Valencia College has secured a three-year, $300,000 grant from Sunshine Health and the Centene Foundation to support low-income residents in starting healthcare careers as medical office specialists and clinical medical assistants.
The grant will provide financial assistance by covering part of the tuition and fees for students enrolled in Valencia’s Medical Office Specialist program or Clinical Medical Assistant plus EKG program. These programs are offered through the college’s Accelerated Skills Training division and last eight weeks. Students who complete these programs can earn several national certifications, preparing them for jobs in the healthcare sector. Graduates may also receive college credit toward an associate degree in medical administration.
Carolyn McMorran, assistant vice president of Professional and Continuing Education at Valencia College, stated: “This investment is essential for helping individuals who are currently stuck in low-wage jobs. Not only do these programs lift them up by providing stable careers with living wages, but they also improve the lives of their families and the community. We are grateful for the support from our partners at Sunshine Health and the Centene Foundation.”
Charlene Zein, CEO of Sunshine Health, said: “Sunshine Health is proud to partner with Valencia College. By supporting these programs, we’re creating pathways to sustainable careers and strengthening Florida’s healthcare workforce. This effort is part of our Sunshine Health Works program, which provides training and career opportunities to our members and the community through partnerships with local colleges, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations.”
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare-related occupations are expected to make up most of the 20 fastest-growing jobs through 2029.
Clinical medical assistants perform tasks such as checking patients’ vital signs, administering vaccines, managing prescriptions, assisting with various procedures, and documenting patient information. EKG technicians conduct electrocardiogram testing that evaluates heart performance using electrodes attached to different parts of a patient’s body.
The Medical Office Specialist program combines administrative training with certifications in electronic health records management as well as insurance billing and coding.
Information about Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs can be found at Valenciacollege.edu/ast. Details on Sunshine Health Works are available at SunshineHealth.com/works.
