Porter and Chester Institute in Chicopee offers a variety of programs, including dental assisting and HVAC-R tech, providing students with hands-on experience and essential skills. The facility is equipped with labs for practical training, ensuring students have a comprehensive learning experience. Instructors like Ms. Gayle Franklin are praised for their professionalism and dedication to helping students succeed. Despite some negative feedback regarding certain programs and services, the school's commitment to offering a practical education is acknowledged by many. Students appreciate the support they receive from instructors and the opportunity to gain real-world experience in their chosen field.

Not sure on other programs but avoid the tech program. It's been a few years but during COVID it became worthless when it switched online and now I'm stuck with a student loan that isn't what I signed up for. Instructor was a bit of a self absorbed maniac but it's been a few years. Was just scrolling through old emails until it hit me how toxic the environment really was. You're better of teaching yourself and testing for certs yourself. Although again the other programs I'm sure are lovely and maybe the tech program has been updated. Just a word to the wise and young, more heads up than I ever got just paying it forward to the next guy. I was enrolled in 2012/2013 and I was a student of Computer Networking and it was a complete waste of money! The instructor tried, but couldn't control the younger students in his class that had their parents paying for it, so they didn't care. I am still paying my student loans for this and I don't work in the field. I did not learn what was needed to actually go out and succeed. I did not get any help with finding a job in that field either. I should have saved my money and not even gone there!    Amazing school Great instructors This is the best place for future mechanics. I personally believe I made the best choice for my career path and future.  It feels like I have to teach myself more then getting taught how to do everything  I had such a terrible experience. I received no help from any instructors when I needed it. After graduation the school wouldn’t send my transcripts in over a bill I struggled with paying so I couldn’t even take my test. The director of the program wouldn’t reach out to me when she was told to by other people. So I couldn’t even talk to her, and I needed her to send in a COG as well. Because of the years of lack of communication with this school I may need to redo the program because now it’s been to long for me the take the test.  Look elsewhere  I attended Porter and Chester in the electrical program and it was terrible the teacher was awful he didn’t teach any thing he would put up a slide and you were just expected to know how to do it there was no guidance of any kind in the program it was not what i was expecting for 30000 dollars I would not recommend attending  the school I would tell you to go some where else and spend your money that school isn’t worth it   Loved the Dental Assistant program even through COVID-19 I enjoyed being a student at Porter and Chester!!!   Uniforms were not the correct size and students were required to purchase their own scrubs as the school would not contact the company. We were told to order a size up because they run small however that was not the case. Read everything when you apply. They moved the building my course was in restricting access to radiology. In the long run the lack of practice has played a roll in my discomfort in taking images. My personal opinion is for the amount it costs, it was subpar. My instructor was wonderful and I am glad that I was one of her last classes before retiring. I attend Porter & Chester Institute for Dental Assisting and I highly recommend this trade school for anybody who is very hands on. The staff is amazing, they are here to help and make you feel very welcomed. My teacher Ms. Gayle is great she reviews everything we need to know for lab and homework. They are very on top of things and they make sure do not fall behind. Severely disorganized. Atrocious  professionalism. Empty promises. Place wreaks of Ponzi Scheme.  Save your money and more importantly your time. Good place if you are self motivated. It is a lot of online schooling with labs several times a week. I am currently enrolled in the HVAC-R tech program and everyone is very knowledgable. Porter and Chester is a great hands on school. I’m current a dental assistant student my instructor Ms Franklin is the best instructor in my opinion that you can have. She’s great hands on and makes sure you know what your doing and learning I highly recommended her has an instructor a porter and Chester dental assistant.   Honestly have to say that this is the best school to go to for computer's. It's very hands and the teachers are great!! They help you when you need it When I first called about the school I had set up and appointment to speak with someone about joining. I met Mirna and she was the sweetest and most helpful person I’ve ever met! She was so helpful with questions and concerns I had and made sure I was comfortable in the class and would check in on how we were doing! She really cares about how we felt in classes and wanted us to be in a great School setting. I had Mirna Holguin as my admissions counselor and she was the best!!! Before school started, she made sure to remind me of my appointments that I had with the school and she always made sure I had what I needed. She will always make sure that you have what you need and if you don't she makes sure to find a way how to get it. She has the most positive attitude every day and she is the sweetest women you will ever meet! As a returning student after 10 years, I was very nervous to go back to school. Especially during these hard times during COVID and learning online. Porter and Chester Chicopee has done an amazing job making sure we are all on the same page. I’d especially like to recognize my lab instructor, Ms. Franklin. She makes sure all of us are understanding all information learned, and with a smile and great attitude too! She’s not afraid to tell us what we’re doing wrong and that’s very important to all of us. So again, hats off to porter and Chester of Chicopee, and thank you for all you do!  Starting off a new career sounded exciting at first. I am a new student at porter and chester im not sure if its because of covid-19 but the communication is not there. And little to no help for the students, we are expected to read slides and presentations and videos on youtube ,, paying 30000 to teach myself!!!  