Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth’s Veterans’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) program provides veterans with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to successfully complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at one of the top-rated nursing schools in the nation. This program facilitates the transition of veterans into professional nursing while addressing their unique needs.
Veterans of any U.S. military branch of service may apply to our accelerated entry-to-practice Pacesetter BSN program or our RN-BSN option for students with an associate degree in nursing. Veterans may receive up to three credit hours of academic credit for prior military training and experience. However, previous health care training is not required for admission.
Our dedicated veteran case manager often begins to work with applicants up to a year prior to their separation from the military to help them to prepare for application to the VBSN program. After admission, the case manager reviews the veteran’s military transcript and recommend a matriculation plan based on the veteran’s training and experience. The case manager will continue to work with the veteran from admission through graduation and will connect them with resources, provide counseling, and assist them as they reintegrate and deal with the rigors and challenges of nursing school.
To apply for VBSN consideration, interested students must complete the online application for admission to Cizik School of Nursing’s BSN program and indicate their military service when prompted. Please see the BSN section of our website for details on applying to the Pacesetter or RN to BSN program.
Once the complete application is received (including all official post-secondary and military transcripts), it will be reviewed by the admissions committee for decision. Acceptance into the VBSN program will be considered at the same time as the degree program admission. Notification of VBSN acceptance will be included in the BSN admissions notification.
A: There is no time limit on military service for the VBSN program.
A: Veterans must meet all admission requirements for the Cizik School of Nursing Pacesetter or RN to BSN program, and they and do not receive preferential admission.
A: Scholarships are sometimes (but not always) available specifically to military veterans. All students are encouraged to complete Cizik School of Nursing’s general scholarship application to be considered for any relevant programs and to review their veterans’ educational benefits. Our case manager also can assist in identifying and accessing resources for veterans.
Cizik School of Nursing’s Veterans’ BSN program was conceived and is directed by Bridgette R. Pullis, PhD, RN, CHPN, who also initiated the annual Give Vets a Smile event in collaboration with the School of Dentistry at UTHealth Houston.