Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants at Ultimate Medical Academy
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
ultimatemedical.eduAnalysis
Graduates of Ultimate Medical Academy's nursing assistant program earn just $27,734 in their first year—barely half Florida's $40,922 median for similar programs and less than a third of what nearby Pinellas Technical College graduates earn ($47,306). At the 10th percentile statewide, this places Ultimate Medical among the worst-performing nursing programs in Florida.
The trajectory turns alarming quickly: earnings actually drop 19% by year four to just $22,556. While the program serves a predominantly low-income population (81% receive Pell grants), comparable programs demonstrate that nursing credentials should open doors to stable, middle-class careers. Florida State College at Jacksonville graduates earn more than twice as much, suggesting Ultimate Medical's curriculum, clinical partnerships, or employer reputation falls significantly short of alternatives.
The relatively modest debt ($10,379) offers cold comfort when even that amount represents nearly half a year's first-year salary. For a family hoping nursing will provide economic mobility, this program delivers the opposite—declining earnings that barely reach poverty-level wages. Florida has 110 nursing programs; choosing one in the bottom 10% when stronger options exist at community colleges and technical schools nearby makes little financial sense.
Where Ultimate Medical Academy Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ultimate Medical Academy graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Medical Academy | $27,734 | $22,556 | -19% |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $47,310 | $55,934 | +18% |
| Herzing University-Tampa | $47,310 | $55,934 | +18% |
| HCA Florida Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing | $31,784 | $52,046 | +64% |
| ATA Career Education | $41,553 | $50,873 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (110 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ultimate Medical AcademyClearwater | — | $27,734 | $22,556 | $10,379 | 0.37 |
 Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville | $2,878 | $57,579 | — | $19,000 | 0.33 |
 Meridian CollegeSarasota | — | $54,072 | — | — | — |
 Herzing University-OrlandoWinter Park | $13,420 | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
| Herzing University-TampaTampa | $13,420 | $47,310 | $55,934 | $22,586 | 0.48 |
 Pinellas Technical College-St. PetersburgSaint Petersburg | — | $47,306 | — | $17,485 | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $44,134 | — | $14,803 | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with practical nursing, vocational nursing and nursing assistants graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Ultimate Medical Academy, approximately 81% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 39 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.