LPN Training & Financial Aid for Veterans and Military Service Members

Why Colleges Are Looking for Military Members and Veterans

Lucinda Bio PicFEATURED VETERANS EXPERT
Lucinda Lasater

My goal in creating this guide was to provide a resource that was capable of providing an efficient method of finding the resources available to veterans and their family members in pursuing higher education. As a veteran, I realize how difficult it can be to access information among the myriad of data provided through government sources. As a professor of nursing for the past seven years, I understand the challenge of reaching nursing goals. My own educational achievements evolved from EMT, LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, to currently pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice.

As a nursing educator and veteran I have often equated the discipline of nursing with the military’s basic training. The pride in a job well done, a willingness to take risks, initiative, social responsibility, commitment to service, making bold decisions while embracing the consequences by learning from errors. These qualities are synonymous with the art and science of nursing. Many soldiers, veterans, and their dependents have adopted the phrase “I have gone where others feared to go. I have done what others failed to do.” What it means to serve in the armed forces subjectively means something different to each service member. However, all have learned the basic characteristics of honesty, patience, perseverance, proactivity, tenacity, self-reliance, surviving without creature comforts, viewing the big picture, and always ready to learn. If you have served your country you realize what it means making a contribution that betters the people of a community and of our country in a way that does not seek fame or fortune but out of a sense of duty, compassion and responsibility. These are the qualities many colleges and employers seek and often understand they are attaining when a service member or their dependents apply. This guide is dedicated to the honor of your service, sacrifice, integrity, and endurance to engage in challenging goals. - Lucinda Lasater

Exploring the LPN Pathway as a Service Member, Veteran, or Dependent of a Service Member or Veteran

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides assessment and counseling to assist the veterans, dependents, or transitioning soldier in their educational and career decision-making. There are two programs that facilitate these activities, CareerScope, and the Educational and Career Counseling Services. As you explore the information contained in this site you will note there are several different programs, funding, and assistance available to you to pursue a career as a LPN.

  • CareerScope – a no-cost aptitude assessment to determine educational and career pathways.
  • Educational and Career Counseling Services – for transitioning soldiers in need of educational or career counseling. Supportive services to assist in eliminating barriers that may be anticipated through this process for academic or adjustment to civilian education or careers.

Educational Benefits and Choosing a College That Will Accommodate Your Unique Service

Your choice of colleges are uniquely dependent upon many things when deciding which college, how to fund your education, or use the education you have earned through your service can benefit you.

Making the decision to attend a program of study for practical nursing may seem simple, but there are a myriad of programs and other considerations including funding, benefits, and supportive assistance unique to military-affiliated individuals. It could take as long to research the available resources as it would to complete the college degree. However, to make your educational experience successful below are provided some of these resources.

ACE

College Credit for Military Experience

Most service members do not realize that their particular Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) can be equivalent to some college credits. Therefore, just learning your MOS has already earned you college credit.  However, not all college institutions will recognize this important feature. ACE coordinated through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education (DANTES) freely evaluates your training and occupational specialty for academic credit that can be applied towards your nursing education goals. Below is a checklist and resource websites to get started:

Education through Correspondence

  • This opportunity can help you study independently or obtain prerequisites for LPN courses. It is not the same as distance learning but similar to CLEP. The difference is that you receive a lesson plan in the mail and are given a certain amount of time to complete and return it for a grade without cost.
  • The biggest drawback of correspondence courses offered through the military is the fact that while they may advance your military career, often they do not provide college credit.
  • Correspondence courses taken by educational programs such as “Train-at-Home” will provide college credit but at a cost.
  • If you choose to take a correspondence course you can apply the Post-9/11 GI Bill for reimbursement costs. Other GI Bill recipients receive 55% of the approved costs.
  • This assistance is not available for dependents under the Educational Assistance Programs.

National Call to Service Program

  • This program is designed to cover all costs of education in lieu of an agreed contract period of national service either in the armed forces or through another domestic national service program such as AmeriCorps.
  • Those that choose to participate in this program do not usually use Chapter 1606 or Chapter 30 benefits. However, if they choose to use Chapter 1606 or Chapter 30 benefits towards completion of their program of study may have their entitlements reduced along with the service obligation agreement.
  • Service obligation requirements may include any of the following:
    • Serve on active duty designated by the Secretary of Defense in a military occupation specialty for a period of 15 months.
    • After the initial 15 months without a break in service, service members must serve an additional active duty time determined by the Secretary of Defense or serve in the Selected Reserve for 24 months.
    • After this additional active duty time or 24 months in the Selected Reserve (without a break in service) a remaining obligation specified in the agreement may be one of the following:
  • Eligible participants choose between the following benefit incentives:
    • Cash bonus of $5000.00
    • Repayment of student loans not to exceed $18,000.00
    • Allowance equal to a 3-year monthly Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill rate up to 36 months.
    • Coordinated benefits with the Montgomery GI Bill.
    • There is a 3-part service requirement to qualify:
      • Serve on active duty in a specified military occupation for 15 months.
      • Additional period of active duty or 24 months in the Selected Reserve.
      • Serve the remaining period of obligated service specified in the agreement either on active duty, Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, AmeriCorps, or other national service programs.
      • Any combination of the above can be served to participate in the benefits of the program.

