Exploring post-service career options

One approach is to think about what kind of work you want to do, and then decide what school(s) can best prepare you for that field of work.  That might mean building on the skills and knowledge you developed in your MOS/AFSC, or going in a whole new direction to try something you want to do next! 

Another approach is to study something you're interested in (chemistry, biology, computer science, history, etc.), and then find a way during the course of your studies to apply that knowledge within the workforce.  Take a look at the "Choosing a School" resources below!  Your area of study department and school's career services center can help you find opportunities you might not even have thought about in your area of interest!

These tools can help you decide what kind of job would be a good fit for you, and then determine which college(s) or training may be the most helpful in achieving your goals.

These links also include information on navigating the processes to apply for college, scholarships, and other financial aid.  Call or e-mail us if we can help!

The Student Success Hub from Student Veterans of America®

This website provides excellent and free resources helpful to student veterans at all stages of their college career, from exploration and preparation, throughout their academic experience, and on to post-education employment. 

The National Academic Advising Center area provides personalized advising for transitioning service members, and guidance on maximizing their GI Bill benefits.  Students can use the “What can I do with this major” tool to help match their career and education goals, and have access to success coaches.  A section with academic support services is expanding, so check back often.

The Hub’s “Resource Center” will be a space containing wellness, financial, and personal development resources and tools that support a veteran’s success to, through, and beyond college. 

As students get closer to graduation and are looking for internship or employment opportunities, the Hub’s “Career Center” area helps students with employment readiness, building effective résumés, and networking with top employers. 

To access some of these services, students will need to create a free account on the “MySVA” portal.

Transferology.com

Before you apply or transfer to a college/university, see how your previous college-level and military training courses, AP or CLEP exams would be accepted for credit at over 400 institutions across the country. 

Create a free Transferology account, plug in the learning experiences you want to check, and see a ranked list of the schools that would accept the most credits for transfer, potentially saving you time and money.

This system is limited, so always check directly with your school(s) of interest for specific questions, especially if they (or the courses you’re searching for) don’t appear in this database.

My Next Move for Veterans

Short video clips highlighting the different types of work done in various careers, the military specialties that are similar, and what kind of college degree, training, experience, skills and personality traits would be helpful for working in that field. Includes a section showing salary ranges and the job opportunity outlook in your state of choice, and even links to some current job listings if you're ready to apply!

The Attaining Higher Education (AHE) course from Columbia University

If you need help tackling the process of applying for college, taking advantage of your military education benefits or other financial aid, or in deciding if a 2- or 4-year college is right for you, consider enrolling in this free, online course.  

The content of this course is designed specifically for military veterans deciding if and how they want to go to college.  You can sign up for the whole course, or you can just watch video clips on topics related to the college application process from the course’s video library.  Hear from other veterans that have good advice for you as you begin your search!

The course is self-paced, but does have scheduled course group beginning dates. You'll need to complete Tier 1 before advancing to the other sections of the course. Normally, a person can complete the entire course in about 5 weeks by spending just 3 - 5 hours per week at it.

Columbia’s Center for Veteran Transition and Integration also provides this interactive map to help you find colleges that meet your desired search criteria.

RU Ready ND

North Dakota Education & Career Planning guide.  Resources grouped by your stage of life!

Roads to Success

This is a self-paced, online, guided education and career planning tool.  Information is grouped into modules according to your school grade level to help you plan methodically.

Emerging Digital Academy in Fargo, ND.

Earn an industry-recognized certificate in software application development in only 20 weeks.  Prepares you for well-paying, entry-level positions to meet the growing demand for software developers right here in ND!

The term "full stack" refers to a software developer's ability to understand, design, and work with software at all layers of the modern web "stack", including both front end (web browser) and back end (server/database) layers.

No software coding experience?  No problem!  The initial online foundations session teaches everything you need to know to prepare for the classroom portion of the course.

Applying to Emerging Digital Academy is free and always will be, and many options are available to cover the cost of tuition.  Although not currently approved for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits, EDA does offer veteran tuition discounts and very flexible financing options.  Industry-sponsored scholarships are also available. 

Class groups begin quarterly, and class sizes are limited to give each student personalized attention and thorough instruction.  For full details, visit their website: https://www.emergingacademy.org

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/Paramedic Technology Program

North Dakota State College of Science, in partnership with Sanford Health and F-M Ambulance, offers Certificate and Associate’s Degree programs in Paramedic (EMT) Technology. Choose the level of certification you want to pursue, and get hands-on training in addition to classroom instruction. 

The Emergency Medical Technician program offers career training for entry-level positions in an emergency medical setting. As an EMT, you will be expected to respond to emergency calls and provide efficient and immediate care to the critically ill and injured as well as transport patients to appropriate medical facilities. Upon completion, students will be awarded a certificate in Paramedic (EMT) Technology with an emphasis in Emergency Medical Technician.

The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) program offers career training for mid-level positions in a pre-hospital emergency medical setting. Those students who successfully complete the AEMT coursework will be eligible to apply to take state or national certification exams. Upon completion, students will be awarded a certificate in Paramedic (EMT) Technology with an emphasis in Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.

The Paramedic Technology program prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge to complete national certification with the possibility of obtaining employment as a paramedic. As a paramedic, you will administer intravenous fluids, stabilize broken bones, perform emergency childbirth procedures, administer medications and more. Earn a certificate or A.A.S. degree in Paramedic Technology. Enrollment is limited and a criminal background check is required. Program course times are flexible, with evening and weekend options.

The Community Paramedic certificate program is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills to obtain licensure and employment as a community paramedic. Community paramedics act in instances where other health care providers may not be available and primarily respond to patient's homes. Upon completion, students will be awarded a certificate in Paramedic (EMT) Technology with an emphasis in Community Paramedic.

