Institute abruptly cancels classes
Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute closes doors after communication with feds
POTTSTOWN » Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute has canceled classes at the school until at least Friday, Aug. 25, according to Chief Operating Officer Rick Reikob.
Reikob could not comment Wednesday about details about what led to the abrupt cancelation of classes, except to say the U.S. Department of Education had sent a communication to the owners of American Business Academy, which purchased Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute in April 2013.
As students arrived for classes Wednesday morning, Reikob informed them, via a statement, about the development.
“Unfortunately last night (Tuesday) we received some potentially bad news from the Department of Education. While it’s still too early to fully understand the long term ramifications of this news, we’re working with the Department of Education to try to find resolution,” the statement read.
“While I know this may raise a lot of questions, at this point we don’t have the answers. Ultimately, within a few days we’ll provide the answers for you.”
Reikob said that classes are cancelled “for the remainder of week while we try to rectify the issues or find some resolution and we’ll communicate with them all personally no later than Friday.”
He said students will be notified with additional information via email and through the school’s website.
“Please bear in mind neither I nor any staff or faculty are owners of Antonelli and cannot answer questions,” the statement continued.
By Wednesday afternoon, notice had been posted on the school’s website that it was “not currently accepting new students” and stating that more information would come on Friday, Aug. 25.
“Please remain patient as we try to get some much needed guidance,” the website posting read.
In addition, the post directed interested parties to reach out to the Wyomissing, Berks County, office of U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R6th Dist.
“Let Congressman Costello know that AMPI has served this community for 32 years — and is still trying to serve each of you,” the post read.
Edward Gillespie, CEO and owner of Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute, the Department of Education and Costello have not yet responded to a request for additional information.
Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute has been operating in Pottstown since 1986. When it was purchased by American Business Academy in 2013, the school shifted its focus solely to medical training and offered courses in medical assistant, medical office secretary and nurse aide.
In July, however, the facility launched a new course of study — a barber program — with an inaugural class of seven.
Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute offers accelerated programs designed for people who are looking to either start a career or make a change to their existing career. The programs can be completed in less than one year. Antonelli’s students come from
“Unfortunately last night (Tuesday) we received some potentially bad news from the Department of Education. While it’s still too early to fully understand the long term ramifications of this news, we’re working with the Department of Education to try to find resolution.”
— Rick Reikob, COO, Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute
the Pottstown area, as well as Philadelphia, Reading and Lancaster.
Antonelli Medical & Professional Institute is located at 1700 Industrial Highway, Pottstown.