Unitech Training Academy’s Baton Rouge Campus Earns Silver in 2026 Best of Baton Rouge Awards
BATON ROUGE, La. — Unitech Training Academy’s Baton Rouge Campus has been named a Silver winner in the Community College/Trade School category in the 2026 Best of Baton Rouge awards.
The annual contest, presented by The Advocate and powered by community voting, recognizes top businesses and organizations across the Capital Region. The program reflects strong participation from local residents who cast votes for their preferred providers and services.
The recognition highlights Unitech’s continued commitment to workforce-focused education and hands-on training designed to prepare students for in-demand careers. The Baton Rouge Campus offers programs in Dental Assisting, EKG/Phlebotomy Technician, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the work our team – Team BR – does every day to support students and serve the Baton Rouge community,” said Britni Smith, Baton Rouge Campus President. “We are focused on creating opportunities for individuals to build meaningful careers, and it’s an honor to be recognized by the community we serve.”
Unitech Training Academy operates six campuses across Louisiana, along with online programs serving Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The institution is dedicated to providing career-focused education that helps students move quickly into the workforce with the skills employers need.
The Baton Rouge recognition follows similar recent honors across the organization. Unitech Training Academy’s Lafayette Campus was named a Bronze winner in the College/Education category in last year’s Acadiana’s Choice awards, reflecting continued community recognition across the regions it serves.
For more information about programs offered at Unitech Training Academy, visit www.unitechta.edu.
Essential Skills Every IT Technician Needs: Learn Them Here!
If you’re always the one people turn to when it comes to tech issues, a career in information technology (IT) may be ideal for you. When you’re on the hunt for a job in IT artificial intelligence, it’s helpful to know what recruiters and employers are looking for, so you can be sure you have the right skills to thrive.
At Unitech Training Academy, our AI-Integrated Technical Support Specialist (AITSS) program can be completed fully online in as few as six months. Our program teaches the skills needed to succeed in entry-level AI and IT support specialist positions, making it a great alternative to college. Find out what qualities employers seek and what will help you on your way to landing your first position!
Key Takeaways
- IT technicians need a wide range of skills to succeed in entry-level AI and IT positions.
- In-depth knowledge of operating systems is essential, as IT techs must know how to repair and maintain them.
- Familiarity with AI tools and systems is crucial to systematically approach technical problem-solving.
- Analytical skills such as troubleshooting and problem-solving are crucial for getting to the root of software glitches or network malfunctions.
- Communication and customer service skills are also highly valued by employers.
- At Unitech Training Academy, students are taught these essential skills for entry-level IT careers via a fully online program schedule.
Skills AI & IT Technicians Need to Succeed
Computer technology is a wide-ranging field. However, there are some basic concepts that are sought by all types of employers. Entry-level IT technicians interested in working with AI should be familiar with:
Knowledge of Operating Systems
IT technicians and other computer support specialists help keep computer operating systems functioning properly. Their work can include regular maintenance tasks and upgrades, which keep systems up and running for all users. The AITSS program at Unitech Training Academy includes courses on computer network components, including operating systems, databases, and applications.
AI Fluency
Not all aspiring IT professionals are familiar with AI and its related models, tools, and systems. However, an increasing number of employers are looking for IT techs with AI experience. By becoming fluent in artificial intelligence and using it to troubleshoot IT issues, you can stand out from other applicants and have a foundation that goes beyond the basics.
Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
When you think of IT professionals, analyzing problems and producing solutions often come to mind. This skill goes hand-in-hand with analytical skills, whether it’s for software, hardware, network operations, or security threats. Our online AITSS program includes courses such as AI Foundations for Technical Support that help prepare students with AI-enhanced problem-solving skills. This helps graduates efficiently troubleshoot issues and provide solutions using AI tools.
Covered topics include:
- Operational procedures
- Security controls and concepts
- Networking fundamentals and components
- Operations
- Incident response
Strong People Skills Are a Must
When you’re helping colleagues, coworkers, and clients with computer problems, being able to communicate effectively and handle problems professionally is key to success. Employers look for strong communication abilities, which are taught in our AITSS program through courses like Customer Service for Help-Desk Professionals. Students are encouraged to develop good listening skills to make sure they understand problems clearly.
Students enrolled in our online AITSS job-training program at Unitech Training Academy can gain these essential skills while earning their diplomas.
AI-Integrated Technical Support Specialist Training at Unitech Training Academy
Although the above skills are sought after, they’re not the only qualities you need! Fortunately, the curriculum at Unitech Training Academy is created to teach students using the INGRAIN AI™ Frameworks, which provide structured practice in AI problem-solving methods. Students also get the chance to earn the industry-recognized CompTIA Tech+ certification, helping to demonstrate their skills.