Pharmacy Technician Program - North Dakota State College of Science

Pharmacy Technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products.  Due to a nationwide growing consumer demand for prescription medications, pharmacy technicians are in high demand and serve an important roll in today’s pharmacy industry.

This program prepares students for careers performing and managing the technical distributive functions in community, hospital, and home health care pharmacies, research institutions, manufacturers, and other industrial settings.  NDSCS notes 100-percent job placement since program inception in 1994.

Apply for the Pharmacy Technician Program at NDSCS in Wahpeton (ND), online, or now at Bismarck State College (BSC).

Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree Program Directory

A searchable directory of schools and programs offering online Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees.  All schools listed on this website are accredited, with many being CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accredited.  Click here to visit the directory

Online MSW programs are becoming an excellent option for current social workers, or those looking to advance to an LCSW, due to the flexibility of online degrees.  From Enroll Education.com

Lynnes Welding Training - GI Bill Approved

Learn skills that prepare you for multiple career path opportunities in the welding industry in a short amount of time through a combination of hands-on welding experience and classroom theory.  Locations in Fargo and Bismarck.  Check out their “Military Members and Veterans” page for information regarding GI Bill and Tuition Assistance acceptance.

Professional welders are needed around the country and world-wide! 

ThinkBig Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology Program

This partnership between Caterpillar Inc., Butler Machinery Company, NDSCS-Wahpeton and Lake Area Technical Institute (Watertown, SD) produces entry level service technicians for Caterpillar dealerships through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory instruction, and paid internship with Butler Machinery.  Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS), and employment may be offered.

ThinkBIG will be divided up into 9 terms. Terms will rotate between classroom instruction at either NDSCS in Wahpeton, North Dakota or LATI in Watertown, South Dakota and a Butler location.  During these paid internships, students will earn over $18.22 per hour with a mandatory minimum of 1,280 internship hours.

Skill Cutz Barber College (Fargo) – GI Bill Approved

Skill Cutz Barber College in Fargo, North Dakota offers a 1500-hour Master Barber Course that prepares students to take the state board exam and upon passing, receive their North Dakota barber license.  Students learn through hands-on experience and classroom theory.

The course normally requires 10 months to complete, and is approved for use of GI Bill military education benefits, either through VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (if eligible), or as a non-college degree program.  For those without remaining benefit eligibility, financing of tuition costs can be arranged.  The course is open-enrollment, and students can start on any Tuesday throughout the year!  

For more information, contact Skill Cutz Barber College.

Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA)

Transform your love of computers and technology into your next career!  Microsoft provides transitioning service members and veterans of the U.S. military the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to meet the Information Technology industry’s high demand for IT experts.  Upon successful completion of the program, participants gain an interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or one of their participating partners.  In-residence attendance required at one of several locations around the country.

What school(s) are best for me?

Air University’s Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC)

AU partners with several colleges and universities around the country to build directly on a Community College of the Air Force Associate’s degree so that a student in most cases can transfer in and earn their Bachelor’s degree by completing no more than 60 additional credits. Click here for more details.

Eligibility: Currently serving members of the US Air Force or Space Force (including Air National Guard and Reserve).  Airmen and guardians may continue their AU-ABC degree program after separating or retiring.

Partner schools determine which of their Bachelor’s degrees link to which CCAF associate’s degrees; airmen and guardians should explore the possible options with their local base education office, or search within the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC).  Almost 100 well-respected universities, including 3 schools within North Dakota, currently offer degrees through the AU-ABC program,many of which are available completely online.  You can find out more by contacting these schools directly:

  • University of North Dakota: current AU-ABC program degrees offered include B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration w/ Minor in Management, and B.A. in Communication or Psychology. Click here for more information, or contact the UND Office of Military and Veteran Services: (701) 777-3363, or e-mail: vets@und.edu.
  • Bismarck State College: a B.A.S. in Energy Management, offered entirely online, is available to airmen and guardians with over 25 different CCAF degrees. Click here for more information, or contact BSC’s Veterans Services office: (701) 224-2576, or e-mail: BSC.VeteransOffice@bismarckstate.edu.     
Higher Education in North Dakota

Information on public, private, and tribal colleges and universities in North Dakota, as well as on student loans from the Bank of North Dakota, and other resources.

Williston State College’s Re-InVET Yourself Program

For veterans interested in furthering their education, this program provides individualized sessions to help prospective students through the whole college application and enrollment process.  Call or e-mail them for an appointment!

North Dakota State College of Science to NDSU Pathway Program

The Pathway Program is a collaborative program between North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) that prepares students for the academic rigors of college-level course work at a research institution.  Applicants with a poor past academic record, or who have never taken college level classes, may not be immediately admitted to NDSU, but may be eligible to participate in the Pathway Program and demonstrate their potential to the university admissions staff.

Pathway students enroll in academic readiness courses and general education courses at NDSCS-Fargo, located adjacent to the NDSU campus, and a limited number of general education courses at NDSU.  The academic readiness courses are designed to prepare students for the more rigorous course work required to earn a degree from NDSU.

The typical student will satisfactorily complete two or three semesters of course work, including any applicable academic readiness courses, as well as a minimum of 24 transferrable college credits with an NDSU and NDSCS GPA of 2.0 or higher prior to transferring to NDSU.

Minnesota State (Public) Colleges and Universities

Information on public colleges and universities in Minnesota, application instructions, and available programs of study.

Minnesota Private Colleges and Universities

Compare information on MN private schools to determine if one of these is the best option for you.  Use the College Finder tool to find out which schools have the programs and activities you're interested in.

Department of Veterans Affairs School Decision Resource List

A list of VA and non-VA sources that may help you choose a school that's a good fit for you.

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