I am currently a student at Porter and Chester taking up the dental assisting program and it is an amazing experience so far. My instructor Ms. Gayle Franklin is amazing, she explains everything well to the class and makes it clear and understanding. She is very helpful when it comes to lab and with class work, she makes everything fun to learn. But as I continue with this course it becomes more fun everyday and i can’t wait to go out on my externship soon. But overall this is an amazing cause to take. Your money will be well spent. I’m currently enrolled in the dental assisting program. It has been a great learning experience for me personally. The instructor Gayle Franklin has been professional, helpful, and honest. 10/10 would recommend!!! I am a student for the dental assistant program in the Chicopee campus and it’s been amazing. Even with the pandemic I’m still getting the best education, I’m learning so much from my instructor Ms. Gayle Franklin. She goes up and beyond makes sure I understand everything step by step, always positive and honest and if you need extra help she’s always there. Lab is always fun while also productive. If your thinking of going to the dental assistant program I recommend the PCI in Chicopee, you will have a blast with Ms. Gayle Franklin!  As a student for the Dental Assistant program on Chicopee campus, my experience has been amazing, even with starting during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic. My instructor Ms. Gayle Franklin is just phenomenal when it comes to her work ethics & professionalism. She makes the lab work fun while also educational. She takes the time to make sure each student understands the the work & takes step by step procedures. I will highly recommend any student who is looking into the dental assistant field to go to PCI in Chicopee so they can have Ms. Gayle Franklin. They won’t be disappointed☺️ As of writing this, I graduate is less than a month, I feel my time here was well worth the money I have spent. My instructor is always incredibly helpful. I feel being hands on and helping other students and faculty on the campus helped a lot in my leading process. Complete waste of time and a lot of money Just graduated in July 2020 from auto I’m not happy how they handled COVID-19 I definitely  lost out on my education with no partial refund POOR MANAGEMENT it was a struggle for career services to help people find a job the best part about this place are the teachers the teacher will bend over backwards for you And do everything they possibly can to help you succeed and find a job not saying it’s a bad place just be very cautious and do your research when enrolling  For the amount of money you spend the students deserve more. You end up looking employment on your own, career services does nothing for you. I attended 2 career fairs while attending class at PC and both times not 1 electrical company showed up. I gave this place 2 stars because of convenience with my schedule and my teacher was a good help.  IT program - if you have the work ethic you can accoplish all you would in this class at home for 20k less than you will pay at this school. You wont do much hands on, they will give you old materials because they already paid for licencses and need to get rid of them. Me and another student had to fight to get current material related to a certification the course was based around. Now the teacher was a great guy but for the money you pay you will not get that bavk from this course. And dont even get me staryed on thier human resource / job prep people. The absolute most worthless people ive met. They didnt help me or anyone im my class with anything. They even fired one person in that position and then hired another worthless person. Now all these people are trained by the most worthless manager of that department for all porter and chester schools in this region. Job placment is dosnt exisit in this institution.  The majority of class is 15 min of learning from powerpoint then 3 hours of simulations and homework in class which most people do in 35 min then watch youtube for the rest because they are lazy.
Go to udemey buy a course on A+ net + for 20$ got take the exams for 600$ and youll have saved 24k and got the same results or maybe better than going to this run down location. Pay attention to that when you visit and you will get an idea of how they treat everything. This is coming from someone who was top of the class, went after the certifications and went out and got a job without thier help. Im here today for my daughter in laws pining from medical assistance. As i watch the students w there family. Im holding my tear of joy to see young mother's achieving there dreams not only for them but for there daughter's and son's. Im so proud of them. Thanks to this Institute.to open doors for the future of so many families. Congratulations to class 5/29/19 Electrical program. Complete waste of money. If you want to pay $30,000.00 for a useless piece of paper, this is the school to sign up for. They build you a resume full of lies( I still have the one they did it’s ridiculous) the classroom work was a joke. They give everyone the answers to all questions and the hands on part was also horrible. Supplies for the hands on were broken or not there at all. Companies will laugh at you when you mention you attended Porter and Chester. Save some serious money and time and join the union. Whatever you do steer clear of this establishment. This school is very unprofessional. They do not communicate well with students. Do not go unless you want a year+ of arguing with these people who don’t even help. My son felt like he got a great education...but he still does not have a steady job in his field (computer) after a year of graduating.  He's working some temp work, on an as needed basis, and a part-time computer service business just let him go because there was just not enough work to keep him on.  I'd like to see more job placement assistance which seems almost nonexistent, but was promised. classroom lecture was good, but when it came to shop time (auto tech), there was no real instruction. It was ran more like a shop to work on customer cars, leaving students with little to no hands on experience with cars falling behind, as if you were expected to know what to do from just getting book time. When I confronted the instructors regarding the issue, they told me it would get fixed, but gave me a task to replace an entire engine. While I can respect the idea that you need to be motivated to get something out of the course, if people are going to waste over 30 thousand dollars to get into the auto industry, there could at least be lab work and training vehicles like what UTI has for the same cost.

