Signature Healthcare
SH/BHSON has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to provide training for eligible persons under the Montgomery GI Bill® Program for Chapter 30, Charter 35, Chapter 1606 and Chapter 1607 Post 09/11 Chapter 33 GI Bill®. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. SH/BHSON does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
SH/BHSON Requirements for Students receiving Veteran’s Benefits
SH/BHSON requires applicants who anticipate receiving Veteran’s Benefits to self-identify during the application process. This will ensure that individual will receive the mandated Individualized Educational Plan and the Personalized Shopping Sheet per the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.
Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (“Choice Act”), requires VA to disapprove programs of education for payment of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill® -Active Duty at public institutions of higher learning if the schools charge qualifying Veterans and dependents tuition and fees in excess of the rate for resident students for terms beginning after July 1, 2015 (and July 1, 2017 for the new updates). SH/BHSON does not differentiate between in-state or out-of-state students for tuition purposes.
Colmery Act Section 103, PL115-407
Any student using Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 benefits is covered under the Colmery Act.
Protection commences when the student provides the school with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or statement of benefits. The Act prevents a school from penalizing a student while waiting for tuition and fees payment from the VA:
Schools can require:
Schools may require additional payment or a fee for the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation to the school and the amount of the VA benefits disbursed.
SH/BHSON has always and will continue to adhere to the above regulations.
Financial Aid for Students Receiving Veteran’s Benefits
The Financial Aid Officer will inform students receiving Veteran’s Benefits of the availability and eligibility for all financial aid resources prior to awarding student loans or alternative financing. The financial aid resources may include but are not limited to grants, outside and institutional scholarships.
Delayed VA Payments
Under S2248 PL 115-407 Section 103, Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing will not impose a late fee, denial of access to facilities, or other penalty against a veteran or eligible dependent due to a late payment of tuition and/or fees from the VA up to the certified benefits amount. Any portion of the student bill not covered by VA benefits is still expected to be settled by the due date.
Prior Credit
SH/BHSON maintains records of previous education of the veteran or eligible person and indicates appropriate credit has been given for previous education. Transfer courses must be from a college which is accredited by a Department of Education recognized accrediting agency.
Break in Enrollment due to Service Member Requirements
If a Service member or reservist is temporarily unable to attend due to service requirements, SH/BHSON will readmit the student without reapplication required. The Service member or reservist must notify the Registrar of the anticipated timeframe for the absence in writing, email is sufficient. Upon return, the Service member or reservist will return to their last incomplete semester. If the Service member or reservist does not return within one year, they may be required to audit or enroll in a prior class taken at no cost.
Individualized Education Plan
Per the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, SH/BHSON will provide each student receiving Veteran’s Benefits an Individualized Educational Plan for the program. Students receiving Veteran’s Benefits will be required to sign and return a copy prior to the start of freshman year, thus approving the course(s). Prior to the state of each semester the student will receive a list of projected courses for their approval. This form must be signed and returned to the Registrar’s Office for enrollment to continue.
This Individualized Plan will include the following:
Accepted Transfer Courses
Course Requirements
Class Start and End dates
Timeline to Graduate
Graduation Requirements
Personalized Shopping Sheet
Students receiving Veteran’s Benefits will receive a Personalized Shopping Sheet. This will detail the available options for financial aid, grants, loans and payment plans. Also included will be the following estimated costs:
Tuition and Fees
Books and supplies
Uniform
Health Insurance
LPN Advanced Placement Exam Fee
Current cost of NCLEX-RN Exam