Certificate Training for Non-College Degree Programs

  • Certificate programs such as the LPN are eligible to be paid through using the GI Bill program.
  • In addition, payments are issued monthly after training is completed based on the number of clock hours per month.
  • Under Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Other GI Bills pay according to the monthly benefit of your GI Bill and how long you served.

Programs for Tutorial Assistance

  • To be eligible, the following will apply:
    • At least half-time attendance at a higher education institution.
    • Demonstrates a deficiency in a particular course as part of their course of study.
    • Currently enrolled in the course during the request for tutoring funds are received. (Tutoring between semesters/quarters is not applicable).

For Those Still Serving with an Imminent Estimated Time of Service Approaching

Credit-by-Exam Program

You may have heard these tests referred to as credit-by-exam courses. Colleges and universities readily accept these credits completed by testing and are available to service members and veterans free through DANTES. There is a nominal fee if taking the exams at a nearby testing center. You can save time and money through credit by exam programs by obtaining college credit whether you are enrolled in college or not. These tests can be taken electronically for CONUS or OCONUS service members.

College-Level-Examination-Program (CLEP)CLEP

Receive college credit for what you already know or through independent study.  One of the first things when considering CLEP testing would be to review college-level program prerequisites and course curriculum outlines. Many programs require a number of humanities credits prior to beginning a program of study (e.g. English, Mathematics, Social Sciences). As you review practical nursing programs, you will note that all of them require similar core courses in the sciences (e.g. Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology). Several of these can be taken through CLEP testing.

  • For example, if you wish to study and receive credit for a Biology course, you can obtain a text and study independently or obtain a study guide from the CLEP website (nominal fee of around $10 for Biology) to prepare for the testing.
  • Warning: ensure you are ready for the test prior to taking and beware of websites that offer study guides that are not through CLEP

Education Assistance Programs Specifically to Assist Service Members, Veterans, and Dependents

Yellow RibbonYellow Ribbon GI Education Program

Part of the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, this program allows colleges and universities to create an agreement between the VA for matching contributions (50 – 50) to fund tuition and fees. Students can be nonresidents or residents of the state where they have enrolled. Further information about specific educational benefits under this program can be accessed here: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/docs/pamphlets/ch33_pamphlet.pdf

Eligibility Criteria

  • Veterans or dependents that served on active duty after 9/11 for at least 36 months and honorably discharged
  • Those discharged with a service-connected disability after 9/11 for a continuous 30 active duty service days.
  • Dependents of service members that have requested transfer of eligible Post 9/11 Service Members.
  • A list of participating institutions can be found here

There are several types of GI Bills available to service members, veterans, and transferrable arrangements to dependents. If you are eligible for more than one GI Bill, you may use one for a certificate/vocational program and another for specialized or furthering education.

Post 911 GI BillPost 9/11 GI Bill

  • Offers tuition and fees payments directly to the college based on the highest tuition listed for that region.
  • An annual book stipend of $1000 based on enrollment.

Benefits of the GI Bill

  • If you are eligible for more than one of these educational benefits, it must be understood that you cannot use more than one benefit and must choose the best one for your educational goals.
  • If you need assistance on how to apply your educational benefits and choose the best one for your educational goals, contact a VA representative at the following:
    • 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
    • Any VA regional, medical or veteran center (locate your nearest facility through http://www.va.gov/).
    • Local military posts/bases: resource personnel are the education service officers/counselors.
    • American Embassies for those stationed overseas.

Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty Members – MGIB-AD Chapter 30

  • Eligible service members with a minimum of 2 years active duty, discharged honorably, earned a GED or high school diploma, or have at least 12 hours of college credit.
  • Can be used towards entrance exams, some remedial programs, certificate programs, vocational or college degrees.
  • Buy-up Program: by contributing an additional $600.00 towards your MGIB-AD you are eligible for an additional $5400.00 in increased monthly educational benefits.
  • Up to 36 months of educational benefits depending on the type of education you are seeking, length of your service contribution, your category, and any college fund contributions made towards this program.
  • Benefits are available up to 10 years following discharge.

