Healthcare Careers for Student Veterans: An Online Guide

Career Crosswalks

A career crosswalk translates your military skills into potential civilian career matches. These tools show how your experience aligns with specific roles, including salary ranges, top employers, and even current job openings.

Here are a few of the most useful tools for veterans:

• ONET OnLine Military Crosswalk Search Engine
• Civilian to Military Translator
• Military.com Jobs Search Engine
• Code to Civilian Occupations Translator

For example, using O*NET’s crosswalk tool, an Army 68W Combat Medic Specialist maps directly to several civilian roles, such as:

• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
• Paramedics
• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Health Education Specialists
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN)
• Medical Records Specialists
• Health Information Technologists
• Home Health Aides
• Medical Assistants
• Phlebotomists

Drilling into the Paramedic listing, you’ll see familiar skills:

• Administer drugs orally or by injection
• Perform IV procedures
• Provide first aid or advanced life support
• Assess injuries and illnesses
• Comfort and reassure patients

Each job listing also includes details on required technology skills, credentials, wages and trends, and related occupations to help you evaluate which career paths make the most sense for you.

Skills Assessments

If you don’t have direct medical experience, start by identifying your transferable skills.

The CareerOneStop Skills Matcher helps you compare your abilities to the skills required in various healthcare jobs. After completing the assessment, you’ll see a list of compatible careers—along with salary data, education requirements, and job outlooks.

Shortlist Your Options

Once you’ve identified 3–5 possible careers, compare them across key factors such as:

• Median salary
• Job growth outlook
• Typical education level
• Common work environments

Here’s a sample snapshot:

Average growth for all occupations is 3%. All of the above are growing at least as fast or faster. (Source: BLS, 2024 data.)

Finding the Right School

Veterans often ask: “Which school is right for me?”

With hundreds of U.S. schools offering strong healthcare programs, it can be overwhelming. Start by asking key questions:

• Is the school accredited?
• Is it affordable?
• Is it veteran-friendly?
• Does it offer career services or job placement help?

These factors will help you identify the best-fit programs for your situation.

When researching, pay close attention to veteran support resources such as GI Bill certification, Yellow Ribbon participation, and Veteran Service Centers.

GI Bill Certification

The average college graduate carries nearly $39,000 in student debt—but veterans can dramatically reduce or eliminate that through GI Bill benefits.

There are two main GI Bills:

1. Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

• Active Duty (MGIB-AD): $2,518/month
• Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): $493/month
• Funds are paid directly to the veteran, who then pays tuition and fees

2. Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Pays tuition and fees directly to the school
• Covers 100% of public-school tuition and up to $29,920.95/year at private schools
• Includes a monthly housing allowance and an annual $1,000 book stipend
• Benefits depend on your tier percentage, based on service time (40-100%)
• Transferable to a spouse or dependent after 6 years of service (must apply before year 16)

The Yellow Ribbon Program

This feature of the Post-9/11 GI Bill helps cover tuition costs beyond GI Bill limits, especially at private or out-of-state schools.

How it works:

• Participating schools waive up to 50% of the remaining tuition.
• The VA matches that amount.
• This can result in zero out-of-pocket tuition costs for veterans.

Watch out for:

1. Not all schools participate in Yellow Ribbon.
2. Some schools offer less than 50% coverage.
3. Each school sets its own student caps and eligible programs.

Find a Yellow Ribbon Program participating school by using this VA-provided search engine.

Tuition Top-Up Program

Tuition Top-Up can be used alongside the Tuition Assistance (TA) program while you’re still on active duty.

Each branch pays up to:

• $250 per semester credit or $166 per quarter credit
• $4,500 annual cap

When tuition exceeds those limits, Top-Up covers the difference. However:

• The VA deducts that amount from your GI Bill benefits.
• Under the MGIB-AD, your benefits are reduced by one month per payout.
• Under the Post-9/11 Bill, one semester’s worth of benefits is deducted—no matter how small the payment.

Still, Top-Up can help you start earning credits early, saving GI Bill benefits for later and accelerating your post-service transition.

Veterans Service Centers

When comparing schools, ask whether they have a Veteran Service Center (VSC). These offices are invaluable for simplifying registration and navigating benefits.

