Preppy, a StraighterLine company, is partnering with the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) to create new pathways into allied health careers for learners throughout the St. Louis region.
The partnership expands Preppy’s reach through universities and demonstrates a scalable model for growth. Preppy provides the program infrastructure and student support, allowing university partners to introduce career-focused offerings aligned with local workforce demand without building those capabilities from scratch.
“As an opportunity company, we have committed to helping 250,000 people enter allied health careers by 2031,” said Matt Hullett, CEO of StraighterLine. “Reaching that goal means building partnerships in communities where these professionals are needed and connecting people with careers where they want to live. UMSL gives us a trusted local partner to help make that possible in the St. Louis region.”
Offered through UMSL’s Advanced Workforce Center, the partnership includes self-paced, online programs in medical assisting, surgical technology, sterile processing technology and medical billing and coding. Most can be completed in less than six months and prepare learners for the applicable industry-recognized certification exam. Students who complete a program receive a Certificate of Completion from UMSL.
“These programs give learners a clear path and the right support to enter essential allied health careers that do not require a four-year degree and are in growing demand across Missouri,” said Dana Janssen, president and general manager of healthcare at StraighterLine.
Missouri is projected to see about 2,600 annual openings across occupations aligned with the new programs, with employment for medical assistants and medical equipment preparers expected to grow by double digits from 2024 to 2034, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
“UMSL is focused on advancing upward mobility for its students while responding to the workforce needs of our region,” said Reggie Hill, UMSL’s vice chancellor for strategic enrollment and career advancement. “Our partnership with Preppy allows us to offer short-term, career-focused education that prepares learners for in-demand allied health roles and helps them pursue meaningful careers in our state and beyond.”
For more information or to enroll, visit healthcerts.umsl.edu.
About Preppy
Preppy, a StraighterLine company, provides affordable, flexible online training that helps learners prepare for industry-recognized certifications and in-demand careers. Learners receive academic support throughout their programs, with externship coordination and job placement assistance included. Preppy offers more than 30 career training programs and has served more than 6,000 learners. Learn more at preppy.org.
About the University of Missouri–St. Louis
With nearly 15,000 students, the University of Missouri–St. Louis is the St. Louis region’s premier public research university. UMSL provides excellent learning experiences and leadership opportunities to a student body whose influence on the region upon graduation is immense. UMSL graduates can be found in all 50 states and countries around the globe. More than 80,000 UMSL alumni call the St. Louis region home. Learn more at umsl.edu.
