Good afternoon Mrs. Aguiar,
I hope all is well and that this school year is off to a great start already. I just want to say thank you for your patience with me throughout the nursing program. You truly have the gift of teaching, especially the hands on part (clinical). I learn best hands on, and being in your clinical or lab group was the best experience. You took your time to teach/review procedures and made sure I was comfortable enough to do it on my own. I remember if not late September than it probably was early October, I stayed after with you for extra help on Fundamentals, and to go over my test #2. I had a 68% on that exam, and although a 68% was a big improvement from my exam #1, it was still not a passing grade.

I was so angry, frustrated, discouraged and confused, I was ready to give up. The passion, understanding and determination was most certainly there for me. I didn’t understand why my grades weren't reflecting that. When I told you that I was ready to give up, you said “Why? you’re only two exams in and you have 3 more to go, you can do it!” You said the students that struggle with their grades usually make the best nurses, the knowledge is there but they’re just bad test takers even though they understand the material. They are usually the ones who want it bad enough and will do anything to reinforce the material and make sure their knowledge reflects on paper.

You were the main instructor who reassured me that I can most certainly bring my grade up, just don’t give up. You gave me different strategies to help reinforce the material more. You suggested listening to podcast, rewriting my notes, going over my exam and for every one that I got wrong check off what you did. I took your advice and it worked.

Overall I just wanted to say thank you, you may not have realized how personal I took your advice but I took it very personal. You are a phenomenal nursing instructor. Looking back now I’m SO happy that I stayed after with you that day, and extremely proud of myself for not giving up. Successfully completing the Practical Nurse Program was a blessing, and passing the NCLEX on my 1st attempt was an even greater blessing, and I owe a BIG thank you to you.
THANK YOU SOO MUCHH!!!!!! - Vicky

I chose because it was affordable and close to my home. At STI I liked that the time spent in class was always well utilized. There was never a wasted moment or boredom. It was filled with so much information to take in. For externship, all the details were worked out before you even got there. You knew where you were going and what to expect. You also met with your predecessor beforehand so you knew at least one familiar face before you went on your first day. STI staff is A+! They all know what they are teaching and offer their own experiences in the field. My best experience at STI was graduation! I also liked that CPR was included in the curriculum. It is a challenging program but you will be completely equipped and prepared for a job in the workforce.

I chose STI to better my future and lead me to an outstanding career path. I liked that we got to do a lot of things hands on. I also liked how we switched rotations and got to experience more than one specialty. The faculty did everything they could to help get the students through the program. They really cared about the students succeeding. My best experience at STI was graduating. It felt so good to earn my certificate. In the beginning at open house I was told it was an intense program but didn't realize how intense it would actually be. For future students, study, take extra notes on the side, highlight details that stand out, and focus, because you will need most of what you've learned in the dental world.

I chose STI after a thoughtful comparison and analysis of its Nursing Board Licensure exam results. Class time was as regular as any intensive full time studies schedule. I didn't have to come back for classes against my work or family life schedule. I opted for full-time studies and the class time fitted into my expectations. The clinical period was no joke. We were exposed to all we basically needed to know, no half- measures, no laziness or indiscipline. Faculty and staff were very helpful. They were ready to stay after school to explain difficult areas. They really encouraged us and offered tips to lessen even our non- academic problems. Mrs. Aguiar & Mrs. Miller are exceptional in this regard. After my studies, they continued to help in my job search and referred me to jobs. Just can't thank them enough. There were moments of confusion & outright tears that l had to confide in Mrs. A. Her soothing words, gestures and advice encouraged me never to give up. I still don't know what l could have done without her. The student support staff is amazing. Cristina always sent job fliers to all graduates, encouraging us to apply, asking to know our experiences and challenges, giving tips for preparation for our job interviews and so on. Mrs. Miller's humility and 'down to earth' approach during my clinical experience at the Veteran Hospital, Brockton. She is a professional to the core. She worked side by side with her students, without any feeling of superiority. STI is the best school for the Practical Nursing Program. I have already referred many prospective students.