Montgomery GI Bill for Select Reservist – MGIB-SR Chapter 1606

  • Eligible service members that have completed initial active duty training (IADT) with a six-year obligation to serve.
  • Completed a high school diploma or GED prior to completion of IADT.
  • Maintain good standing as a drilling reservist or as a reservist discharged due to disability.
  • Eligibility for the program usually ends upon discharge from the Selected Reserves with the exception of mobilizations that extends the period of eligibility.
  • Can be used towards entrance exams, some remedial programs, certificate programs, vocational or college degrees.
  • Same buy-up program applies to MGIB-SR
  • Up to 36 months of educational benefits

GI Bill “Kicker”

Also known as the (Army, Navy, or Marines) College Fund provided to certain enlistees or re-enlistees through contracts for service obligations. Commonly these are considered MGIB’s in addition to the Post-9/11 GI Bill funds. However, there are some restrictions to using the “kicker” as follows:

  • Active Duty individuals are not eligible for both while serving on active duty.

Extending GI Bill Benefits by 12 Months

  • Service members that are eligible for benefits under the MGIB-AD or Post-9/11 GI Bill are provided this extension up to a maximum of 12 additional months. Thus if you served between 20 – 30 months continuous service on Active Duty, or after 9/11 you are entitled to will a total of 48 months of educational benefits.
  • It is important to know that when considering this extension benefit, the MGIB should be applied towards educational costs BEFORE using any Post-9/11 GI Bill funds. You may think, “but I need the housing and education costs provided under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to get through college.” This benefit under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will always be there for you, however because your cost of LPN education and housing varies across the country as well as program to program, the higher rate paid by the MGIB will offset housing educational fees.
  • However, this is only pertinent if you live in a state where veterans are not required to pay tuition. If you live in a state that offers this to you as a veteran, then using the Post-9/11 GI Bill for housing and other educational expenses would work better.
  • Some situations that do not apply to this extension are as follows:
    • If attending college half-time the Navy, Army, or Marines Corp College Fund under MGIB and MGIB-SR amounts will be less.
    • Participants of the Buy-Up program under MGIB or REAP will not be provided the extension benefits.

GI Bill Calculator (Tuition, Basic Allowances)

Designed to determine Veterans, Service members, and dependents to estimate your GI Bill education benefits and learn more about VA’s approved colleges, universities, and other education and training programs across the country: http://department-of-veterans-affairs.github.io/gi-bill-comparison-tool/.

Veterans Education Assistance Programs (VEAP) - Chapter 32

If you participated or are currently participating in this program, you realize that regular cash contributions from your military pay are matched 2 for 1 by the government.  You may use the Veterans Education Assistance contributions for college, licensing, entry exams, correspondence courses, certification testing, remedial or refresher training courses.

  • Depending on the number of contributions over time, you have ten years to use the fund or receive a portion of it refunded if you do not use after ten years.
  • Eligible service members are those that:
    • Entered service between January 1977 and 1985.
    • Contributed between $25.00 to $2,700.00
    • Discharged honorably.
    • Active duty with at least three months’ time in service remaining.
    • Air Force eligibility has different criteria for eligibility.
      • Enlisted between the periods December 1980 – September 1981.
      • Enlisted AF specialties including 20723, 20731, 20830, 46230, 46230A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, or Z, 46430, 81130.
      • Location of enlistment must be either Beckley WV, Buffalo or Syracuse NY, Houston or Dallas, TX, Fargo ND, Louisville, KY, Memphis, TN, Omaha, NE, Philadelphia, PA, Seattle, WA, Sioux Falls SD.

Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) – Chapter 1607

  • This program is an educational benefit for active and separated reservists eligible due to an active duty service mobilization in response to a national emergency or military conflict.
  • While serving at least 90 days on active duty, service members have the option of participating in the same Buy-up program as those eligible for the MGIB contribution of an additional for the added $5400.00 in increased monthly educational benefits.

Tuition Assistance: Top-Up Program – Chapter 10

  • This program can be challenging to comprehend in its entirety. However, if you are an active duty service member and do not plan on continuing college after discharge, it can be beneficial to consider the Top-Up program.
  • Those eligible to participate are service members with an MGBI or Post 9/11 GI Bill.
  • Active duty service members that elect to take a few courses before discharge can use the Top-Up program to pay for courses in addition to using the MGBI or Post 9/11 GI Bill towards future college courses upon discharge.
  • However, if the service member chooses to use the tuition assistance Top-Up program it will affect the remaining balance of their MGBI or Post 9/11 GI Bills for additional college courses post-discharge.
  • The Top-Up program is also limited to 36 months of tuition assistance. For instance, if a course takes four months to complete, your remaining Top-Up fund would be for 32 months.

