Military Financial Assistance Programs

Many health professionals receive their training and education through the U.S. military. Because all job specialties within the military have parallels in civilian life, the training provided in the military can serve as the foundation of a lifelong career.

The military consists of five armed forces: the Air Force, the Army, the Coast Guard, the Marine Corps and the Navy. Everyone enters the military as either an enlistee or an officer. A high school education usually is required for an enlistee, while a college degree is necessary for an officer. General requirements are that a person be between the ages of 17 and 35, have good health, be a U.S. citizen or legal alien and have good moral character. A person also must achieve at least the minimum entry score on the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Other requirements vary depending on the branch of the military selected.

For more information about health professions scholarships and loans contact www.militarycareers.com


Direct Appointments

Because of the increased need for military personnel in medicine and allied health careers, qualified professionals may receive direct appointments as commissioned officers without attending a military academy, officer candidate school or college Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

return to list

Health Professions Scholarship Program

The F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program provides scholarships and/or financial aid for dental, optometry, medical and osteopathic students, as well as graduate students in nurse anesthesia programs. Each branch of the service has its own specific application criteria.

To be a candidate for this scholarship program, individuals must either be accepted into the next entering class or be currently enrolled in an accredited institution in the United States or Puerto Rico. Candidates also must be U.S. citizens and must meet the prescribed eligibility criteria for appointment as a commissioned officer.

The scholarship’s benefits include full payment of tuition and fees, reimbursement for books, small equipment and supplies, 45 days of active duty for each year of training, and monthly stipends while not on active duty.

return to list

Financial Aid

Each service branch has financial aid programs for students to train in certain health professions before entering active duty. In return for this assistance, graduates must serve as active duty officers for a specified number of years, ranging from three to seven.

return to list

Education Benefits

The opportunity for higher education is a very attractive military service benefit. Training and duty programs allow service personnel to increase their abilities and achieve advancement. Time and monetary allowances are given. Each branch has special educational programs in addition to the ones listed below that are available to active-duty personnel.

Tuition Assistance Programs support any college-level, off-duty study at an accredited school. Up to 70 percent of tuition and fees will be paid each semester. Service members’ Opportunity College allows personnel to take courses at a number of different colleges or technical schools while earning degree credits at a single school. Credit also can be earned for certain military training courses. This opportunity accommodates personnel who move frequently.

Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support is a support service that administers examinations, including the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the SAT and the GED test. The service also supports independent study programs offered at military bases.

return to list

Military Branches


return to list

For More Information about ROTC programs contact:


return to list