Dont waste your time here for auto tech. Go to UTI.  Love how hands on and how quick classes are. Still able to retain the lectures even though fast paced. Instructors are great!! Too fast pace education. All theses kind of institutions are basically the same. As for my program experience; on my internship, I was at a place that was a career killer.

Comprehensive Vocational SCH

Westover Job Corps Center

The Tech Foundry

Chic Comprehensive Career Tech

Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy

Not sure on other programs but avoid the tech program. It's been a few years but during COVID it became worthless when it switched online and now I'm stuck with a student loan that isn't what I signed up for. Instructor was a bit of a self absorbed maniac but it's been a few years. Was just scrolling through old emails until it hit me how toxic the environment really was. You're better of teaching yourself and testing for certs yourself. Although again the other programs I'm sure are lovely and maybe the tech program has been updated. Just a word to the wise and young, more heads up than I ever got just paying it forward to the next guy.

I was enrolled in 2012/2013 and I was a student of Computer Networking and it was a complete waste of money! The instructor tried, but couldn't control the younger students in his class that had their parents paying for it, so they didn't care. I am still paying my student loans for this and I don't work in the field. I did not learn what was needed to actually go out and succeed. I did not get any help with finding a job in that field either. I should have saved my money and not even gone there!

This is the best place for future mechanics. I personally believe I made the best choice for my career path and future.

It feels like I have to teach myself more then getting taught how to do everything

I had such a terrible experience. I received no help from any instructors when I needed it. After graduation the school wouldn’t send my transcripts in over a bill I struggled with paying so I couldn’t even take my test. The director of the program wouldn’t reach out to me when she was told to by other people. So I couldn’t even talk to her, and I needed her to send in a COG as well. Because of the years of lack of communication with this school I may need to redo the program because now it’s been to long for me the take the test.

I attended Porter and Chester in the electrical program and it was terrible the teacher was awful he didn’t teach any thing he would put up a slide and you were just expected to know how to do it there was no guidance of any kind in the program it was not what i was expecting for 30000 dollars I would not recommend attending  the school I would tell you to go some where else and spend your money that school isn’t worth it

Loved the Dental Assistant program even through COVID-19 I enjoyed being a student at Porter and Chester!!!

