CareerStep is the ultimate provider of online healthcare training, offering programs in the allied health, administrative services, and technology industries. We’re backed by 25+ years of experience, 150+ academic partners, and 150,000+ happy learners. With deep roots, a humans-first approach, and proven success, we’ll take better care of you than any other online training brand. Period.
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Is CareerStep legit?
CareerStep (careerstep.com) has a 4.1 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 200 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Public & Local Services and its reputation is good. 78% of reviews are 4 stars or higher and 16% are 1 star; The business has replied to 60% of negative reviews; 1 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-09-03.
I got into this program to prepare to take the PTCB CPhT exam. I'm towards the end of the program and waiting for them to set up my externship to do my 130 (unpaid) hours, to release my exam voucher so I can take the exam. While I learned a lot from Career Step's/Penn Foster's program, it is WAY too clunky, repetitive, includes a lot of unnecessary information, and the whole interface is clunky and difficult to use. They could have gotten me to my current knowledge level much sooner. Also, when I asked early on if I could sit for my PTCB exam before completing the externship, I was told yes, and fast forward to 10 months later, I cannot - I have to complete the externship first. I wanted to, and still want to become a Certified Pharmacy Tech, but if I had to do it again, I'd find another way to prepare for the exam.
Career step is a scam. I did my phlebotomy internship and they stated over the phone which they have records of that the internship is 18months. No it’s 12 months. They tried blaming me for not knowing this information even though that was what was stated to me and is on record. Then after completing the course they don’t even help you with securing an internship like they stated. They stole 2k out of me and never was properly compensated for the lack of communication from there representatives telling me incorrect information. VERY DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING TACTICS. THEY HAVE A LAWSUIT CURRENTLY WITH THE FTC. PLEASE LOOK INTO THAT LAWSUIT BEFORE GIVING YOUR MONEY TO THIS SCAM OF A COMPANY!!
Reply from CareerStep2025-07-01
We appreciate your review. We want to assure you that the issues you've experienced are not reflective of Career Step today. Under new leadership, we've implemented significant changes to our policies and procedures to ensure responsible and compliant practices. Our focus now is entirely on delivering the high-quality, effective training our learners and the healthcare industry expect and deserve. We will be happy to have a team member connect with you regarding your program concerns and how we can help you going forward. To discuss with us further, please reach out to us by writing to [email protected]. We are dedicated to supporting our students, and we will be happy to assist. Thank you!
I enrolled in CareerStep in July 2023 after being heavily pressured by one of their representatives. I was told I had to make a decision quickly to lock in a discount, and I felt rushed into signing up before I could fully consider my options or understand the financial commitment. I was assured that I would receive ongoing support and flexibility, but once I signed the agreement, that support vanished.
There was little to no communication after enrollment, and no clear help when I faced challenges completing the program. I attempted to reach out for assistance and options, but my concerns were dismissed. I never even received a clear notice that my account was being sent to collections — I only found out after it was reported to my credit.
I now have a damaging collection account with Monterey Financial for a program that did not deliver what was promised. I’m not the only one — countless reviews from others say the same thing. If CareerStep forgave debt for students who enrolled before February 2023, why are students who joined after that being held to a different standard?
This isn’t right, and it’s affecting my future. I’m asking CareerStep to do the right thing and remove this account from collections, just like you did for earlier students. The pressure, lack of support, and inconsistency in how students are treated is unacceptable.
I’m asking CareerStep to delete my account with Monterey Financial and remove it from all credit bureaus. I was pressured into signing up, misled about the support I would receive, and left with no meaningful help. Others have received forgiveness under similar circumstances, and I believe I deserve the same. Please do the right thing and resolve this. I will not stop untill something is done! I even called Careerstep to try and get this deleted and was hung up on after they pretended to transfer my calls!
Reply from CareerStep2025-06-04
Hello Corrisa. Thank you for your review. We want to assure you that the issues you've experienced are not reflective of Career Step today. Under new leadership, we've implemented significant changes to our policies and procedures to ensure responsible and compliant practices. Since your loan is serviced through Monterey, please contact them directly at 877-775-3080 or email: https://montereyfinancial.com so that they can properly investigate and address your specific situation. Thank you
Content is great, amazing and informative!
Technicalities and the administration are more difficult than the program itself!!
