Donna Davis ⋅ West Palm Beach, FL Wellington regional medical ctr ⋅ 20 years experience

Check with your local community colleges, many of them offer an excellent education at a much lower price than private schools. In addition they usually have a wide range of healthcare career options at various times and days . I went through Xray school while I was a single mother with 3 kids. Many people in my class had families and jobs.

David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

Hi, Tim

Sounds life you are probably eligible for SSDI benefits through the Federal government as well as your Veteran's health benefits. I would look for scholarships that specially address differently abled people with similar work obstacles as you have. Some community colleges have programs like these to assist disabled students to take courses and not have to work while they go to school.

David Eastman, CEO, former US Navy

Loree Thompson ⋅ Franklin, OH Randstad Professional Staffing ⋅ 30 years experience

Hi Tim - I like Louis Schwarz's answer...that's a GREAT way to start. Some hospitals offer partial reimbursement for school fees, but with your commitment to them of a couple of years. You'll have to call, visit, or write your local hospital.

As for me, I applied for federal and state grants and scholarships, even at a non-traditional age, and just finished my Associate Degree in Nursing. It was hard, working three twelve-hour shifts at the hospital and school requiring almost all of the rest of my time. However, it is do-able! Many hospital or nursing facility jobs offer flexible schedule so you can work and study.

There really is not an easy way to do this, Tim. It takes a lot of focus and discipline...plus memorizing! BUT if you care about people and want to make a difference, it will be worth it all.

Thank you for serving, let us know how it's going!

Maria Mckiever ⋅ Chicago, IL Harry S Truman College ⋅ 2 years experience

Have you looked into Vocational Rehabilitation? If you already have a service connected disability rating of at least 30 %, which it sounds like you should, you would visit your local VA Regional office and get set up with a Voc Rehab counselor. If your educational program gets approved by your counselor, your tuition will be covered for the time needed to finish the degree. In addition you'll receive a monthly stipend.

Louis Schwarz ⋅ Somerville, NJ AIG ⋅ 43 years experience

Hi Tim
EMT may be a way to start on your journey. It will give you a broad view of the medical field as well as income. You will make many contacts as an EMT.