Prism Career Institute Reviews

  • 96 Reviews
  • Multiple Locations
  • Annual Tuition: $15,690 - $24,990
52% of 96 students said this degree improved their career prospects
34% of 96 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Mel
  • Reviewed: 3/3/2014
  • Degree: Medical Assistant
"Okay. So I decided to go to the campus in Cherry Hill because it was close and when I went to my meeting they sugar coated EVERYTHING. It seemed like the perfect fit for me. They explained the tutoring a great career developing expert, and an externship that can land you a job and they tell you it's impossible not to get a job after graduation. Okay here's my experience. The first day our teacher knew nothing what was going on. She gave us a half assed (excuse my language) job on teaching because of a "promotion" and this isn't "her job" She had us do nothing but sit around. No work. No homework. And the work that was finally given to us was just.. I can't even explain how easy. I went to talk to the director about how I felt about not receiving the proper education. He acted sweet over the phone saying this will be private. I told him that my teacher doesn't teach and half the time isn't in the class. She has the nerve to pull me into her office and give me a talk. If you'd just do your job this wouldn't happen. I love the friends that I made. But I am soooooo disappointed. I've only been in this school for a month and I already have bad vibes. They are completely unorganized. They don't know the curriculum, they make you go to school under unsafe conditions, and they make you make up holidays and snow days and don't care if you have a job. And I fear that I've let this go too far. I fear there's no way I'll get my $17,000 loan refunded and I've wasted time and money I don't have for an awful education. The school WILL NOT work with you. I feared of having a bad education and I was the bad guy. I can't believe any of this. This is supposed to be a professional environment and they do nothing professionally. I wish I knew this before I signed the paperwork. Point blank. I wasted my time. Don't waste yours on a school that doesn't care."
Rachel
  • Reviewed: 5/13/2013
  • Degree: Paralegal
"DK has taught me everything that I need to know, and I feel positive about knowing what I need to know to succeed. DK has really prepared me for the real world, using actual cases and giving us opportunities to do meaningful things. He is a motivational teacher and takes his time to make sure I knew what I had to know. He was the best teacher I had at Prism."
stephanie
  • Reviewed: 5/9/2013
  • Degree: Law
"I enrolled in Prism in January of 2012. My concentration is in paralegal. I obtained a lot of information and skills in this program. One of the best instructors I had during my term was Mr. DK. Mr. K was a phenomenal teacher. He always used actual situations to describe the way of the law. He was very clear and concise in his classrooms. Mr. K was easily understood and brought much knowledge to the classrooms. His way of teaching is different from the rest because he took the time to explain, in detail, situations and cases and he also showed interest in the students. He was always available to help anyone who was in need. Mr. K is very smart, unique and personable. I do not feel I would know as much as I do now if Mr. K was not my teacher. He wants the students to succeed and is willing to help students with anything, not just problems involving the law. I am more confident and knowledgeable because of Mr. K. It was a pleasure to have him as an instructor. I am forever grateful!"
KJ Carpenter
  • Reviewed: 4/5/2013
  • Degree: Paralegal
"I graduated from Prism in February 2013. I studied in the paralegal program under the direction of Lawyer / teacher David Kline. Mr Kline was a very good teacher as well as a humanism. Dictating the rule of law and directing students to research information from Westlaw was very interesting My experience of being a student at prism, as well as my being an elderly man of sixty, allows me to appreciate the way teachers handle their students in acheiving maturity, but more importantly,to prepare the younger students for the reality of the job market.I would highly recommend students to attend Prism Career Institute for a new beginning in the job market and then to transfer credits to an accelerated college program,for getting their bachelor degree. Mr. David Kline and his supporting cast of teachers do a superb job at Prism and negative talk should be omitted.I say go to Prism and meet Mr. Kline, it may help you in the long run. You will enjoy the adventure."
Carmen
  • Reviewed: 3/11/2013
  • Degree: Criminal Justice
"Professor D K is very knowledgeable in the subjects that he teaches and he appreciates students concerns. He takes the time to work with each student to help them. He helps them understand complicated subject material and is available by email after hours."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 3/7/2013
  • Degree: Law
"I began attending Prism as an evening student in August of 2011.I Have been in the law field since 2006 and needed to return to get my Associates Degree. Prism came highly recommended by former students/colleagues of mine. I can't say that when I started I was thrilled with the teaching techniques in my general education classes until I met Mr. K. who became my instructor for all of my legal courses. Mr. K. has taught me a great deal and how to apply the knowledge in the work force. Thanks to the wonderful teaching and patience of Mr. K. I have been able to excel in my job and have recently been promoted. I would highly recommend Prism for individuals seeking a profession as a Paralegal."
stan
  • Reviewed: 2/14/2013
  • Degree: Law
"Instructors are knowledgeable and helpful especially Lawyer/Instructor DKwho lets us work on live cases."