Our online program accepts students from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, and can be completed in as few as six months. It is designed to prepare you for entry-level employment as an AI IT tech, helping you get your foot in the door for an exciting career.
Launch a Career in AI-Integrated IT Support at Unitech Training Academy
Are you ready to learn the skills you need to take the next step after graduation? Apply to the AI-Integrated Technical Support Specialist (AITSS) program at Unitech Training Academy. Aside from our comprehensive training, we also offer financial aid to students who qualify in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships. The flexible online model offers enhanced flexibility, letting you complete your training around other important obligations. To learn more, find out how you can get started now.
Electrician Jobs in Louisiana: Why Electrical Careers Can Offer Strong Job Security
Are you looking for a hands-on career that offers a strong job outlook? Electrician jobs in Louisiana can provide good job security, along with other benefits. At Unitech Training Academy, we offer an in-person Electrical training program in Louisiana that can be completed in as few as five months. Find out why electrician jobs are in demand.
Key Takeaways
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- Electrician demand is steady in Louisiana, thanks to the specialized work that can’t be automated, the need for ongoing maintenance of existing systems, and the required compliance with electrical codes.
- There are three main types of electricians: apprentices, journeymen, and master electricians. There are also specialization opportunities.
- Training can be completed through a trade school or apprenticeship. You’ll need experience as an electrical trainee under a master electrician for at least 5 years in the state of Louisiana. After this training time, you are eligible to take a journeyman or maintenance electrician licensing exam.
- Unitech Training Academy offers a five-month-long Electrical program in a traditional, in-person format.
Why Electrician Jobs in Louisiana Can Be Stable
Let’s face it: when you spend the time and money to get career training, you want to find a good job after graduation. Although it can’t always be guaranteed, electrician jobs in Louisiana tend to offer a stable job outlook for a few reasons:
- Skilled workers: Electricians use hands-on techniques and knowledge to complete installations, repairs, and maintenance of electrical systems. This skilled work cannot be outsourced or automated like many other types of work, so electricians are always needed.
- Compliance with safety and code requirements: Both commercial and residential properties need to be up to date and in compliance with relevant safety rules and local codes. To do so, electricians are needed to make necessary upgrades and repairs, keeping the trade in demand.
- Ongoing maintenance: Even when new builds slow down, ongoing maintenance is needed for aging electrical systems. This means there will still be a demand for maintenance services by knowledgeable electricians, even if installation services decrease.
These factors help promote a stable job outlook for Louisiana electricians.
What Drives Electrical Hiring Across Louisiana?
When you’re looking for electrician jobs in Louisiana, it’s helpful to know what impacts hiring. Key factors include:
- Commercial and residential construction and renovations
- Industrial facilities, energy, and manufacturing needs
- Storm repairs, grid upgrades, and infrastructure projects
- Growth in low-voltage controls and smart systems
When businesses undergo renovations, industrial facilities seek upgrades, or residential customers need storm repairs or new smart systems installed, hiring often increases for electricians in the area.
Career Advancement for Electricians
Electrician jobs in Louisiana offer opportunities for advancement:
- Apprentice electrician: This type of electrician is training to become licensed. They typically work under a licensed master electrician for approximately five years, learning all the tricks of the trade from experts. They can’t perform installations and repairs on their ow n.
- Journeyman electrician: This kind of electrician has successfully completed an apprenticeship and is now licensed to work independently. They can install and repair systems on their own.
- Master electrician and electrical contractor: The highest level of electrician, this type is a licensed professional with several years of experience. They typically have passed advanced exams and can design, install, and maintain complex electrical systems.
Once an electrician is licensed and can work independently, they can specialize in a certain area of electrical work. Common specialties include industrial, solar, low-voltage, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) electrical work.
Training Options and How Long It Can Take
To become an electrician, there are two main routes. You can either directly become an apprentice under a master electrician and receive on-the-job training, or you can complete a trade school program, like the Electrical training program at Unitech Training Academy, to have experience that master electricians can favor in a new apprentice applicant. The best choice for you depends on factors such as your learning style, how fast you want to get to work, and your budget for schooling.
At Unitech Training Academy, our Electrical program can be finished in as few as five months, letting you get into the field quicker to pursue entry-level positions. Both apprenticeships and training programs provide hands-on opportunities in electrical systems, along with in-classroom learning, to prepare aspiring electricians for their careers.
