Southern Careers Institute-Pharr (SCIP) Academics and Admissions

Academics

With seven different locations throughout Texas, including one in Pharr, the Southern Careers Institute (SCI) is one of the best ways for those seeking a rewarding career to learn all of the skills necessary to enter the workforce. From an acclaimed beauty school program to more technically based vocational training, SCI Pharr is focused on training its students to enter the workforce immediately following school with all of the qualifications necessary to find gainful employment.

Originally founded in 1960, SCI has expanded over time to include more locations in Texas, as well as a much more extensive training curriculum available for students. Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, SCI Pharr is also approved by both the Veterans Administration and the Texas Workforce Commission, which commend the school’s training abilities and interest in ensuring that students maximize their potential after completing their courses of study.

SCI is a private, for-profit institution, with students having the option of pursuing a number of different training programs, all of which come with certificates of completion as well as job placement opportunities in certain departments. Some of the longest-running and most popular courses of training include Medical Assistant and Medical Office Specialist programs, as well as Medical Coding and Billing and Administrative Assistant courses of study. Depending on the program, students can graduate in as little as six months of study, and most programs can be completed in under one year; plus, there is no limit to how long one has been out of school—anyone is welcome to apply for courses.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

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Overall Score (about)	Insufficient Data
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	N/A
Retention (full-time / part-time)	51% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	472

Admissions

Prospective students of the institute must meet all admissions requirements of their desired program. This information can be found online or by speaking with an admissions advisor. The first step in applying is to complete the brief online application form and then arranging an appointment with an advisor, who can discuss scheduling, career goals, and provide a campus tour. Applicants should bring their W2, Social Security card, high school transcripts or GED, and any college transcripts (if applicable) to the meeting.

General admissions requirements at SCI-Pharr are as follows:

Be 18 years of age or older
Have high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Fluency in written and spoken English
Physical competency to perform coursework and enter career field

One advantage of deciding to enroll at SCI Pharr is that programs often can be completed in less than a semester’s worth of studying, on a schedule that is convenient for a student who is balancing attending classes with work and other obligations.

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Financial Aid

SCI Pharr understands that attending college is a big financial investment, whether it’s a technical training course or a four-year degree program. Accordingly, the Financial Aid Office on campus is there to assist students with completing their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications, which is the first step in determining one’s eligibility for need-based aid. Federal student aid consists primarily of Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, and the Federal Direct Loan Program. Of those three, only Direct Loans must be repaid.

The Financial Aid Office is also available to suggest community-based scholarships sponsored by various institutions around town that are looking for highly skilled workers. Likewise, many students are eligible for school-sponsored scholarships. Unlike loans, scholarships are merit based and do not have to be repaid.

Both active duty and veteran members of the military (and their dependents) are eligible for VA funding through a variety of programs, including the GI Bill and the Reserve Education Assistance Program. Financial aid officers are happy to help prospective students navigate the often complex paperwork that these programs require.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

Many students attending SCI Pharr are balancing a family and work schedule along with classes. The institute’s academic departments take this into account with extremely flexible schedules. Online, night, and traditionally timed courses are all available in the various programs. Students of all ages and backgrounds make up the population of attendees, with first-time college students as well as returning students and non-traditional attendees.

Student life on campus primarily revolves around assistance in looking for jobs. The Job Placement Services office is open for students to plan meetings and get started on mapping out their future after courses are completed. Similar opportunities at SCI Pharr include specific training to compliment one’s regularly scheduled courses, as well as personal career counselors who are available to talk about job opportunities and the best course of action for seeking employment after classes are completed. Help with interview skills and resume preparation is also available.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Southern Careers Institute-Pharr