Online school accepts displaced Heritage Institute students

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FORT MYERS, Fla. — Another technical college has agreed to take in former pharmacy technician students from Heritage Institute.

MK Education, an online technical college, is allowing students to complete their education through their program at FGCU.

Amanda Teckenbrock, a former Heritage Institute professor who was teaching her pharmacy students from home, is glad that MK Education decided to accept her students.

“They’re not only taking the Fort Myers students, they’re taking all of the pharmacy tech students nationwide,” Teckenbrock said. “So it was a win win.”

However, many teachers still have questions that need answers.

“They were supposed to send us all emails and explain everything and we’ve never gotten anything,” said Betty Smith, a former Heritage instructor.

“No one’s gotten anything from them,” Teckenbrock said. “I personally have not received an email, have not received a letter in the mail, I haven’t received anything…no correspondence at all from Heritage.”

Over 600 former employees filed a class action lawsuit against the technical college last week after the school abruptly shut down on Nov. 1. But now, Teckenbrock heard from other teachers that their flex spending accounts were emptied.

“No instructor has access to their account,” Teckenbrock said. “They were told by the company that Heritage closed it down and took all the money out.”

Teckenbrock recently held her last class session in her home as she was offered a position at FGCU. Her students are grateful she didn’t abandon them as well.

“The fact that she’s willing to help us and continue teaching us out of her home is just amazing for her to do,” said Emily Kennedy, one of Teckenbrock’s students.

Students told WINK News they’re also considering filing a class action lawsuit against the school. The owner of Heritage Institute couldn’t be reached for comment.

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