If you’re a veteran, you’re likely thinking about what to do next. After all, there’s nothing like being in the military. Why not consider becoming part of the healthcare industry by becoming a registered nurse? Start by looking into the best accelerated nursing programs for veterans.
These nursing programs have the following characteristics:
Featured Programs
- Faster time-to-completion, usually two years or less of full-time study
- Accommodations made for military veterans (e.g., prior learning credits)
- Challenging courses and supervised clinical experiences
- Effective preparation for success in the NCLEX-RN exam and compliance with licensure requirements
Accelerated nursing programs for veterans are becoming more popular for these reasons.
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- Accelerated Nursing Programs with the Highest NCLEX Pass Rates
- Top Accelerated Nursing Programs for Career Changers
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- Best Online Colleges for Military and Family
Faster transition into a civilian job
Earning a nursing degree in 18-24 months means faster entry into the workforce.
High demand for registered nurses
With registered nurses being in high demand, job security is possible. The projected employment growth of registered nurses is 6% (2023-2033). This means about 194,500 openings every year. Equipping veterans for this occupation also addresses the country’s shortage of experienced and competent nursing workforce.
Use of military educational benefits
The Post-9/11 Bill and other related laws provide veterans with financial aid for college. Military-friendly nursing programs offer veterans scholarships and tuition discounts. These programs also provide veteran-friendly student support services. When choosing a school, make sure it fits your preferences. Importantly, tuition should also be considered with your GI bill coverage in mind.
Suitability for nursing careers
Military veterans fit right in as registered nurses, too. The best nurses have discipline, a service-oriented mindset, and a strong work ethic. These are values that are paramount to veterans.
Benefits of Accelerated Nursing Programs for Veterans
There are challenges in being a student in accelerated nursing programs for veterans. You must prepare for the fast-paced, intensive didactic courses. The supervised clinical rotations aren’t a walk in the park either. In both instances, your physical and mental capacity will be pushed to the limit.
But when you consider these benefits, their challenges are well worth it. Much like being in the military, being a nurse promises a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
Smooth transition from military to civilian careers
The transferable skills you developed in the military are useful in nursing, too. Nurses must have critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Being compassionate, detail-oriented, and organized are a must, too. Emotional stability combined with physical stamina are also valuable. If you have healthcare-related roles in the military, then all the better.
As a veteran, a fast-track nursing degree also means less downtime in your career. Being able to use your nursing degree ASAP means better career advancement.
Higher financial aid and better educational support
GI Bill nursing programs offer higher coverage for tuition and fees for veteran students. You can even receive financial aid for your books and housing expenses. Always ask about your financial aid options as a veteran.
Accelerated nursing programs also offer dedicated veteran services and resources. Look for veteran resource centers that offer admission-to-graduation student support services.
What to Look for in an Accelerated Nursing Program
You must choose based on your interests, goals, and financial capacity.
Check for regional and programmatic accreditation.
The university must have regional accreditation and the nursing program programmatic accreditation. Accreditation is vital for quality assurance, credit transferability, and licensure purposes.
Check for the program’s reputation, too, because of its impact on your employability. Employers usually accept nurses from reputable programs.
Check the academic and student support services for veterans.
It isn’t easy to establish nursing careers for military veterans because of the competitive field. For this reason, it’s an excellent idea to take advantage of veteran-specific support services. It also pays to settle for a program with a curriculum that is specifically tailored to veteran student needs. The school should also give credit for military experience. Career counseling, job placement assistance, and peer support groups are useful.
Some nursing schools offer Affiliated Military programs, accepting spouses or family members of veterans.
Top 5 Accelerated Nursing Programs for Military Veterans
University of Southern California
USC offers a fast-track nursing degree for veterans – the online MSN degree. Candidates are eligible for financial aid and enjoy flexible schedules. This is an evidence-based program that can be completed in 21 months.
Duke University School of Nursing
Duke’s Accelerated BS in Nursing program has high NCLEX pass rates. This is a testament to its excellence in academics and training. Plus, veterans have easy access to its academic support and career development services.
George Washington University School of Nursing
GWU takes pride in its BS in Nursing veterans option program. Students can apply for prior learning and military training credits. GWU offers veteran nursing scholarships, among other financial aid options. Students thrive due to the supportive learning environment and career services.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
UAB’s School of Nursing offers two of the best nursing programs for military personnel:
- The RN-to-BSN Pathway for registered nurses with associate degrees in nursing wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree
- The RN-to-MSN Pathway for registered nurses with associate degrees in nursing who want to fast-track their master’s degree completion
UAB appreciates the service of military veterans and their families, too, in many ways. The VMA provides veterans transitioning from military to nursing careers with support services. These include financial aid navigation aid, tuition support, and career development services.
The Capstone College of Nursing also offers GI Bill benefits and online nursing programs for veterans.
University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston
UT Health Houston offers among the best nursing degrees for veterans, too. The Pacesetter track in its BS in Nursing program has a 15-month time-to-completion. Applicants must at least have 60 credits earned to qualify.
Students qualify for veteran-specific scholarships, too. The program emphasizes intensive coursework, clinical experience, and practical skills. Students start their 900-hour clinical rotations in their first semester.
How to Apply to Accelerated Nursing Programs as a Veteran
- Understand the application requirements, including:
- Associate degree with minimum GPA
- Standardized test scores
- Clinical experience
- Ask about transfer credits for your military experience and training.
- Be mindful of application deadlines.
- Submit complete and accurate application documents.
- Maximize your veteran educational benefits. Talk to a financial aid officer.
- Highlight your relevant military experience in your personal statement, resume, and interview.
Conclusion
For a veteran or ex-service member, pursuing the Nursing profession could be the next best thing. This career not only promises high demand and excellent pay, but it also matches the skill sets of individuals with experience in the military. Transitioning may be easier because veterans value and are well-trained in communication, problem-solving, accuracy, teamwork, adaptability, work ethic, leadership, and strict adherence to rules–skills that are paramount to the nursing profession.
Veterans enjoy several benefits from accelerated nursing programs. Earning a nursing degree and entering the workforce faster is foremost. Taking advantage of comprehensive financial aid and student support is another. Enjoying a smoother military-to-civilian transition is the best.
Indeed, you should consider accelerated nursing programs for veterans as your post-military move. You will find that nursing programs in a military-friendly school can lead to a rewarding career with excellent pay while allowing you to make a positive impact as you did on the country!