Uniforms were not the correct size and students were required to purchase their own scrubs as the school would not contact the company. We were told to order a size up because they run small however that was not the case. Read everything when you apply. They moved the building my course was in restricting access to radiology. In the long run the lack of practice has played a roll in my discomfort in taking images. My personal opinion is for the amount it costs, it was subpar. My instructor was wonderful and I am glad that I was one of her last classes before retiring.

I attend Porter & Chester Institute for Dental Assisting and I highly recommend this trade school for anybody who is very hands on. The staff is amazing, they are here to help and make you feel very welcomed. My teacher Ms. Gayle is great she reviews everything we need to know for lab and homework. They are very on top of things and they make sure do not fall behind.

Severely disorganized. Atrocious  professionalism. Empty promises. Place wreaks of Ponzi Scheme.  Save your money and more importantly your time.

Good place if you are self motivated. It is a lot of online schooling with labs several times a week. I am currently enrolled in the HVAC-R tech program and everyone is very knowledgable.

Porter and Chester is a great hands on school. I’m current a dental assistant student my instructor Ms Franklin is the best instructor in my opinion that you can have. She’s great hands on and makes sure you know what your doing and learning I highly recommended her has an instructor a porter and Chester dental assistant.

Honestly have to say that this is the best school to go to for computer's. It's very hands and the teachers are great!! They help you when you need it

When I first called about the school I had set up and appointment to speak with someone about joining. I met Mirna and she was the sweetest and most helpful person I’ve ever met! She was so helpful with questions and concerns I had and made sure I was comfortable in the class and would check in on how we were doing! She really cares about how we felt in classes and wanted us to be in a great School setting.

I had Mirna Holguin as my admissions counselor and she was the best!!! Before school started, she made sure to remind me of my appointments that I had with the school and she always made sure I had what I needed. She will always make sure that you have what you need and if you don't she makes sure to find a way how to get it. She has the most positive attitude every day and she is the sweetest women you will ever meet!

As a returning student after 10 years, I was very nervous to go back to school. Especially during these hard times during COVID and learning online. Porter and Chester Chicopee has done an amazing job making sure we are all on the same page. I’d especially like to recognize my lab instructor, Ms. Franklin. She makes sure all of us are understanding all information learned, and with a smile and great attitude too! She’s not afraid to tell us what we’re doing wrong and that’s very important to all of us. So again, hats off to porter and Chester of Chicopee, and thank you for all you do!

Starting off a new career sounded exciting at first. I am a new student at porter and chester im not sure if its because of covid-19 but the communication is not there. And little to no help for the students, we are expected to read slides and presentations and videos on youtube ,, paying 30000 to teach myself!!!

I am currently a student at Porter and Chester taking up the dental assisting program and it is an amazing experience so far. My instructor Ms. Gayle Franklin is amazing, she explains everything well to the class and makes it clear and understanding. She is very helpful when it comes to lab and with class work, she makes everything fun to learn. But as I continue with this course it becomes more fun everyday and i can’t wait to go out on my externship soon. But overall this is an amazing cause to take. Your money will be well spent.

I’m currently enrolled in the dental assisting program. It has been a great learning experience for me personally. The instructor Gayle Franklin has been professional, helpful, and honest. 10/10 would recommend!!!

I am a student for the dental assistant program in the Chicopee campus and it’s been amazing. Even with the pandemic I’m still getting the best education, I’m learning so much from my instructor Ms. Gayle Franklin. She goes up and beyond makes sure I understand everything step by step, always positive and honest and if you need extra help she’s always there. Lab is always fun while also productive. If your thinking of going to the dental assistant program I recommend the PCI in Chicopee, you will have a blast with Ms. Gayle Franklin!