Co-Op Training Program

This is a program that is not available to those under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and not all colleges are active participants in this program. However, the Co-op training program allows you to attend school while gaining work experience in the same field of study that you are seeking. Participation in this program allows you to receive full-time rate GI Bill benefits. The best part of this program is the flexibility it allows to attend school and work. For instance here are some of the options:

  • Attend classes in the morning and work in the afternoon.
  • Attend classes in the evening and work in the daytime.
  • Attend full-time for one semester and work full-time during another.

Ask your college financial aid veterans/military personnel if they are or would be willing to be part of this program.

Military Spouses and Dependent Education Assistance Benefits

Transfer of GI Bill

The Post 9-11 GI Bill allows service members on active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted, to transfer allows part of their unused benefits to their spouse or children. Once it is determined that transferability is approved, beneficiaries apply for them through Veterans Affairs. To determine eligibility go to: https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/

Benefits & Eligibility

  • Service members must have at least 6 years of service on date of approval and agree to serve four additional years, unless the service member has a total of 10 years’ service.
  • A service member that has served 20 years and agrees to serve an additional 4 years once retirement-eligible.

Benefit Process

  • You will need a Common Access Card (CAC) to log onto the DoD Self-Service or DFAS Account to access the application.
    • From the home page, select EDUCATION – Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB). From this page click on the table LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS section (if a family member is not enrolled in DEERS they will appear as ineligible).
    • Transfer benefit months to a family member by locating their name, select the number of months (0 – 36) from the drop-down list, and an optional End Date (YYYY-MM-DD) if applicable.
    • You may input the information as described above for additional family members selected.
    • Submit your transfer request for approval by selecting the type of Post-9/11 GI Bill Chapter 33 under the SELECT THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FROM WHICH TO TRANSFER BENEFITS
    • Check mark all boxes under the TRANSFERABILITY OF EDUCATION BENEFITS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS after reading the statement and submit the request.
  • If completed correctly a confirmation message will display.
  • To check the status of the request you will need to return to the TEB page and click under STATUS in the SPONSOR information section.
  • Once approved the request is sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Certificates of eligible family members must be provided to the school or if there is a delay between enrollment and receiving the certificate, the family member can request the school’s veterans’ certifying official to assist.
  • GI Bill funds are sent directly to the school.
  • If a service member is serving active duty, only children are provided a monthly living stipend, not spouses.
  • If a service member is not serving on active duty, then children and spouses will be eligible for the monthly stipend.
  • Additionally, both children and spouses will receive a books and supplies stipend whether the service member is active duty or not.
  • Service members and their family members may use these benefits up to 15 years from release from active duty (including Selected Reserve members as long as their last active duty service was more than 90 consecutive days).
  • Children are eligible to use these benefits until they are 26 years of age.

Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)

  • An organization through the VA that provides education and employment opportunity training to surviving service members' dependents and spouses.

National Testing & Licensing Reimbursements For Veterans

Testing, licensing, and certificates are reimbursable through your Veterans Assistance Benefits. Testing fees up to $2000.00. No limit to the number of times you may use this benefit for testing, even if you must take the same test several times.

  • It is important to note that at this time, only the State of Ohio participates in this program for the NCLEX. There are only a few states that provide licensing for certified nursing assistants.
  • You may ask your state or local licensing board to officially approve and participate in this program. VA payments are sent directly to the beneficiaries, not to the organization.

Branch of Service Specific Tuition Assistance

Army Tuition Assistance (TA) as of January 1, 2015

  • Army TA is a program eligible to nearly all Army soldiers including officers, enlisted, Reserve or National Guard. This program is designed to support the soldier’s professional or personal self-development goals.
  • The program will pay 100% tuition up to 16 semester hours at a rate of $250.00 a semester; $166.00 per quarter, and $4000.00 maximum per fiscal year.
  • Some restrictions apply to be eligible as follows:
    • Must have completed one year of service after advanced individual training (AIT).
    • Fees for laboratory and courses will no longer be reimbursed.
    • Requests for tuition assistance must be submitted and approved prior to beginning the course.
    • A course that is not successfully completed will require the service member to reimburse for that course.
    • Limit of 130 semester hours of undergraduate credit.

Refer to the www.GoArmyEd.com site for further details.

