Nursing Programs for Veterans: Turn Your Military Skills into a Nursing Career

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If you’re transitioning from the military into healthcare, nursing programs for veterans can help you get there. These programs build on your dedication and service, making it easier to move into a meaningful career in nursing while continuing to make a difference in people’s lives.

Nursing students talking in a sim lab

Nursing is one of the most fulfilling paths you can take to continue serving your nation, community, and others after your military service. If you’ve served and are interested in becoming a nurse, programs designed to accommodate veterans can help you transition into this rewarding field.

One nursing program for veterans is Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Located in Metro Detroit, this hybrid program offers students flexibility in their studies and the ability to earn a BSN degree in as few as 16 months.

With the right program and support like Madonna ABSN offers, veterans can enter the nursing field sooner and make a lasting impact in healthcare. Let’s examine why nursing can be a good choice for veterans, how to transition into this field, and the benefits of an ABSN program.

Why Nursing is a Great Fit for Veterans

At first glance, nursing and the military might seem like two different paths. In reality, they share many of the same values and skill sets. Military service builds up certain skills and qualities that can transfer into multiple career paths. Skills and qualities that transfer directly from military service into nursing include:

  • Communication
  • Accuracy
  • Problem-solving
  • Work ethic
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Following procedure
  • Leadership
  • Cultural and global understanding

These skills are either ingrained or strengthened through military experience, and each can serve you well as a practicing nurse. Veterans’ nursing programs offer the structure and support needed to apply those strengths in a healthcare setting, helping veterans transition smoothly into a meaningful nursing career.

nurses pointing and looking at laptop screen

See more about the importance of leadership in nursing.

How to Transition from Military Service to a Nursing Career

Transitioning from military service to a nursing career is an exciting new chapter, but it requires careful planning. The first step is to do your research to find the right nursing program for you. Once you have chosen your program and applied, if you meet the qualifications, you can enroll and be on track to earn your BSN.

While a traditional nursing degree typically takes four years, Madonna ABSN offers a faster route with a program that can be completed in as few as 16 months.

Keep in mind that applicants must meet eligibility requirements like having at least 60 credits or a baccalaureate degree and completing prerequisite courses. Madonna also accepts up to 60 credits of military experience towards a bachelor’s degree.

Students who are accepted into the program will complete a four-semester curriculum over 16 months, delivering a bachelor-level education comprised of:

  • Online-based coursework that accommodates a range of learning styles, and can be completed on your schedule while meeting assignment deadlines
  • Hands-on nursing skills and simulation labs at our learning site near Metro Detroit, where you’ll learn key nursing skills and techniques in a simulated clinical setting
  • Clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities, gaining patient care experience across several practice areas

After finishing the program, you will take the NCLEX-RN exam necessary to attain licensure. Upon passing, you can become a licensed RN and begin your career.

Learn five of the top NCLEX studying tips.

nurse on laptop with stack of textbooks

Benefits of Fast-Track Nursing Programs for Vets

Fast-tracking nursing programs for veterans like ABSNs offer a streamlined path to a fulfilling career in healthcare. These enable veterans to leverage their military experience and enter the workforce sooner. These programs are designed to shorten the traditional degree timeline, helping you transition seamlessly into civilian life and begin working as a registered nurse without a long delay. The best nursing programs in the USA for veterans often recognize prior military experience, granting credit for your service and reducing the number of required courses.

At Madonna University, our hybrid ABSN program blends the flexibility of online learning with hands-on, in-person training to ensure graduates are fully prepared for professional practice. Students in this program benefit from small class sizes, one-on-one support from academic success coaches, and personalized admissions guidance.

This combination of flexibility and support is designed to meet the unique needs of veterans, making the transition from military service to a nursing career more manageable and successful.

nursing student reading textbook

Begin the Next Chapter with Madonna University

Nursing programs for veterans like Madonna University’s ABSN program help you take the next step with confidence. Depending on your eligibility, you may even qualify for deferred tuition and fees through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Our program builds on the leadership, dedication, and excellence you demonstrated in the military and applies them to a meaningful career in nursing. It’s a smooth transition that allows you to follow your passion and begin an exciting new chapter with start dates each January, May, or August.

Contact an admissions representative today and continue your commitment to service in a new way.