Enroll in an Electrical Program Near You in Louisiana
Are you ready to start training for a career with strong job outlook? Get started at Unitech Training Academy with our Electrical program, available at our Lafayette and West Monroe campuses. We provide career-focused curriculum and hands-on training that teach the necessary skills for electrician jobs in Louisiana. We also offer support services like career help and financial aid for those who qualify. To enroll in our program or request more information, reach out to admissions, contact us at 337-988-4042 today or schedule a campus visit.
FAQ About Electrician Training and Careers
How long does it take to become an electrician in Louisiana?
It depends on the type of training you complete. Apprenticeships typically take approximately five years, while trade school programs generally take less than a year and can help you get started as an apprentice under a master electrician. At Unitech Training Academy, you can complete our program in as few as five months.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Louisiana?
Yes, you will need a license to work as an electrician in Louisiana. This is especially true for commercial projects or residential jobs valued over $10,000. Local municipalities and parishes also often require their own licenses for smaller or residential projects.
What skills do employers look for in electricians?
Electrician employers look for skills like:
- Blueprint reading and basic electrical theory
- National Electrical Code (NEC) awareness and safe work practices
- Troubleshooting abilities and customer communication
- Reliability, attendance, teamwork, and professionalism
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician: You Can Do It Faster Than You Think
Are you searching for a rewarding career that involves helping people every day, without needing years of training? Consider working as a pharmacy technician! For aspiring pharmacy techs, Unitech Training Academy’s Pharmacy Technician program, offered at campuses across Louisiana, helps teach the skills you need in as few as nine months. Explore our program and what else is needed to become a pharmacy technician.
Key Takeaways
- Pharmacy technicians are healthcare professionals who prepare prescriptions, manage inventory, and interact with customers.
- This career path offers various work environments, from retail pharmacies to hospitals.
- Becoming a pharmacy tech doesn’t take years of schooling – our program is a great alternative to college and can be completed in as few as nine months.
- The benefits of working as a pharmacy technician include helping others, strong job security, and versatile work environments.
- Our Pharmacy Technician program provides aspiring pharmacy techs with a comprehensive education, complete with hands-on externship opportunities.
What Is a Pharmacy Tech, and What Do They Do?
When you go to pick up medications from a pharmacy, a pharmacy tech is likely the person you interact with. These medical professionals work alongside pharmacists, helping them provide care to patients. As a pharmacy tech, some duties you’ll take on daily are:
- Answering customer questions and addressing their concerns
- Answering phone calls
- Preparing prescriptions sent electronically or by phone from doctors’ offices
- Verifying prescription information is complete and accurate
- Helping with insurance claims
- Managing inventory
- Looking into prescription histories and other important documentation
- Supervising other staff members
Pharmacy techs can work in neighborhood pharmacies, hospitals, compounding pharmacies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and mental health facilities. Those who work in hospitals will take on different duties, including sterilizing items in a lab, maintaining drug-dispensing machines for nurses, and more, while those who work in facilities such as nursing homes or mental health centers may be tasked with delivering medications and keeping patient charts up to date.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Let’s face it: not everyone who wants to work in healthcare wants to go through years of schooling and degrees. The good news is that you don’t need a college degree to enroll in our Pharmacy Technician program. If you have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree, that’s enough. You also don’t need to spend years in school – the program can be completed in as few as nine months.
Once you’ve completed the training program at Unitech Training Academy, you will be eligible to meet the licensure and certification requirements for the pharmacy technician license in Louisiana. You’ll then need to pass a board-approved pharmacy technician certification exam, submit a criminal background check, and complete an application certificate for a fee to obtain your state license.
Why Is Being a Pharmacy Tech a Great Career Path?
If a career as a pharmacy tech sounds enticing, there are even more reasons to look into this profession:
- Versatile work environments: Because pharmacy techs can work in a multitude of environments, you’re sure to find something that grabs you. And, given that everyone needs medicines, you can find work opportunities across the globe.
- Strong job outlook: Another benefit to this career is that pharmacy technician jobs are projected to continue to grow into the future. This is because there is a large aging population and, as medicine continues to advance, new prescription drugs will be produced.
- Personal satisfaction: You’ll get to help people. This is one of the main reasons people typically go into any healthcare field. Knowing your work can help people of all ages be happy and healthy can be extremely rewarding.
Launch Your Future at Unitech Training Academy in Louisiana
If the thought of helping people get the medications they need sounds like a good career path for you, consider enrolling in the Pharmacy Technician program at Unitech Training Academy. This program is available at our Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, New Orleans, and West Monroe campuses.
