Advanced eclinical training Announces Strategic Investment from Tortuga Growth Partners to Support Future Growth
NEW YORK – August 4, 2026 – Advanced eClinical Training (ACT), a leading provider of online healthcare certification and workforce development programs, announced a strategic investment from Tortuga Growth Partners (TGP), a New York-based private investment firm. The investment marks an exciting new chapter for ACT as the company continues expanding access to healthcare education and preparing more students for careers in the healthcare industry.
Healthcare organizations across the country continue to face a growing shortage of qualified workers. According to the American Hospital Association, the U.S. could face a shortage of more than 3.2 million healthcare professionals by 2026. ACT is helping meet that need by providing students with the training, certifications, and career support needed to enter the healthcare workforce.
Since launching in 2020, ACT has trained and certified more than 10,000 healthcare professionals. The company also works with a network of more than 1,000 healthcare partners, including urgent care centers, physician practices, outpatient clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and health systems across the country.
ACT has been recognized by Forbes as the #1 online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification program in the United States and has a 98% National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam pass rate.
Shay Safarzadeh, Co-Founder of ACT, said, “We built ACT to help address the growing demand for high-quality clinical workforce training. Partnering with TGP gives us the resources and shared vision to continue growing while helping even more students build successful healthcare careers.”
Shabnam Safarzadeh, Co-Founder of ACT, added, “TGP shares our long-term vision for the future of ACT. Their experience in healthcare and business growth makes them a strong partner as we continue expanding across the country.”
The investment will support ACT’s continued growth by expanding educational programs, enhancing its technology platform, strengthening relationships with healthcare employers, and creating more opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Ashray Prasad, Managing Member of TGP, said, “Healthcare workforce development is one of the industry’s greatest challenges, and we believe ACT has built an exceptional company with strong leadership and a clear vision for the future. We’re excited to partner with Shay, Shabnam, and the entire ACT team as they continue expanding their impact.”
As part of this partnership, TGP has brought together an experienced board and observer group to support ACT’s long-term growth. The group includes ACT’s founders, Ashray Prasad, and operating partners Michael O’Neil, Walt Vester, and Marty DeMonte, all of whom have extensive experience helping healthcare and technology companies grow.
Michael O’Neil, founder of the global patient engagement company Get Well and Executive Chair of ACT, said, “ACT is helping solve one of healthcare’s most important workforce challenges. I’m excited to work with the ACT team as they continue expanding their reach and helping more people launch careers in healthcare.”
About Advanced eClinical Training
Advanced eClinical Training (ACT) is a leading provider of online healthcare education and allied health certification programs. Through flexible online learning, hands-on career support, and innovative technology, ACT prepares students for successful careers while helping healthcare employers find qualified clinical professionals.
About Tortuga Growth Partners
Tortuga Growth Partners is a New York-based private investment firm that partners with entrepreneurs and leadership teams to help businesses grow, expand their market presence, and build long-term value through strategic investments.
