VA is piloting a new scholarship program which will pay medical school tuition for select Veterans. The pilot, known as the Veterans Healing Veterans Medical Access & Scholarship Program, is authorized under the VA MISSION Act of 2018. This innovative program will create a pipeline of clinicians who uniquely understand Veterans’ needs while addressing the long-term staffing needs at VA medical centers.
Under this program, which became effective on Dec. 13, 2019, two eligible Veteran students from each of nine medical schools will receive full tuition and a monthly stipend for their medical education. In return, Veterans under scholarship will commit four years of practice at a VAMC upon completing their training, board certification, and residency. Currently, the pilot extends funding to Veterans entering medical school in 2020.
VA is partnering with the following nine institutions which includes five Teague-Cranston Schools and four Historically Black Colleges and Universities:
- Texas A&M College of Medicine
- Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University
- Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University
- Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Howard University College of Medicine
- Meharry Medical College
- Morehouse School of Medicine
Eligibility
Veterans are considered eligible if they apply within 10 years of leaving the Armed Forces. They must also be accepted for the entering class of 2020 at one of the nine partner schools. Veterans must not receive other educational aid and explicitly state on the application their intent to be considered for the program.
More information can be found in the Federal Register by clicking here or learn about other VA career opportunities here.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Navy Veteran and president of the American Medical Association got a colonoscopy and encourages other Veterans to do the same.
Chicago Vet Center and VA gave women Veterans information on VA services available to them.
MVP’s research informs personalized care for Veterans, supporting whole health and beyond.
What a fantastic opportunity! Medical school is out of reach for too many financially. I wish this program was available when I finished my enlistment. So listen up Veterans! If your goal is to become a doctor this is your chance. What’s four years of service with the V. A. compared to the education you will receive? Personally I am thankful for the V. A. Some say I am lucky that I get the care I do at Mountain Home V. A. Medical Center. I don’t think it is luck, they have providers that care and they take care of me above and beyond what I expected. Good Job V. A. providers!
That is the main objective of this program R.M. I am a veteran (US Navy and US Army) and now a staff of the VHA. Veterans will surely get to have a ‘great care’ as well – if not an even greater care, when mostly managed (from janitorial to provider level) by one of their own. We would surely understand ourselves – we speak the same language and share the same problems. What more we’ll get to share in re-enacting that unique (combat zone) atmosphere of comradeship again!
In addition, I think this kind of gesture should be extended to elected offices (up to level of governorship and presidency) as well. Veterans (and perhaps firemen/women) should be granted a constitutionally approved preference when running for elected offices. I believe, it takes a pragmatically tested and proven patriot to lead a genuine democracy…RIP, Capt (Retd) MCain, J.
I had to resign in December from the RO VBA due to circumstances of higher staff and now I’m going back to school to finish my MSW. Why aren’t there programs to assist with these situations as well? I’m truly happy for whomever gets chosen for this opportunity.
I am incredibly blown away! I am so excited for this opportunity!!! I was just talking to someone about how Veterans want to be allowed to train on more than just welding, and mechanics! Thank you VA!
Just hire some decent doctors instead of spending money on building a wall and other such foolishness. Or (which I prefer) give me the option to go where I feel I can get the best medical care. My wife is my dependent and she gets to go where she is best served, where I am forced to use the VA’s providers and network. She gets great care and I get substandard care (why?). I’ve got a neighbor on Medicaid and she gets better care than me. What did I do wrong?