Man earning degree at 88

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., May 29 (UPI) -- An 88-year-old Florida man graduating with a degree in medical coding and billing said he plans to put his education to use and find a job.

Howard Hurwitz, who is scheduled to graduate next week from the Atlantic Technical Center in Coconut Creek, said he decided to pursue the degree after he tired of his online business selling janitorial supplies, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Tuesday.

"I decided I would reinvent my life and take a new profession," Hurwitz said. "I wanted to contribute to my own support, I didn't want to rely on my children."

"While I was seeking employment I learned there were good opportunities in the medical field," he said. "I decided I would make an attempt at learning medical office work, billing and coding."

JoAnn Smith, who had Hurwitz in her class, said he was a strong presence in the classroom.

"He would share his knowledge with us. He likes to talk about and share his experiences," she said.