Earn an industry-relevant credential at TCC at a third of the cost

A new program at Tidewater Community College’s Center for Workforce Solutions allows students to earn valuable industry credentials for in-demand jobs at minimal cost.

Medical billing and coding, logistics and information technology are among the options available at TCC as part of the General Assembly-funded New Virginia Economy Workforce Credential Grant program, announced recently by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

“This program establishes a first-in-the-nation performance funding formula to create and sustain a supply of credentialed workers who meet the needs identified by our business leaders,” McAuliffe said.

The credentials are for jobs that require specific skills, but not necessarily a college degree. Studies show that an industry credential improves the chances of someone getting a job and earning more than a person without a high school diploma or GED.

Virginia’s Community Colleges consulted with Virginia businesses to develop the list of eligible credentials that can provide access to a wide variety of high-demand jobs.

TCC programs that are currently grant-eligible are:

Medical billing and coding
Certified professional coder exam prep
Comp TIA A+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Network+
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

“By studying labor data indicators and industry input, we’ve identified a list of eligible credentials that can lead to sustainable employment,” said Corey McCray, vice president for Workforce Solutions. ”What’s wonderful about this program is students can attain these credentials at a fraction of the cost they would normally pay.”

Students pay the first one-third of the course cost at the time of registration. Upon completion of the course and credential, the remaining two-thirds will be paid by the Workforce Credential Grant. The maximum value of each grant is $3,000 per credential.

For example, the full cost of the medical billing and coding credential is $4,169. With the workforce grant, a student would pay $1,390.

In addition, those who meet certain eligibility requirements can receive financial assistance that could pay up to 90 percent of the upfront cost. For example, an eligible student might pay as little as $139 for the medical billing and coding program.

McCray said additional training programs will be offered at TCC in other areas including trucking, welding, medical assisting and computer numerical controls.

For information, contact Emily Richardson at the Center for Workforce Solutions at 757-822-1402 or email wfd@tcc.edu.