Veterans

In 2021, health centers provided primary care to more than 390,000 veterans.

The Veterans Choice Program provides veterans, 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 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.

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