5 Helpful Tips to Know When Applying for MyCAA Benefits
Navigating the benefits available to military servicemen and women and their spouses can appear daunting. Especially with a host of different assistance programs to take part in including the G.I. Bill® and MyCAA to name a few. However, the scholarships, tuition assistance, and resources are available for you to utilize and should be taken advantage of. The process is streamlined with experts to assist you along the way.
With questions surrounding the MyCAA benefits, we’ve created a guide to answer common questions. Here is a breakdown of the MyCAA benefits, what is offered, and the best way to use the scholarship monies.
What is MyCAA and how do I know if I’m eligible?
This scholarship provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to aid military spouses in furthering their education. These funds can be put towards various types of higher education to get started with or advance in a career. There are several stipulations for eligibility for the MyCAA funds. It is primarily reserved for spouses of those on active duty, guard, or in the reserves. Have specific questions about qualifications and accessing the benefits? Visit the website for more information.
What schools and programs accept MyCAA benefits?
A school must be accredited and recognized by the Department of Defense to qualify as an option for accepting MyCAA benefits from students. The good news is that there are thousands of schools for you to choose from that will accept your military benefits. Not only is there a plethora of schools to consider based on your needs and lifestyle, but the options for career courses are extensive.
It can be difficult to decide what career path to forge. But whether you are seeking a flexible job, professional development in a current career, or switching paths, there is something available with your MyCAA benefits. Some of the course offerings to help you advance in a field of study and choose a career path with your benefits include the following:
- Dental Office Assistant
- This track can provide you the option of becoming a certified dental assistant through the Dental Assisting National Board – DANB and give you experience for pursuing continuing education in the dental field, should you choose to do so.
- Legal Assistant/Paralegal
- Forging a career as a paralegal can provide you the necessary clock hours to sit for the NALA exam and become certified or even specialize in a specific area of the law. Some of the advanced paralegal courses to consider are criminal law, civil litigation, real estate law, family law, or personal injury and torts.
- Medical Billing and Coding
- You will gain a wealth of current knowledge on how to input medical and diagnostic codes, which are necessary for filing claims. Understanding ICD10‐CM, Medisoft V19, and HCPCS II will assist you should you choose to sit for one of several exams that will provide you with further certification. Find the complete list of certification exams Blackstone qualifies you for here.
- Medical Office Assistant
- Experience in a medical office and knowledge on medical terminology can provide the groundwork for pursuing nursing or another medical degree. Blackstone’s program will also qualify you to sit for the National Certified Medical Office Assistant exam.
- Pharmacy Technician
- This career will provide you with opportunities to assist patients with their medical needs and practice the skills you’ve learned with hands-on experience through an externship.
How long do you have to take advantage of the benefits?
MyCAA benefits are only available while one is on active duty or in the reserves. So it is important to take note of this information and utilize the benefits to help you grow in a career.
How do I apply for the MyCAA Benefits?
First, you need to create an account.
Then, you will need to develop an educational plan, which should include pertinent information including your name, the school you will attend and their contact information, the name of the course you’re applying for, the type of course, the length of the course, and what required education is necessary to complete the course.
Once this information is put into the system, a MyCAA specialist will be able to approve you for tuition assistance.
How Blackstone Career Institute can help you on your path to a career
Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) offers open enrollment so you can begin your training at any time with practical career training programs that prepare students for industry certification in high-demand fields. National certification shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills to perform the job in your field.
BCI is proud to accept MyCAA benefits and support those who serve in the military and their spouses. Through a variety of course offerings, there is a program for you. Train for a new career as a Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assistant, Paralegal, Dental Assistant, or any other of our online career programs that lead to certification.
Visit our MyCAA page on our website for a simple breakdown of the proactive steps you can take on your way to completing a program.
Do you have further questions? Speak to one of BCI’s qualified MyCAA representatives today!
Written by Laura Conaway
Laura Conaway is an author and former middle school librarian who writes for a variety of publications in the educational sector and mainstream narrative writing field. She graduated with a Library Science B.S.Ed. and a Professional Writing minor from Kutztown University and enjoys learning new knowledge and staying current on educational best practices. When she’s not writing, she enjoys adventuring outdoors, serving in the community, and playing her violin and guitar.