Do NOT go through this program!
You have to find your own externship! And if you are unable to, they will help you, only if you pay for an extra month if you run out of time!
Life happed to me, so I ended up paying an extra $130/month + to keep the program going for myself going!
And then, there is no guarantee that once you get placed with your with your externship, if the month runs out for them to find a place for you to do your externship, you will have to pay another month for them to find you a placement to do your externship!
And if you are in the middle of your externship and it rolls over into another month... you have to potentially pay for an extension of $129 to finish your externship???? ( don't quote me)
Very frustrating experience
Massive issues with communication with the program administrators!
very frustrating experience!
I got a check in the mail, because there was a law suit in regards to what I'm going through now!
Paying over 5k for my CMA is not ok!
I worked hard to complete all the course work, and I applied myself!
All I want is my 100 hrs of externship experience, and be Certified in order to progress in my career!
A career as to getting your CMA through career step is not the way to go!
Reply from CareerStep2025-06-04
Hello, Megan! We are following up on your recent review. CareerStep is deeply committed to delivering accessible, effective training that our learners and the healthcare industry can rely on and value. We've actively addressed and resolved the legacy issues from previous years and management. Our current leadership has implemented robust new policies and procedures to ensure responsible and compliant operations moving forward. We're confident in the quality of our training and services, and we'd welcome the opportunity to review your account and explore how we can improve your experience. Please contact us directly at [email protected], and our team will be ready to assist. Thank you!
I liked that the website is easy to use but the Company is not very forthcoming.
I liked that the website is easy to use. I feel I rec'd good learning opportunities and have a good understanding of coding. The problem is that I was told that I would be testing for CPC exam which is a $600 test given through AAPC. I was actually given a voucher for the CBCS exam which is a $100 exam. Additionally, CBCS is through National Healthcareer Association which is less desired than AAPC. The practice exams are for CPC exam not the CBCS also. So, if I want the CPC I have to pay an additional $600 to take the test.
Reply from CareerStep2025-05-20
Thank you for your review, Janese. We're pleased to hear that you found our website user-friendly and that the program provided valuable learning opportunities, enhancing your understanding of coding. We strive to provide our students with the information they need to pursue their desired industry certifications so that they are armed with the info they need to be prepared for success following graduation. We thank you for your feedback as this is valuable in helping us to improve our programs and processes so that we can better serve our students. If you have further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. We are dedicated to supporting our students, and we will be happy to assist. Thank you!
SCAM! CareerStep was sued (and case won) through FTC so shocked when recv'd letter . . they are NOT accredited and their promises (employment assistance, internships, completion times, etc) are fraudulent. Wasted 3 yrs on a medical transcription program - unsure if the schoolwork and hundreds upon hundreds of transcriptions will transfer to a reputable school . . . can not afford financially to go through another program from beginning. So frustrating. Such a crying shame if they had put more effort and money it could have been a good school.
Reply from CareerStep2025-05-07
We appreciate your review. We want to assure you that the issues you've experienced are not reflective of Career Step today. Under new leadership, we've implemented significant changes to our policies and procedures to ensure responsible and compliant practices. Our focus now is entirely on delivering the high-quality, effective training our learners and the healthcare industry expect and deserve. We will be happy to have a team member connect with you regarding your program concerns and how we can help you going forward. To discuss with us further, please reach out to us by writing to [email protected]. We are dedicated to supporting our students, and we will be happy to assist. Thank you!
Hi,
I took three tests at Careersteps and did not pass them though I study the material that was in the course. I was very upset fo r my motivation that I had to study thoroughly the material, and ask when I have time my advisor to help me a bit to study for the examination. I kept on failling the examinations and not finding the similar questions in the material than in the test. In the test, very different questions were given to me.
Reply from CareerStep2025-04-03
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear about the issues you have been experiencing with your program. We are committed to your success and want to support you in achieving your learning objectives. We would like to take a closer look at your account to see how we can help resolve this concern. Please reach out to us by writing to [email protected]. Our team will be happy to assist!
