Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) VS New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants (NYSMDA)
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) VS New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants (NYSMDA)
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) and the New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants (NYSMDA), two popular institutions offering dental assistant programs:
1. Accreditation & Recognition
UMA: Nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Recognized for offering flexible online and campus-based healthcare programs across the U.S.
NYSMDA: Licensed by the New York State Education Department. Offers state-specific certification in medical and dental assisting, but it is not nationally accredited by ABHES or ACCSC.
2. Location & Delivery Format
UMA: Based in Clearwater, Florida, but offers nationwide online options for many of its programs.
NYSMDA: Located in Long Island City, Queens, and is entirely in-person, designed specifically for students in the New York City metro area.
3. Program Focus
UMA: Offers a broader curriculum with both diploma and associate degree tracks in dental assisting. Focuses on national employability, with career services and externships across states.
NYSMDA: Provides an intensive dental and medical assisting program that blends hands-on clinical training with administrative skills. Well-integrated with local dental practices for externships in NYC.
4. Student Body Size
UMA: Over 15,000 students enrolled nationwide.
NYSMDA: Much smaller enrollment; more boutique-sized with a local focus, offering more personal classroom attention.
5. Cost & Financial Aid
UMA: Tuition varies by program and location, but financial aid is widely available for eligible students, including Pell Grants and student loans.
NYSMDA: Offers Title IV federal financial aid for those who qualify, though total program cost tends to be on par or slightly less than UMA’s national tuition rates.
6. Career Outcomes & Placement
UMA: Career services available nationally, although online graduates may need to secure local externships and state-specific credentials depending on where they live.
NYSMDA: Strong local partnerships with NYC-area clinics; many students find employment shortly after graduation within the city.
Conclusion:
Choose UMA if you need flexibility, online access, or a nationally oriented program. It’s great for students outside New York or those balancing work and school.
Choose NYSMDA if you’re based in NYC and want hands-on, in-person training with a local focus. It offers a more intimate, tightly structured experience ideal for students who prefer classroom-based learning and local job placement.
Lastly, dental assisting offers job security, steady income, and healthcare benefits—and it can be a great stepping stone to more advanced roles that do cross the $100K threshold.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a real, stable, and respected career—not just a quick way into the workforce—becoming a licensed dental assistant is the way to go. And when it comes to training, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
