FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lynn Northrop, Lee County Human Services
              278-7887

AWARD-WINNING JOB TRAINING PROGRAM
LOOKING FOR NEW APPLICANTS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 24, 2003) - Lee County Human Services is looking for low-income, working individuals who would like to get government sponsored job training in medical office careers. The night classes for the Medical Office Skills Program begin April 24, with graduation in November. Screening and testing must be done ahead of time, so application should be made as soon as possible. Telephone interviews are being conducted presently. The class fills up quickly and all slots are awarded on a first-come basis.

The program has won a National Association of Counties Achievement Award in 2001 for employment and training and was the only county program in the United States to win a Public Service Excellence Award in 2002.

The training is available through the Lee Education and Employment Program (LEE) and is funded by a Community Service Block Grant.

The federal grant gives low-income persons the opportunity to raise their incomes and enter a new career at the front desk in a medical facility, in insurance billing or medical records.

All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and pass the Test of Adult Basic Education. Remedial programs are available, and the test can be given multiple times.

Since all applicants are from working households, the classes are held at night, 6:30-9:30 PM, Tuesday and Thursday at the Professional Development Center located at SW Florida College. The Medical Office Skills (certificate) Program includes keyboarding, computer skills, medical terminology, medical office procedures, basic billing and coding, Medical Manager software and an internship in a medical facility. The LEE program covers all costs for tuition, books and childcare (during class hours).

Starting wages on completion are $9 per hour and above, (depending on other work experience), with benefits. There were 65 job orders called in from doctor's offices for the 14 members of the most recent graduating class. For more information, contact Lynn Northrop (278-7887) at Lee County's Department of Human Services.