Concorde Career Colleges accelerates efforts to address growing demand for healthcare workers

 Programs in dental hygiene and sonography added in Florida and California

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Concorde Career Colleges today announced the launch of additional program offerings in dental hygiene and sonography, accelerating the institution's efforts to address the growing demand for allied health professionals. Concorde is the healthcare division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. ("UTI")

"Expanding our programs across existing campus footprints is a key focus of UTI's growth, diversification, and optimization strategy," said Kevin Prehn, president of Concorde Career Colleges. "At Concorde, the addition of these healthcare programs further bolsters our relationships with local dental partners and hospital affiliates who are seeking to fill these in-demand roles."

The programs include:

• Dental Hygiene Associate of Science Program in Jacksonville, Fla.
• Cardiovascular Sonography Associate of Science Degree Program in Orlando, Fla.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate of Science Degree Program in Orlando, Fla.
• Cardiovascular Sonography Associate of Science Degree Program in San Bernardino, Calif.

Two additional Dental Hygiene programs are planned in 2024, pending final regulatory approval.

The curriculum blends online coursework with in-person lab instruction and clinical experience to prepare students to enter the dental industry in as few as 17 months or the sonography profession in as little as 20 months.¹

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists is projected to grow 10 percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. California and Florida are among the states with the highest number of sonographers in the nation.

Dental hygienists also are seeing faster than average growth. The most recent survey of the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute shows that of the general practice dentists who are recruiting for dental hygienists, 95 percent are finding it "extremely" or "very" challenging to fill the positions. In states like Florida, the public health demand for dental care is even more critical. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, over 6 million Florida residents live in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Less than 1 in 5 Floridians living in HPSAs have their oral care needs met.

"For the health and well-being of our communities, it's imperative that we educate the next generation of skilled dental hygienists who can help provide diagnostic and preventative care," said Prehn.

Concorde–Jacksonville's Dental Hygiene program recently received initial programmatic accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).²

Concorde Career Colleges was recently honored as 2023 School of the Year by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools. In addition, Concorde's Dallas campus was recently named 2023 School of the Year and Innovator of the Year by the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas.

¹Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course schedule. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

²The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "initial accreditation." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission's web address is www.coda.ada.org

About Concorde Career Colleges
Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare division of Universal Technical Institute (www.uti.edu), (NYSE: UTI), operates 17 healthcare focused campuses across eight states under the brands Concorde Career College and Concorde Career Institute, preparing America's next generation of health care and dental professionals for rewarding careers. The Concorde blended education model combines online coursework with in-person lab classes and clinical settings. Concorde's 25 student-focused academic programs and personalized support prepares graduates for in-demand careers in nursing, dental, respiratory, diagnostic, and other healthcare roles. Concorde schools are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE). For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu, or visit us on LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges or on X (formerly Twitter) at @news_UTI or @ConcordeCareer.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) (the "Company") was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider of transportation, skilled trades and healthcare education programs, whose mission is to serve students, partners, and communities by providing quality education and support services for in-demand careers across a number of highly skilled fields. The Company is comprised of two divisions: Universal Technical Institute ("UTI") and Concorde Career Colleges ("Concorde"). UTI operates 16 campuses located in 9 states and offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs under brands such as UTI, MIAT College of Technology, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in 8 states, offering programs in the Allied Health, Dental, Nursing, Patient Care and Diagnostic fields.

Media Contact:
Sharon Rolenc
[email protected]
612-720-2083

SOURCE Concorde Career Colleges