New Healthcare Programs Launched by Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) in 2011 Expand Allied Health Career Options for Students in 2012

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As aspiring allied health professionals have continued to seek formal healthcare education in specialized areas, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) responded by introducing a number of new healthcare training and degree programs in 2011. Other highlights of the past year include UMA's designation as a Military Friendly School® and Voluntary Education Partnership with the Department of Defense, as well as its successful "Learn for the Cure" campaign.

"With the start of a new year and a new school term, it's an appropriate time to take stock of our accomplishments over the past year as we look ahead to 2012," said Steve Kemler, CEO of Ultimate Medical Academy. "This past September, UMA hosted its largest graduation ceremony to date. We're proud that so many students have chosen to pursue their healthcare education at UMA. It is our mission to provide a comprehensive range of healthcare training and degree programs to students nationwide, and our faculty and staff are fully committed to preparing graduates for careers in the allied health field."

Projected growth in the industry may contribute to students' continuing interest in healthcare education. In its most recent Career Guide to Industries, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 10 of the 20 fastest-growing occupations are healthcare related.[1] The BLS also predicted that healthcare employment would grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, compared to 11 percent for all industries combined and generate an estimated 3.2 million new jobs - more than any other industry.[2]

Kemler noted that UMA's introduction of new campus-based and online healthcare programs were designed to expand students' employment options within the growing industry. He also cited the school's military-friendly initiatives and community fundraising efforts among UMA's many accomplishments in 2011.

New Healthcare Training and Degree Programs Launched in 2011

Following the debut of its flagship Medical Billing and Coding training programs, UMA introduced a number of additional degree and diploma options in 2011. Among the new offerings are several online Associate of Science (AS) programs, including a Health Information Technology degree, Healthcare Management degree and Spa Management degree. UMA also launched two Pharmacy Technician programs - an AS in Health Sciences/Pharmacy Technician degree and a Pharmacy Technician diploma - with courses offered both online and on the UMA Tampa campus. Finally, students can now enroll in UMA's new Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at UMA Tampa.

UMA Designated a Military Friendly School® by G.I. Jobs

In recognition of its military-friendly policies and military student enrollment, UMA was honored by G.I. Jobs in its publication 2012 Military Friendly Schools® listing. Among the considerations evaluated for this distinction is acceptance of military tuition assistance. To that end, UMA recently entered into a Voluntary Education Partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD), which is required to ensure continued acceptance of military tuition assistance benefits when new DoD policy changes take effect this year.

UMA Gives Back to Tampa Bay Community

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, UMA sponsored a "Learn for the Cure" campaign, which incorporated both learning-based and social media initiatives. Participants helped to raise $5,000, which was donated to the local Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. UMA employees also teamed up for the American Cancer Society "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk, raising more than $1,500 for the cause.

Visit the UMA blog for a more detailed summary of UMA's 2011 year in review. For more information on UMA's healthcare training and degree programs, visit http://www.ultimatemedical.edu.

About Ultimate Medical Academy

Founded in 1994 and located in Florida, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers dynamic healthcare training and degree programs that empower students to enter and advance within the growing allied health field. UMA is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and dedicated to providing a superior education in a supportive, professional and ethical environment. With locations in Tampa and Clearwater as well as online healthcare programs, UMA has helped thousands of students launch healthcare careers in Florida and beyond.

For information on student graduation rates, retention and placement rates, and student financial obligations, visit www.ultimatemedical.edu/consumerinfo.

[1, 2] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Healthcare." Career Guide to Industries, 2010-2011 Edition. Accessed online January 12, 2012. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs035.htm>

Media Inquires:

Tricia Wong
Director of Marketing
Ultimate Medical Academy
Phone: 813-676-1646

This press release distribution was issued by PR Syndication.

SOURCE Ultimate Medical Academy