Valencia College has received a three-year, $300,000 grant from Sunshine Health, a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, to help low-income residents pursue healthcare careers as medical office specialists and clinical medical assistants.
The need-based grant will cover a portion of tuition and fees for students enrolled in Valencia’s Medical Office Specialist program or the Clinical Medical Assistant plus EKG program. Offered through the college’s Accelerated Skills Training division, these 8-week programs allow students to earn multiple national certifications, preparing them for careers in the medical field. Graduates may also qualify for college credit toward an associate degree in medical administration.
“This investment is essential for helping individuals who are currently stuck in low-wage jobs,” said Carolyn McMorran, assistant vice president of Professional and Continuing Education. “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.”
“Sunshine Health is proud to partner with Valencia College,” said Charlene Zein, CEO of Sunshine Health. “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.”
Healthcare-related occupations will account for most of the 20 fastest-growing occupations through 2029, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Clinical Medical Assistants check patients’ basic vital signs, administer vaccines, manage prescriptions, assist with a variety of medical procedures, and document patients’ medical information. EKG Technicians specialize in electrocardiogram testing, which evaluates heart performance using electrodes attached to the chest, arms, and legs.
The Medical Office Specialist program blends administrative medical assistant career training with certifications in electronic health records, insurance, billing, and coding.
For more information about Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs, visit Valenciacollege.edu/ast.
For more information about Sunshine Health Works, visit SunshineHealth.com/works.