BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Eastern Maine Community College is offering free tuition for 25 students who will be participating in the college's medical office technology programs on its rural campuses.
Students at EMCC's Dover-Foxcroft, Ellsworth and East Millinocket locations have a unique opportunity to go back to school for free and receive certificate degrees for Health Care Secretary and Computer Applications Specialist.
The certificate they will receive after a three-semester program will allow them to join the medical field and help the Katahdin region.
“It's been tough going back to school for me, I mean, I'm 55 years old going back to school,” said Laurie Moscone, an EMCC student who is receiving free tuition for a medical certificate.
After being laid off from Great Northern Paper Company in East Millinocket and the Bucksport Mill, Laurie Moscone considered going back to school her next option.
“This was my second chance to go to school, so I jumped on board,” said Moscone.
Moscone enrolled in the Medical Office Technology degree at EMCC. This program will be free this fall for students at rural campuses in the Katahdin region. She believes this area will benefit greatly from it.
“Hard times are up there. People are struggling. So I think it will be a good program for people,” said Moscone.
“Because these are regionally focused, this will really be helping the employment base for the hospitals in Dover Foxcroft, East Millinocket and Ellsworth,” said Dan Crocker, Dean of Enrollment.
Crocker said the certificate programs will give students in the Katahdin region the ability to start an education close to home, and will provide enrollment opportunities in hospitals there, as well.
“It will encourage students who otherwise may not have the financial means to do this to get started on a program,” said Crocker.
“A lot of people aren't awarded the opportunity to go back to school like I am so I think it's going to be good for the Katahdin region,” said Moscone.
The free tuition program could save students up to $3000 for the three-semester program.