associate Degree in Nursing is about 2 years.

Question 8

What is the Associate Degree in Nursing?

Accepted Answer

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is HCI's RN pathway, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and become registered nurses. It's about a two-year program, with hands-on simulation labs, 24/7 tutoring and the TEAS entrance exam. ADN holds ACEN accreditation (initial accreditation held separately at each campus).

Question 9

What is the Practical Nursing program?

Accepted Answer

Practical Nursing is a diploma program of about 16 months that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), approved through the Florida Board of Nursing.

Question 10

What is the Medical Assisting program?

Accepted Answer

Medical Assisting is about a 10-month program that trains you in both clinical and administrative skills, including phlebotomy and EKG, with an externship, preparing you for certification such as the CCMA.

Question 11

What is the Veterinary Assisting program?

Accepted Answer

Veterinary Assisting is about a 10-month program that prepares you to support veterinary teams, including a 180-hour externship for real hands-on experience.

Question 12

What is the Optometric Technician program?

Accepted Answer

The Optometric Technician program is a newer evening diploma program (classes Monday to Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m.) that trains you to assist in an optometric practice. Contact HCI for the latest schedule and details.

Question 13

Does HCI have online or hybrid programs?

Accepted Answer

Several HCI programs blend classroom and practical learning, and some (like Medical Assisting and Veterinary Assisting) include hybrid coursework. Clinical and lab work is hands-on and on-campus. Ask admissions about the format for a specific program.

Question 14

What is the HCI experience like?

Accepted Answer

HCI emphasizes learning by doing: instruction combines classroom work with practical, hands-on experience in simulation labs taught by seasoned healthcare professionals, so you build real clinical skills before you graduate.

Question 15

Do you have simulation labs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI uses simulation labs so students practice real clinical skills in a realistic setting before working with patients.

Question 16

What is included with my program?

Accepted Answer

HCI programs are built to reduce extra costs: many include a tablet and uniforms, and students have access to 24/7 online tutoring (through tutor.com), along with career placement assistance.

Question 17

Is there tutoring and student support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI offers 24/7 online tutoring (through tutor.com) and student support services to help you succeed, plus career placement assistance.

Question 18

Does HCI help with job placement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI College provides ongoing career placement assistance to help graduates launch their healthcare careers.

Question 19

Is HCI College accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor, and it's licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Its nursing programs also carry ACEN accreditation.

Question 20

Is the nursing program ACEN accredited?

Accepted Answer

HCI's nursing program holds ACEN accreditation, with initial accreditation held separately at each campus. Ask admissions for the current accreditation status for the campus and program you're considering.

Question 21

Will I be able to take the NCLEX?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Associate Degree in Nursing prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN, and Practical Nursing prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN, the licensure exams for RNs and LPNs.

Question 22

Is HCI licensed in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI College is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE), Florida Department of Education, and its practical nursing program is approved through the Florida Board of Nursing.

Question 23

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

You can apply online through hci.edu, or start by scheduling a campus visit or requesting information. HCI's admissions team guides you through the application, enrollment agreement and next steps. You can also leave your details here and the team will follow up.

Question 24

What are the admission requirements?

Accepted Answer

Requirements vary by program, and nursing applicants typically take the TEAS entrance exam. Contact admissions or schedule a visit for the specific requirements for your program.

Question 25

What is the TEAS exam?

Accepted Answer

The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is the entrance exam used for HCI's nursing programs. Ask admissions about preparing for and scheduling the TEAS.

Question 26

When can I start?

Accepted Answer

HCI offers multiple start dates throughout the year across its programs. Contact admissions or schedule a visit to find the next start date for the program you want.

Question 27

How do I schedule a visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can book a tour or schedule a visit through hci.edu, or call a campus directly. It's a great way to see the labs and meet the team.

Question 28

How much does HCI College cost?

Accepted Answer

HCI doesn't publish a single tuition figure because cost depends on your program. The best way to estimate your cost is HCI's Net Price Calculator (in the Consumer Info section at hci.edu), and the financial aid team can walk you through options.

Question 29

What financial aid is available?

Accepted Answer

HCI College participates in federal financial aid, and offers access to scholarships, Florida Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid, payment plans, and benefits for military students. The financial aid team can help you find what you qualify for.

Question 30

Do you offer scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI offers scholarships and accepts Florida Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid. Ask the financial aid team about current scholarships and eligibility.

Question 31

Do you accept military benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI College supports military students. Contact admissions or financial aid about using your military education benefits.

Question 32

Is federal financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HCI College participates in federal (Title IV) financial aid for those who qualify. Complete the FAFSA and work with the financial aid team to apply.

Question 33

Where are the campuses?

Accepted Answer

HCI College has two South Florida campuses: West Palm Beach, at 1764 North Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33409, and Fort Lauderdale, at 1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.

Question 34

What is the West Palm Beach campus phone?

Accepted Answer

You can reach the HCI College West Palm Beach campus (1764 North Congress Ave.) at (561) 586-0121.

Question 35

What is the Fort Lauderdale campus phone?

Accepted Answer

You can reach the HCI College Fort Lauderdale campus (1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 101) at (954) 626-0255.

Question 36

How do I contact HCI College?

Accepted Answer

You can call the West Palm Beach campus at (561) 586-0121 or the Fort Lauderdale campus at (954) 626-0255, or reach HCI through hci.edu. You can also leave your details here and the team will follow up.

Question 37

Where can I follow HCI College online?

Accepted Answer

HCI College is on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn. Links are on the website at hci.edu.

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