I wouldn't recommend them
I completed my massage therapy education at Cortiva Institute on July 19, 2024, and am still waiting for the school to send proof of my completion to the state of Florida so that I can receive my massage therapy license. Despite repeated efforts to resolve this issue, the school has provided minimal assistance.
A list of the major problems I experienced at Cortiva, which clearly highlight administrative failures, poor campus conditions, and misuse of student labor below:
Delayed Licensing Process: Despite completing all required hours and submitting my application to the state, the state of Fl is still waiting for Cortiva to provide adequate proof of my completion. I finished the program on July 19, 2024, but students who graduated after me have already received their licenses. Cortiva continues to blame me for submitting my application directly to the state, even though my test results and background check went directly to the state from the testing authority and background check agency. I personally paid for my background check and licensing fees to expedite the process. This delay is unacceptable and shows a complete lack of responsibility from the school.
Unprofessional Campus Conditions: For weeks, the classroom temps frequently exceeded >76°F, which made learning uncomfortable and unsuitable. On several occasions, the temperature reached >80°F. The grounds were often littered with trash, and homeless individuals regularly loitered outside the campus. Once human feces was found near the door leading to the student lunch courtyard.
Equipment & Supplies: Day 1of the program, the campus director, informed us that the backpacks received were temporary & that new, more durable backpacks were coming soon. However, he left shortly after, and despite inquiries to multiple staff members, the promised backpacks were never provided. Minor, but it speaks to the larger issue. Many learning tools were damaged or broken. Our Instructor couldn’t get the speakers on her computer replaced so we could hear, which negatively impacted our ability to learn. Some of the massage tables in the classrooms were cracked and peeling, and would fail inspection if the DOH were to check them.
Staffing Issues: During the 6mo program, there was constant staff turnover. There were 2 different campus directors, 2 corporate fill-ins, and 3 changes in financial coordinators, 2 admissions counselors, and 3 front desk personnel. Career services, which is responsible for coordinating state exams and licensing paperwork, also changed staff multiple times. The person who initially helped me with my state exam was fired, leading to a delay of over six weeks to get my exam scheduled. Every time a staff member was replaced, my file seemed to be forgotten or lost. I had to wait almost 8 weeks to receive a refund I was owed because the financial coordinator was replaced in the middle of the process. The lack of continuity and professionalism in handling students’ needs is appalling.
Misuse of Student Labor: On multiple occasions, students were asked to set up classrooms for paid events hosted by the school. Completely inappropriate that as paying students (with a tuition of almost $14,000), we were being asked to perform these tasks. The school is not a charity—it is profiting from these events. I paid nearly $14,000 for this program and am still unable to work because of Cortiva’s failures. I have lost valuable time and income, and I have had to cancel continuing education courses because I still don’t have my license. I strongly recommend that anyone considering Cortiva Institute for massage therapy education look elsewhere. The poor campus conditions, administrative incompetence, and lack of support make this a deeply flawed program.