<p>So, I just got laid off work a few weeks ago, and have noticed there are more jobs available in the medical field at this time. While I am collecting unemployment I would like to go to school for Medical Asst. This is a 11 month program and the tuition is $12k, but includes everything. I have tried the efc calculators, but I am so confused! I am 33 yrs old and have taken a few college courses, but have I have never had to look for aid. The question I have is, I am a single mom to one child, I get no child support at all. I own no houses or anything like that, I made $33k last year, however with childcare and such my taxable income was only $18k. How do I figure out how much I will have to pay on my own of the $12k? Please help… this is all so new to me… <strong><em>sighs</em></strong> I feel so stupid right now! Thanks a bunch!</p>
<p>First, contact the school or look on their website to find out how to apply for financial aid. Make sure they are eligible to participate in federal student aid programs. </p>
<p>Apply to the program and file a FAFSA online at [FAFSA</a> - Free Application for Federal Student Aid](<a href=“http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/]FAFSA”>http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/)</p>
<p>This will give you your actual EFC and also send the results to the school you select so that they can put together a financial aid package for you. Also, remember to apply for your state education benefits and check to see if there are any displaced worker retraining benefits you might qualify for.</p>
<p>Post any questions that come up along the way - there’s alot of experience and information here for you. Good luck!</p>
<p>As an independent student, you’ll get 9500 in the Stafford loan to start off with. From what you described, you have a high likelihood of a 0 EFC, which means you’ll qualify for the Pell Grant as well (5600).</p>
<p>Looks like you’ll probably have everything paid for by the feds.</p>
<p>Go to your unemployment office and ask if they have job training dollars that you would qualify for.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the info! I was hoping I would be able to skate by with no EFC. I truly can’t afford to pay a loan back! I know about applying for FAFSA… my main thing was trying to figure out how much I would actually have to pay back. $$$$ is ultimately what decides weather I go back to school or not. I wish I could find a a program in the medical field that is short, and paid more. Medical Asst’s are not paid well at all. Just thought I need to get my foot in the door.
Thanks again guys!
Have a fantastic day!</p>
<p>Have you checked into dental hygiene?</p>
<p>OperaDad is correct. There are currently federal programs for former workers in particular industries as well as state dollars available (in some states). Much will depend on what state you live in as well as what industry you were employed, but your unemployment office should have that sort of information. The state of Michigan has some amazing programs going on right now for dislocated workers as well as a program for homemakers who haven’t been in the workforce.</p>
<p>I have checked into the dental hygiene program… My biggest problem is, I need to get thru school before my Unemployment runs out. I can’t be a single parent working full time and going to school full time. I would never see my son, not only that I would be killed with the cost of daycare! I need to do it while I am not working or only go part time. Dental hygiene is a 2 year program and all programs around here are full time. Any other thoughts?</p>
<p>Dana, I went through a vocational Medical Assistant program several years ago and I do not recommend it at all. The market just isn’t there. It may look like there are a lot of jobs, but those vocational programs are turning out 100s of new grads every few months. So, while there may be 20 - 30 jobs listed (which is probably much higher than what you are actually seeing), there are a couple hundred new grads eager to fill those positions. As a result, there is a lot of unemployment in the field and the pay and benefits are not very good, especially when you consider the cost involved. </p>
<p>You are better off to go through a certificate program at a community college. Not only will it be cheaper, but you will have actual college credits that you can use if you decide to go on and get a degree. </p>
<p>As a single parent you can get a lot of help to go to school. So there is no reason not to go into a dental hygeine, RN, LVN, radiology tech, etc program at a community college. You can work part-time, some of it thorugh work study, and most community colleges have free or low-cost child care.</p>
<p>Trust me when I say this, if you waste money on a MA vocational program you will regret it and will just be further away from a useful degree and facing more debt when you are right back in this same position.</p>
<p>eta. Oh, and medical assistants get no respect. Doctors and nurses will both treat you like crap, especially the nurses who can’t stand medical assistants.</p>