#Ultimate medical academy driver
#Ultimate medical academy professional

We are proud of them all and look forward to watching them pursue successful careers in healthcare.”Ģ021 UMA graduates enter a field in extremely high demand. “Higher education is never easy, but the fact that this class completed their studies amidst a global pandemic is beyond impressive. “Our graduates embody perseverance, commitment and a drive to serve others – traits that will help all of us in our journey towards a healthier society,” said UMA’s Executive Vice President Geordie Hyland. UMA graduates stand ready to meet that need. The pandemic highlighted the importance of quality healthcare and the need for a diverse workforce of healthcare professionals.

“My UMA journey defined the real me,” she said. Like Amanda, Ciera persevered and was hired at her externship site as a medical assistant. But then her UMA instructors stepped in, helping her keep a schedule and find peer support to adapt to the online learning environment. The onset of COVID-19 brought Ciera’s academic career into doubt, as she was unaccustomed to online schoolwork. “The warm welcome I received at UMA and the knowledgeable people I spoke to gave me the sign that UMA could be right.” “It was not until I first walked the halls of UMA Clearwater during an open house that I felt a spark of interest,” she said. She now works as a claims analyst.Ĭiera Walker had been working service jobs but was searching for a place to fit in that would bring out her best. “She also stayed very positive and kept motivating me to not give up.”Īmanda persevered, finishing her program with a 4.0 and Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society membership. “Imani made sure I knew about resources offered to help students during such hardships,” said Nelson. She was unsure if she would be able to continue with her education, but got a lift from her New Student Advisor, Imani Smith. “The reviews showed that this school cared about its students and went above and beyond to help them succeed.” Then COVID-19 hit and Amanda sadly lost her job.

#Ultimate medical academy driver

In addition, two graduates shared moving stories of their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing how UMA’s programs and student support services helped them reach their goals.Īmanda Nelson was a truck driver who wanted to continue her education but wasn’t sure how she could fit school into her job schedule.

#Ultimate medical academy professional

Rigsby has taught at several colleges, including Texas A&M University, and served as coach, mentor and spiritual trainer for numerous non-profits, corporations, business leaders and professional sports teams. Rick Rigsby, the bestselling author and creator of the inspirational viral video “ Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout,” delivered a riveting keynote address in which he encouraged graduates to stay true to their passion, be adaptable, and never stop learning.ĭr. In addition to the graduates themselves, thousands of proud family members and friends from across the country joined the celebration.ĭr.