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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.

You’ll learn:

  • 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.

Back Massage Techniques: Different Methods for Different Goals

Let’s face it, everybody could use a moment to reset and relax. Massage doesn’t just feel good — it can help reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and promote overall wellness. At Unitech Training Academy in Louisiana, our Massage Therapy program teaches students the art and science behind massage techniques that help people relax, recover, and feel their best. (Bonus: You can even get massages yourself at our student clinic. You deserve a treat now and then, right?)

At Unitech Training Academy, you’ll build real-world experience toward a rewarding new career.

Key Takeaways

  • Massage isn’t just relaxing — it’s a legit way to melt stress, loosen tension, and boost overall wellness.
  • Swedish massage is the go-to “feel good” style, using a mix of smooth strokes, kneading, tapping, and gentle vibration to help you unwind.
  • Got stubborn knots or chronic tightness? Deep tissue brings stronger pressure to reach deeper layers and break up tension for real relief.
  • Need targeted help? Trigger point zeroes in on one trouble spot
  • Sports massage mixes techniques to support active bodies, flexibility, and recovery.
  • At Unitech, students learn the science and hands-on skills (including 120 clinic hours) and prep for licensing exams — with flexible schedules and campus options across Louisiana.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the practice of rubbing or kneading the skin, often to reduce pain or provide relaxation. There are various types and techniques of massage that work in different ways.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is what most people think of when they hear the term massage. It consists of gentle strokes and pressure on the muscles and is the most common type of massage. Swedish massage is often used for relaxation purposes but can also help reduce pain and muscle tension.

There are a few main techniques used in Swedish massages:

  • Effleurage: This technique uses circular stroking movements with the palms of the hands to warm up or cool down muscles after deep tissue work.
  • Petrissage: This technique consists of rolling, kneading, and pressure on the muscles to increase blood flow and relieve tight muscles and pain.
  • Tapotement: This technique involves rhythmic tapping, drumming, or cupping on the muscles to increase circulation and soften the muscles.
  • Friction: This technique uses deep pressure on the muscles to release tension, penetrate deep tissue, and break up knots.
  • Vibration: This technique involves light shaking of the massage area in a rhythmic pattern to decrease stress and muscle tension and stimulate soft tissues.

People can reap many benefits from these Swedish massage techniques, such as reduced inflammation and stiffness, pain relief, relaxation, and improved circulation.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is another common technique, often used to relieve chronic pain and tension. Compared to a more relaxing Swedish massage, deep tissue massages use harder pressure to reach the deeper layers of the skin tissue. The massage therapist uses friction and kneading to break up muscle knots and relieve tension and tightness.

Deep tissue massages are often beneficial for people with chronic neck or back pain because they reduce the overall tension and scar tissue, leading to reduced pain.

Trigger Point Massage

A trigger point massage focuses on a particular spot called a trigger point. Like deep tissue massages, trigger point massages work to soften muscle tissue, break up knots, and reduce pain. They are different because they don’t focus on the entire back or body, but rather on a specific part of the body that causes the patient trouble. The massage therapist uses kneading, friction, and pressure techniques to perform a trigger point massage.

Sports Massage

A sports massage is designed specifically for athletes, active people, and those with sports-related injuries. The massage therapist uses a mix of techniques from both Swedish massage and deep tissue massage to target the area with the injury or pain. Sports massages are beneficial to help release muscle tension, reduce pain, and increase flexibility and athletic performance.

What Students Learn in the Massage Therapy Program

If you’ve been interested in a career as a massage therapist, consider attending the Massage Therapy program at Unitech Training Academy.

At Unitech Training Academy, students gain the technical knowledge, professionalism, and hands-on experience to launch their massage careers with confidence.

You’ll study:

  • Anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology
  • Massage theory and specialized techniques
  • Ethics, business practices, and client communication
  • Clinical practice (120 hours) under the supervision of a Licensed Massage Therapist

Our graduates are ready to take the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy oral exam and the national Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), setting them up for success right after graduation.

The Massage Therapy program at Unitech Training Academy offers many other benefits, including:

About Our Student Massage Clinics

In the clinics, students gain hands-on experience working with real customers under supervisions of licensed instructors. You’ll get to practice the techniques you’ve learned and see directly just how you can help others feel better and relax. You can even give gift cards to friends and family, and every person who comes in for a massage is helping students complete their required clinic hours. Everybody wins!