This extensive pharmacy tech training program requires students to complete 9 courses including Pharmacy Practice Settings, Administrative Skills, Pharmacy Calculations, Pharmacology, and more! The program also includes an externship that helps the students get firsthand observation at a real pharmacy, providing invaluable real-world experience.
Our program also provides flexible hybrid classes, meaning students will learn both in the classroom and through online assignments. We also use PioneerRX to help simulate real-world pharmacy management solutions, helping students prepare for whatever lies ahead. Financial aid is also available for students who qualify to help make education more accessible. If you’re interested in enrolling, get started now.
Unitech Training Academy’s Houma Campus Celebrates 20 Years of Workforce Training with Community Open House
Unitech Training Academy will celebrate 20 years of serving the Bayou Region with a special 20th Anniversary Open House at its Houma campus on March 25.
Community members, employers, alumni, and prospective students are invited to attend the event, which will highlight the campus’s two decades of preparing students for the workforce.
Guests will have the opportunity to tour classrooms and training labs, meet instructors and students, and learn more about the programs that have helped hundreds of individuals build new careers while supporting the region’s workforce needs.
Since opening its doors in Houma in 2006, Unitech Training Academy has trained students for in-demand careers while maintaining partnerships with local employers throughout Terrebonne, Lafourche, and St. Mary parishes. The campus continues to play an important role in developing skilled professionals who contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
“We are grateful to be part of the Houma community and look forward to continuing to help students build meaningful careers for many years to come,” said Dr. Calvin McFadden, Campus President of Unitech’s Houma campus. “As we look ahead, our focus is on expanding opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with local employers, and continuing to prepare the skilled workforce for our community and our region.”
The open house will also feature opportunities to speak with enrollment representatives, learn about upcoming program starts, and connect with employers who regularly hire Unitech graduates.
The Houma campus is one of six Unitech Training Academy locations in Louisiana, along with an online division serving students across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
20th Anniversary Open House Details
Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. – noon; and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Unitech Training Academy – Houma Campus
Address: 6007 West Park Avenue, Houma, LA 70364
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Open House, call the Houma Campus at (985) 223-1756.
Terrilynn Ledet Named Director of Education at Unitech Training Academy’s Houma Campus
Unitech Training Academy has named Terrilynn Ledet as Director of Education at its Houma Campus, where she will oversee academic operations and continue advancing student success initiatives.
Ledet brings more than 13 years of experience in the medical field to her role and has held several leadership positions within Unitech, including Clinical Coordinator and Career Services Coordinator. She has served at the Houma Campus for just over a year, gaining hands-on experience across academic and student support functions.
In her new role, Ledet will lead instructional teams, support faculty development, and help strengthen academic outcomes for students pursuing career-focused education.
“I’m passionate about student success and excited to watch the Houma Campus continue to grow,” Ledet said. “This campus has incredible potential, and I’m proud to be part of a team that shows every day that we are truly made for more.”
Ledet is also a graduate of Unitech’s Leadership Development Institute, where she completed training focused on leadership, collaboration, and institutional excellence.
Her appointment reflects Unitech’s continued investment in developing leaders from within and building strong academic teams that support workforce-ready graduates.
Dental Assisting: A Smile-Worthy Start to a Rewarding Career
If you’ve ever left the dentist’s office feeling relieved, reassured, and maybe even smiling again, chances are a dental assistant helped make that happen. Dental assistants play a vital role in helping patients feel comfortable, supporting dentists during procedures, and keeping the office running smoothly.
At Unitech Training Academy, you can train for this vital dental healthcare career and gain the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience to make a real difference – all in as few as six months!
What Dental Assistants Do Daily
Dental assistants are multitaskers in motion – greeting patients, prepping instruments, and helping keep every appointment running efficiently.
While they don’t perform the same duties as hygienists, they’re essential members of every dental care team. A dental assistant’s day might include:
- Welcoming patients and helping them feel at ease before and during procedures
- Preparing treatment areas and sterilizing dental instruments
- Taking X-rays, impressions, and digital scans as directed by the dentist
- Handing instruments to dentists during procedures and keeping the area clean and dry
- Recording treatment details and updating patient records
- Teaching patients about oral hygiene and post-treatment care
- Some assist in managing front-office tasks like scheduling, billing, and insurance coordination
Dental assistants truly do it all – combining clinical skill, patient care, and administrative know-how to keep the entire office smiling.
Why the Future Looks Bright for Dental Assistants
Oral health has become a growing part of whole-body wellness, and that means more dentists (and their support teams) are needed nationwide. With new technology, expanded access to dental care, and steady demand, dental assisting offers job stability and satisfaction in a people-focused profession.
