Nonstop learning. Limitless growth.
When it comes to delivering top-quality patient care, continuous learning is essential. That’s why we stand behind our employees seeking higher education and provide comprehensive support to bring their goals within reach.
Help to Pursue New Heights
As a VA employee, you gain access to an extensive array of educational incentives, scholarships and loan repayment programs that keep you at the top of your game. Explore the following rundown of one of the most comprehensive education support programs in the nation.
Education
VA’s EES provides employees quality, up-to-date learning/training opportunities in a variety of topics through our nationwide Employee Education Resource Centers (EERCs). EES also offers accredited courses and programs, in association with over 12 accrediting bodies. Contact your VA employment representative for more information.
VA offers ongoing leadership development through every level of employment, including mandatory programs to competitive opportunities. All leadership programs are based on the High Performance Development Model (HPDM), which aligns the organization around a set of eight core competencies that are used to develop training, select new employees and serve as a basis for reward and recognition.
HPDM facilitates career development through continuous learning, coaching/mentoring and assessment over a career span. Progression from one tier to another in the model is based upon successfully competing for promotions using a performance-based interview system that evaluates demonstrated success in core competencies.
VA Knowledge Network, a state-of-the-art digital satellite system, delivers learning and performance improvement opportunities wherever you are. Programming is offered on four channels, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
VA LMS is a web-based portal through which VA employees can manage their continuing education and maintain a single, official training record. The site offers direct, convenient access to thousands of VA’s learning activities, including instructor-led, satellite and web-based training, books and other instructional products. Online courses and VA-required training can be accessed directly from VA LMS, and completed courses are automatically recorded in each employee’s official training record.
VALOR allows nursing, pharmacy and medical technology students (who have completed their junior year in an accredited clinical program) to gain experience at a local VA facility. Contact the education department at your local VA medical center for more information or learn more by downloading our VALOR Fact Sheet.
With VALO, employees can take advantage of professional development opportunities and work-related courses offered by the Federal Government and private organizations. The VALO web-based catalog offers more than 1,500 e‑learning courses in a wide variety of topics. Log on and learn at work or at home 24 hours a day.
VA will often pay for full- or part-time college studies. As a VA employee, you can sign up for general or specialized course work from a wide variety of nearby colleges and universities. You may also choose to broaden your work experience through temporary assignments to other agencies.
Scholarships
EISP authorizes VA to award scholarships to permanent full- and part-time employees pursuing degrees or training in health care disciplines for which recruitment and retention is difficult. Learn more
HPSP awards scholarships to students receiving education/training in a health care services discipline. Awards will be offered on a competitive basis and are exempt from Federal taxation. In exchange for the award, scholarship program participants agree to a service obligation in a VA health care facility. Learn more
2019 Application Period
- February 20, 2019 - May 3, 2019
- Applications will be accepted through https://www.usajobs.gov/
Job Announcements:
- Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) Physician Assistant Scholarship: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/524851000
- Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) Nursing Scholarship MSN Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/524854400
- Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) Nursing Scholarship (BSN Students Only): https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/524863000
NNEI is a scholarship awarded to permanent full- and part-time VA registered nurses seeking bachelor’s and advanced nursing degrees from an authorized, accredited program. These scholarships may also be used to pursue other advanced degrees in related fields. (Note: NNEI is a policy-derived program that stems from the legislative authority of EISP.) Learn more
VANEEP provides scholarships to employees pursuing degrees or training in health care disciplines for which recruitment and retention is difficult. The program also provides scholarship and replacement salary funding to VA facilities to allow certain scholarship participants (who are enrolled full-time in an approved education program) to accelerate their degree completion by attending school full time. Participants agree to work at their VA facility during academic breaks and, in return, receive full salary and payment for education costs, including tuition, books, and certain fees. (Note: VANEEP is a policy-derived program that stems from the legislative authority of EISP.) Learn more
VIOMPSP awards scholarships to students seeking a degree or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility. Awards are offered on a competitive basis, provide for the payment of tuition and required fees, and are exempt from Federal taxation. In exchange for the award, scholarship program participants agree to a 3-year service obligation in a VA health care facility. Learn more
2019 Application Period
- February 20, 2019 - May 3, 2019
- Applications will be accepted through https://www.usajobs.gov/
- Job Announcement: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/524849100
Repayment and Reimbursement
EDRP authorizes VA to provide student loan reduction payments to employees with qualifying loans who are in positions providing direct patient care and that are considered hard to recruit or retain. Learn more
Because VA is a Federal Government entity, VA employees with Federal student loans may be eligible for this national loan forgiveness program. Read the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Fact Sheet and visit the program’s website for more information.
Through the SLRP, employees in certain occupations may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 per year (with a lifetime maximum of $60,000) to help repay student loans. Request more information on the availability of the SLRP when submitting your employment application.