Why Choose Unitech Training Academy?

Unitech Training Academy develops people — students, faculty, and staff—to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. We are a career solution, committed to advancing opportunity, readiness, and results. We prepare individuals not just to get the job, but to keep it, grow in it, and thrive.

We create environments where purpose and positivity intersect—celebrating progress, building meaningful connections, and finding fulfillment in our shared journey.

Learn Back Massage Techniques at Unitech Training Academy

Now that you’re familiar with some back massage techniques, are you ready to learn how to perform them? Attend the Massage Therapy program at Unitech Training Academy to be taught concepts and skills needed to launch a massage career. Get started now at one of Unitech Training Academy’s locations near you throughout Louisiana.

COE Reaffirmation of Accreditation – 2026 Visit Announcement

Unitech Training Academy is applying for reaffirmation of accreditation with the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Persons wishing to make comments should write to the President/CEO of the Commission, Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Bldg. 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350. Persons making comments must provide their names and mailing addresses.

Unitech Training Academy will undergo its Council on Occupational Education (COE) Reaffirmation of Accreditation Visit on March 9–12, 2026. As part of this process, the institution will also host a COE Fellow on December 2–4, 2025 at the Lafayette Campus for a preliminary evaluation to ensure readiness for the full visiting team.

About the COE Accreditation Process

Accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education is a rigorous multi-phase review that verifies institutional quality and compliance with established standards. The reaffirmation process includes:

  • A comprehensive Institutional Self-Study conducted by faculty, staff, and leadership.
  • The collection and submission of exhibits demonstrating compliance with the 10 COE Standards.
  • An onsite evaluation by a visiting team who will review documentation, tour facilities, and conduct interviews with faculty, staff, students, graduates, and community employers.

This process affirms Unitech Training Academy’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality occupational education that meets workforce needs across our service regions.

Institution-Wide Participation

All Unitech employees contribute to the accreditation process. Each interaction with students, colleagues, and community partners reflects the institution’s mission and standards of quality. Faculty and staff may participate in documentation gathering, narrative development, committee reviews, and interviews during the visit.

Questions and Assistance

Employees who have questions regarding their role in the accreditation process or specific aspects of the self-study may contact their Campus President or the Compliance Department for guidance.

Unitech Training Academy appreciates the continued dedication of its faculty and staff as we prepare for this important reaffirmation of accreditation.

Louisiana’s Tech Boom: Powering New Career Opportunities

Louisiana is on the rise — and nowhere is that more evident than in Lafayette. With MMR Group’s $55.2 million expansion to grow its electrical and modular systems operations, hundreds of new high-tech jobs are on the horizon. This investment positions the region as a leader in advanced manufacturing, automation, and data center development, and incredible opportunities are being created for skilled professionals ready to step in and lead the charge.

At Unitech Training Academy, we’re helping students turn this kind of local growth into personal opportunity. Through both hands-on training with our Electrical program, and with our new 100% remote AI-Integrated Technical Support Specialist (AITSS) program, students across Louisiana are building the skills that power the industries driving our state forward.

The Power of Skill: Louisiana’s Growing Electrical Industry

Electricians and electrical support professionals are the backbone of major projects like MMR’s Lafayette expansion. From wiring massive data centers to maintaining modular systems, these skilled tradespeople keep the grid and the economy running.

Unitech’s Electrical program gives students the foundation to join this fast-moving field. Through immersive, hands-on training, you’ll learn how to:

  • Safely install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems
  • Read blueprints and work with modern tools and materials
  • Understand circuits, wiring, and power distribution systems
  • Apply safety standards and codes to real-world projects

Our Career Services team connects graduates with employers across Louisiana, helping you take your classroom knowledge straight into the workforce. With growth happening in Lafayette and beyond, now’s the time to gain the skills that make you indispensable.

Where Tech Meets Opportunity: The Rise of AI Support

As Louisiana attracts new investment in automation and digital infrastructure, the demand for tech professionals who can integrate AI tools into their workflow is skyrocketing. That’s where Unitech’s new AI-Integrated Technical Support Specialist program comes in.

