What to Look for in Nursing Programs for Veterans

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It can be hard to know what to look for when it comes to nursing programs for veterans. If you are researching military-friendly nursing schools, be sure that the program has state approval, holds CCNE accreditation and that it offers support specifically for those transitioning from veteran to BSN.

army fatigues and stethoscope around the neck

How can you go from the military to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?

The first step in transitioning from the military to a BSN is finding the best nursing program that welcomes veterans. Although many nursing programs are available for veterans, you should pick one that allows you to complete your education quickly, gives structure and support, and considers your lifestyle and schedule.

When going from veteran to BSN, it can be hard to tell if a nursing program is military-friendly. The good news is that most institutions offer support for veterans and their families. Below are three factors to consider when looking for a military-friendly nursing school.

Proximity to Military Services and Bases

The Madonna University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a great path to becoming a nurse. If you are a veteran, our program can prepare you for a nursing career quickly.

Our Detroit ABSN learning site is about 20 minutes from Detroit MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations), the U.S. Army Department, and the U.S. Navy Reserve Center- Detroit. It’s also near The Detroit Arsenal, home to TACOM headquarters, the only active-duty U.S. military installation in Michigan.

Living close to a military base is advantageous because you’ll be near other veterans and military families and close to resources focused on veterans.

Once you complete our program, you will have excellent career prospects in Detroit. The city is home to a diverse range of healthcare employers and several prestigious hospital systems, making healthcare the largest and fastest-growing sector in the area.

It is a terrific city for work and play since it has several emerging neighborhoods, a nationally recognized arts and culture scene, and professional sports teams.

Given its friendliness, affordability, and development potential, Detroit is a great place for living and working, particularly when it comes to the city's expanding healthcare industry and demand for nurses.

Accreditation and Board of Nursing Approval

When considering military-friendly nursing school options, look for programs in good standing with professional accreditation bodies. Nursing programs that meet such criteria allow you to receive financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education, transfer schools, or advance your degree for a competitive edge in the job market.

State's Board of Nursing Approvals

Look for military-friendly nursing programs that have received approval from the state's board of nursing (BON). The qualifications for taking the NCLEX and becoming a licensed nurse vary by state. These rules are in place to safeguard the population's health, welfare, and security.

If you start your nursing education at a school without a state BON-approved nursing program, you will not qualify to take the NCLEX, making you unable to work as a registered nurse.

nursing student reading textbook

Fortunately, the Madonna University ABSN program has state approval and satisfies the criteria established by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

CCNE Accreditation

On a program level, the baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Madonna University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a branch of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. CCNE accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate-level nursing programs and is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit general nursing education programs.

Regional Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission, one of the six regional institutional accreditors in the United States, has also granted regional accreditation to Madonna University. With this regional accreditation, our university's compliance with stringent academic criteria has been thoroughly reviewed and validated.

These demanding criteria are in place at our military-friendly nursing school to make sure you have the resources and advantages necessary to succeed as a nurse.

Girl sitting on suitcase while riding train

If you’re thinking about relocating for nursing school, here are some reasons you should choose Detroit.

Program Support for Veterans

Support for veterans is one of the biggest components of military-friendly nursing schools. At every step of the journey, our admissions experts will be ready to assist you with any queries you may have, such as which requirements to take or what perks you may apply for.

Although applying to nursing school might seem daunting, your designated admission officer will be there for you, advocating for your acceptance into the ABSN program. Our admission officers are prepared and eager to:

  • Examine your academic credentials to validate your enrollment eligibility.
  • Assist you in deciding if our program is the best option for your educational needs.
  • Create a strategy for completing prerequisites.
  • Develop a prerequisite completion plan that targets your desired program start date.
  • Keep you on track during the application and admissions processes.
Madonna nursing students sitting in class

A supportive admission officer can make or break your experience in an ABSN program. The staff at Madonna will be your biggest supporters and guide you through the whole process.

Going from Military to BSN Is Possible at Madonna University!

Start today by completing the form to have one of our admissions representatives contact you. They will answer any questions about the program, determine your eligibility, and identify any prerequisite courses you need to complete.