Overview
In 2015, health centers provided primary care to more than 305,000 veterans, an increase of 5.6 percent from 2014. HRSA has been working collaboratively with the Veterans Health Administration to implement the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (Veterans Choice Program). The Veterans Choice Program provides veterans who traditionally served by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-only facilities the option to receive care from non-VA health care providers, including health centers, if they live more than 40 miles from a VA health care facility or would have to wait more than 30 days from the desired or clinically appropriate date for an appointment. Health centers nationwide are able to provide care by partnering with local veteran service areas through participation in a Patient-Centered Community Care (PC3) Network or signing on with VA-contracted organizations. In 2015, more than 680 health center sites were participating in the Veterans Choice Program.
Helping Veterans Transition to Civilian Health Care Careers
The Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention - Veterans' Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (VBSN) program strengthens the quality of health care and expands the nursing workforce through increased enrollment, progression, and graduation of veterans from baccalaureate nursing programs. It prepares veterans to transition from their former military role to that of a civilian registered nurse (RN).
The program helps:
- Reduce barriers that prevent veterans from transitioning into nursing careers
- Develop Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) career ladder programs targeted to the unique needs of veterans
- Explore innovative educational models to award academic credit for prior health career experience and training, or other relevant military training
- Improve employment opportunities for veterans through high demand careers training
