Ultimate Medical Academy was founded in 1994 in Tampa, Florida, and has grown into one of the larger nonprofit providers of allied health education in the country, operating primarily online. It converted to nonprofit status in 2012 and is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The school is best known for short certificate and associate degree programs in medical assisting, health information technology, medical billing and coding, and nursing support roles, with a strong focus on workforce readiness.
UMA is not a traditional residential campus; most students study online while balancing jobs and family, supported by career services, student success coaches, and flexible start dates. The student body is largely adult learners, career changers, and first-generation students, and the school emphasizes practical skills, externships, and certification preparation (such as CMA, RHIT, and CPC exams). Its ethos centers on accessibility and quick credential completion rather than traditional campus life or research.
| Type | Private |
| Location | Clearwater, Florida |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Total students | 10,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 20:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open admission |
| Graduation rate | 55% |
| Average starting salary | $35,000 |
| In-state tuition | $15,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $15,000 |
| Room & board | N/A |
| Average financial aid | $7,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.