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Can one get financial aid for online schools (specifically for medical transcription certification)? How?

I am trying to find out for a friend if there is any federal or state (Michigan) financial aid or grants available for online schools (specifically for medical transcription courses). Any experience or suggestions in this regard would be appreciated.

Public Comments

1. If the college is accredited you can get financial aid the same way you would get in if you go to any other college.
Check the following site for all your financial adi questions:
www.finaid.org/

2. Absolutely. As long as your school is accredited, you will get financial aid. This article will walk you through how to get it, step-by-step: http://www.ehow.com/how_5396458_financial-aid-online-college-degree.html

3. Yes. Have you heard of the Michigan Works! program? It is exclusively for Michigan residents only. It is a program that helps unemployed Michigan workers get training. It is a process to get approved but it is worth it if you can get it for free. I put a list of steps below but if you are also looking for medical transcription training, check out http://www.careerstep.com/wah/?uid=a1403 They are the ones who gave me this info. This link has more info on medical transcription as well as a demo of their course so you can get an idea as to what is covered in the course.

1)Go to a one stop shop. A list is of shops is here: http://michiganworks.org/agencies/map/ There, sign up for an orientation. Orientations are usually every other week.
2)Attend the orientation. (I believe a lot of orientations are backed up so it may be a while before you will be able to attend one)
3)After orientation, you need to take a test. You are tested on reading, math, aptitude and interest.
4)After you take the test, you meet with a case manager. For most applicants, you will need to bring proof of ID, paystub, layoff or termination notice, etc to this meeting. You will need to know which school you want to attend before you can be approved. The approval process takes 1 week to 2 months.
5)Once you are approved, ITA will make payments to your school.


Who qualifies?
-Anyone who is currently unemployed; or,
-Anyone who has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment; or
-Anyone who is employed and whose household income is $40,000 or less
-Must be at least 18, must not have graduated high school in the last 2 years, cannot be a full-time college student (applies to 18-23 year olds only)

4. There is an online guide to chosing a medical transcription course of sutdy on the website below. Not affiliated with any school, just good free info. Before you choose one, know the difference between getting a certificate and being certified. Big difference.