Medical office training available
Lee County residents currently working at what they consider a dead-end job or feel they would like to increase their pay and chances for opportunity may want to take advantage of cost-free job training in medical office skills.
The seven-month program starts April 21, and the class will graduate in November. Telephone interviews are being accepted through April 10. The class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
All applicants must be working, low-income, able to provide proof of high school diploma or GED, pass a basic assessment in reading, language and spelling, and pass a criminal background check.
The training is available through the Lee Education and Employment Program and is funded by a Community Services Block Grant. It gives low-income persons the opportunity to raise their income and enter a new career at the front desk of a medical facility, in medical records or in insurance billing.
The medical office skills program includes keyboarding and computer applications, medical terminology, medical office procedures, basic billing and coding, Medical Manager software, HIPAA training and Heartsaver AED certification.
The program won a 2001 National Association of Counties Achievement Award for employment and training and was the only county program in the United States to win a 2002 Public Service Excellence Award.
Successful applicants must have reliable transportation to the classes, which are held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at High Tech Center Central, 3800 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers.
The program covers all costs for tuition, books and child car during class hours, and assists with resumes and job placement.
For information or to apply, contact Barbara Goins at 533-7902. Also apply online at: dhs.lee-county.com/AP_Family_T4_R65.html.