Lee County residents currently working at what they consider a dead-end job and/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 7-month no-cost job-training program starts April 21, 2009, and class will graduate in November 2009. Telephone interviews will be accepted now through April 10, 2009. The class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis and fills up quickly. All applicants must be working, low income, provide proof of high school diploma or GED, pass a basic assessment in reading, language and spelling, and pass a criminal background check.

This training is available through the Lee Education and Employment Program and is funded by a Community Services Block Grant. The federal grant 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 (certificate) 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 6:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday nights at High Tech Center Central, 3800 Michigan Avenue, Fort Myers. The L.E.E. program covers all costs for tuition, books and childcare (during class hours), and assists with resumes and job placement.

Call Barbara Goins at 533-7902 for information. Apply online at dhs.lee-county.com/AP_Family_T4_R65.html.