About – Union Centre Institute

About Union Centre Institute

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Certification Programs

Goals

Oriented toward healthcare education

Union Centre Institute is oriented towards occupational education. The goal is to ensure that students not only gain academic knowledge but also the practical skills and know-how required to excel in specific professions or trades.

Here are some educational goals tailored for such an institution:

Skill Proficiency: Ensure students master the technical skills required for their chosen occupation.
Workplace Readiness: Equip students with the soft skills necessary for the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
Hands-on Experience: Offer opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships, apprenticeships, or simulated workplace environments.
Safety Standards: Ensure students understand and can adhere to the safety protocols and standards of their respective industries.
Industry Knowledge: Imbue students with a deep understanding of their chosen industry, including its history, current trends, and future challenges.
Certification and Licensing: Prepare students to pass any required certification or licensing exams relevant to their field.
Entrepreneurship: Encourage and equip those students interested in starting their own businesses in their trade or profession.
Professional Networking: Provide opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals, attend conferences, or join professional organizations.
Ethical Practice: Stress the importance of ethical considerations in all occupational activities and decisions.
Adaptability to Industry Changes: Train students to be adaptable, understanding that industries evolve, and technologies change.
Continuous Professional Development: Instill the importance of ongoing training and education, even after securing a job, to keep skills current.
Practical Problem Solving: Teach students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, troubleshooting real-world problems they might face in their occupation.
Resource Management: In fields where resources (like materials or tools) are vital, train students to manage and maintain those resources efficiently.
Customer and Client Relations: In occupations where interaction with customers or clients is frequent, train students in effective and professional interpersonal relations.
Digital Proficiency: Depending on the occupation, ensure students are proficient in relevant digital tools, software, or platforms commonly used in the industry.

By focusing on these goals, Union Centre Institute would be setting its students up for success in their chosen occupations, ensuring they are well-prepared and competitive in the job market.

Health & Safety at UCI:

At Union Centre Institute, the health and safety of our students, staff, and visitors is a top priority. Our comprehensive Health and Safety Plan is designed to ensure a secure learning environment through proactive policies, regular safety checks, and emergency preparedness procedures. From well-stocked first aid kits and accessible AEDs to clearly outlined incident reporting protocols, we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive campus. Our plan aligns with local and state regulations and is continuously reviewed to meet evolving needs.

Healthy & Safety Plan

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Mission Statement

Uniting Minds

Creating Futures

At Union Centre Institute, we are dedicated to empowering our students with career-focused education and training, tailored to meet the demands of today's industries.

Through our specialized occupational programs, we strive to provide learners with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in their chosen fields, fostering both individual growth and community advancement.

Our Story

Who We Are

At UCI

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Kevin Ison, a dentist and orthodontist, and Kaitlin Dougherty, a dental clinician pursuing dental school, Dental Assistant Academy was created to provide hands-on, career-focused education for aspiring dental assistants. Their goal was to prepare students with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to thrive while improving patient care.

Beginning with just two students in its first class, the academy has since graduated more than 300 students and expanded its healthcare training programs. As demand grew, the school introduced programs in dental administration, medical assisting, and CPR, leading to the creation of the Medical Assistant Academy.

In 2024, the organization officially became Union Centre Institute (UCI), reflecting its expanded mission to educate and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines while continuing its commitment to excellence in hands-on education.

State Licensing

We are committed to maintaining the highest educational standards. Our institution and programs are recognized, licensed, and approved by the leading state and national governing bodies in education and healthcare.

Institutional Accreditation

Council on Occupational Education (COE) Accredited by the COE, a nationally recognized accrediting agency that ensures quality and integrity in career and technical education.

State Licensing

Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (OSBCCS) Licensed by the OSBCCS to operate as a post-secondary career school, ensuring compliance with state educational standards and student protections.

National Programmatic Approvals

Our healthcare programs are approved by top national credentialing organizations, qualifying our graduates to sit for recognized certification exams:

American Medical Technologists (AMT)
National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Coming Soon

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) We are currently in the process of securing approval from the ARRT to expand our imaging and radiologic program offerings

Learning Styles

At Union Centre Institute, we recognize the evolving needs of today's learners. That's why we've implemented two of the most effective and forward-thinking learning styles: Hybrid and E-learning. Our goal is to provide flexibility, accessibility, and quality education to all our students, regardless of their location or commitments.

Hybrid Learning: The Best of Both Worlds

Complete your lectures, readings, and simulations online at your own pace, then build hands-on clinical skills in person alongside instructors and classmates. You get the convenience of remote study with the real world practice that dental assisting demands.

Why Choose UCI's Modern Learning Styles?

Our programs are built around real life. Study when it works for you, cut down on commute time, and stay on track toward certification without putting your job or family on hold. Support from our instructors is there every step of the way.

Enhancing Your Educational Journey with UCI

Interactive simulations, video demonstrations, and ongoing feedback keep you engaged from day one. Every tool is designed to help you master the material and step confidently into a rewarding career in the dental field.

Message from Our Leadership

At Union Centre Institute, our mission is to empower students through high-quality, career-focused education. We are dedicated to providing you with the tools, hands-on training, and industry-recognized credentials needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

Whether you are starting a new career path or advancing in your field, we are honored to be part of your journey.

Dr. Kevin J Ison

Chief Executive Officer

"Education is the ultimate catalyst for personal and professional growth. We are incredibly proud of our faculty, our rigorous curriculum, and most importantly, the hard work and resilience of our students."

Kaitlin Dougherty

President

"Our focus is on building a future-ready institution where every student has access to top-tier resources, accredited programs, and a clear path to professional success. We don't just teach skills; we build careers.”

Our Campuses & Programs

Find the campus closest to you and explore the accredited programs, hands-on labs, and resources available at each location.

West Chester, Ohio — Union Centre Institute Main Campus

4845 Rialto Rd, West Chester, OH 45069 513-855-5100 admissions@unioncentreinstitute.com

Conveniently located in West Chester, Ohio, our main campus features state-of-the-art simulation labs, our central admissions team, and comprehensive student support services.