Where to start? Stating that I already have 2 other degrees in the healthcare system and have taken 95% of these courses prior but the program would not let me test out or accept outside credits despite the fact they are not accredited, is a scam. They also do not send the book material until the very end due to stating, "it is dependent on the issue date" but do not update the courses based on the updated "issue date" material. Taking most of these classes before and knowing some of the material very well, especially when it comes to physical therapy and medical terminology, there is a lot of inaccurate answers to the questions. I tried my best doing the research behind this school since they were promoted by FORBES but now realized how many lawsuits are behind this school. I was told that, "our management has changed", since the lawsuit but is hard to believe due to the little (no) overall change that has been done. I wish I could get a refund. The very last class is pretty much a copy and paste of one of the previous classes for medical billing and coding. Waste of my time. I hope this company goes bankrupt...or actually freakin get accredited.
Reply from CareerStep2025-04-03
Hello Erin. We are sorry to hear you have not been pleased with your program thus far. CareerStep is committed to operating with the utmost integrity while delivering accessible, effective training that our learners and the healthcare industry need and value. We prioritize integrity and deliver accessible, effective training that benefits our learners. The legacy issues from previous years, under different management, have since been resolved. Our current leadership team has implemented improved policies and procedures for responsible and compliant operations. We stand behind the quality of our training and services. We would like an opportunity to take a closer look at your account to see how we can help. To discuss with us further, please reach out to us by writing to [email protected]. Our team will be happy to assist. Thank you!
FTC v. Career Step Judgement (CareerStep, CareerCert, Carrus)
This institution was sued by the FTC. For more information, please visit the FTC Official website.
A judgement was issued to pay students who were offered extensions to complete their program if the students left a review on sites such as Trustpilot, Google, and the BBB.
I fell victim to this for an extension for a coding program I was enrolled in. I was told to leave a review, screenshot the review and email the review to Career Step (aka CareerStep, CareerCert, and Carrus).
Please, do not do business regarding your education with a non-accredited school.
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-24
CareerStep is committed to operating with the utmost integrity while delivering accessible, effective training that our learners and the healthcare industry need and value. These legacy issues originated in prior years under different management and have since been addressed. In recent years, we have put in place a new, experienced leadership team and enhanced our policies and procedures to ensure our people and business practices are responsible and compliant. Most importantly, you can be confident in the quality of our training programs and the services you have received.
i signed up for a medical billing program to then only get the run around as to where I actually lo on to attend school. I was never notified, but they keep deducting funds. FRAUD!!!
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
We are following up to your recent review regarding your experience with our medical billing program. We are sorry to hear that you faced obstacles with accessing your account. We are committed to resolving this matter for you. If you still require assistance, please contact us directly [email protected]. Our team will promptly assist you. Thank you.
I'm enjoying the career step learning process it's put together really well and very easy to navigate and build real confidence for my future
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
Thank you for your review! We're delighted you're finding the learning process easy to navigate and we can't wait to see what you will accomplish in the future!
stepscareer.com is a fraud since we paid 13000/ after making payment again previous employment charges 8000/0 is one of the biggest fraud ....stepscareer.com from Mumbai
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
We are following up to your recent review and your concerns regarding the billing discrepancies you've described. Your loan is through Monterey. Please contact them directly at 877-775-3080 or email: https://montereyfinancial.com so that they can properly investigate and address your specific situation. Thank you
I too would give zero stars to this program. Im working on the hemp dialysis program and was told one price in the beginning saying I would receive 1000.00 dollar discount due to “when you apply now” only for them to raise the price higher than the first one they quoted. I asked to have a set pay date and they set it for what they wanted (never listening to anything I asked for once they received my card Information) then charging me extreme late fees every month for not paying on time. I requested for the date to be set for when I asked multiple times only to be ignored. When I got behind in payments (due to fees) I tried to do their payment plan which resulted in more fees. Lost my job during my externship ( which planned to hire me after I took the exam). Because I had no money to make a payment 1/10/25 they locked my account so I can’t test to accept the job proposal and I’m supposed to continue to pay them. The representative I spoke to yesterday was extremely hateful asking “ if you don’t have a job how are you getting your needs met”. When I explained my family was picking up my slack he got aggressive with me telling me I “should have money to pay for this then”. He was so condescending my husband had to get on the phone and speak with the rude guy. I will never attend an online program again in my life. This was the absolute worst experience.
