Teachers, students told to pick up their stuff from Brightwood College

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Brightwood College's Las Vegas campus is closing after accreditation was withdrawn for its parent company.

On Tuesday, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools notified the Education Corporation of America, which owns Brightwood College and Virginia college, about the decision to withdraw accreditation.

The Accrediting Council first issued a directive in September regarding concerns in the areas of institutional management, communications, curriculum review and revision, construction oversight, and employer satisfaction.

While the institution took steps to address these areas of concern, the Accrediting Council has since found additional areas of concern across various campuses, including student progress, outcomes, student satisfaction, certification and licensure, and staff turnover.

While the issues with Brightwood College's parent company started months ago, students told 13 Action News that they received no notice that the school was closing until Wednesday morning.

"I'm 11 weeks from being a nurse and I still have to pay the $30,000 for something I don't even have," said Chelsie Madson.

"It's sad. I put in a lot of worked and I'm disappointed," April Hiett said.

They also received an email, which mentioned that Education Corporation of America was restructuring.

"The Department of Education added requirements that made operating our schools more challenging, " according to the letter. In addition the letter read, "last night ACICS suspended our schools' accreditation with intent to withdraw. The uncertainty of these requirements resulted in an inability to acquire additional capital to operate our schools."

Also according to the letter, the Brightwood College campus located near Sahara Avenue and Valley View Boulevard will close on Friday, Dec. 7.

Teachers and students were asked Wednesday to pick up their stuff from campus.

"We're out on our own. No benefits no nothing. We just have to start looking for other jobs," said one teacher who wanted to remain anonymous.

Students are set to receive credit for all courses that they completed and passed by Dec. 7. If students had not graduated yet, they were also encouraged to request their transcripts and contact other schools to determine whether they could transfer.

"You come in so happy [and] so excited and it's like no [just kidding], you can't do this no more," said Aurelio Barajas.

Northwest Career College is welcoming Brightwood College students and said credits may transfer.

Two years ago, Brightwood College was welcoming ITT Tech students after that for-profit closed in Las Vegas.