Fun fact: U.S. News & World Report ranks dental assisting among the top healthcare support jobs, citing its balanced hours and positive work environment.
Where Dental Assistants Work (and How Far You Can Go!)
Most dental assistants work in private dental offices, but opportunities also exist in:
- Specialty practices such as orthodontics or oral surgery
- Hospitals and community health clinics
- Public health and government programs
- Educational or corporate dental settings
With experience, dental assistants can grow into office management, treatment coordination, or training roles, or even continue education toward expanded functions or dental hygiene programs.
Train for Your Career at Unitech Training Academy
Unitech’s Dental Assisting program gives you both the knowledge and hands-on skills employers look for. The hybrid format means part of the coursework is completed online, offering flexibility, while the rest takes place on campus in our fully equipped labs.
- Dental sciences and biomedical foundations
- Clinical techniques and infection control
- Dental practice administration and front-office management
- Insurance, coding, and billing
- Patient communication and chair-side assisting skills
And it doesn’t stop there — every student completes a 60-hour externship with local dental offices and clinics, gaining real-world experience before graduation.
Your externship gives you the chance to network, build professional references, and practice what you’ve learned alongside experienced dental teams.
Career Development That Stays with You for Life
Your success matters long after you graduate. At Unitech, Career Development support is for life – connecting students and alumni with:
- Resume and interview coaching
- Employer partnerships throughout Louisiana
- Job leads and professional networking opportunities
We don’t just train you for the job, we help you start and sustain your career.
Ready to Help Louisiana Smile Brighter?
If you love working with people, pay attention to detail, and want a career that feels meaningful every day, dental assisting could be your perfect fit.
Train close to home, graduate in as few as six months, and step confidently into a profession that’s always in demand.
Get started today and see how Unitech Training Academy can help you build a future that makes people smile.
Berta Jefferson Named Director of Education
Berta Jefferson Named Director of Education
Unitech announced the appointment of Berta Jefferson as Director of Education for the New Orleans campus recently.
Jefferson brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, with a career centered on academic operations, faculty development, and student success. She has held senior roles including Vice President of Academics, Corporate Director of Education, Academic Dean, and Director of Education, supporting multi-campus institutions nationwide.
Known for strengthening retention, accreditation compliance, and instructional quality, Jefferson has coached academic teams across more than 40 campuses and led initiatives that consistently met organizational benchmarks.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Higher Education Management and is widely recognized for excellence in leadership, retention, and academic performance.
Dr. Darren Bridgewater Named Campus President of Unitech’s New Orleans Campus
Dr. Darren Bridgewater Named Campus President of Unitech’s New Orleans Campus
Unitech Training Academy has named Dr. Darren Bridgewater as Campus President of its New Orleans campus, effective immediately.
Dr. Bridgewater brings more than two and a half years of leadership experience within Unitech. He previously served as Associate Director of Admissions and most recently as Director of Student Success, where he led initiatives focused on student support, retention, and measurable outcomes.
He holds a Doctor of Biblical Psychology degree from Hope Bible Institute in Baton Rouge, along with both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in theology and religious studies. With more than 15 years of experience as a motivational speaker, Dr. Bridgewater is known for encouraging perseverance, purpose, and personal growth.
A native of Pointe Coupee Parish, Dr. Bridgewater has a long-standing commitment to community engagement. His service includes work as a youth leader with the Pointe Coupee Ministers Conference and leadership in outreach efforts such as back-to-school giveaways, food drives, disaster relief initiatives, blood drives, and other community-support programs.
As Campus President, Dr. Bridgewater will oversee campus operations with a focus on strong systems, student-centered outcomes, and continued growth of Unitech’s impact throughout the New Orleans region.
Mary-Katherine Hooper Named to Lafayette’s Top 20 Under 40 List
Mary-Katherine Hooper, Director of Compliance at Unitech Training Academy, has been named to Lafayette’s Top 20 Under 40, an annual recognition presented by The 705 that highlights young professionals contributing to the Acadiana community.
Hooper is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned a degree in Economics. At Unitech Training Academy, she oversees compliance operations across multiple states, working closely with leadership to ensure regulatory requirements are met and student access is protected.
Her work extends beyond the workplace. Hooper serves as Treasurer of the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women and chairs its Annual Women of Excellence Awards. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) Advisory Board, where she helps guide policy related to college access and workforce training.
Hooper is active with the Junior League of Lafayette and serves on the Board of Directors for Miles Perret Cancer Services. She is also a graduate of Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s Leadership Lafayette Class 38.
The Top 20 Under 40 recognition honors professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership and service across the region.