BAKERSFIELD, CA - It's a nightmare for dozens of students in Bakersfield. They found out this week the vocational school they attend is about to shut down. Many will be left without a degree after spending massive amounts of time and money.
The California College of Vocational Careers lost its institutional accreditation in February, but this week realized it could not save the downtown Bakersfield school, leaving 40 students with nothing but big bills and wasted time.
"Money, time, all that just wasted," said Robert Chacon, a current student at California College.
After $36,000 and a year of work, Chacon was about to get his MRI technologist certificate, then Tuesday an instructor told him the school was closing Friday.
"About a year and a half just for nothing," said Chacon.
Located in downtown Bakersfield, the school offered certificates for medical assistants, MRI technologists, ultrasound technologists, and medical billers and coders. According to the Bureau of Private Post-Secondary Education, the 40 students enrolled will now have to find other schools.
"I am very disappointed in the school and the owners and all the students and employees, kept their students in the dark about this," said Tiffany McCain, a California College student.
"I'm really sick at heart," said Kelly Blanton, the former Kern County Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Blanton is not connected with California College but owns the downtown Bakersfield building that houses the school.
Dr. Blanton said the college has to close because back in February it lost its institutional accreditation.
"Once they lost the accreditation all of a sudden it was dead," said Blanton.
Dr. Blanton said he and the college's owner tried to find another school to take over the college's students, but as of last week plans fell through.
"The fact that it happened on the day that it happened was a surprise, but the fact that it happened is not a surprise," said Dr. Blanton.
Representatives from the Bureau of Private Post-Secondary Education are coming Friday to assist the students. Officials say nearly all of the students should be able to complete their programs at another school. If not, they will be reimbursed for tuition through a state fund, which offers a glimmer of hope in what is a disappointing situation.
"Not all is lost, but the school is lost," said Blanton.
Our calls to the school for comment were not returned.