Finding a job these days may seem like winning the lottery. As unemployment numbers continue to climb and the number of available jobs continues to drop, a job search for a first time seeker, person in career transition or the recently laid off, may truly see like a game of chance with more players than prizes.

Fortunately, there are slightly more even odds in the health care industry for people seeking health care jobs, whether as a medical imaging technician, home health aide, phlebotomist, physician assistant, medical secretary or in a variety of other health care jobs.

The state of Arkansas is using actual state lottery profits to help fund their education system via the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Act. The Act, number 606, became active on March 29 and will take effect during the 2010-11 school year. The lottery profits will help fund scholarships and grants for Arkansas citizens who attend public schools, colleges and universities within the state.

One of the targeted demographics of recipient is “nontraditional” students returning to complete school, perhaps after a recent lay off or during a career transition. Act 606 awards $1,250 in annual scholarships for students at two-year schools and $2,500 for students attending four-year schools.

In addition to providing new training and career opportunities for nontraditional students, the Lottery Act also opens new doors for new high school graduates, hoping to get their adult life started on a positive note. The Arkansas Department of Education website (http://arkansased.org/ ) lists the eligibility requirements for the “lottery money.”

This is an excellent opportunity for Arkansas residents who have been considering a health care career, but lack the finances to fund their health care training. As the stimulus package money continues to be allocated, from state to state, there may be more similar opportunities like the Lottery Act coming in the future.

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