Choose a Program That Supports Your Long-Term Career
The SpouseWorks Scholarship covers 30+ rewarding healthcare and IT programs at MedCerts. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, so start by listing your professional interests, long-term career goals and the time you have available for training. Rank your interests and circle the top three. Then, identify the SpouseWorks-approved MedCerts programs that best fit your interests and long-term goals.
Training time is important, but don’t be tempted to choose whatever’s fastest. A few extra weeks of training could lead you down the perfect path. By looking beyond the first job, you’ll align your choice with longer-term career growth potential.
You’ll also want to consider portability. Programs with nationally recognized certifications travel well with PCS moves, ensuring you can find well-paying work regardless of location.
Plan Around Your Scholarship Timeline
Rather than provide funding all at once, your military spouse career scholarship is disbursed twice — once during fiscal year one and once during fiscal year two. That means your funding timeline reflects when you start your training. In flexible programs like those at MedCerts, you choose when to start your course and record that date on your SpouseWorks Education and Training Plan.
Consider this example. You enroll in MedCerts’ Allied Health Professional program, which is SpouseWorks-approved, and wish to start on April 1. SpouseWorks has a fiscal year that runs from October 1 to September 30. This means you’ll receive the first $2,000 in early spring before your course begins.
The second $2,000 payment would be distributed during the second fiscal year, which starts the following October. You’d complete some of your training during fiscal year one and the remainder during fiscal year two. Here’s a tip: Starting in the latter part of the first fiscal year can help you avoid funding gaps.
Check the official SpouseWorks program for exact figures and the dates you’ll receive program funding.
Take Advantage of the Support Included With Your Program
Your MedCerts training also comes with built-in support to help you stay on track and meet your career goals.
Once enrolled, you’re assigned Student Success Advisors for the full length of your course and can get lesson and study help, general advice and motivation support. Student platforms also track your progress to help you adjust your personal training timeline. MedCerts’ self-guided, fully online programs mean coursework fits your schedule — from deployments and PCS moves to important family responsibilities.
Career Coaches then step in to help you search for jobs, prepare for interviews and figure out your career journey. Wherever you are on your learning pathway, you’ll have built-in support alongside.
Find Your Niche with MedCerts and the SpouseWorks Scholarship
Getting approved for the SpouseWorks Scholarship helps you get low-cost training in high-demand roles. Use the above strategies to guide your selection, plan your timeline and keep your momentum with supportive advisors cheering you toward success.