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
We are following up to your recent review and your concerns regarding the billing discrepancies you've described. Please contact them directly at 877-775-3080 or email: https://montereyfinancial.com so that they can properly investigate and address your specific situation. Thank you
Full of crap. Started paying for my class (CCHT) finished all work plus all exams. Passed everything. Now waiting to do clinical. Now it’s about four months. I forgot everything I learned. So you want me to continue to pay. Guess it’s going on my credit report with the rest of the bad stuff!!! Oh yea so they have caller id if you get on to them they won’t answer you so you have to call from a different number if you want help. Seem like the whole thing is a SCAM. They have serval address when you go look for it no where to be found. I’m over it!!! 😡
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
We are following up on a recent review regarding the delays in scheduling your clinical portion of your program. We take your concerns seriously, and we are committed to supporting our students. In order for us to assist you further, please contact us directly at [email protected] with your name and student ID so we can help you moving forward. Thank you
Mallory McNelis was an excellent helper and ambassador for your company! I honestly wouldn't have signed up same-day if it weren't for my experience with her. She was kind, patience and reminded me this is attainable as a full-time single mother of 3.
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted Mallory's support made your decision to join us so positive, especially as busy full time mother!
I called looking for info on the course and whoever I spoke to on the phone was extremely pushy and made some offensive comments when I didn’t want to immediately sign up for the course. Everything about it says SCAM!! I went on to say I’d like more time and I would reach out to them. They have proceeded to spam me with calls, with some texts, and emails. I will 100% not be signing up for any course with them ever.
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
We sincerely apologize for the experience you had when contacting us, as this is not the standard of service we aim to provide. We are taking your feedback seriously. Your review helps us understand where we fell short and provides valuable insight for our ongoing training and communication improvements. Thank you!
I wish I could give 0 stars. I signed up for Medical Billing and Coding and the program was grossly misrepresented. I was told getting a job after school would be no problem at all, EVERYWHERE is hiring and sooo desperate. You could easily do part time, remote ect. Lies, lies and more lies. I can't even get interviews for medical administration offices let alone coding and billing. Everyone wants two years experience and you have little to no chance getting a job with two years in office experience. I have no way to gain the experience to get a job and CareerSteps answer is look on LinkedIn.
Reply from CareerStep2025-03-14
Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear about the obstacles you have encountered with your job search. Employment opportunities and employer requirements can vary significantly by location. While we strive to provide comprehensive training and career resources, we cannot guarantee employment, as the job market is dynamic. We appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve our program and career guidance for future students
I signed up for the medical coding and billing program with the expectation that I would be doing medical coding this program only has 1 class in medical coding and the rest is for becoming a medical assistant. If you want to study only medical coding DO NOT SIGN UP for this program.
Also note: Several tests do not reflect the subjects studied in the chapter. Whoever put the tests together obviously did not read the chapters.
Reply from CareerStep2024-11-11
Hello Kat! We appreciate your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you felt your program materials did not meet your expectations. Your feedback is important to us as we strive to continually improve our programs. We are interested in hearing more about your experience and how we may be able to assist you going forward. Please reach out to us by writing to [email protected] Once we have more information we will be happy to forward your feedback to the right teams who can help. Thank you
Do not take EKG Technician course without Medical Assistant
I took the EKG Technician course. After completion I found it difficult/ impossible to get a job with out the medical assistant certification. I’ve taken 1/2 of the courses already (through EKG) and when I asked to transfer to Medical Assistant they want to charge me full price as if I haven’t taken any classes. Add that to the cost I’ve already paid for EKG! No thank you. I’ll get my medical assistant someplace else. That’s bad business. I’ll be sure to update my friends that were interested in this school to go elsewhere.
Reply from CareerStep2024-11-11
Hello Michelle. We are sorry to hear that experience with the EKG Technician program did not meet your expectations. We're continually working to improve our programs to better meet the evolving needs of our students, and will be using your feedback to help improve the overall experience of our program. We will be happy to have a team member assist you with your program concerns and how we can help you going forward. To discuss with us further, please reach out to us by writing to [email protected]. Thank you
This has been a good overall experience with an easy guide to learning, even for someone that has not been to school for many years now.
Reply from CareerStep2024-11-13
Hello Helen! That’s wonderful to hear! We are so glad you had a positive experience and found the learning guide helpful, even after being out of school for a while! Thank you for leaving your review. We appreciate your support!
