WIOA Vermont Programs: Improve Career Opportunities
Are you a Vermont resident seeking to improve your job opportunities?
The good news is that there is a government program available to obtain tuition assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The State of Vermont Department of Labor partners with the U.S. Department of Labor to offer WIOA Vermont programs to youth and young adults (ages 14-24) and job training for adults age 18 and older based on certain factors.
What is WIOA?
WIOA, enacted as a law in 2014, is a U.S. Department of Labor initiative that was created to improve the workforce and assist individuals and youth—especially those who may have barriers to employment because of lack of education and skills needed, inability to pay for training, and inaccessibility to the job market—with training, education and support services to access jobs. Through the collaborative initiative with U.S. states like the WIOA Vermont program, job seekers can get the training they need. WIOA also helps employers learn how to hire and keep workers with skills. Tuition assistance funding is available up to $4,000.00 depending on the state eligibility requirements and institution offering training through WIOA.
Who is Eligible for WIOA?
WIOA Vermont abides by the general eligibility requirements of the WIOA.
Eligible WIOA applicant criteria can include:
- Must be age 18 or older and provide proof of a high school diploma or GED (if applying for an adult post-secondary training program)
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must meet at least one of the following:
- Low-income/qualify for government benefits assistance
- Qualify as a dislocated worker (unemployed due to a plant or factory closure/organization layoff or a homemaker who lost primary income)
- Lost employment or laid off, OR received notice of termination/layoff AND is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation; OR is employed at a facility in which the employer has announced the facility will close w/in 180 days
- Self-employed individuals like farmers and ranchers that are unemployed due to economic conditions or natural disasters may also qualify
- Other factors
Be sure to check your eligibility with your local workforce center.
What Organizations Participate in WIOA?
Many different groups take part in WIOA, such as state and local workforce development boards, one-stop career centers, for example American Job Centers, community colleges, non-profits, and human service agencies. These organizations work together to offer job training, employment services, and support to both job seekers and businesses.
Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) offers WIOA benefits for three states including WIOA Vermont. BCI offers four WIOA Vermont-approved, online career training programs in the legal and allied health fields:
A medical office assistant’s primary tasks are clerical. Job responsibilities involve scheduling and monitoring patient appointments, ordering supplies as needed, completing insurance forms, answering payment questions, assisting with billing, putting together medical charts for the patient’s visit, making sure that medical records are maintained, and acting as the first point of contact in the reception area.
BCI’s Medical Office Assistant Program curriculum—which can be completed in 4-12 months—prepares students to sit for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam sponsored through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA®). A CMAA Certification Bundle is available for purchase to students with exam preparation materials and an exam voucher included.
A medical coder’s responsibilities include assigning Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), which are number and letter codes for a patient’s medical diagnosis, procedure, tests, or interventions done by a healthcare provider. The American Medical Association CPT editorial panel routinely provides ongoing updates, revisions, and changes to CPT codes. Medical billing involves preparing invoices, following up with patients regarding outstanding bills, and more.
BCI’s online Medical Billing and Coding Program prepares students to take the Certified Professional Coders (CPC®) exam administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Most students can complete the program in 8-12 months.
BCI’s program offers graduates of the Medical and Billing Program interested in additional preparation, resources, and practice exams a CPC® Certification Bundle available for purchase with the exam voucher included. Upon passing the exam, individuals earn a Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) certification.
BCI’s online Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program gives students the knowledge and skills to start an entry-level paralegal career. The program includes the basics of various areas of law, the differences between civil and criminal procedures, legal research methods, the responsibilities and ethics of being a legal assistant/paralegal, and helpful tips for launching your career.
Graduates of the 915-clock hour program are eligible to take the Certified Paralegal (CP®) Exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). A (CP®) Certification Bundle is available for purchase by Blackstone students to provide additional preparation for the exam, and an exam voucher is included in this bundle.
The majority of a pharmacy technician’s time is spent assisting a licensed pharmacist and customers in managing prescription requests and refills. These tasks involve regularly answering questions or providing explanations in person or on the phone, so a basic knowledge of medical terminology, pharmacology, and insurance billing is needed. Other job responsibilities include preparing prescription bottle labels and filling prescription bottles as ordered. Throughout the day, pharmacy technicians also assist the pharmacist with administrative tasks including keeping track of medication inventory and keeping medications secure.
In BCI’s online Pharmacy Technician Program, students learn the essential skills needed to work in a pharmacy, process prescription medications, and assist the pharmacist. The coursework covers a range of topics including working knowledge of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, body systems and disorders, ethics, and professionalism. The program includes a CVS externship or Walgreens externship and is a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program, qualifying graduates to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination® (PTCE®) given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board® (PTCB®).
Career Outlook
Career training programs available with WIOA Vermont and other states are focused on in-demand careers that have a favorable outlook according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For instance, the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook projects a nine percent growth in employment for medical records specialists (which includes billers and coders) from 2023 to 2033. As well, the Occupational Outlook Handbook projects a seven percent growth in employment for pharmacy technicians from 2023 to 2033.
Written by Jo Gambosi
