Will VA pay for my education?

[Rhapsody86]

Hey everyone,

I've tried to find this answer, but haven't had any luck. I am a first year nursing student with no previous health care experience and I don't work for the VA.

Does the VA have any programs for students in which they will pay for your tuition and you agree to work for them for a certain amount of time after graduation? I know there's a program for current VA workers who chose to go to school, but I was wondering if there was anything like that for non-VA workers?

Thanks!

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Not to my knowledge. There are a variety of student programs. Call the nursing recruiter for the VA you are interested in working at. Ask about the SNT program, Working as a nursing assistant etc. If you are already an LPN the NNEI program will help you become an RN in exchange for 3 years FT service following completion of training.

There are some financial aids available for employees to advance their education. My advice is to "get your foot in the door."

[LuckyinKY]

I don't believe they do, even for current VA employees ( my husband is one).

Even if they did have a program, don't count on them to actually give you any money. We qualify for a child care assistance grant for VA employees. We first applied over 3 years ago. The first time they suspended the program after our application was submitted. They finally restart the program and we reapply. After several months of emails, phone calls, etc., we hear nothing. 8 months later we get a letter stating the the child care license for my son's school is expired and they need the new one. It was not expired when we submitted the application (they only are good for 1 year). I submitted that by Priority Mail with delivery conformation and have not heard anything since (This was in July). Emailed, called, nothing.