Why the G.I. Bill is Your Lottery Ticket to a Nursing Career

By: Nathan Duitch BA, BSN, RN

former Army Captain

Bottom Line Up Front: With the ridiculous cost of education today, the G.I. Bill is a lottery ticket. If you are a veteran thinking about your next chapter, nursing is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Why Nursing?

For me, nursing was not my first choice. But when I stepped into my role as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) in a cardiovascular surgery ICU, I quickly realized nursing offered something unique. Beyond the technical skills and clinical knowledge, the culture on the unit felt surprisingly familiar. Many of my coworkers shared the same mindset, humor, and sense of teamwork I had experienced in the Army.That was a revelation.I saw firsthand how nursing provided not just a paycheck, but the kind of career security and flexibility veterans crave. There are few professions where you can work in any state, pick a specialty that aligns with your interests, and have the chance to grow into leadership, education, or advanced practice. Whether you want to settle down or live a nomadic lifestyle, nursing is in demand everywhere. In 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 3 million registered nurses employed in the U.S., and the profession is projected to grow by 6 percent over the next decade. Factor in the aging population and increased chronic illness rates, and demand will only rise. Nursing is one of the few careers where you can essentially write your ticket to live and work where you want.Working as a PCA before starting nursing school was also invaluable. If you are still exploring nursing as an option, becoming a PCA or nursing assistant can give you an edge. You will develop comfort in patient care, pick up on medical terminology, and build confidence in a hospital setting. When you finally start your nursing program, you will already have a strong foundation. You will also likely find the transition smoother than classmates with no clinical background.

Getting Started: Step One Is Your VSO

If you are a veteran considering school for any career path, the first step is simple: make an appointment with your county Veteran Service Officer (VSO).VSOs are often based in county government buildings and can be found easily by searching online for your county and “VSO.” These individuals are a goldmine of information for navigating benefits and making the most of your military service as you transition to civilian life.When I first started exploring nursing school, my VSO was instrumental in getting the ball rolling. They not only helped me understand my eligibility for the G.I. Bill but also connected me with additional resources I had no idea existed. They pointed me toward financial aid contacts at my school and helped streamline the application process for educational benefits. VSOs can also guide you on other programs, such as the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program (commonly known as Chapter 31). If you have a service-connected disability, Chapter 31 might cover your education costs and even preserve your G.I. Bill for future use. That could be helpful if you decide to pursue an advanced degree later, like a master’s or doctorate in nursing.

Connect With Your School’s Veteran Office

Once you have connected with your county VSO, your next step is to reach out to the veterans service office at the college or university you are planning to attend. Most schools with a significant veteran population have a dedicated office or staff member whose job is to make your transition smoother.These offices understand the unique challenges veterans face returning to school after years of military service. They can act as a liaison with the financial aid department and help ensure your benefits are applied correctly. If they are doing their job right, you should not have to deal with billing issues each semester. They are there to advocate for you and handle the red tape so you can focus on your studies.

The G.I. Bill: No Excuses

Here’s where the magic happens.The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill does not just cover your tuition and fees. It also provides a monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), paid directly to you, based on the ZIP code of your school. This benefit is a game changer because it means you do not have to work full-time while in school. Instead, you can dedicate your energy to succeeding in a rigorous nursing program.The amount of BAH varies widely depending on location. For example:- Attending the University of San Diego would earn you about $4,560 per month in BAH.- Attending the University of Southern Mississippi would net about $1,320 per month.Over three years, that adds up to a substantial amount of money for living expenses.When you combine full tuition coverage and a living stipend, the G.I. Bill effectively removes financial barriers that many nursing students face. Nursing school is tough enough without the added stress of student loans or juggling multiple part-time jobs.If you are service connected and eligible for Chapter 31 Vocational Rehab, explore that option as well. Your VSO can help determine if you qualify. Choosing Chapter 31 can be a strategic move to preserve your G.I. Bill benefits for advanced nursing degrees down the road.

Nursing School and the Superpower of Not Working

Not having to work—or only working minimal hours—while in nursing school is a massive advantage. Nursing programs, especially accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs, are intense. The curriculum is fast-paced, clinical hours are demanding, and exams come at you rapid fire.Because of the G.I. Bill and BAH, I only needed to work part-time on weekends during my program. That freed up my weekdays for:- Attending lectures and clinicals- Completing assignments without feeling rushed- Getting proper sleep before exams- Studying effectively instead of cramming after long shiftsThis balance contributed to my academic success and my ability to retain information better. Nursing school is not about memorizing facts for a test. It is about learning to think like a nurse, which takes time and mental energy.If you try to work full-time during nursing school, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. With the G.I. Bill, you do not have to. That is your superpower.

The Veteran Advantage in Nursing

As a veteran, you bring a skill set to nursing that cannot be taught in any classroom. Leadership, teamwork, time management, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are all part of your military experience. These qualities translate directly into nursing, especially in high-stakes environments like the ICU, ER, or OR.Veterans often excel in nursing because they are used to structured environments, understand the chain of command, and have experience caring for others under stressful circumstances. Your background gives you an edge that employers value highly.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Mission

Education is expensive. Student debt is crushing an entire generation of Americans. But as a veteran, you have been handed a rare opportunity. The G.I. Bill can fully fund your education and even pay you to learn.If you are considering nursing, now is the time to act. Visit your VSO, talk to your school’s veteran office, and start mapping out your next mission. Nursing is not just a job. It is a career that offers stability, purpose, and the chance to make a real impact on people’s lives.Your military service prepared you for challenges. Nursing will give you a chance to apply that grit in a new way. And thanks to the G.I. Bill, the path forward is wide open.

Takeaway

The G.I. Bill is not just a benefit. It is your lottery ticket. Use it wisely, and it can transform your future.

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