How to Use VA Resources for Continuing Professional Education

For veterans transitioning into civilian careers or looking to advance their existing professions, continuing professional education is crucial for staying competitive in today’s job market. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of programs and resources that provide veterans with opportunities to build upon their skills, acquire new certifications, and keep up with industry trends. These VA-funded education programs are designed to help veterans enhance their qualifications and achieve long-term career success.

In this blog, we’ll explore how veterans can take advantage of VA resources to pursue continuing education, maintain professional skills, and remain competitive in their chosen fields. From using GI Bill benefits to accessing vocational training programs, we’ll provide insights on how to make the most of these opportunities.

1. The Importance of Continuing Professional Education for Veterans

As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, staying up to date with the latest trends, skills, and certifications is vital for professional growth. Whether you’re switching careers, pursuing a promotion, or starting a new business, continuing professional education can offer several key benefits:

• Staying Competitive: Many jobs require up-to-date certifications and knowledge of new technologies. Continuing education ensures you remain competitive and marketable in your field.
• Advancing Your Career: Acquiring additional qualifications and certifications can open doors to leadership roles, promotions, and higher salaries.
• Switching Careers: If you’re transitioning into a new career, continuing education can help you gain the skills necessary to succeed in a different industry.
• Building Confidence: Enhancing your skills and knowledge can boost your confidence and improve your job performance.

Veterans bring unique strengths to the workforce, such as leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. By accessing VA resources for continuing education, veterans can further strengthen these skills and expand their career opportunities.

2. Using the GI Bill for Continuing Education

One of the most well-known VA resources for veterans pursuing further education is the GI Bill. While the GI Bill is often associated with undergraduate or graduate degrees, it can also be used for continuing education programs, vocational training, and certification courses.

GI Bill Programs for Professional Education:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: This program provides financial support for tuition, fees, books, and housing to veterans pursuing a range of educational opportunities, including continuing education, training programs, and professional certifications.
• Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): The MGIB offers education benefits to veterans for college courses, technical training, and certification programs. It provides a monthly allowance based on enrollment status.
• GI Bill for Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training: Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to participate in apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs that provide hands-on experience in their chosen field. These programs often result in industry-recognized certifications and increased job opportunities.

How to Use the GI Bill for Continuing Education:

1. Choose an Approved Program: Make sure the program you’re interested in is approved by the VA. Many universities, trade schools, and professional organizations offer VA-approved courses that qualify for GI Bill benefits.
2. Apply for Benefits: If you haven’t already, apply for your GI Bill benefits through the VA’s eBenefits portal. Once your benefits are approved, you can begin using them for eligible continuing education programs.
3. Enroll and Track Your Progress: After enrolling in a program, ensure you stay in communication with both your school and the VA to track your progress and ensure your benefits are applied correctly.

• Action Step: Visit the VA’s GI Bill comparison tool to find VA-approved educational institutions and programs that offer continuing education opportunities for veterans.

3. VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program

For veterans with service-connected disabilities, the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program (formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) offers comprehensive support for continuing professional education. The VR&E program helps veterans gain the skills needed to transition into new careers or advance within their current field.

How the VR&E Program Supports Continuing Education:

• Education and Training: VR&E can cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and certification fees for veterans pursuing education and training programs that align with their career goals.
• Career Counseling and Assessment: Veterans can receive career counseling to determine the best educational path based on their skills, interests, and job market demand.
• Apprenticeships and Work Experience: In addition to formal education, VR&E offers apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and internships to help veterans gain practical experience in their chosen field.

The VR&E program is especially beneficial for veterans looking to switch careers or those who need assistance transitioning back into the workforce after experiencing a disability related to their service.

• Action Step: If you have a service-connected disability, apply for VR&E services through the VA’s eBenefits portal to explore your continuing education and career development options.

4. VA-Approved Certification and Licensing Programs

In many industries, professional certifications and licenses are essential for career advancement. The VA offers programs that help veterans obtain the credentials necessary to succeed in fields such as IT, healthcare, project management, and more.

VA Benefits for Certifications and Licensing:

• GI Bill Certification and Licensing Reimbursement: Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to cover the cost of certification and licensing exams. This includes fees for industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA for IT professionals, Project Management Professional (PMP), and healthcare-related licenses.
• VA Approved Testing Centers: The VA provides a list of approved testing centers and certification programs that qualify for GI Bill reimbursement.

How to Apply for Certification Reimbursement:

1. Select an Approved Certification: Choose a certification or licensing exam that aligns with your career goals. Make sure it is VA-approved by checking the list of approved certifications on the VA website.
2. Apply for Reimbursement: After completing the exam, submit your request for reimbursement through the VA’s eBenefits portal. You’ll need to provide proof of payment and a copy of your exam results.

• Action Step: Explore the VA’s certification and licensing search tool to find certifications in your field that are eligible for GI Bill reimbursement.

5. State-Specific Continuing Education Programs for Veterans

In addition to federal programs, many states offer their own resources for veterans seeking continuing education. These programs often include tuition waivers, scholarships, and grants to help veterans pursue professional development and certification courses.

Examples of State-Specific Resources:

• California Veterans College Fee Waiver Program: This program waives tuition and fees for eligible veterans at California public colleges and universities.
• Texas Hazlewood Act: The Hazlewood Act offers tuition exemptions for Texas veterans at state-funded institutions of higher education.
• Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG): The IVG program covers tuition and fees for Illinois veterans attending public colleges and universities.

Many states also have Veterans Affairs offices that can provide guidance on state-specific education benefits and programs.

• Action Step: Contact your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs to learn about state-specific continuing education benefits available to veterans.

6. Free and Low-Cost Online Education for Veterans

For veterans who prefer the flexibility of online learning, there are many free and low-cost online courses and professional development programs available. These programs can help veterans learn new skills, earn certifications, and stay competitive in the workforce.

Online Learning Platforms for Veterans:

• Coursera for Veterans: Coursera partners with universities and organizations to offer free online courses to veterans. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, from business and technology to healthcare and leadership.
• LinkedIn Learning: Veterans can access LinkedIn Learning for free for one year, which provides video tutorials on topics such as IT, marketing, management, and project management.
• edX for Veterans: The edX platform offers free and low-cost courses from top universities around the world, with many programs eligible for certificates of completion.

These platforms are excellent resources for veterans looking to expand their skill sets, gain certifications, and stay competitive in the job market.

• Action Step: Take advantage of free or low-cost online courses from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to enhance your professional skills.

Conclusion

Continuing professional education is essential for veterans who want to remain competitive, advance in their careers, or transition into new fields. Through VA-funded programs like the GI Bill, VR&E, and certification reimbursement, veterans have access to valuable resources that can help them achieve their educational and professional goals.

By leveraging these programs and exploring both federal and state-specific options, veterans can sharpen their skills, obtain necessary certifications, and secure long-term career success. Whether through traditional education, vocational training, or online learning, continuing education is a powerful tool for veterans striving for professional growth.