Veteran's pursuing a nursing degree

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Hi, everyone! So I am currently AD AF and am curious to see who else has served recently and is pursuing their nursing degree. I'm currently undergoing an MEB and will be separated by September, so any advice you can provide would be extremely appreciated, maybe things you wish you had known beforehand. I've already started taking the pre-reqs and know what schools I want to attend for the core classes. Are there currently any programs available for veteran's seeking a nursing career? I'm new here so I hope I posted this in the correct area, I've been exploring the forums the last few days and have found almost nothing about veteran's who are currently nurses or seeking thier degree.

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Specializes in ICU.

I know that there are several on here who regularly post. I'm sure they will see this shortly and be able to help. Good Luck and thank you for your service!!

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I just recently finished. I wasn't in the medical field while in the service so it was all new to me. I found the instructors appreciated having military experience and that experience also makes the conformity not as challenging for veterans. Good luck to you

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Awesome I forward to hearing from them, and you are very welcome!

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That's awesome husker congratulations! I too am not in the medical field and will be starting fresh; I've only got 5 more pre-reqs to go before I’m finished. I myself am an F-15 Mech.

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Specializes in None yet..

First, thank you for your service.

The school I'll be attending this fall gives veteran credits. I know there are some benefits for vets, too, though I've heard there are usually delays between enrolling and getting the check to pay for those classes.

In addition to the help you'll get from nurses and students who are vets, have you contacted vet assistant organizations in your area? I know the one in Seattle is very strong and active.

Best wishes for a successful transition.

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Most of the non-profit universities will have a Veterans' Adviser on staff who can answer a lot of your questions. You might consider calling and speaking to that person at each of the schools you're considering to see what assistance they can provide. Some schools are especially "veteran friendly", and will give you credit toward your prerequisites for some of the service schools you've attended.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Welcome!

Be sure to hit the "quote" button so that we can see to whom you're replying.

Do some research about programs. Make calls and send e-mails. I've never seen veteran's preference on a website for a nursing school, but after doing some digging I found a few in my state, including the one closest to me, that offered a preference. You need to also ask what they offer vets with this preference, as it varies. For the program I attended, as long as I met the minimum requirements, I would be accepted. Other schools will give you extra points toward acceptance, some will choose the vet over the non-vet if there's a tie between two candidates, etc., so it's important to ask.

One thing to look at, too. Talk to an advocacy group (DAV might be a good one, I went through AMVETS) to find out about disability benefits as a vet. This can get you health care and a stipend each month for life, and if your rating is 30% or higher, you can qualify for vocational rehab, which gives you additional educational benefits on top of your GIB. The sooner you can do this after you discharge, the smoother the process.

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I am a reporter with Military Times hoping to interview a recent veteran who is now studying to become a nurse. If you fit the description please drop a note to [email protected]

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Welcome!

Do some research about programs. Make calls and send e-mails. I've never seen veteran's preference on a website for a nursing school, but after doing some digging I found a few in my state, including the one closest to me, that offered a preference. You need to also ask what they offer vets with this preference, as it varies. For the program I attended, as long as I met the minimum requirements, I would be accepted. Other schools will give you extra points toward acceptance, some will choose the vet over the non-vet if there's a tie between two candidates, etc., so it's important to ask.

I have never heard anything like this before!

I'm an Army veteran (separated Sept '13) and have been applying to schools in my area. My job was not medical related either. I have a bad semester from college from about six years ago, before I was in the service, and until I got my first rejection letter from an university I applied at, didn't realize how much that would influence what I would be able to do. So any sort of advantage is great!

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