Accelerate U

Earn Credits. Start Working. Build Your Degree.

A first-of-its-kind, affordable, rapid training experience with a path to a full-time job. Earn an industry-recognized credential and credits that can build toward a bachelor's.

"I thought my plans of working in the medical field were not going to happen. Now look at me!"

Damaris Townes, Medical Assistant Certificate

Start Working Fast

Earn an industry credential in months and step into a job. Take the first step by completing the form below.

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Why start with Accelerate U?

6 Career certificates
Months Not years, to a credential
70,000+ NLU alumni nationwide
Since 1886 Nonprofit university

Why study with us

A Fast Path to a Job, Not a Dead End

Accelerate U is built to get you working. You earn an industry-recognized credential in months, with the technical and durable skills employers need, plus coaching, wraparound support, and career counseling. We partner with local employers to connect you to a full-time job, and your credits can build toward a bachelor's, so a fast start keeps your future open.

Advance your career

Get the skill, get the job, keep your options open

Real skills, a real credential, and a real job, fast.

Credential in Months, Not Years

Industry-recognized training that gets you career-ready in months, so you can start working fast.

A Path to a Real Job

Employer partnerships and career coaching connect your training to a full-time job.

Credits That Count

Your credits can build toward an NLU bachelor's, so a fast start is not a dead end.

Support the Whole Way

Coaching, wraparound services, and career counseling from day one, because finishing matters as much as starting.

Accreditation and credentials

The credentials behind your training.

HLC Accredited Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Nonprofit, Since 1886 A private, not-for-profit university.

Accelerate U at National Louis University programs

Choose your level to see what it opens up and the programs that get you there. Each links to full details.

Certificate 5 programs

Get into the field fast. Start working in the field and build toward a degree.

Florida

Starting fast in Florida?

The Medical Assistant Certificate is offered at NLU's Tampa campus through Accelerate U. Choose Florida on the form above and an advisor will map your Florida options and start dates.

See your Florida options

Available in Florida

  • Medical Assistant Certificate (Accelerate U)

How it works

  1. Request information

    Tell us about you, your goals, and the level of study you are interested in. It takes about a minute.

  2. Talk with an advisor

    An NLU enrollment advisor reaches out to answer your questions and map a personalized plan for your education.

  3. Apply and get started

    Submit your application with help from your advisor, choose an upcoming start date, and begin moving toward the career you want.

Classes for the next term begin in

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Next start date: September 21, 2026

Get Started

The practical details

What to expect, start to finish.

Start when you are ready

NLU offers multiple start dates through the year, so you do not have to wait to begin. An advisor will help you pick the next start that fits your plans.

Affordable, with support

Tuition is built to be affordable, with financial aid, scholarships, and generous transfer credit that can lower both your cost and your time to finish.

Built around your life

Choose online, on-campus, or evening formats, learn in small classes, and work with an advisor and success coach from your first call through graduation.

Explore Our Colleges

Eight colleges and schools, one university built around you. Choose a college to explore its programs.

Earn professional credentials and college credit at a pace that fits your full-time schedule.

Explore

Expand access to mental health services with a master's or doctorate in psychology or behavioral science.

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Turn lifelong learners into business leaders through graduate study in business, leadership, and analytics.

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A world-renowned school of culinary arts and hospitality management.

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NLU's largest and oldest college, preparing teachers, educators, and education leaders.

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Furthering careers in compassion with flexible routes to a degree in nursing.

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Preparing students of diverse backgrounds to succeed as professionals in today's evolving workforce.

Explore

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions and guide your next move.

Take the First Step
  • No commitment to apply
  • Talk to a real advisor
  • Online and blended options
  • Financial aid available