LINDA REYNA ⋅ San Antonio, TX WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY ⋅ 7 years experience

Colli,
You will need to research the nursing school you decide to attend. Many times there are scholarships (not full) available for students once in the program. As for working, if you can get hired at a hospital...most have educational funding (not large but helps). Apply at hospital near you or even volunteer, if you can. Volunteer positions can be a doorway into employment.

I cannot emphasize on researching nursing schools. Everybody has prerequisites that differ.

Mihoko Ward ⋅ Menlo Park, CA Merrill Lynch ⋅ 10 years experience

We are providing our clients with free webcast on this topic. There is a Q&A session so this might be great place to get answer.

You will learn:

• How to navigate federal aid options and applications

• The secrets of winning scholarships

• Where you can find the most generous aid packages

• The difference between grants, scholarships, and aid

• When loans make sense- and when they don’t

• Q&A session where you can ask questions

Speaker: Mark Kantrowitz

Mr. Kantowitz has been called to testify before Congress about financial aid, scholarships and student loans on several occasions. He was also publisher of FastWeb, the largest and most popular free scholarship matching service, and is the author of several books on education financing.

RSVP online: https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=732663&sessionid=1&key=B29D00EBD42794DCB12F809F43278D7E&partnerref=invite&sourcepage=register

In Financial Advisor’s Name Field (Required) enter MIHOKO WARD

If you have a problem RSVP, please send me an email at mihoko.ward@ml.com

Dave Zimmerman ⋅ West Palm Beach, FL ⋅ 7 years experience

Colli,

Have you thought of being a PA? Same Prequisites, same time 2 years, but average nurse salary 45k versus PA 75k. You are a provider too. Check it out!

I would see an advisor on the Post 911, I got a bachelors and Masters on the Old VEAP, but have and used Post 911. Also, there are military friendly programs.

You will do well!

DEZ

Dennis Sajdak ⋅ Tempe, AZ Healthcare consultant ⋅ 30 years experience

There are many areas in the US that are considered "medically undeserved areas" (MUA) and can be looked up on the web. In these areas, various medical personnel can get their tuition loans reduced by 20% a year if they work there upon graduation. Doctors, nurses and social workers are especially sought after...

Pamela Snyder ⋅ Savage, MN Dept of Veterans Affairs ⋅ 45 years experience

The VA has nursing internship programs called Student Nurse Technician and VALOR. You can work in this paid position with flexible hours while going to school. Once you graduate, the school affiliation ends, but the chances are good that you could then be hired as a new graduate since you are already a VA employee. You can find positions posted at www.usajobs.gov.

Carl Rawdon ⋅ Pryor, OK Government ⋅ 6 years experience

I know you said you dont believe you are eligible for the post 9/11GI Bill, but if you served 90 days past your 4 year obligated period. Then you could still establish at least 40% eligibility. If not some states offer their own benefits.

Jim Malonzo ⋅ Jacksonville, FL U.S. Navy, Petty Officer First Class ⋅ 20 years served

Colli,

One other option is Vocational Rehab through VA: If you have a disability compensation of 20% or more you can apply. Here is the website:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/VOCREHAB/index.asp

I am currently with the program, and my tuition, books and housing stipend covered.
Good Luck. If you have any other questions about voc rehab, I can give you insights.

Jim

Colli Kolanko ⋅ Seattle, WA U.S. Air Force, Captain ⋅ 4 years served

Thank you so much for this information! I appreciate it.

Christian Grant ⋅ Raleigh, NC Pace Global, A Siemens Company ⋅ 13 years experience

Vanderbilt University offers a program called Opportunity Vanderbilt. It is a needs based tuition program whereby eligible applicants who do not have means pay only what they can afford if anything at all. Vanderbilt's Medical Center and School is one of the best in the world.