Meridian Career Institute

Overview
Founded in 1982, Meridian Career Institute is an accredited institution specializing in vocational education programs for the allied health and beauty industries. With locations in Tampa and Sarasota, Florida, Meridian continues to develop aspiring cosmetologists, medical administrator, insurance and coders for career opportunities in the healthcare and esthetics fields.

Student Appeal
Programs may be completes in as few as 9 months, including extensive hands-on training and real-world externships to help students build their career foundation. The school offers flexible day, evening and weekend schedules, with small class sizes and seasoned professionals as instructors. In addition to labs with industry-standard equipment, the campus also features a bookstore, learning resource center, and a modern, commercial day spa for students to practice their skills on real clients in a real salon/spa environment.

Financial
Meridian Career Institute participates in a variety of financial aid programs for the benefit of students, including the Federal Fell Grant, Federal Stafford Loan, Veteran's Benefits, and Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.

Programs Offered:

• Business AdministrationBusiness Administration
  The Associate of Science degree in Business Administration program prepares individuals for professional careers in business, government, and non-profit organizations. The program will prepare students to think critically, communicate effectively, use current technology, appreciate cultural diversity, develop appropriate work values, and work effectively in a team-based environment. The program develops technical analysis skills in an applications oriented program that stresses the business context. Typical positions that the graduate of this program could assume are supervisor, manager or a small business owner.

  The Associate of Science degree in Business Administration is meant for students who wish to combine the skills of a modern business office with the benefits of an academic associate of science degree. This program enables the students to progress to higher academic credential levels. The program requires a minimum of 96 credits to complete.

• CosmetologyCosmetology
  This program features instruction and training for men's and women's haircutting, styling, perm application, coloring, bleaching, facials, chemical waving, relaxing, straightening, scalp treatments, shampooing, manicure, pedicure, nail extensions, waxing and make-up. Graduates are eligible for state licensure examination to become cosmetologists, nail technicians, make-up artists, and other employment in a full-service salon.
• Dental AssistantDental Assistant
  Designed to prepare students for a career as dental assistant, this curriculum develops their skills in readying patients for treatment, supporting dentists during procedures, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments and equipment, taking X-ray examinations, obtaining dental records, plus managing the daily office functions of a dental practice. The coursework include extensive hands-on training, with an externship at a dental office where students will assist the dentist in actual sessions.
• Medical AssistantMedical Assistant
  The Associate of Science degree program in Medical Assisting provides students with an academic program that leads to employment as an entry-level Medical Assistant with basic skills in both the administrative and clinical components of an ambulatory health care facility. Graduates of this program should also have the skills necessary to function as phlebotomists, ECG technicians, hospital ward clerks, insurance coders, hospital admissions assistants, and chiropractic assistants. Graduates of the program are eligible to become Registered Medical Assistants, and are eligible to take other certification tests in areas such as phlebotomy, EKG, medical billing and coding.

  The Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting is meant for students who wish to combine the skills of a medical assistant with the benefits of an academic associate of science degree.

• Medical Insurance Billing and CodingMedical Insurance Billing and Coding
  With emphasis on the fundamentals of medical office protocol with specialized training in medical insurance billing and coding, this program arms students with the requisite expertise as a professional medical biller and coder.