VSCs often provide:

• “One-stop” registration and support
• GI Bill assistance and troubleshooting
• Access to veteran-specific scholarships and community events
• A connection point for veteran peer networks

Many colleges also host Veteran Student Organizations, such as:

• Student Veterans of America (SVA)
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

These groups can help you connect with other veterans, share experiences, and build professional networks.

Credit Transfers

If you took classes during service — through TA, Top-Up, or independently — many of those credits may transfer to your civilian program.

Visit the Joint Services Transcript (JST) website to request your transcript. Each school reviews JSTs differently, so check transfer policies early to maximize accepted credits.

Credits for Military Experience

Many colleges award credit for military training and experience, from basic training to occupational specialties.

The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates military training and recommends equivalent college credits—for example, 3 credits in Physical Training for completing Basic Training.

When researching programs, ask:

• “Does your school award ACE-recommended credit for military experience?”
• “What’s your maximum transferable credit policy?”

These answers can save you both time and money.

U.S. Army: Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Programs (SFL-TAP)

Duration: ~40 hours over a 24-40 month period.

Common Mistake: Many soldiers start too late, limiting their flexibility and preparation.

Core Components:

• Commander’s Notification
• Pre-Separation Counseling
• Completion of the Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist
• Learning about SFL-TAP Resources
• Scheduling additional services as needed

Many soldiers attend the Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW) or complete the online equivalent. This training builds crucial skills for resume writing, career goal-setting, job searching, and interviewing.

Once DOLEW is finished, you can access additional one-on-one services—scheduled as mission requirements allow—to refine your civilian career readiness.

U.S. Navy: Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success)

Transition GPS prepares Sailors and their families for the next chapter, whether that means civilian employment, higher education, or retirement.

It’s part of the Military Career Life Cycle program, which ensures each Sailor meets the Career Readiness Standards before separation.

Program Timeline:

• Pre-Separation Counseling: 18-24 months before retirement | 12-18 months before separation
• 5-Day Workshop: 12-18 months before retirement | 8-12 months before separation
• Optional Career Tracks:6-12 months before retirement | 6-8 months before separation
• Capstone Event: 3-6 months before discharge

Topics Covered: Post-Military Benefits | Financial Planning | Career and Education Planning | Certification & Training Resources

U.S. Air Force: Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Air Force’s TAP provides information, tools, and training to ensure airmen and their spouses are ready for civilian life—whether that means school, work, or entrepreneurship.

Program Breakdown:

• Separation Counseling: 24 months before discharge (retiring) | 12 months (separating)
• Transition Workshops: Optional for those with 20+ years, verified employment, or active in higher ed
• VA Benefits & Services Briefing
• Capstone: Confirms readiness standards are met | Must be completed ≤90 days before discharge

U.S. Marines: Transition Readiness Program (TRP)

Located in the Career Resources Management Center on each base, TRP is part of the Marine Life Cycle program. It helps Marines and their families prepare for civilian personal and professional success.

Core Curriculum Includes:

• Resilient Transitions
• Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) Crosswalk
• Department of Labor Employment Workshop
• VA Benefits Briefs I & II
• Financial Planning

There’s also a Spouse Transition and Readiness Seminar (STARS) to support Marine families through the change.

U.S. Coast Guard: Transition Assistance Program

Part of the Work-Life Program, this TAP ensures service members complete standardized transition requirements.

Mandatory Components: Pre-Separation Counseling | Transition GPS Seminar | Capstone

Seminar Topics Include:

• Department of Labor Employment Workshop
• VA Benefits Briefings I & II
• Military Occupational Code Crosswalk
• Financial Planning
• E-Benefits Registration
• Opportunity to join the Coast Guard Reserves

Service members also create an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP) and select one of three career tracks: Education, Technical Training, or Entrepreneurship.

1. Connect with Fellow Veterans

One of the best ways to find a job after military service is by staying in touch with veterans who transitioned before you. They can:

• Share real-world advice on what worked (and what didn’t)
• Help you understand which companies value military experience
• Refer you to job openings that never make it to public listings

Did you know?

Up to 80% of job openings are never advertised. That means your veteran network could be your most valuable resource.