I heard about STI through my CareerWorks counselor. I was laid off as a mortgage processor and had decided to try something new. I had always liked to care for people so I thought medical assisting would be a good choice. The cost of the program at STI was much more reasonable. I didn't want to have to carry a big loan when I got done with a program.

At STI I liked the smaller classrooms, it felt more personal. Our teacher, Mrs. Beer was our greatest cheerleader...she believed in us and showed it through her actions. I also liked that this program was Sept-May. The other programs I looked into, you started when you applied. These other schools felt like they were herding people. I liked the idea that this program was a more normal timeframe and that you were with the same students from beginning to end.

In the future, I hope to work full-time in a doctor's office. For future students, I recommended they look around, go to other schools and check out their programs. In the end, you will see why STI is the best choice.

I was seven months pregnant when I applied to STI and in the process of moving from South Carolina. My previous career of bartending was not the life I wanted for my daughter and I, which is when I started asking around and spoke to a previous student about STI's Dental Assisting Program. She had already completed the program and was thriving in the dental world. I decided to give it my all and see what happened. Truthfully, I did not look into any other program once I heard the praises about the program and faculty from this former student.

Once school started, my daughter Chloe, was only two and a half weeks old. I certainly had my hands full but was determined to give school my best effort. She is my biggest motivator. The faculty and staff were there for myself and the other students every step of the way, especially Dr. Hassan, Mrs. Ferris and Cristina. Hard work certainly paid off in the end graduating top of my class, with multiple job offers.

After graduation and being able to compare my training and skill set with others in the field, I am forever grateful that I chose STI. The education I received has put me a notch above the rest. I am also grateful that STI is still here for my classmates and I even after graduation. Over the next few years, I plan to still be at my current job, utilizing my expanded functions and being the best assistant I can be.

STI is not only going to give you the best education and get you ready for employment in every way that they can, but is also going to be there for you in years to come, which is huge. I am not going to lie the Dental Assisting Program is highly intense and a lot of work, but every minute of class, labs and study sessions was worth it in the end.

I was always interested in a career that would allow me to be hands on and work with people. It was important to me to have the knowledge to help others, as well as the skills to match. I have always struggled with school and book work and was worried that I would never be able to handle the course load STI would ask of me. This was not an easy program, but it was 110% worth it. My biggest motivation at the start of the program was my family. I could not have gone to school without them and I would never have graduated without their support. As the end of the program neared I found I was also my own motivation....When others believe in you, you start to believe in you too.

The staff at STI goes above and beyond to match your hard work. This CODA accredited program teaches you hands on skills and background knowledge about being a DA but you also get so much more! I was taught compassion, professionalism, Sacrifice, time management, responsibility, gratitude, teamwork, ethics and perseverance. The work load is intense but it is manageable and prepares you for "the real world".  So much work is put into designing a top of the line curriculum. The reputation that STI hold speaks loud and clear of their hard work.

I have never experience a more dedicated, professional, welcoming, personable, conscientious group of educators or staff. From day one each and every one of them remember names and stories, and I could not have asked for a better education! They incorporate all learning styles and aspects of what it takes to go through the program, graduate, find work and succeed in your profession. No detail is left behind, and they do it all because they love what they do and believe in it, it is so inspiring!

I am leaving the doors open for my future. I may continue my education into hygiene, or stay working as a Dental Assistant. No matter where I end up though, STI's DA program has taught me so many fundamentals to being a professional, and so many skills when working with the public. They have boosted my confidence and skill set. I know I will be a life long learner whatever path I take.

If you are passionate about being a dental professional this is a top notch program. Each and every staff member plays a roll in your success and is there to support you. The program will push you to your limits at times and when you push back with hard work, dedication and TIME MANAGEMENT, you realize you are stronger than you think! The best part of all of this is that no one has to wait for a light at the end of the nine month tunnel, STI's program is a process that can also be enjoyed.