Ultimate Medical Academy’s Spring Graduation Marks Milestones For Students and School

TAMPA, Fla., April 17, 2013, — Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) hosted its 14th graduation ceremony on Saturday, April 6, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Fla. This commencement ceremony marked several important milestones for the school and its graduates:

• UMA congratulated the largest graduating class in the school’s history, with more than 4,400 graduates from the Tampa, Clearwater and online campuses.
• The commencement ceremony marked the graduation of the first cohort of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students from the Tampa campus.
• Joining the Tampa graduates were those from the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area, plus online students from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii as well as the lower 48 states and Puerto Rico.

Keynoting the event was motivational speaker, trainer and coach, Sheri Watts. Student speakers, representing each of the UMA campuses, included Christopher Chiccino from the Clearwater campus, Tama Lorenzo from the Tampa campus, and Carolyn Torres from the online campus. Chiccino, Lorenzo and Torres shared stories of their personal journeys, from their choice to pursue a new career in the health industry to graduation day. They reflected on how perseverance, classmates and the support systems provided by UMA helped them overcome obstacles, complete their studies and prepare for new opportunities ahead.

“UMA is extremely proud of its graduates,” said Steve Kemler, CEO of Ultimate Medical Academy.” Each has sacrificed to pursue the dream of a better future for themselves, their families and for those they strive to serve in the field of healthcare. And through their sacrifice, dedication and hard work they have contributed to the community of learning and self-improvement of which we’re all a part at Ultimate Medical Academy. It is from this community that we send them, prepared to passionately pursue new careers and make a contribution to their communities.”

UMA recognized students earning an associate degree or diploma in Health Information Technology, Nursing Assistant, Basic X-Ray with Medical Office Procedures, Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions, Medical Assistant, Medical/Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Office and Billing Specialist, Patient Care Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Healthcare Management, Medical Billing and Coding, Nursing, Spa Management, Medical Administrative Assistant and Phlebotomy Technician.

This commencement ceremony celebrated the expansion of UMA’s Associate Degree in Nursing program, with the graduation of the first cohort of nursing students from the Tampa campus.

“The students put forth an extraordinary effort and had to be fully committed to putting their lives on hold for the Associate Degree Nursing program,” said Pamela Wright, Associate Degree in Nursing Program Director. “The program’s pace and rigor demanded that they exclude most other activities from their lives, including work, while they fulfilled their ADN program course requirements. This inaugural ADN class is a remarkable group. They will bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, adaptability and professionalism to the field of nursing.”

The job outlook for these new graduates is bright, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities for registered nurses are expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, adding 711,900 new nursing positions, faster than the average for all occupations.

UMA serves its students by providing an education in a friendly, encouraging and professional environment. UMA faculty and staff strive to build this atmosphere by providing the fundamentals, support and materials necessary for students to achieve success both within and beyond their doors.