This 100% online program trains students to:

  • Troubleshoot, secure, and manage computer networks and systems
  • Use AI-powered tools to improve problem-solving and decision-making
  • Prepare for the CompTIA Tech+ certification
  • Build a capstone project portfolio that showcases real-world readiness

AI is no longer the future, it’s the present. And with Unitech’s program, you’ll graduate with technical fluency and confidence employers are already looking for in the state’s growing tech economy.

Career Services for Life: Your Bridge to Opportunity

At Unitech, your success doesn’t stop at graduation. Our Career Services team is your lifelong resource for:

  • Personalized résumé and interview support
  • Employer networking and job placement assistance
  • Guidance toward certifications that enhance your earning potential
  • Alumni access to ongoing job leads and professional growth opportunities

Whether you’re on campus or studying online, Unitech is here to help you turn your training into a career – not just for now, but for life.

Build Your Future in Louisiana’s Growing Industries

Louisiana’s growth story is just getting started. With investments like MMR Group’s expansion leading the way, the demand for skilled workers in the electrical field and AI-driven technical support is only increasing.

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level – and be part of Louisiana’s bright future – Unitech Training Academy can help you get there.

Get started today and train for the industries powering Louisiana’s tomorrow.

Welcome Dr. McFadden – New Houma Campus President

Dr. Calvin McFadden officially joined Unitech Training Academy today as Campus President in Houma.

A native of Tampa, Florida, Dr. McFadden brings decades of experience in higher education leadership. He previously served as President of Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Arkansas, and has held teaching, administrative, and executive roles in Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Houston. He currently leads C&J Associates Enterprises, LLC, a Houston-based consulting firm focused on organizational and educational development.

Dr. McFadden holds degrees from Bethune-Cookman University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, and Florida State University. He and his wife, Jamina, Assistant Dean at Texas Southern University School of Law, are the proud parents of two children: Catherine, a freshman at Hampton University, and C. Jerome, a high school student.

Unitech’s mission is to be “A career solution, committed to advancing opportunity, readiness, and results.” Dr. McFadden’s leadership and dedication to student success reflect this mission, and his commitment to equity and educational access perfectly aligns with Unitech’s value of Opportunity for All.

As Unitech continues to grow and evolve as “the leading workforce partner across the communities we serve,” Dr. McFadden’s strategic vision, community focus, and heart for people development will help strengthen efforts across the southeast Louisiana region.

Unitech Formalizes Partnership with INGRAIN AI™ to Power Its AI-Integrated Technical Support Specialist Program

Unitech Training Academy has formalized an academic partnership with Bizzuka, Inc. to infuse AI training into the Unitech AI-Integrated Technical Support Specialist (AITSS) program.

This marks the first time any career college has embedded the INGRAIN AI™ Frameworks, The AI Strategy Canvas® and Scalable Prompt Engineering®, into curriculum that will prepare students for technical support roles in AI-augmented workplaces.

INGRAIN AI TM widely regarded as a leader in applied AI education and prompt engineering, and its frameworks form the instructional foundation for AI adoption in technical support and IT environments.

Created by John W. Munsell, author of INGRAIN AI and CEO of Bizzuka, the frameworks are rapidly gaining recognition as the gold standard for teaching employees how to use generative AI tools in business settings at scale. Through this partnership, Unitech students will gain hands-on experience with the same instructional tools used at organizations adapting their operations to generative AI technologies.

“Unitech is the very first institution authorized to teach our principles. We’ve trained professors at major universities and have implementations worldwide in Australia, New Zealand, England, and Sweden. Unitech is leading the way in vocational education, and what makes this partnership significant is that we’re teaching uniformly. Students won’t just learn AI skills, they’ll learn the same gold-standard frameworks used by enterprises globally, ensuring they can walk into any workplace and immediately contribute,” said Munsell.

The curriculum includes skill development in scalable prompt engineering, AI strategy implementation, and practical application of AI tools in help desk and IT support scenarios. Students learn to use AI while maintaining technical accuracy and customer service standards.

The AITSS program, already launched and fully online, will continue to expand its instructional approach through this collaboration.

“The partnership reinforces Unitech’s focus on future-ready workforce training and positions graduates for competitive roles in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Together, we’re shaping a pipeline of IT professionals who are equipped to innovate, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy,” said Noah Brandon, Unitech Training Academy President.

