DISCLAIMER- LENGTHY REVIEW LOL: I just recently graduated from the Medical Assisting program and it is bittersweet! I am super excited for my future but also super sad to be finished with school. The program was about 4.5 months and time went by so surprisingly quick but I have gained so much knowledge in that short period of time. From the beginning, I researched pretty extensively for esthetics schools around the area and came across ISBA. It seemed to be extremely detailed in what it had to offer so I scheduled an in-person interview with Dr. Doran. I brought my husband along with my two year old toddler and she was so welcoming and passionate in what she had to explain to me. I'm already a licensed cosmetologist so she took the time to ask me herself what my future endeavors are such as my goals, career, what I planned on getting out of the esthetics program. (I told her I enjoy doing hair, but skincare interests me and I might want to work in a medspa, etc later on) Instead of pushing me forward and just letting me apply/enroll in the program, she explained why it wouldn't benefit me as much considering that I was already licensed in cosmetology and if I still planned on staying in the hair industry. It would basically be like getting licensed for something I'm already qualified to do. She then explained about their MA program if medspa is what I'm leaning towards because being a certified MA would improve my current qualifications/resume whereas just being another licensed esthetician would be the same as I am now if that makes sense. The fact that she took the time to talk me out of their more expensive program and into another program to benefit me personally was enough for me to already want to enroll. It shows how much she cares for people individually and cares for everyone's success/future. Also, the fact that their class sizes are so small (my class only had 7 people) shows that she takes pride in who enrolls because she talks to them and makes sure the program is the correct fit for both the student and her. I truly appreciate and respect that. As for the MA program teacher, Ms. Helen; she is amazing. She is honest, fun & funny, caring and most importantly, patient. She teaches in the perfect pace where it isn't too slow nor too fast. If someone is having difficulty grasping a lesson/concept, she takes the time to pause and makes sure that student understands before moving forward without making it seem degrading or embarrassing. Our class asks ALOT of questions, most of the time confusing questions lol, and she makes sure she answers all of them til we understand and goes into depth with it. If she is unsure herself, she takes the time to research until there is a solid/clear answer. She provided us with her own handwritten flash cards & study games to help us prepare for our NHA exam. I had a little bit of prior education in the medical field from being in the military.. but there were a lot of topics where I was unable to retain the information after all these years. But going over those same topics with Ms. Helen, I am able to remember them and retain them easily because she teaches in a way where you're not just remembering terms/concepts, you're actually understanding why/what/etc. I am super appreciative of her and I'm so proud and glad I was apart of this program. I have a few friends/family who were apart of other MA programs that were a year long and after speaking with them, they didn't learn or go over a lot of the same material we had gone over nor had the same great learning experience. So I'm definitely pleased that I chose to go with this school because it was so worth it! Thank you ISBA! read more

See all

AMAZING school. I had previously taken a CNA class and did not even learn nearly as much as I did here. Lovely staff and instructors. Especially Ms. Kylie. Everyone is so caring about your future. They make it possible here. I passed the NHA with my CCMA with flying colors and I usually dont do well with studying but I have never felt more prepared for an exam in my life. Huge thanks to Dr. Doran for giving so much of herself to our success. Love everyone here. read more

My experience here studying the medical assistant program was amazing. Miss Kylie was the best teacher, she really wants us, the students to win! She teaches exactly what we need to know for our NHA and makes sure we are prepared and confident. I'm forever grateful Dr. Doran guided me into taking this program. Something that I didn't know I would enjoy so much is phlebotomy. It was so much fun and I always got blood! I'm very confident and excited to start my new journey! read more

I graduated from ISBA Esthetician program last month and I can say proudly that I'm very happy with my choice! The Esthetic classes were really fun, interactive, and you get to learn a lot. Both Dr. Doran and Miss Carrie are very knowledgeable, always there to help, and they made this experience for us very enjoyable. The Board exam seemed so easy just because this school prepared us so well. It gave us an amazing theoretical and practical foundation for our future career in the beauty profession. I would highly recommend this school if you're looking to get into the Esthetician field! read more

I'm so happy and thankful that I found this school. I just graduated from Esthetics and Medical Assistant program. It's been a pleasure to meet my amazing classmates and the most knowledgeable, professional and kind teachers! Recommend 100% you will be the most confident person after this school. read more

