Aug. 20 Deadline for Free Computer & Healthcare Career Training in Gurnee

If you are 19-21, reside in Lake County, and are interested in a career in computers or healthcare, you may be eligible for a few remaining grants for free eight-month career training at the Gurnee campus of Computer Systems Institute (CSI). The grants must be awarded by August 20. Applicants can call Michael Thornber at 847-463-1753 to apply.

Eligible individuals include those on food stamps, single mothers, teen parents, offenders who need a second chance, and others who are in need financially as well as educationally. Tuition, books and supplies will be paid by a grant to CSI from Lake County Workforce Development under the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which pays for qualified jobseekers to attend short-term training to enhance their wage and career opportunities.

Those selected for the grants will receive 32 weeks of instruction Monday through Friday from 8:45 am to 1:15 pm, including preparation for certification exams that aid in job placement after graduation. Services will also include GED preparation for all students who do not currently hold a high school diploma. The first classes begin on July 23, with rolling enrollment thereafter.

CSI's Healthcare Career Program offers a choice of clinical (medical assisting) or administrative (medical billing/coding) specialization. All clinical students receive preparation for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification from the National Healthcareers Association. Depending on the specialization, students are also trained to earn certifications as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Coding and Billing Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareers Association.

CSI's Networking Career Program opens the door to employment as a computer technician, technical specialist, help desk specialist and/or network administrator. Students gain skills in areas ranging from computer repair to building local and wide area networks and managing and maintaining Microsoft Server 2003 systems. Training includes preparation for A+ and Network+ certifications from CompTIA as well as the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) exam.

With five campuses in the Chicago area, CSI is accredited by the North Central Association, licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education, and approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. It is also a Microsoft IT Academy and approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept the GI bill. For more information, visit www.csinow.edu.