Single Mom Finds Her Calling in Healthcare

Jada’s Story

When Jada C. first visited Clearwater, Florida in 2023, she had no idea how much the trip would reshape her life. Originally from Pennsylvania, the 25-year-old came to see her daughter’s father — but the visit took an unexpected turn when he left them stranded. Rather than letting the experience define her, Jada found strength in the kindness of strangers and the warmth of the community. Inspired by the people she met and the resilience she discovered, she made a bold decision: in July 2024, she returned to Florida with her daughter to start fresh and build a new life.

During a chance encounter at her apartment complex, Jada met a neighbor who had just enrolled in a patient care technician program at a local college.

Intrigued, Jada asked for details, and her neighbor referred her to classes at Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA), a Florida-based nonprofit allied healthcare educational institution with more than 15,000 students and 100,000 alumni nationwide.

Inspired by their conversation and excited by the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career in healthcare, Jada signed up with UMA to become a medical assistant. The rest, as they say, is history.

Her motivation was deeply personal. Two years earlier, Jada’s father passed away in her arms from a stroke.

“He was having a stroke, and I didn’t know any of the signs,” she said. “Watching my dad pass away was very traumatic for me, and I just don't ever want to feel that useless again in a moment like that.”

That moment, combined with her role as a mom, ignited her desire to learn how to check vitals and recognize medical emergencies — skills she’s now mastering at UMA.

Tableside to Bedside

Before UMA, Jada spent nearly a decade as a restaurant server. She loved connecting with her patrons and making their day just a little brighter, and that care and empathy now fuels her passion for healthcare.

“Serving really taught me how to deal with so many circumstances, so many different people, so many different situations,” she said. “That is definitely a part of what I know will make me a good medical assistant in the future.”

Despite facing challenges like lack of childcare, transportation, and financial strain, Jada persevered. UMA supported her with work-study opportunities and mentorship, helping her secure housing and stay on track academically.

“I walked into UMA with nothing — no plan, no babysitters, no daycare — But the staff helped me take the steps I needed to get those resources in place and get into school,” she said. “No matter what, they didn’t let me give up.”

Now a student ambassador, Jada helps classmates stay motivated and contributes to UMA’s social media content. She’s also exploring her creative side — writing music, designing clothes, and creating TikTok skits with her daughter. Her five-year goal is to become an anesthesiologist assistant.

Jada's time at UMA has opened a world of possibilities for herself and for her daughter. The little family recently moved into their own house, and Jada is expected to graduate with her medical assistant certification in spring 2026.

“UMA has truly transformed both our lives. Not only did I find a career that I enjoy and offers real growth, but it’s one that empowers me to support my daughter and make a difference for others as well,” Jada shared. “This journey has helped me grow into a stronger woman — it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and proved that I’m capable of achieving far more than I ever imagined.”

Reimagining Education

Jada’s story is emblematic of a broader shift in how Americans are navigating their careers. Recent reports show the traditional college-to-career pipeline is under strain. According to a study by Handshake, a career platform geared toward Gen Z workers, entry-level corporate job postings have dropped by 15%, while applications have surged by 30%, pushing the unemployment rate for recent college graduates to nearly 6%. AI and automation are replacing many roles that once served as career steppingstones.

In contrast, certificate programs — like those offered at UMA — are gaining traction among learners from all backgrounds. Allied healthcare careers are somewhat insulated from automation, and provide hands-on training, shorter program durations, and job placement support. In fact, many learners like Jada are choosing certificate programs not just for economic reasons, but because they offer a clearer, more direct route to meaningful work.

“This was literally the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” she said.