FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Lynn Northrop, Lee County Human Services
                (941) 278-7887

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 12, 2001) – 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 April 24, but screening and testing must be done ahead of time.

The training is available for a limited number of participants 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. Graduates of the program increase their income by 70% within the program year, from an average wage on entry of $10,096 with no benefits to a new wage of $17,127 plus full benefits.

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 is 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 April through September 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 for class hours, necessary car repair and emergency transportation while in school. Maximum household incomes to participate are $21,312 (four-person household), $17,687 (three people) and $14,062 (two people). Households earning more than the income limit may be referred to additional resources.

For more information contact Lynn Northrop (278-7887) at Lee County’s Department of Human Services LEE program.