SJRCC PRESS RELEASE June 2008 SJRCC to offer insurance specialization courses St. Johns River Community College will offer a new series of courses to prepare participants for careers in the insurance industry. The program will educate students to become account managers and customer service representatives for independent agencies without the required state certification exam, thanks to a recent legislative action. Graduates with a two or four-year degree who obtain the nine semester hours of approved insurance education will qualify for their license without further testing. According to Greg Baker, ThompsonBaker Agency President and CEO, he approached SJRCC with the program concept earlier this year, hoping to alleviate the shortage of qualified insurance account managers in the Northeast Florida area. "This new academic program will greatly enhance quality job opportunities for students in the tri-county area and at the same time, meet the growing need for technically trained associates to work with insurance firms," said Baker, adding that initial earnings for these positions are likely to be between $24,000 and $35,000. Students with an associate in arts, associate in science or higher degree can complete the three courses in less than one year. Classes will be held on the St. Augustine Campus, and enrollment will be limited to 25 students for the first cohort. Students must meet College admissions requirements. The series of three courses should be completed no later than the summer of 2009, depending on student participation. The series of courses are not limited to current degree holders, but are also available to any student or prospective student through SJRCC's two-year associate in science business administration degree. According to Michelle Wilcox, Ph.D., SJRCC's dean of business programs, students can attain this requirement and earn their A.S. degree at the same time. "Choosing to earn the business administration A.S. degree with the specialization in insurance will provide graduates with a targeted area of expertise that is in high demand in our region," Wilcox said. "This will make graduates more marketable to financial industries and insurance agencies that rely on knowledgeable and well-educated employees to maintain a successful business. This will also save companies time and money, as they will be able to hire well-prepared employees rather than send them for training after they are hired." Call today to begin the registration process, or for more information on the program, contact Michelle Wilcox at 904-808-7400 ext. 4183. Return to SJRCC home page.