Navy Tuition Assistance Program

  • The Navy TA program also includes 100% tuition assistance for college courses. Open to Naval officers, enlisted, active duty, or reservist ordered to active duty for 120 days or more (Reserve Naval Officers ordered to active duty for 2 years or more).
  • Eligibility criteria and restrictions include:
    • Must be on active duty during the entire length of the college course.
    • College must be accredited by a regional, national, or professional agency recognized by the Department of Education.
    • Provide previous TA transcripts and satisfy any reimbursement for all W and F grades.
    • If a Naval Officer you must remain on active duty concurrently with remaining obligation for an additional two years after completing a TA funded course. Failure to honor this obligation may result in a pro-rated repayment of the TA funds.
    • Attendance and reimbursement limits include $250.00/semester credit hour; $166.00/quarter credit hour; and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours or 240 clock hours)/fiscal year.

Air Force Tuition Assistance Program

  • The Air Force TA program also includes 100% tuition assistance and fees for college courses taken by active duty personnel.
  • The program will pay 100% tuition at a rate of $250.00 a semester; $166.00 per quarter, and $4500.00 maximum per fiscal year.
  • Application for TA is completed online through the Air Force Education Center portal (AFVEC): https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp. You must create a user name and password on the portal. There are six steps that must be followed to complete the online TA.  Below is an overview of these steps, so it is important to plan ahead to ensure the completion of your application.
    • Step 1: Select the reason for the request
    • Step 2: Select the school name
    • Step 3: Enter term dates
    • Step 4: Enter the course information
    • Step 5: Enter the registration fees
    • Step 6: Verify TA information and submit
  • Once your request is approved, you will be notified and the form will be signed by the approving official (no longer need a supervisor’s signature) and you. A copy of this form will then need to be provided to your college.
  • Things to remember that may result in prevention or denial of applying for Air Force TA.
    • Failure to obtain a grade over 60 days from end date of course.
    • Expired suspense dates.
    • Omitted personal data (phone, DOS, DOB, Unit, Office Symbol, mailing address, email address, Base, and Education level).
    • Applying for TA for courses that will not start for more than 30 days.
    • Requesting TA for repeat courses already taken.
    • Requesting TA for courses less than your highest educational level already awarded:
      • Example: you are applying to an LPN course, but you have an associate degree in medical technology. The LPN program requires you to have a college level math course – this would not be funded under TA since it is considered part of a lower level course from your associate degree awarded.
      • However, this may be a difficult area to navigate since there are restrictions on obtaining a lateral degree, lower level degree, or whether you attend(ed) the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or a civilian college.
    • Failure to submit a degree plan.
  • If courses are dropped or incomplete, there are strict guidelines that must be observed to avoid reimbursement cost obligations for tuition.
    • Notify the Air Force Education Center and the college if you plan to drop or add courses.
    • Ensure the intended drop/add is within the college’s designated drop/add window.
    • Incomplete courses must be completed within 12 months or less.

Marine Corp Tuition Assistance Program

  • The Marine Corp TA program also includes 100% tuition assistance and fees for college courses taken by active duty personnel.
  • The program will pay 100% tuition at a rate of $250.00 per semester, $166.00 per quarter, and $4500.00 maximum per fiscal year.
  • Application for the Marine Corp TA program begins with a mandatory orientation class accessed either remotely (non-Marine Corps duty base installations) or at base Education Offices. This is required before applying for TA.

Coast Guard Tuition Assistance Program

  • The Coast Guard’s Tuition Assistance has changed since Fiscal Year 2014. Part of this change is TA for service members seeking Associate or Bachelor’s degrees only. However, check with your educational service officer (ESO) to find further information for assistance.
  • Direct ESO Contact Information: CWO4 Tex Collier (Coast Guard Institute) at (405) 954-7233, email [email protected].
  • Commanding Officers and Officers-in-Charge may direct questions to the Voluntary Education Program Manager, Mr. David Padley (FORCECOM Training Division) at (202)475-5475, email [email protected]

Veterans Upward Bound

Sponsored by the Department of Education, the Veterans Upward Bound program is a grant program to provide supportive resources to those that have not returned to school for a long time.

  • Program Offers:
    • GED completion
    • Refresher courses for HS graduates
    • Application and advising assistance for colleges and financial aid
    • Counseling
    • Skill improvement for mathematics, languages, composition, science, reading, literature, computer basics and other subjects as necessary for success.
  • For further information, access the National Association of Veterans Upward Bound (NAVUB) at http://www.navub.org/.

After Graduation (Employment Resources for Veterans)

SVAStudent Veterans Association (SVA)

  • An organization that supports, advocates, and develops partnerships between colleges for resource acquisition and student veterans and their families: http://www.studentveterans.org/.
  • As advocates, they also assist student veterans and their families after graduation to transition into employment within their field of study.
  • They also have a scholarship fund.