Brittany
  • Reviewed: 1/26/2013
  • Degree: Licensed Practical Nurse
"Prism doesn't offer part-time or evening options for students. Their clinical sites are horrible and your MH rotation is a waste of time. OB rotation is a video and guest speaker with a handout!! You don't get what you pay for with the amunt of tuition you pay. If possible consonsider another school and other options."
Carmen
  • Reviewed: 12/3/2012
  • Degree: Paralegal
"I was in the paralegal program. Dave Kline, the evening teacher, was an attentive teacher who really knew his stuff cause he is a working attorney and he made it easy for me to understand. He was fair and non judgmental, and because of this he was fair to EVERYBODY. All my legal teachers were very educated and made me feel like I was learning from experts. What I learned has really helped me as I have continued my studies toward my bachelors degree."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 11/29/2012
  • Degree: Paralegal
"I have had a lot of different legal courses, giving me a broad education. I have had more computer classes than I thought but I have used those skills in the work place. The teachers are caring and one in particular, D K, has really given me a real experience. He gives us interesting assignments that really help me grow and he takes interest in us individually. D K does not teach out of a book, he teaches from experience, and that is key to being a good teacher. I am very pleased with the teachers I've had here."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 11/21/2012
  • Degree: Paralegal
"I've been at this school since July of 2010. I think I have learned a lot and what I needed to know to become a paralegal, thanks to my legal classes with D K. His courses are challenging and make me think. D is a hands on teacher who gives me practical assignments from past cases. Ive been taught lots of different classes, like real property, civil litigation, legal research, drafting projects, criminal law and other courses I found to be interesting. D K has always been there for me and is a really good teacher who has taught me so mcuh. He makes sure every student knows the point he is making and understands the material. I am so lucky to have had most of my legal courses with D K."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 11/21/2012
  • Degree: Law
"I am a middle aged woman that decided to return to school to secure my paralegal certification since the law has always been my passion. After a labored search including several visits to the school and conversations with a few former students, I decided that PJA was the way to go. I was nervous and doubtful when I walked into my first class. There were mostly young people that were fairly recent HS graduates and confident. This combined with the lack of administrative support after I signed the contract was disheartening. My instructor, D K changed that. Not only are we the same age experiencing similar life challenges, but he was understanding and not judgmental. He taught his classes using real life examples. Experiences we could all relate to. He was always open to questions and available after class and on weekends. His demeanor reassured me. I did well and have been able to use my new skill-set in the workplace. In addition to this, I have even been able to be selective in my search. Had it not been for Mr. K, I probably would have sued Prism for breach! Nonetheless, it all boils down to what you’ve learned and if the information has been retained. I have, thanks to Mr. K."
WOULD NEVER RECOMMAND
  • Reviewed: 11/6/2012
  • Degree: Paralegal
"I choose this school because it was close to home - was never recommanded to me by anyone - but if I knew what I knew now I would not have gone. When I first started there the school was PJA School. While I attended the name was changed to Prism. There are so many reasons I became very unhappy there but was STUCK. 1. Everything they did was a secret to the students until it happened.2. The administration wasn't available to the evening classes. Working full-time and attending evenings it wasn't easy to contact them during the day when I needed to speak with them but when I would get to the school they weren't available. 3. There were students who would cause problems, fight and have alot of drama around them and instead of leave the school they would allow this to continue. No probation, no discipline for those who were trouble maker.4. Phone calls were not returned in a timely manner or were just ignored.With all of this and more that would go on at this school I stayed. If it wasn't for one of my instuctors, D K, who would make classes interesting and fun, I would have dropped out and tried to find another school. D showed his students respect and proper instruction on many areas of the Paralegal field. He would also bring in interesting speakers. His instruction permitted great informaiton. It was good that D was a lawyer so that he was speaking from experience and how he would have things done for himself at his firm. Out of all my instructors, he is the only one who when you weren't having a class with him he was still interested in you and seeing you in the hall he would great you and ask how your class was going. He we always there for extra help. D was there for me when I needed to take a class on a Saturday (which Prism didn't usually have) but D was there to to help me get a couple of classes completed on a Saturday. If the school only had him as a tacher I would go back and get my Associates in Paralegal Studies."
bridget
  • Reviewed: 11/1/2012
"I graduated from Prism Career Institute in 2011 with a associates degree in Paralegal studies. My legal instructor, D.K. really helped prepare me to work in the legal field. I already had a job with a law firm as a secretary, but because of the lessons taught in Mr. K's class, I was able to be promoted at my job. If you are looking to pursue a job as a paralegal, Dave Kline is the best instructor to help you pursue your dreams."
