Those transitioning from the military back to civilian life are often faced with the question of what to do next. For many, the next steps involve finding the right job, which can sometimes mean going back to school as a veteran.
Gabriela Berenguer was one of those veterans looking for her next steps after she left the Navy. She had enlisted just a few months after high school, and her five years of service gave her the opportunity to travel the world and introduced her to her future husband.
When Gabriela decided to leave the Navy in 2018, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in health care. After moving to Kentucky to be closer to her husband’s family, she enrolled in MedQuest’s medical assisting program with the goal of ultimately becoming a registered nurse.
“When I was reading about it, it had good reviews,” Gabriela said of MedQuest. “People helped students not just during class but also after hours, and it was easier to reach your instructor outside of class.”
Interested in going back to school as a veteran? Read on to learn about Gabriela’s experience as a veteran and MedQuest student.
An Affordable Education with VA Benefits
Veterans looking to go back to school will find several options for funding their education, including the GI Bill®. The federally funded program helps eligible veterans and their family members pay for college, graduate school and training programs, bettering their lives post-service.
But not all schools are approved to accept GI Bill® benefits, which is why it’s important for those going back to school as a veteran to do their research before selecting a school.
Luckily, MedQuest is approved to offer VA Educational Benefits including the GI Bill®! We also have onsite VA Approved Liaisons who are ready to help you identify and apply for whatever benefits you’re eligible for.
Thanks to MedQuest’s ability to accept GI Benefits, Gabriela has had the entire cost of her tuition covered. MedQuest made applying for the benefits quick and easy, she said, and the funding has allowed her to work two days a week at a warehouse and continue to take care of her children while still attending classes.
Familiarity with Non-Traditional Students
Going back to school as a veteran often means you’ll be attending when you no longer fall into the traditional age bracket for college students. No longer being between the ages of 18 and 23 may cause you to worry you won’t connect with your peers.
If you’re worried you’ll be the only veteran and older than the other students, don’t be! Most veterans who return to school are between the ages of 24 and 40, and just 15% fall into the traditional age range, according to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute.
At MedQuest, we pride ourselves on serving non-traditional students from all walks of life! Our faculty are familiar with the challenges of being a non-traditional student and are willing to work with you to help you succeed.
Although the transition back to school wasn’t too hard for Gabriela thanks to the time management and self-discipline she had picked up during her time in the Navy, having faculty who understood she had other obligations has made things easier.
“The instructors, they put themselves in our shoes,” she said. “That’s a good thing to have someone who understands you if you have something going on.”
Interested in Going Back to School as a Veteran?
Going back to school as a veteran may come with some challenges, but it’s also ripe with benefits. Those with college degrees earn more money and have better career opportunities, leading to economic success for them and their families.
For veterans considering a return to the classroom, Gabriela has some simple advice: “If you’re going to do it, do it now. Don’t waste more time.”
MedQuest’s career training programs are designed to help students launch successful careers in the health care field. We offer six programs: practical nursing, dental assisting, medical assisting, sonography, veterinary technology and dental hygiene.
Have questions or want to learn more about our programs? Click to request more information or schedule a tour.