FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(941) 278-7886
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 19, 2000) – Lee County Human Services is looking for low-income, working individuals who would like to get free job training in medical office careers. The six-month training begins Oct. 31, but screening and testing must be done ahead of time.
The training is available for 15 people through the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Lee Education & Employment Program (LEE). The federal grant gives low-income persons the opportunity to raise their incomes and enter a new career. The targeted applicant is usually working at a low-level service industry job. He or she must have a high school diploma or GED.
All applicants are given the Test of Adult Basic Education. If they score below the required grade level, upgrading assistance can be provided to raise the score to a passing level. They’ll then be enrolled in Edison Community College’s Continuing Education Program in the medical office “track.” Because the grant is aimed at working households, all testing, upgrading, classes and internships are in the evenings.
The Medical Track provides training in front office positions such as: clerical, insurance, admitting, or medical records for hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical billing and coding companies. The class runs two nights a week from October through April and consists of keyboarding, computer skills, customer service, medical terminology, medical billing and coding, an internship in a medical facility, and assistance with job placement.
The LEE Program covers all costs for tuition, books, childcare, necessary car repair and emergency transportation while in school, and for possibly 90 days after graduation. Once participants have worked 90 days in a job after graduation, they may be eligible for a special automobile bank-loan program to buy viable transportation. Maximum household incomes to participate are $21,312 (four-person household), $17,687 (three people) and $14,062 (two people).
For more information, contact Patricia Howell (278-7886) at Lee County’s Department of Human Services.