Tampa, Fla., Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA), a nonprofit healthcare education institution committed to equipping and empowering students to excel as allied health professionals, celebrated over 8,000 eligible graduates during its Fall 2026 Commencement ceremony. The hybrid event brought together thousands of graduates, families, friends, UMA team members and employer partners both in person at the Yuengling Center and via livestream.

This year’s graduates represented UMA’s Online and Clearwater Campus programs across a wide range of allied health fields, including Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Technician, Healthcare Management and more. These graduates join a legacy of more than 120,000 alumni who have successfully completed their studies at UMA .

UMA learners balance work, family responsibilities and other life commitments while pursuing their education. This theme was highlighted throughout the ceremony as UMA honored their resilience and purpose driven commitment to patient care.

“Our graduates are stepping into the critical roles that our healthcare system needs to deliver care. Their determination and grit, as they navigate real-life challenges, is truly inspiring,” said Alexandra Schaffrath, President of Ultimate Medical Academy. “UMA is proud to support our graduates as they take the first step in careers that not only change their own lives but also strengthen the care experiences of countless patients and families.”

A keynote address from Rashmi Airan, a nationally recognized speaker, leadership expert and transformation strategist, served as a powerful centerpiece of the celebration. Airan is known for helping leaders and organizations build trust, make values aligned decisions under pressure and confront the unseen internal barriers that shape judgment and behavior. Today, she uses her personal experience to help others rise through adversity with clarity, courage and accountability.

“Your hardest moments do not define you, they refine you,” Airan told graduates. “When pressure is high and the stakes feel overwhelming, clarity begins with honesty. The choices you make in those moments will shape not just your careers, but your character. You have already proven you can rise through challenge. Carry that truth with you into every patient interaction, every workplace, and every decision ahead.”

UMA’s Fall 2026 graduating class enters the workforce at a time when allied health professionals remain in high demand across the nation. UMA continues to support graduates beyond commencement through career services that include interview preparation, job search assistance and employer connections.

About Ultimate Medical Academy:

The need for skilled healthcare workers in the United States continues to grow. Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is an accredited, nonprofit educational institution that helps to meet that need by equipping and empowering students to do vital work at the heart of healthcare. In addition to offering diploma and degree programs, UMA works closely with healthcare employers to connect learners directly to job opportunities.

Based in Tampa, Florida and operating for over 30 years, UMA offers hands-on learning at its main campus in Clearwater, Florida as well as content-rich, interactive programs through its online campus. The institution supports students through every step of their journey with access to academic support, interview and resume coaching, job search assistance, technical support and more.

UMA has 120,000+ alumni and 20,000+ students nationwide and is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES, www.abhes.org). Learn more by visiting www.ultimatemedical.edu.

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Krista Numbers
Ultimate Medical Academy
media@ultimatemedical.edu

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