Domestic Violence Survivor Honored by Ultimate Medical Academy as Spring True Blue Alum

April 11, 2017, Tampa, Fla. – Ultimate Medical Academy is proud to announce that Jacqueline Guerrero has been named the nonprofit healthcare institution’s Spring True Blue Alum. Guerrero recently earned her Associate degree in Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) online from UMA and walked at the school’s Spring Commencement ceremony on March 25, 2017 in Tampa. A video interview of Guerrero telling her story and footage of her during the graduation ceremony is available here.

Guerrero, a resident of Egg Harbor, New Jersey, heard about UMA during a tough time in her life. She was on maternity leave in 2012 when she decided to further her education and career.

“I was doing research for an online school and UMA popped up,” Guerrero said. “I saw many good reviews and when I called, I loved the way they communicated with me. They were friendly and made me feel comfortable.”

During her studies with UMA, Guerrero was experiencing personal issues at home. As a domestic violence survivor, Guerrero was motivated to prove that you can always better your life and complete your goals by staying focused.

And Guerrero did change her life. She was able to graduate with her MBC diploma in 2013. Within a few months, Guerrero secured a job with MedAmerica Group in Ventnor City, New Jersey where she remains employed today.

“All of us at MedAmerica are so proud of Jackie,” Reem Haddad, office manager at MedAmerica, said. “She is a hard worker and always willing to learn new things. She is a role model for so many.”

Now the front desk manager, she recalls when MedAmerica first reached out to her. “They called me for the interview and I didn’t even remember applying,” Guerrero said. “My manager told me that my UMA Career Services advisor sent my résumé. Thanks to UMA, I gained a great career.”

Going back to school at UMA in 2016 allowed Guerrero to bond with her now 5-year-old son and set a good example for him. They did their homework together every night, and she instilled in him that, “A family that studies together succeeds together.”

Guerrero has become a beacon of light for others in her community. By sharing her story with other women, she encourages them to believe that anything is possible.

UMA highlights an outstanding True Blue Alum quarterly who is serving their community, excelling in their career and accomplishing other noteworthy achievements. Once selected, they are featured on the UMA website, in the UMA Alumni Newsletter and on UMA’s exclusive alumni networking platform, ConnectUMA. True Blue Alum also receive congratulations from UMA President Derek Apanovitch, a certificate of recognition and an official school spirit item.

“Jacqueline is a great example of how our graduates inspire others,” Apanovitch said. “Her display of strength to her family extends to the greater community. It is an honor to have helped her succeed at school and in her healthcare career.

“Ultimate Medical Academy’s dedicated teachers and advisors are always there for our students, cheering them on with our supportive learning environment and extensive student services,” he added. “This helps build their confidence and gives them the tools they need to succeed at school and at work.”

UMA encourages fellow alumni, UMA staff and faculty, employers and the graduates themselves to nominate outstanding alumni to be considered as a True Blue Alum. Nominees must be graduates of UMA and in good standing with the institution. Nominees must also have a noteworthy accomplishment, whether it is in their community or career. Graduates may only be featured once as a True Blue Alum.

Learn more about True Blue Alum by visiting UltimateMedical.edu/alumni/true-blue-alum/.