This school was extremely disappointing and, in my experience, unprofessional…read more
I graduated from UEI Reseda almost a year ago after completing my externship in December. I graduated with good grades, a high GPA, and as a Medical Assistant student ambassador.
One of my biggest concerns is that admissions does not clearly explain that completing the program does not make you a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). You receive a diploma, but you still have to take and pay for a separate certification exam. I feel this should be made much clearer before students enroll.
The lab experience was also disappointing. Many necessary supplies were out of stock, unavailable, or broken, which limited our hands-on training. I knew before enrolling that I wanted to eventually work in pediatrics because I enjoy working with children, yet we weren't even shown how to properly weigh/measure pediatric patients or administer pediatric injections.
My biggest issue, however, was Career Services. My assigned representative, Markia, told me, "It's not about what you're comfortable with. It's time for you to put your big girl panties on" when I explained that I was uncomfortable being placed at a primary care clinic for my first job and wanted to find a more specialized setting. I was shocked and didn't know how to respond.
Interviews were also scheduled without asking what times worked for me. I was sent to Encino, taking two buses, only to find out upon arrival that the position was for a traveling Medical Assistant. I was then scheduled at another clinic for 8 AM, only to arrive and discover the clinic wasn't even open yet. When I was upset and crying while explaining this to Career Services, I felt there was very little empathy or support.
During my externship, I also felt I wasn't learning enough because much of my time involved front-desk duties rather than hands-on back-office Medical Assistant work. When I asked about finding another site, Markia told me, "Now you want to travel? Last time the issue was that you didn't want to travel." My issue had always been my transportation limitations, not that I refused to travel.
The financial aspect makes this experience even more frustrating. I personally paid a little over $13,000 out of pocket, which I paid off in less than a year after completing the program. Based on my experience with my payments, interest was charged daily. After spending over $13,000, I attempted two different Medical Assistant jobs over approximately nine months and ultimately decided not to pursue the field.
I understand that students need to be flexible and step outside their comfort zones, but students also deserve clear information, adequate hands-on training, respectful communication, and genuine career support.
I strongly recommend researching the program carefully, including the certification requirements, additional costs, hands-on training, externship placement, and Career Services, before enrolling.