VECVeterans Employment Center (VEC)

  • The VEC also provides:
    • Upcoming job fairs for veterans and their family members.
    • Career service website information (VETNET) for transitioning service members: http://www.vetnethq.com/
    • Federal employment and/or internship information (especially working for the VA medical system)
    • Several helpful links, such as a “Veterans Employment Toolkit, “VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC),” and “Education and Career Counseling” along with several other topics included in this site.
    • Entrepreneurial services for those that wish to start a business (There are several ways the LPN can start their own business – coming in a later post).
    • Women’s Veteran Resources.

Specific Resources for Women Veterans

  • An organization that acknowledges the contribution of women veterans and provides resource information particular to the needs of women.
  • Provides access to VA coordinators in each VA regional office and state.

Veterans Scholarships & Grants

Additional Scholarships & Grants

The Official Handbook for Educational Resources and Guidance

The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) School Certifying Official Handbook contains the internet websites and phone number tables listed below.  It is full of information for you and the certifying college officials: http://dvs.ohio.gov/Portals/0/library/odvs/saa/saa_important_documents_for_veterans/SCOHandbookVer3.pdf

Internet Resources for Veterans Interested in College

Web Site Address Description
VA-ONCE Resources http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/school_training_resources.asp Everything you want to know about electronic enrollmentcertification 
Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do This site allows students to submit their monthly verification of enrolment over the internet.
VA Forms http://www.va.gov/vaforms VA Forms available on the internet.
Web Automated Reference Management System (WARMS) http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/ On-line access to VBA Manuals, Directives, Circulars, Letters, Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, and other materials necessary to support our nation’s Veterans.
VA Debt Management Center (DMC) http://www.va.gov/debtman DMC has collection jurisdiction for all education benefit debts.  DMC email address: [email protected]
E-Benefits http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ eBenefits is a one-stop shop for online benefits-related information.
Joint Services Transcript (JST) https://jst.doded.mil/smart/signin.do Obtain transcript translating army formal military education and job experience into civilian language; also includes college equivalent credit recommendations.
American Council on Education Military Guide http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx Guide to evaluation of educational experiences in the Armed Services
DOD Transferability http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2009/0409_gibill/ DOD transferability documents, policies, and procedures.
VOW/VRAP http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOW/ VOW to Hire Heroes Act information including the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program.
College Navigator http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ A tool for student to aid in the selection of schools and training programs.

Service Affiliated Societies Offering Educational Assistance (I.E. AER)

DANTESWhat Do I Do If I Live Far from a Military Installation?

Education guidance counselors can be reached by email, phone, or through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) website: www.dantes.doded.mil.