Sonnay
  • Reviewed: 11/1/2012
  • Degree: Paralegal
"Currently I am a student at Peirce College which I transferred to in 2010 after leaving Prism Career Institute. Although my time at Prism did not end well and I would not recommend the school for others I probably would have left a lot sooner had it not been for my teacher D. K. He was honestly the best teacher that I have ever had and truly prepared his students with the information necessary to be successful in the legal profession. After transferring schools I was anxious about how I would do and was pleasantly surprised to find that I already knew a lot of the information given out in class thanks to D. K being such a thorough and enthusiastic instructor. To this day I still contact D. for advice on homework assignments or attorney referrals for friends and family and he always gets back to me with helpful answers. I learned a lot from D. K about different areas of law and also learned life lessons from relevant and exciting class discussion; Q & A and home work assignments that were fairly graded and always handed back on time with comments and corrections. D. K has a wealth of knowledge to share and I am glad that I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher."
Kelly
  • Reviewed: 10/30/2012
  • Degree: Paralegal
"My time at studying at Prism was Excellent due to my instructors. One Instructor in particular Dk. DK was dedicated to teaching and guiding his students in each course i took with him. His classes were always informative, applying modern day cases helped better understand and grasp material. DK's research and writing assignments have proven me to become a better analytical thinker. Couldnt have asked for a better teacher, through his assignments of various legal applications I was able to apply what i was taught and has made me more successful at my current position."
Shanna
  • Reviewed: 10/18/2012
  • Degree: Paralegal
"I began Prism for an Associate's in Paralegal Studies when it was still The PJA School for Paralegal and Accounting. In the middle of my tenure, it switched to Prism; however, I still had the same instructors. The core classes were simple and easy to excel in as they were basic knowledge courses with regard to the office environment. Once my legal courses began, I learned a lot from my instructor D. K., an attorney for 20+ years. Mr. K. taught real life skills with regard to working in a law firm. Unlike some instructors, he taught lessons which prepared his students for the work force. While nearing the end of my studies at Prism, D. K. referred me to a sole practitioner (attorney) who handled personal injury matters. I have been happily employed with this attorney since August of 2010. Mr. K. has helped me excel within the legal field with the knowledge he has provided along with great recommendations to my current employer. He has also provided me with the confidence to continue my education after Prism. Since I have graduated in 2011, I have enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at Rosemont College, where I currently have a 3.89 GPA and will be graduating this coming December. I do not believe I would have achieved all that I have without the guidance of D. K. Thus, if anyone is looking to enter the legal field as a paralegal and have the chance to have D. K. as an instructor, it is a guaranteed great learning experience."
DON'T GO HERE!!!
  • Reviewed: 10/17/2012
  • Degree: Medical Assistant
"West Altanic City school is horrible administration and structure wise. Teachers are dropping like flies, the directors and the rest of the admin aren't hardly here. The career development ladies are awesome and really work with you to help you find a job, or so I have heard. The director doesn't know whats going on. The receptionist is clueless. I've overheard her answer the phone and she sounded so unprofessional and didn't know anything about the programs the school offers. She is no help what so ever! The teachers at the school are awesome and can teach you alot if your willing to learn and apply the information your given. It also seems like the standards have dropped at the school and they are now accepting any and everyone just to get money. The school has no problem telling you that your late on monthly payments but they can't tell you what class your going to!! So disorganized! I did my research and at the time this school seemed like the best fit for me but now I think I would've been better paying out of pocket and just go to ACCC for the same program. I wonder sometimes what our tuition goes towards. For as much as we pay we should have new vending machines, better computers, etc. I know the teachers work with what they have but this school has just gone done hill!! Thats all I can think of now but if I can think of more stuff to add I will definitely write another review"
nicole
  • Reviewed: 10/4/2012
"I was very pleased with my instructors and their knowledge on the material as well as preparing me for what I needed to know. But I was dissatisfied with the rest of the faculty. Financial Aid is the worst around, here I thought my account was paid off until one day I received a collection letter in the mail for a balance due. Not once was a statement sent to me, or a bill, or ANY collection calls made to me or any numbers I provided. I was never followed up on directly after school with finding any jobs, then when I found 2 jobs on my own they wanted to take credit for these jobs, which I did not provide any information due that it was my hard work not theirs. It was disheartening to see a year and a half after graduating from the school I am still having problems, which ruins my recommendation for the the education program with valuable teaching staff. Any one considering... reconsider."
Anonymous Current Student
  • Reviewed: 8/14/2012
  • Degree: Nursing
"They have an excellent male instructor who gives great lessons and career advice and Director of the program that really cares about the students and the nursing field. A couple of AWESOME clinical instructors that are patient. The practical nursing program is a little disorganzed but manageable. They are CHEAP only supplying one set of uniforms for a 15month program. Its a good option to enter the nursing field. The curriculum is demanding but can be handled by a focused and determined student! Its worth the money if you are encountering long wait list for other 2year options or you are a non-traditional student in limbo. It works for me and for you as long as you take responsibility for your education."