American Career College

American Career College-Los Angeles: Academics, Admissions & Tuition

Research the training programs offered at American Career College in Los Angeles, CA. Learn about its academics, and get admission and financial aid info to decide if this is the right school for you.

About American Career College

American Career College (ACC) was founded in 1978 as American College of Optics. The private, for-profit school offers diploma and associate's degree programs at its 50,000 square-foot main campus located in Los Angeles. In addition to its main campus, ACC has campuses located in Ontario and Orange County, CA.

Academics

ACC's Los Angeles campus offers eight programs in pharmacy technology, medical assisting, dental assisting, surgical technology, optical dispensing, vocational nursing and health claims examiner/medical biller. With over 500 graduates in 2010-2011, the medical assisting program was the most popular.

The Career Services Department offers assistance to ACC graduates and current students with career planning, developing job search skills and networking. The school also offers a GED Prep Program and provides academic tutoring and advising services. Refresher courses are available for graduates.

ACC has 14 classrooms and computer rooms, 10 labs, a library and resource center. In addition to the library and resource center that is located on campus, students also have access to the Library Information Resources Network (LIRN) online library database.

Start dates for programs run throughout the year, and weekend and evening classes are available. ACC offers blended learning classrooms, which combine traditional classes with online learning opportunities. Some programs require students to participate in externships and clinical rotations.

Admissions

Admissions requirements vary depending on the program, so prospective students are encouraged to speak with an admission advisor before they begin the application process. After applicants meet with an advisor for an on-campus tour, they need to fill out an application form.

Applicants need to take an entrance exam called the CPAt, which covers subjects such as math and English. Applicants interested in the nursing and respiratory therapy programs need to take an additional entrance exam. Some programs require students to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. The school does not accept AP credit, dual credit or credit for life.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees at ACC vary depending on the program. In 2011, tuition ranged from $12,950 to $44,950 per program. The cost of tuition includes uniforms, books and supplies. In addition, students are required to pay registration and Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) fees.

Students who drop their classes before the 30th day will not have to pay tuition. The school offers a tuition payment plan as well.

AMERICAN CAREER COLLEGE QUICK FACTS
School Type	2-year, private for-profit**
Degrees Offered	Associate's, diploma programs**
Religious Affiliation	None**
Academic Calendar	Quarter*
School Setting	Large city**
Student Body	1,828 in 2011 (all undergraduate students)**
Student Housing	None**
ACADEMICS
Schools (and/or) Programs	Eight programs*
Student-Faculty Ratio	16 to 1**
Most Popular Fields of Study by Degree Level (Number of Recipients)	In 2010-2011: Less than one year certificate program: Medical/clinical assistant (519) One to two year certificate program: Nursing (189) Associate's: Surgical technologist (55)**
Undergraduate Graduation Rates	78% within the normal time for the program**
ADMISSIONS
Admission Rate	Open admissions**
Entering Class Size	1,681 in Fall 2011**
First-Year Retention Rates	82%**
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition	In 2011-2012, the most popular program cost $17,068 (tuition and fees)**
Financial Aid Sources Available (Percent of Students Receiving it)	In 2010-2011: Grant or scholarship (66%), Federal loans (54%)**
Percent of Students Receiving Some Form of Aid	57% of beginning students in 2010-2011**

Sources: *American Career College, **National Center for Education Statistics.

School Contact Information

Address: 4021 Rosewood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: (877) 832-0790
Website: www.americancareercollege.edu