State by State Veterans Programs

State Contact Information
Alabama Veterans Service Office 334-242-5077
http://www.va.state.al.us/default.aspx
GI Dependents Scholarship Program: http://www.va.state.al.us/pdf/guides/scholarship.pdf
County-by-County Information: http://www.va.state.al.us/county_select.aspx
Alaska Veterans Service Office (907) 334-0874
(888) 248-3682
Fax (907) 334-0869
http://veterans.alaska.gov/education-benefits.html
Arizona Veterans Service Office – Education Staff (602)-255-5395
Leanna DeKing [email protected]
April Monthie (602) 677-6562
Jeff Escobar (602) 255-5395
https://dvs.az.gov/services/education
Arkansas State Approving Agency for Veterans Training & Education
525 West CapitolLittle Rock, AR 72201
(501) 324-9473
http://www.veterans.arkansas.gov/education.html
California Cal-Vet
P.O. Box 942895, Sacramento, CA 94295
800-952-5626,  800-221-8998 (Outside California)
Email page: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/Pages/contact-by-email.aspx
Site page: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/veteran-services-benefits/education
Colorado Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
1355 South Colorado Blvd.Building C, Rm 113
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 284-6077
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
(720) 250 1550
Grant and Trust Fund: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dmva/grant-and-trust-fund
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs – CT
http://www.ct.gov/ctva/site/default.asp
Register for benefits at www.ct.gov/ctva or 1-866-928-8387
Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs
http://veteransaffairs.delaware.gov/
John Williams (302) 365-8231; [email protected]
Charles Murrell (302) 257-3119 [email protected]
Laurie Corsa (302)-648-3068 [email protected]
Delaware Higher Education Office(302)-735-4120
Education Services (888) 442-4551
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Boulevard, Rm 214
St. Petersburg, FL 33744
(727) 319-7781
http://floridavets.org/
Georgia Department of Veterans’ Affairs Education & Training Division
(404) 657-6276
HERO Veterans Eduation and Training
Scholarship Program: http://www.gsfc.org/main/publishing/pdf/2014/2014-HERO.pdf
Hawaii Office of Veterans Services
http://dod.hawaii.gov/ovs/Hawaii
Pacific University Academic Advisor: David Hoang(808) 543-8051 [email protected]
Idaho Division of Veterans Services
http://www.veterans.idaho.gov/benefits-a-services/education
351 Collins RoadBoise, ID 83702-4519
(208) 780-1300 or 1-888-442-4551
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.illinois.gov/veterans/Pages/default.aspx
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
1755 Lake Cook RoadDeerfield, IL 60015
(847) 948-8550 or (800) 899-ISAC
Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.in.gov/dva/2357.htm
302 W. Washington Street, Rm E-120
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2738
(317) 232-3914
Programs: Tuition grants for Veterans, National Guard/Reserve, Out-of State
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: https://va.iowa.gov/benefits/index.html#Education
Iowa Department of Education Veterans & Military Education: https://www.educateiowa.gov/adult-career-community-college/veterans-military-education
Beasley (515) 725-2865 [email protected]
Michael Dommer (515) 281-3516 [email protected]
Rebecca Griglione (515) 281-3317 ext. 3317 [email protected]
National Guard Tuition Benefits (515) 252-4579
Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office
http://kcva.ks.gov/kanvet/education-resources
Wayne Bollig, Veteran Services Program Director
700 South West Jackson, Suite 1004
Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 296-3976
http://kcva.ks.gov/veteran-services/programs-services
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
http://veterans.ky.gov/Benefits/Pages/education.aspx
321 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 595-4447
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.vetaffairs.la.gov/AboutLDVA/Education.aspx
P.O. Box 94095
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
(225) 219-5000
Email: [email protected]
Maine Bureau of Veterans Services
117 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0117
(207) 430-6035
[email protected] (Mostly state benefits are exclusively for dependents of veterans)
Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.mhec.state.md.us/higherEd/acadAff/VeteransBenefits/MDVAEducationInfo2013.asp
16 Francis Street, 4th FloorAnnapolis, MD 21401 (410) 260-3838
Higher Education Commission: Tamika Patterson (410) 767-3124
Massachusetts Veterans Services
http://www.mass.gov/veterans/education/
Office of Veterans Education Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
1 Ashburton Place, Rm 1401
Boston, MA 02108-1696
(617) 994-6914
http://www.mass.edu/vetssplit.asp
Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (517) 481-8083
http://www.michiganveterans.com/Home/Education-Summary
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency: Veterans Education
Phoenix Building, 5th Floor
222 North Washington Square
P.O. Box 30104Lansing, MI 48909
800-642-4838
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
http://mn.gov/mdva/resources/education/
888-Link-Vet
Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board
http://www.vab.ms.gov/index.shtml
P.O. Box 5947 Pearl, MS 39288-5947
(601) 576-4850
Missouri Veterans Commission
http://www.mvc.dps.mo.gov/
P.O. Box Drawer 14712th Floor Jefferson Building
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0147
(573)-751-6836
[email protected]
Veteran Service Office Jason Hees (573) 522-4225
Montana Department of Military Affairs
http://www.mus.edu/veterans/plan-for-college.html
Center for Veterans’ Education & Training Services
Joe Cobos (406) 657-2063
1500 University Drive,Cisel Hall 109
Billings, MT 59101
[email protected]
http://vubmt.com
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs
http://www.vets.state.ne.us/
NE Postsecondary Career Schools & Veterans Education
301 Centennial Mall South
P.O. Box 94987
Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
(402) 471-8127
Nevada Department of Veterans Services
http://veterans.nv.gov/page/free-in-state-tuition
5460 Reno Corporate Dr.Suite 131
Reno, NV 89511
(866)-630-8387
New Hampshire State Office of Veterans Services
http://www.nh.gov/nhveterans/benefits/education.htm
275 Chestnut Street, Rm 517
Manchester, NH 03101-2411
(603) 624-9230
Veterans Education Services:
James Margeson (603) 271-8508 [email protected]
Kerry Schmidt (603) 271-7861 [email protected]
New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
http://www.nj.gov/military/
NJARNG Education Center
3650 Saylors Pond Road
Ft. Dix, NJ 08640
(609) 562-0654
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services: State Benefits
dvs.state.nm.us
P.O. Box 2324
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 827-6300
New York Division of Veterans Affairs
http://www.hesc.ny.gov/content.nsf/SFC/New_York_State_Programs
888-697-4372
1LT Phyonne Reynolds
(518) 272-6349
[email protected]
888-697-4372
North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs
Vets Catalog
1315 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1315
919-807-4250
North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.nd.gov/veterans/benefit-type/education-training
4201 38th Street South,Suite 104
Fargo, ND 58104-7535
(701) 239-7165
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
http://dvs.ohio.gov/VETERANS_EDUCATION
Veteran Educational Programs
Robert Breeckner
77 South High Street, 7th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-9287
[email protected]
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.ok.gov/odva/documents/Veterans%20Education%20Guide.pdf
2311 N. Central
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-3684
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Educational Aid Program
Oregon Education Benefit
700 Summer Street NE
Salem, OR 97301-1285
(503) 373-2085
Pennsylvania Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
www.paveterans.state.pa.us
Building S-0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap
Annville, PA 17003
(717) 861-2000
Rhode Island Division of Veterans Affairs
http://www.vets.ri.gov/education/programs/index.php
480 Metacom Avenue
Bristol, RI 02809
(401) 253-8000
South Carolina Division of Veterans’ Affairs
VA Regional Office:
6437 Garners Ferry Road Suite 1126
Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 647-2434
http://va.sc.gov/
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building
On the Job Training
425 East Capital Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3269
Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.tn.gov/veteran/benefitsstate.shtml
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-2931
[email protected]
Texas Veterans Commission
http://www.tvc.texas.gov/Hazlewood-Act.aspx
P.O. Box 12277
Austin, TX 78711-2277
877-898-3833
Gabriel Torres (512) 463-6532
[email protected]
Utah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs
http://veterans.utah.gov/education/
700 Foothill Blvd
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
(801) 584-1972 or 1973
Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs
http://veterans.vermont.gov/transitions/education
118 State Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05620-4401
(802) 828-3379
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
http://www.dvs.virginia.gov/education-employment/
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-0286
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
http://www.dva.wa.gov/benefits/education-and-training
1102 Quince Street SE
P.O. Box 41150
Olympia, WA 98504-1150
800-562-2308
West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance
http://www.veterans.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
1514 B Kanawha Blvd., East Charleston, WV 25311
866-984-8387
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
http://dva.state.wi.us/Ben-Education.asp
30 West Mifflin Street
P.O. Box 7843
Madison, WI 53707-7843
(608) 266-1311
VetEd webpage
Wyoming Veterans Commission
5410 Bishop Blvd.Cheyenne, WY 82009
(307) 777-8152
Larry Barttel: [email protected]
Washington D.C. Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs
441 4th Street NW Suite 870 North
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 724-7117
Email: [email protected]
Common Wealth of Puerto Rico Veteran Benefits
Mercantil Plaza Bldg
Fourth Floor, Suite 4021
Hato Rey, PR 00918-1625
(787)-758-5760
US Virgin Islands Saint Croix Veteran Center Outstation
The Village Mall
RR 2 Box 10553 Kingshill
St. Croix, VI 00850
(340) 778-5553 or 877-927-8387
Territory of Guam Veterans Affairs Office Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 2950
Hagatna, Guam 96932
(671) 475-8388 (94)

