Institute of Technology - Modesto - Modesto, California

Alec C.

Institute of Technology HVAC Review: Not What I Expected

I recently went through the HVAC program at the Institute of Technology, and honestly, it wasn’t as great as they make it seem. They brag about their high passing rate, but from what I saw, they just push students through the system. I’ve witnessed people who barely did any work still pass because the school didn’t want to have too many failures. It felt like they were more worried about their reputation than actually teaching us.

The way they taught the course was also a problem. They kept telling us that commercial HVAC wasn’t something we needed to worry about because most people start with residential HVAC. While I get that, they barely touched on commercial systems at all, which seemed like an important part of the field. They just skimmed over it to keep things simple for them.

Another issue was the difference in resources between students. Newer students seemed to get better tools, materials, and chances for hands-on experience, even though we all paid the same tuition. It didn’t seem fair at all that the newer classes got better treatment than we did.

As for finding a job after graduating, if you have no experience, you might run into problems. Many companies don’t want to hire someone with no experience because they don’t want to invest time or money in training someone who might not stick with it. During interviews, I was told that none of the companies I applied to really hired people from trade schools. A lot of them were just put on the industry by a family for friend. It made me feel like all the time and money I spent on this program didn’t matter. The classmates I still keep in contact with are also struggling which speaks volume on how this industry is difficult to navigate into.

In the end, while the Institute of Technology sounds good on paper with its high pass rate, I felt like it wasn’t really setting us up for success. If you’re serious about getting into HVAC, be ready for the reality that trade school alone isn’t enough. The experience is what really counts. Sometimes this school felt like a pyramid scheme all along...

Take time to think if you'd like to go to trade school but as for this school it's sad to say I would not recommend it. I do not recommend the HVAC program to family or friends and I wouldn't recommend it to whoever is reading this....

As for the teachers, you guys are awesome. It's not your fault the school isn't providing enough resources for you to use in class.

Caroline B.

Recent graduate of the Medical Billing and Office Administration program at IOT. My experience was nothing short of amazing. Mrs. Gomez went above and beyond for all her students so failure was never an option. The class was engaging and alot of fun. What I learned in class I now use everyday as a medical biller.

A V.

Took hvac course, forced to be around rowdy kids all night, 3hrs of lab every other week. Glad I didn't pay out of pocket, can't imagine.

EDIT: Many young guys in the class fresh out of highschool, goofing around being loud and disrespectful to teachers and peers during lessons. Instructors struggle to control the classrooms of 25+ people

Kaileah J.

I have got to IOT for almost 15 months for the criminology program, next week is my last week. I would recommend this school to my friends, between the staff and students it is an amazing environment. I have grown as a person and in my knowledge at this school. It is very hands on and getting you ready for the career path you are going on. When you are going through some of the toughest time they will accommodate and help you as much as possible. Laura is someone I have talked to a lot. She is the person when you going through something and just need to talk she will listen. She also gives the best advice. She even helped me figure out a schedule to fit homework in when I was working 2 jobs, going to school, and personal stuff.

Randy H.

They are so messed up with the new ATI program they don't know what they are doing and we're to greedy to wait to figure it out to have classes .They litteraly tell students I dono figure it out , all the while charging thousands of dollars and yelling at confused students ( Autumn , I bet you'd move fast if I said go home ) and leaving us to figure it out with teachers who have no idea what they are doing and use chat gbt to write tests ( Ted Anderson)

Candice C.

Had a very good experience at IOT’s LVN program. The instructors were efficient and provided us with all the tools I needed to succeed. The program will require you to be flexible at times, just like nursing will. Studying is not an option if you want to succeed. Kathy, the DON, has a zero tolerance for any drama or disrespect. Sad that needs to be monitored for adults but necessary for some. If you put your head down and put in the work and time you will succeed. Autumn was my favorite instructor bringing lots of her nursing experience and knowledge to the classroom. She had very realistic expectations for us as students and future nurses. They set the standard high and will hold you to that. And you should set the standard high for yourself as well as you enter the nursing world.

Dulce O.

I am very happy to say this was one of the best decisions I made, although I was not so sure about what I wanted to do this was a great place to start. The staff made everything very simple and I always felt I had their support when it came to financial questions or just questions in general. I was part of the MBOA program and now that I am actually in the field I love what I do. I couldn’t have done it without my instructor, she was there for every step of the way, motivated me to do my best and pushed me because she knew I could do it. Even after I completed my course the school continues to support their students whether it comes to update resumes or look for jobs.

Johnny G.

This place is a hidden Gem in our community. They really care about their students. They treat them like family. IOT is always involved in the community as well.