I was pleasantly surprised with my time at ITA. I learned so much during my course and Dr. Doran & Ms. Carrie were super knowledgeable in the field, even when I had questions they were right there to answer them. The atmosphere with the professors and other classmates was really nice and made learning enjoyable. I had a lot of fun and always looked forward to going to class. I felt prepared for the state exam and was able to pass the first time because they teach you everything you need to know. Definitely recommend! read more

Well My daughter attended here in her experience was not pleasant. She didn't learn everything that was promised the atmosphere was very catty and sometimes rude from the teachers. I spent a lot of money for my daughter to go here to get a bad experience I wish that they offered refunds. If I could I get this place a zero not even a one star.. completely disappointing read more

I am a recent graduate of the Esthetics Program here, and am so grateful for my decision! Dr. Doran and Mrs. Carrie work together to provide extensive knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical information involved in Esthetics. They are also extremely supportive invested in our journey from start to finish. I feel a strong sense of foundation as I get started in the field, and I thank ISBA for that! read more

I just graduated from the Medical Assistant Program in February 2020. I also graduated from the Estheticians program in 2017. I couldn't stay away because they made me feel like family. I absolutely loved both programs and I feel so grateful to have found this Academy. My favorite thing about this school is how hands on they are, I was able to leave with confidence. Forever thankful for Mrs. Helen (MA instructor) for setting me up for success and opening up endless opportunities for me. read more

See all

I completed my Clinical Esthetics at International Training Academy and would say I had a wonderful experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.I am very happy that I chose this school to study what I love.The teachers are very knowledgeable and simply amazing and go above and beyond to make sure each and every student is prepared for the state exam. Dr.Doran truly care about the needs of the students and the integrity of their practice and Ms.Carrie is the sweetest person you ever met.Thank you very much for everything!!! I recommend this school to anyone who wants to start a new path in this great industry! read more

This is probably the best choice I could make couple years ago looking for esthetic school. I met dr Doran during my first visit at school and she made me feel confident about my future career. I was deliberating and trying to figure out where I will invest my time until she asked me the question "Why I would like to become a skin care pro" not how I would like to pay for tuition like other schools. I loved her attitude and approach. I gathered so much of knowledge, experience and practice. I have been working downtown Chicago, Elmhurst and Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge. After five years I decided to go on my own. I am still building my clientele, taking CE classes and some training in Europe to be more successful. Thank you ISBA, you are simply the best! read more

I've been at International Training Academy for both the esthetics program and the MA program. While I was in the esthetics program, I had the privilege to be taught by Ms. Carrie, an amazing instructor and amazing woman! While being in the MA program, Ms. Hellen has taught me everything I need to know and has connected with me and my class greatly. She is so knowledgeable and I feel the same after taking this program. I graduate as an MA next week, and i'm so grateful! I had such a great experience learning under these ladies and with the help of Dr. Doran, who has been so helpful and loving. I feel confident and ready as an MA to use all of my skills at any office or hospital, and feel very comfortable being with patients. Ms. Hellen has done a great job teaching her girls how to be amazing MAs, and I feel like Ive been doing phlebotomy and EKGs forever because of how comfortable I feel. I love this school and would recommend it to anyone. read more

I am about to finish school at ISBA in one week. One week! I can't believe it. Someone pinch me! This has been a 10 year dream of mine! I am so excited and so proud of myself and the other students finishing next week. We have worked so, so hard. All we have left is the state board exam in April! I needed to take the time and write about ISBA for they have helped me make this dream of mine a reality. Dr. Doran and her staff LOVE this field and their students. Though they push you to be the best, they are passionate, supportive, and caring along the way. Because of this, I feel so accomplished and strong in my facial and waxing abilities. I feel like I am one of the best. I am confident in my skills and I think that is what you want in a school. I am ready to work in even the best spas. Dr. Doran and her staff are perfectionists but they make you be THE BEST you can possibly be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Karen O'Reilly read more

If your dream is to be an Esthetician this is the school you need to attend. The program is above amazing. World class education, GREAT understanding of skin, and a lot of hands on teaching. Ever client that gets my facials are in a wow state when I'm done, and its all because of this school and how I was taught. I'm so glad I picked this school to go too. Their the BEST. read more

I enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program beginning of March 2020. Stay home orders due to COVID-19 took effect two weeks later. The instructor AND institution made sure to take into account of our own personal feelings and situations throughout the online portion as well as returning back to campus. The curriculum is very in-depth and I feel equipped get started right away. read more

Everything about this school is amazing! Dr. Doran and Ms. Carrie really care about every student and want everyone to succeed. Looking for an esthetician school was hard because there are so many. I had scheduled 5 interviews to meet with each school and every school took 10-15 minutes with me. But not ISBA. Dr. Doran took an hour of her time to meet with me and tell me why her school is the best fit for me. Listening to her talk about her school and everything they have to offer me in being a great esthetician made the decision easy. Also watching her get emotional about past students accomplishments sold me. I have graduated from ISBA and now have a full time job as a medical esthetician! I can honestly say i picked the right school! read more

I just attended a CE class with Dr. Doran at the International Training Academy in Schaumburg - informative, interesting - Dr. Doran is a dynamic teacher. I didn't expect anything less, as I received my esthetics training under Dr. Doran over 10 years ago. The level and depth of instruction gave me the strong foundation and confidence to open my own successful esthetics practice. Thanks again for the incredible education and ongoing support! read more

I came here for a facial. The students were extremely accommodating and gave me a facial better than ones I've received at 5 star spas for a fraction of the price. The teachers were extremely educational as well. The products they used made my skin feel amazing and I'll definitely be returning! read more

Where to begin?...This school is outstanding, professional, clean, and fosters a nurturing environment. How do I know? I attended 5 years ago and received my Esthetic License, then I returned again this year and I am now a Medical Assistant!! I am so proud to have attended ITA The instructors are genuine. Thank you ITA!!! Love you Dr. Doran!! read more

I attended this school over 2 years ago and I can tell you it was a great choice! I went for Medical Asst and had no problem getting a job after I graduated. The staff and teachers are great, and you finish your school in a short period of time which is nice. Because of this school I have a wonderful job and career, and it was the best decision I made. I hope this review will help others with deciding;) Good Luck to everyone out there, but make the right choice and choose this school for your education. read more

I usually never post reviews but this school is too good to be kept a secret. I just got my exam result and guess what I passed!! I will be a Licensed Esthetician soon, and it's all because of ISBA!! I can't describe in words how much I loved the school, the teachers and everyone else I met there. They are the best when it comes about skin care. All the teachers have great passion for what they do and they inspire the same feeling in you. So by the time I finished the school I had great knowledge and not only, I have the confidence to go out there and claim I know how to do my job. Even after school I still go there sometimes, I always enjoy being there and always feels like home. Thank you my dear teachers, I am so grateful to know you!!! Thank you Dr Doran!!!!! read more

I am so happy that I picked International Training Academy as my place of education and knowledge. after a lot of online research and school visits this school obviously presented itself as the best. I was in both Medical Esthetics and Medical Assisting Program and I can honestly say that it was the best decision of my life. Dr. Doran and the instructors we're so welcoming. They make everyone feel comfortable and genuinely care about each of their students. By the end of the program we were one big family and still continue to be! A good learning environment is very important and you will for sure find that at International Training Academy. They push you to be the best professional you can be. The curriculum is very hands on which is amazing! For the tests you will feel 100% confident with the level of learning you get in class from the book and the training and practicing. I can not say enough positive things about this school or the instructors! It was truly life changing! read more

At first I was very hesitate on where to go for aesthetics and medical assisting when finishing college or if I should. I came across this school online and decided to go for an interview to see the school and Doctor Doran. The minute I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms and had all my questions answered. I decided to sign up for the programs. I just finished the aesthetics program and could not be happier with my decision. Not only do you get the classroom knowledge, but you get hands on training in the clinic each week from the teacher Mrs. Carrie.Though what I loved the most is Dr.Doran who runs the school comes in and teaches you on days. She is not one to sit back, but rather wants everyone to be the best and teaches us to be. She knows each student on a personal level, she becomes your teacher but best friend. Your other classmates are all different ages, ethic groups and past professions making you learn from them and becoming a tight knit family. You are more than prepared for your boards as well! read more