Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a private for-profit education system based out of Clearwater and Tampa, Florida. It offers diploma and degree programs to prepare students for successful careers in the allied health field to promote health and wellness in the community. UMA’s mission is to empower students to succeed in the competitive health care field. It is dedicated to the belief that higher education is able to make a significant impact on lives and provide high quality education in a professional, encouraging, ethical, and friendly atmosphere. Faculty and staff strive to maintain a friendly learning environment by providing the necessary fundamentals, support, and tools to help students succeed in and out of the classroom. Ultimate Medical Academy places students in relevant externships and provides career placement services.

UMA Online offers flexible and affordable online allied healthcare programs that enable students to pursue their education while maintaining other commitments. The online programs were developed by industry professionals to ensure students receive relevant training. Students are able to log on to online courses anytime from anywhere with an Internet connection. The online courses are delivered via the Blackboard online learning platform that includes readily accessible course learning materials and assignments and consistent access to instructors and advisors. Its features include multimedia presentations, an assignment drop box, an online grade book, threaded discussion forums, help desk, and resources. Students receive personalized attention and support throughout their online programs and they have the opportunity to sign up for the study buddy program. The study buddy program helps enhance the academic and social online experience by promoting students to share their knowledge and experiences with fellow classmates. All prospective students are required to complete an online orientation that assesses computer literacy and that student’s ability to complete online coursework. Live support is available for any course questions or technical issues. They also have access to the career services department that provides assistance with job searches, career counseling, and networking. Students also have unlimited 24 hours a day/7 days a week access to the Library and Information Resources Network that provides an abundance of full text resources.

Online associate degree programs include an Associate of Science in Healthcare Management, Associate of Science in Health Information Technology, Associate of Science in Spa Management, Associate of Science in Health Sciences with concentrations in medical administrative assistant, medical office and billing specialist, or pharmacy technician, Medical Administrative Assistant Diploma, and Medical Office and Billing Specialist Diploma. The Associate of Science in Healthcare Management program enables students to gain the necessary skills to become a successful healthcare management professional in today’s contemporary healthcare field. Students are prepared to work in physician offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The program combines general education courses with specialized courses in healthcare management and can be completed in as few as 18 months. Program topics include basic accounting and financial knowledge, medical terminology, billing and collections, coding, managed care, human resource management, healthcare law, life skills for success, and computer skills. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Manager-Academic (CMM-A) examination administered by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management.

Ultimate Medical Academy was founded in 1994 as Ultimate Learning Center, Inc to meet the community’s need for trained nursing assistants and home health aides. As the need for trained professionals in other health care areas increased, the school began to offer a variety of allied health programs. In 2005, the ownership of the school changed to Ultimate Medical Academy, LLC.