Written by William Entriken, V.P., General manager of Pacific Medical Training and is ultimately responsible for keeping the customers happy and coming back, growing the business and keeping the team going.

MyCAA scholarship program

This scholarship program is funded by the United States Department of Defense for military spouses. Pacific Medical Training has courses that may be eligible for this program, though eligibility varies by specific program.

The MyCAA program provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance to cover costs of your education and training, leading to licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in high-demand, portable career fields. This funding is available over your military spouse’s career and can be used for multiple eligible programs.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for MyCAA, you must be:

• A spouse of an active-duty service member in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2.
• A spouse of National Guard and Reserve members within the same pay grades.

Note: Spouses of service members in higher pay grades are not eligible.

Which courses are accepted by MyCAA

Here’s the current status of our programs:

✅ Pre-approved courses:

• Monitor technician program (including stress test Holter monitor) - This program is already pre-approved by MyCAA, making the approval process faster for you.

⚠️ May be eligible (case-by-case basis):

• Pharmacy technician program - This program may qualify for MyCAA funding, but we have not completed the pre-approval process yet. You would need to work with your SECO counselor to determine eligibility.

❌ Not eligible:

• Medical Scribe program - This program requires additional documentation that MyCAA has not pre-approved.
• ACLS/PALS certification courses - We have not seen these courses accepted for MyCAA funding because they are often considered continuing education rather than career training leading to initial certification or licenses.

Why some courses qualify and others don’t

MyCAA funding is specifically designed for career training that leads to portable, in-demand careers and initial certifications or licenses. The program prioritizes:

• Portable careers: Jobs that can transfer easily when military families move
• High-demand fields: Industries with strong job growth and employment opportunities
• Entry-level training: Programs that prepare you for initial certification rather than continuing education
• License/certification pathways: Training that leads to recognized professional credentials

Programs like monitor technician training align perfectly with these criteria because they prepare you for a specific, portable healthcare career with strong job prospects nationwide.

How to apply for MyCAA

Steps to apply:

1. Create an account:
   • Visit the MyCAA Portal and create your MyCAA account using your military ID information.
2. Connect with a SECO counselor:
   • Contact a SECO (Spouse Education and Career Opportunities) career coach at +1 800-342-9647. They’re free and incredibly helpful in navigating the process.
   • Work together to create a Career and Training Plan that outlines your goals and how our courses fit into your career path.
3. Get program approval:
   • For our monitor technician program: Since it’s pre-approved, this step is usually straightforward.
   • For our pharmacy technician program or other courses: Your counselor will need to submit a request for approval, as this requires individual evaluation.
4. Request financial assistance:
   • Once your plan is approved, submit your funding request through the MyCAA Portal.
5. Enroll with us:
   • After approval, reach out to our team - we’ll help you enroll and get started. Visit our education page to see enrollment options.
6. Begin your training:
   • Start your coursework with our flexible online platform.

Helpful tip: The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks, but starting early gives you the best chance of securing funding before any annual limits are reached.

What MyCAA covers (and what it doesn’t)

What’s covered:

• Tuition and fees: The core cost of your approved training program
• Certification exam fees: Costs for required licensure or certification exams
• Required course materials: Some programs include necessary digital materials

What’s NOT covered:

• Books and physical supplies (though many of our courses use digital materials)
• Technology equipment (laptops, tablets, etc.)
• Background checks or other ancillary fees
• Living expenses or travel costs

Important: The $4,000 is a lifetime benefit that doesn’t reset annually. Once you use it, that’s your total MyCAA funding, so it’s worth making sure you choose a program that truly fits your career goals.

Coverage details current as of August 2024 per MyCAA official guidelines.

Additional support and resources

MyCAA also offers:

• Career coaching: SECO counselors provide personalized guidance on career exploration, training plans, and job search strategies
• Resume assistance: Help building a resume that highlights your new skills
• Job placement support: Resources for finding employment in your new field
• Ongoing guidance: Support doesn’t end when you finish your course

Next steps

If you’re interested in using MyCAA funding for our monitor technician program or want to explore options for pharmacy technician training, we recommend:

1. Start with SECO: Call +1 800-342-9647 to discuss your goals with a counselor
2. Contact us: Reach out to Terry to discuss how our programs align with your career plans
3. Review requirements: Make sure you meet all MyCAA eligibility criteria before beginning the application process

We’re here to support military spouses in building portable, rewarding careers, and we’re experienced in working with MyCAA funding to make that happen.