Because they understand your background, fellow vets can vouch for your skills and recommend you directly to employers.

2. Use Social Media Strategically

Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are powerful networking tools when used professionally.

Tips for success:

• Create a professional profile highlighting your skills, certifications, and goals.
• Avoid posts that could hurt your professional image.
• Join industry groups related to healthcare or veteran employment.
• Engage in discussions or share relevant articles to stay visible.

This not only expands your network, but it can also lead directly to job offers shared within your circles.

3. Leverage Job Search Sites & Events

Don’t overlook the value of online job platforms and career fairs.

• Create detailed profiles on Indeed, Monster, and USA Jobs.
• Upload a professional resume that emphasizes healthcare experience and military discipline.
• Attend veteran-friendly job fairs or healthcare career expos.

Bring your resume and prepare a short 30-second elevator pitch that summarizes who you are, your skills, and what you’re seeking.

Be ready at all times.

You never know when an opportunity will present itself.

While it might be tempting to take the first offer that comes your way, don’t undersell yourself. Know your worth and hold out for a position that aligns with your long-term goals.

1. Civilianize Your Resume

Avoid military jargon and acronyms. Instead, translate your experience into language that civilian employers recognize. Examples:

• Instead of “Army 68W,” say “Combat Medic (Military Equivalent to Paramedic/EMT)”.
• Instead of “Platoon Sergeant,” say “Operations Supervisor managing a 40-person team.”

Make your achievements clear, measurable, and relatable to the role you’re applying for.

2. Use Veteran’s Preference (When Eligible)

If you qualify, Veteran’s Preference can give you a 5- or 10-point advantage on hiring lists for many federal positions.

This small edge can make a big difference in getting interviews, especially in government and healthcare administration roles.

3. Highlight Your Soft Skills

Employers value “soft skills” just as much as technical ability, especially in healthcare.
During interviews, focus on traits such as:

• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability
• Leadership under pressure

Be ready to share specific examples from your service where you demonstrated these skills. The more vivid and concrete your examples, the stronger your impression.

The Right Words Matter

Veterans often “speak a different language,” full of acronyms and shorthand that civilians might not recognize.

Practice rephrasing military terms into civilian-friendly language before an interview or networking event.

Example Translations:

• “Trained as an Army 68W with battlefield combat lifesaver experience” →
• “Trained as a military emergency medical technician with on-site trauma experience.”
• “A 68C with TMC and ER experience” →
• “A nursing assistant with both clinic and emergency room experience.”
• “Patient administration experience at a TMC as a 68G” →
• “Experienced in patient administration at military medical clinics as a medical assistant.”

Use career crosswalk tools to help translate your experience clearly.

Veteran Strengths Employers Value

Some healthcare employers may not realize how hiring veterans benefits their teams.
Here are six standout strengths you bring to the table:

1. Adaptable: You’ve mastered working under pressure and adjusting quickly – two skills that are vital in fast-paced healthcare settings.
2. Team Player: You understand structure, collaboration, and the power of teamwork in critical situations.
3. Diverse Experience: You’ve worked alongside people from every background, which strengthens cultural competence in healthcare environments.
4. Calm Under Pressure: Veterans are trained to stay composed and decisive in emergencies, a key advantage in hospitals and trauma care.
5. Respect for Protocol: You know the importance of policies, safety, and standards—traits healthcare organizations value highly.
6. Safety-Conscious: Military experience instills constant awareness of health, safety, and risk mitigation (directly transferable to patient care).

Interview Tips for Veterans

• Showcase transferable skills: Highlight technical and interpersonal skills that apply to healthcare — leadership, crisis management, teamwork, and discipline.
• Tell your story: Use concrete examples from your service to demonstrate competence and reliability. For instance, “I led a team of five medics in a field hospital under high-stress conditions” shows both leadership and adaptability.
• Emphasize soft skills: Skills like integrity, accountability, and attention to detail are highly valued in healthcare. Use examples that show how you’ve applied them in real-world situations.
• Practice STAR responses: For behavioral questions, follow the “Situation → Task → Action → Result” format. It helps you give structured, memorable answers.

Remember: employers want to see how your background adds value to their team. The more clearly you connect your military training to the healthcare environment, the stronger your impression.