Our Community Survey

Every three years we ask you how we can serve our community better.  Please take our Community Survey! Your feedback is confidential and for statistical purposes only. 

What's New

Partnerships + Funding + Community Support = Reduced Homelessness  Read about Action Emergency Shelter's integrated services

Employment & Training Winter/Spring Program Schedule

¡Aprenda El Inglés!  Learn English!  Aprenda Ingles! Free English classes start January 9th

Action Shelter plans efficiency units Gloucester Daily Times 7/31/06

Action Toy drive missing its 'Mr. Santa Claus' Gloucester Daily Times 7/10/06

Action 41st Annual Meeting Photos 6/14/06

Action housing advocacy Gloucester Daily Times,  May 22, 2006

Action Energy alternative energy programs Boston Globe 4/9/06

"Unity through English language" Gloucester Times editorial 4/14/06

Certified Medical Assistant video Medical Assistant training program introductory video 2/1/06

Click here to read more Action news.

Based on data from U.S. Department of Labor's CAREERInfoNet, Clinical Medical Assistant is projected to be the fastest growing occupation in the U.S. over the 2002-2012 period. Job prospects should be best for medical assistants with formal training or experience, particularly those with Medical Assistant Certificates.

In December 2004 Action Employment & Training received funding of $200,000 from Commonwealth of MA Department of Workforce Development to develop a 30 Week Medical Assistant Training Certificate Program. Allocation of funds for this award was part of the Governor's economic stimulus package which was funded through Commonwealth Corporation, Boston.

• Refer any potential students to Patty Bongiorno @ Action, Inc. Employment and Training, 180 Main Street, Gloucester, MA. (978) 281-7402, pattyjobs@yahoo.com
  
• Students must apply and must meet eligibility criteria for acceptance into program
  
• Eligibility Criteria is as follows: Grade 8 Reading & Math Levels; Resident of Cape Ann: Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich; Low- Income- 200% of 2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines as follows:
  $20,420 annual income for 1
  $31,500 annual income for family of 2
  $34,340 annual income for family of 3
  $41,350 annual income family of 4
  $48,260 annual income family of 5
  $55,020 annual income family of 6
  $62,180 annual income family of 7
  $69,140 annual income family of 8
  

Results

HCICP (Health Care Industry Program) provides sector driven training to 35 low-income residents of Cape Ann, links key partners to meet the demand for allied health workers while helping people gain skills, knowledge and confidence to enter the health care field and climb the career ladder into allied health careers. HCICP is funded by the Department of Workforce Development's BayState Works Program – funds were allocated under the governor's economic stimulus package through Commonwealth Corporation's Center for Workforce Innovation.

According to America's Career Info Net Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) is predicted as the fastest growing occupation with the need for more medical assistants projected through the year 2012. Medical Assisting is a great way to start a career in the health care field where, with more training & education, one can climb the career ladder.

Radiology Technician
Vascular Ultrasound Technician
Mammography Technician
Pharmacy Technician
Respiratory Care
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Practical Nursing
R.N.
Biotech

As of March 2007:

·        35 students have graduated and received their CMA certificates.

·        26 CMA graduates (74%) obtained jobs in the medical field earning $12-$16 per hour

·        5 CMA graduates (14%) are pursuing college education

·        17 students are presently enrolled and are completing the program

HCICP improved employment for low-wage workers, many of whom were unemployed or were seasonally employed in tourism related jobs. Wages were improved to a level sufficient to support a family, provided that subsidized day care or family help with childcare was available to program participants.

With labor shortages in the health care field projected through the year 2012, there is great opportunity for career advancement. The education and training design supports a career path. There is anticipated demand for allied health care workers through the year 2012 in fields such as radiology technician, vascular ultrasound technician, mammography technician, practical nursing and R.N. Ten participants have expressed interest in pursuing degrees in allied health/nursing; five students have submitted applications to North Shore Community College and three are already enrolled.  Additionally, two students completed a Phlebotomy Certificate course at North Shore Regional Vocational Technical Institute in Middleton, MA.

Academic affiliation agreements were developed with the following employers:

                  Beverly Pediatric Associates

                  Cape Ann Medical Center

                  Cummings Center Medical Associates, Inc.

                  Amy Esdale, M.D.

                  Essex Cardiology Associates

                  Family Medicine Associates, Inc.

                  Garden City Pediatrics

                  Harvard Vanguard

                  Lahey Clinic

                  The Medical Group

                  North Shore Community Health, Inc.

                  North Shore Dialysis Center

                  Partners Community Health Care

                  Gloucester Community Health Center (Scheduled to open Fall 2007)

                  Northeast Health Systems, including:

                  Addison Gilbert Hospital

                  Beverly Hospital

                  Hunt Center for Healthy Aging

                  Bay Ridge Hospital

                  Beverly Hospital Cable Center

                  Center for Addictive Behaviors

                  Health and Education Services

                  Ledgewood

                  Seacoast Nursing and Retirement Center

                  Heritage and Danvers

                  Herrick House

The Academic affiliation agreements that have been established with employer partners provide a program for practical learning and clinical experience for students as part of their professional preparation for employment as Clinical Medical Assistants. Partners also provide facilities, equipment and supervisory personnel to offer necessary clinical experience as part of the

            120-hour clinical externship.  Partnerships were very successful not only in the training aspect of the program, but also in job placements.

HCICP is an excellent example of how community-based organizations, area health care employers, the North Shore Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the North Shore Career Center, and colleges have collaborated to create a solution to the labor market need for health care workers.