The AITSS program represents the initial phase of a broader institutional strategy. Unitech plans to incorporate AI education across all training programs, responding to employer expectations that entry-level workers arrive with functional AI literacy and applied prompt engineering skills.

Learn more about the program here:
https://unitechta.edu/program/ai-integrated-technical-support-specialist/

About Bizzuka, Inc.

Bizzuka, Inc. holds international distribution rights to the INGRAIN AI™ Frameworks, created by John W. Munsell, CEO and author of INGRAIN AI. The frameworks, including The AI Strategy Canvas® and Scalable Prompt Engineering®, have become recognized as the gold standard for teaching employees how to use generative AI tools in business settings at scale. Certified INGRAIN AI Implementers worldwide use these methodologies to train organizations across the globe.

About Unitech Training Academy

Unitech Training Academy empowers students with career-focused education in healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. It operates six campuses across Louisiana and offers online programming in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Through hands-on training and industry-relevant curricula, graduates are prepared for success in today’s workforce.

A Career Change May Be Easier and Quicker Than You Think

Feeling stuck in a job that no longer inspires you? Burned out and wishing for more balance? Or maybe you’ve been impacted by layoffs and are wondering what’s next. The idea of switching careers can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be.

At Unitech Training Academy, we make career change possible. With focused training programs, financial aid options, and lifelong support from our Career Services team, you can gain the skills, confidence, and connections to step into a new chapter sooner than you think.

Reasons for Career Change

Everyone’s “why” is different, but the reasons people decide to pivot are often relatable. People choose to shift careers for a wide range of reasons. These may stem from a change in job preference, priorities, living situations, or other factors. Here are some of the most common reasons driving an employment change:

Following a Passion

Maybe your current job doesn’t light you up. Choosing a career path that aligns with your interests can give you energy, fulfillment, and pride in the work you do.

Wish to Make a Difference

Many career changers want to contribute to something bigger. Healthcare, education, and technical fields allow you to directly impact lives and communities in a meaningful way.

Craving a New Challenge

If your work feels repetitive or unfulfilling, you may be ready for something that stretches your skills and keeps you engaged. A career change can open doors to more challenging and rewarding roles.

Require New Leadership

Sometimes the problem isn’t the work itself – it’s the environment. A career shift can give you a chance to find a workplace with stronger culture, better support, and room to grow. Making a career change provides an opportunity to find a position with a better company culture.

Why Choose Unitech Training Academy?

Unitech isn’t just about teaching skills – it’s about opening doors. For nearly three decades, we’ve helped students of all ages and backgrounds gain the training and confidence to build careers they’re proud of. Here’s how:

Large Selection of Job Training Programs

From healthcare to IT, our programs are designed to get you job-ready. Whether you want to work in a medical office, assist patients directly, or explore the world of technology, we have a program to fit your career goals. Training is available on campus or in a hybrid format throughout our Louisiana locations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, New Orleans, and West Monroe, with online programs offered for students in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Our programs include:

Experienced Instructors

To ensure students are prepared for their pursuit of meaningful careers after graduation, Unitech Training Academy’s programs are led by dedicated instructors. Students will gain practical applications and learn the required skills of their preferred profession from instructors with years of real-world experience.

Fast Learning

No need to spend years in school to reinvent yourself. Four-year universities may not be a practical option for everyone, especially those wishing to make a career change. Many of our programs can be completed in under a year, getting you to graduation and into the workforce faster. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to provide students with the information they need to know and not waste any time.

Career Services for Life

When you join Unitech, you gain more than an education — you gain a lifelong partner in your career journey. Our Career Services team offers résumé help, mock interviews, and one-on-one coaching not just during school, but long after you graduate. We also connect you with employers in your community and guide you toward certifications that can set you apart in today’s job market.

Financial Aid

We believe education should be accessible. That’s why we offer financial aid to those who qualify, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Our team will help you explore your options so cost doesn’t stand in the way of your goals.

Make a Career Change with Unitech Training Academy

If you’re ready to explore new possibilities, Unitech can help you get there. With flexible learning options, supportive instructors, and a career services team committed to your long-term success, making a change is not only possible – it’s within your reach. You are Made for MORE!

Get started today and take the first step toward a career that excites you!