Regional Processing Offices

Region States Contact Information
Central Region AR, IA, IL, KS, LA, MN, MO, ND, NE, OK, SD, TX, WI VA Regional Office
PO Box 66830
St. Louis, MO 63166-6830
FAX (314) 552-9741
Eastern Region CT, DE, DC, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA VA Regional Office
PO Box 5616
Buffalo, NY 14240-4616
FAX (716) 551-3241
Western Region AK, AZ, CA, CO, GU, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, PI, UT, WA, WY, American Samoa VA Regional Office
PO Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
FAX (918) 781-7863
Southern Region AL, DC, GA, FL, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VA, VI, WV VA Regional Office
PO Box 1000, 22 Atlanta, GA 30031-4032
FAX (404) 929-3009

Final Thoughts & Wishes

Many years ago, my educational ambitions began with the goal of accomplishing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Yet, similar to many young individuals, family, military obligations, and funding prevented the successful accomplishment of these goals in a timely manner. However, lessons other than academic, such as perseverance and tenacity, have prompted my continued educational advancement and are a foundation for motivating nursing students of the future. I have served with honor in the United States Army and I am a veteran of Desert Sheild/Desert Storm and Operation Noble Eagle. Serving in both of these campaigns as a healthcare professional was (at times) difficult, but a proud duty. Determined faith and many lessons learned along the way have encouraged me to become a lifelong learner, an honored veteran, and a nurse that embraces caring for others with integrity and professionalism. It is my hope that you will find this site useful and that it will encourage you to start and/or complete your own journey in nursing.

Last Updated/Verified: May 25, 2024

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