As a student for the Dental Assistant program on Chicopee campus, my experience has been amazing, even with starting during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic. My instructor Ms. Gayle Franklin is just phenomenal when it comes to her work ethics & professionalism. She makes the lab work fun while also educational. She takes the time to make sure each student understands the the work & takes step by step procedures. I will highly recommend any student who is looking into the dental assistant field to go to PCI in Chicopee so they can have Ms. Gayle Franklin. They won’t be disappointed☺️

As of writing this, I graduate is less than a month, I feel my time here was well worth the money I have spent. My instructor is always incredibly helpful. I feel being hands on and helping other students and faculty on the campus helped a lot in my leading process.

Complete waste of time and a lot of money

Just graduated in July 2020 from auto I’m not happy how they handled COVID-19 I definitely  lost out on my education with no partial refund POOR MANAGEMENT it was a struggle for career services to help people find a job the best part about this place are the teachers the teacher will bend over backwards for you And do everything they possibly can to help you succeed and find a job not saying it’s a bad place just be very cautious and do your research when enrolling

For the amount of money you spend the students deserve more. You end up looking employment on your own, career services does nothing for you. I attended 2 career fairs while attending class at PC and both times not 1 electrical company showed up. I gave this place 2 stars because of convenience with my schedule and my teacher was a good help.

IT program - if you have the work ethic you can accoplish all you would in this class at home for 20k less than you will pay at this school. You wont do much hands on, they will give you old materials because they already paid for licencses and need to get rid of them. Me and another student had to fight to get current material related to a certification the course was based around. Now the teacher was a great guy but for the money you pay you will not get that bavk from this course. And dont even get me staryed on thier human resource / job prep people. The absolute most worthless people ive met. They didnt help me or anyone im my class with anything. They even fired one person in that position and then hired another worthless person. Now all these people are trained by the most worthless manager of that department for all porter and chester schools in this region. Job placment is dosnt exisit in this institution.  The majority of class is 15 min of learning from powerpoint then 3 hours of simulations and homework in class which most people do in 35 min then watch youtube for the rest because they are lazy.
Go to udemey buy a course on A+ net + for 20$ got take the exams for 600$ and youll have saved 24k and got the same results or maybe better than going to this run down location. Pay attention to that when you visit and you will get an idea of how they treat everything. This is coming from someone who was top of the class, went after the certifications and went out and got a job without thier help.

Im here today for my daughter in laws pining from medical assistance. As i watch the students w there family. Im holding my tear of joy to see young mother's achieving there dreams not only for them but for there daughter's and son's. Im so proud of them. Thanks to this Institute.to open doors for the future of so many families. Congratulations to class 5/29/19

Electrical program. Complete waste of money. If you want to pay $30,000.00 for a useless piece of paper, this is the school to sign up for. They build you a resume full of lies( I still have the one they did it’s ridiculous) the classroom work was a joke. They give everyone the answers to all questions and the hands on part was also horrible. Supplies for the hands on were broken or not there at all. Companies will laugh at you when you mention you attended Porter and Chester. Save some serious money and time and join the union. Whatever you do steer clear of this establishment.

This school is very unprofessional. They do not communicate well with students. Do not go unless you want a year+ of arguing with these people who don’t even help.

My son felt like he got a great education...but he still does not have a steady job in his field (computer) after a year of graduating.  He's working some temp work, on an as needed basis, and a part-time computer service business just let him go because there was just not enough work to keep him on.  I'd like to see more job placement assistance which seems almost nonexistent, but was promised.

classroom lecture was good, but when it came to shop time (auto tech), there was no real instruction. It was ran more like a shop to work on customer cars, leaving students with little to no hands on experience with cars falling behind, as if you were expected to know what to do from just getting book time. When I confronted the instructors regarding the issue, they told me it would get fixed, but gave me a task to replace an entire engine. While I can respect the idea that you need to be motivated to get something out of the course, if people are going to waste over 30 thousand dollars to get into the auto industry, there could at least be lab work and training vehicles like what UTI has for the same cost.

Dont waste your time here for auto tech. Go to UTI.

Love how hands on and how quick classes are. Still able to retain the lectures even though fast paced. Instructors are great!!

Too fast pace education. All theses kind of institutions are basically the same. As for my program experience; on my internship, I was at a place that was a career killer.

About Porter and Chester Institute

Opening Hours